Coaching Manual

Introduction

These are the basic principles this program is based upon so that we are consistent as we work with the players. This will help us reinforce each other instead of working against each other.

Basic Philosophy

In addition to the priniciples in our Coaching Philosophy page, we want to keep these in mind:

• • Be Christ like and godly.

  • Be positive.

  • Build player confidence.

  • Treat the players like men

    • expect respect

    • expect toughness

    • expect focus

    • expect commitment

    • expect 100% effort

  • Let the players know you love them

Practices

Drills:

• • Wax on, Wax off. Drills should build from the ground up. Basic drills should break down one or two key techniques so they can be learned in isolation. Other drills can combine multiple techniques as they build on the simpler ones. This is the wax-on, wax-off philosophy in the Karate Kid movie.

  • Drills should be consistent. We want to choose the best drills and do them often in practice. If a drill changes throughout the season it should do so for a reason. Either it gets more complex as the players learn the basics, or it is tuned for a particular opponent.

  • Drills should teach skills that are directly applicable to the skills the players will use in the game.

  • Most practices should include at least one hour of drills.

Protecting Players:

• • Older players should take it easy on younger players, especially pulling punches at impact.

  • Likewise, experienced players should take it easy on inexperienced players, especially pulling punches at impact.

  • As a general rule, no blocks below the waist or roll blocks in practice scrimmages.

  • No slinging players to the ground in practice.

  • Don't tackle the passer in practice scrimmages.

  • Coaches: be aware of match-ups in hitting drills to prevent a major size, strength, or experience mis-match.

Team Offense:

Use this progression in practice so that the players get some full contact experience but not too much (to avoid injuries).

• 1. Multiple offensive teams running the same play against no defense.

  2. Offense running against bags - blockers/defenders stop when blocker grabs a bag. This helps identify proper blocking assignments.

  3. Offense run against scout defense - wrap-up.

  4. Offense run against scout defense - tackle.

     1. Have the offense drive the field.

     2. Practice different field position scenarios (goal line, red zone, etc.)

Offensive coordinator is the boss during this part of practice. He is the only one who can stop the play and address the whole team. He sets the aggressiveness of the defense. Coaching priority is given to the offensive players.

Team Defense:

Use this progression in practice so that the players get some full contact experience but not too much (to avoid injuries).

• 1. Practice formations and stunts against stationary (or 2 step) offense.

  2. Defense run against scout offense- wrap-up.

  3. Defense run against scout offense- tackle.

  4. Practice different field position scenarios (goal line, red zone, etc.)

Defensive coordinator is the boss during this part of practice. He is the only one who can stop the play and address the whole team. He sets the aggressiveness of the offense (simple plays, mix it up, etc). Coaching priority is given to the defensive players.

Habits to Instill

• • Don't lead with top of helmet. Keep eyes up.

  • Kickoff return - protect the ball, go north/south, not east/west

  • Small jukes - get north/south as soon as possible

  • Rushers never leave feet

  • No QB heroics. If feet are not set or in the grasp, do not attempt pass.

  • Tuck and run after catch (or interception)

  • You get better when you work hard, when you do everything at full speed.

  • No walking in practice. Jog between drills and stations. Go full speed during action.

Goals for Spring Football

• • Have fun

  • Develop basic skills, football knowledge, and confidence

  • Learn our basic offensive and defensive systems

  • Evaluate players at different positions

Goals for JV and Jr. High Programs

• • Have fun

  • Develop basic skills, football knowledge, and confidence

  • Learn our basic offensive and defensive systems

  • Develop a long term relationships with the teams we play

  • Display good sportsmanship