Be careful what you wish for....

Sorry that I haven't posted much lately, but I have been pretty busy. After 15 years of paying dues and grinding away, I was hired for my first head coaching job about 3 weeks ago. Having missed Spring Ball, I have a lot of catching up to do. When I get settled I will try to get back to routine postings but for now, don't expect a lot. I still appreciate any questions or comments. Thanks for all of the feedback and support!

Magic LB Keys that Fit Any Defense.....

          What!! Magic LB Keys! Sounds too good to be true, but this off season I have "borrowed" this stuff from a friend of mine and so far it works like a charm. I asked him to write an article about this but he declined and told me to go ahead and share.

          In this age of constantly-evolving spread & option and fast tempo offenses, the defensive side of the ball has sometimes struggled to keep up. To combat the variety of offenses we see, defenses today are forced to become more flexible, sometimes merging fundamentally different concepts (two gap, one gap or 3-4/4-3 fronts). The problem with multiplicity on defense is that it tends to take away from the fundamental soundness of spending time mastering the techniques of a single position. This is especially true at the LB position. How does a young player become a better technician if he is blitzing the edge on one play, playing a stacked 50 tech the next play, then an uncovered Mike on the next. What we have come up with is a simple set of keys that will fit any defensive alignment, whether it be a 3-3 Stack, or the Bear 46, or the 4-3, etc.

          Regardless of the defense called, the inside LBs will be playing one of two techniques: BOA or CAT. If the LB's gap of responsibility or closest uncovered gap is the B gap, then he plays a BOA technique. He is responsible for B gap on a play to him and A gap on plays away. If the LB's gap of responsibility or closest uncovered gap is the C gap or A gap, then he plays a CAT technique. He is responsible for either the C or A gap on plays to him and A gap on plays away.

BOA Technique means that the LB will read the OG and that his gap of responsibilty is attached to the OG's outside shoulder. . Instead of getting too caught up in the semantics of reading the guard (Is that a scoop or a zone?, etc.), we tell the LB that the OG can do essentially 4 things:

• The OG can pull outside; in which case, the LB should scrape to C gap, pressing the first clear path and attacking the outside shoulder of the OG.

• The OG can pull inside & away from the LB; in which case, the LB should run thru A gap. ("Pull Away, Run Thru A") Once again he will press the first clear path, whether it is the near A gap or far A gap.

• The OG can pass block; in which case the LB will play his pass responsibility

• The OG can stay in his gap, either blocking inside (down) or outside (scoop) or straight ahead (base). In each of these cases the LB should run thru the OG's outside shoulder as hard and as fast as he can.

CAT Technique means that the LB will read and/or mirror the near RB (not the QB). This is pretty much as simple as it sounds; if the RB comes to your side, the LB mirrors and presses the first clear path closest to the gap of responsibility. If the RB goes away, "Run Thru A".

There you go...some simple, sound keys for LBers that can fit into any defensive structure. For instance, in a 3-3 stack defense if the call is Base and the DEs have C gap, then the SLB / WLB are BOA players and the MIKE is a CAT player. If the 3-3 is running a Pinch stunt, then all 3 LBs are CAT players. Ina traditional 4-3 Over front, the MIKE is a CAT player and the WILL is a BOA player. Go ahead and draw this up in your defensive structure and see if it fits. Then draw up some of the plays that you will see the most of and see if these keys hold true. Please give me some feedback & let me know what you think.

The Unexamined Life Is Not Worth Living....

"The unexamined life is not worth living."
        This may have been the most famous quote of the Greek philosopher Socrates. And with good reason...Reflection is one of the most important things a person can do, both as a man and as a football coach. A small amount of time spent daily reflecting on what is important to us can allow us to stay true to our character and our values. It also forces us to prioritize the things that are really important to us. If we don't spend some time each day examining our lives and whether or not we are living up to our values, then it is very easy to go astray; to move away from being the type of man you want to be. Reflection is also very important as a coach. We need to examine the games from this past season, especially the losses, and try to pinpoint areas of improvement. We should also ask ourselves, "Are we the type of team that I want us to be?" . Is the identity of your team what you wanted to be known for? We should analyze the off the field program the same way, re-examing everything from the strength program to how we handled discipline.
         I talk some in this blog about the Human Computer and how we should strive to put the right things into our brain. Recently I started leaving a sheet next to my bed. On one side, I have the thoughts that I want to run thru before I go to sleep, on the other side I have some thoughts for the morning:

THE EVENING
"We should every night call ourselves to an account: What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed? What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired? Our vices will abate of themselves if they be brought every day to the shrift."
                                                   SENECA

"Spending a little time calculating the number of things that go right is a simple but powerful way to reactivate our sense of wonder and gratitude."
                                                    RICHARD CARLSON



THE MORNING
"When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love..."
                                                 MARCUS AURELIUS

"Every day that is born into the world comes like a burst of music and rings the whole day through, and you make of it a dance, a dirge, or a life march, as you will."
                                                         THOMAS CARLYLE

"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
                                                           RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Free Coaching Clinic!!!!

...three words you rarely see aligned together. On the slim chance that some of you who read this may be located in the SouthEast...Brunswick High School in St Simons Island, GA is hosting their 3rd Annual Coaching Clinic on April 14...all high school coaches with speakers from GA, NC , & SC...the open forum at the end last year was one of the best things I have attended. There is no charge; they just like to get an idea of how many are coming...so contact Coach Chris Dodson at christopher.dodson@glynn.k12.ga.us or (864) 425-8156.

READ: Simplified Combination Coverage

As a grad assistant in the late 90s, I was introduced to a form of pattern reading out of a 4-4 at the IAA level. Later I was at a few places where we tried to run Quarters coverage. In both situations it never seemed to click with our players. Sure, it seemed simple to our coaching staff, but we never seemed to get the production from it in proportion to the practice time used installing it. As my career progressed, I began to embrace the 3-3 package and the Cover 3 / Man-Free concepts that fit so well with this front. But as the offenses we faced became more & more advanced and proficient in throwing the ball, I began to see the need for a change-up. What we eventually came up with is our version of READ Coverage.
Originally I wanted a way that I could turn my 2 inverts (We call them Spurs) loose to play 100 % run vs 2 RBs without telegraphing the fact that we were in Cover Zero. What we came up with is this:

The READ Technique
This technique is used by 2 defenders against 2 receivers. The way that we teach it to the players is by telling them that this is going to turn into Man coverage within the first 5 yards; we are just letting the receivers determine who has who. Once the defenders have identified their responsibility, they attack the receiver as if they are Out of Phase (using the Saban terminology). They drive at the proper angle (more on that later) and try to get in a hip to hip relationship with the WR.
The CB aligns at 7-10 yds deep over the #1 receiver. The interior defender (FS or Spur) aligns 10-12 yds deep over the #2 receiver. Both players will “Read”
the #2 receiever.
We tell our players that #2 can do 3 things in the first 5 yards. He can go inside, he can go outside, or he can go vertical.

• If # 2 goes inside or vertical, both players yell “Stay,Stay” and the FS takes #2 man to man and the CB takes #1 man to man. The FS may have to get on his horse and chase the Drag route but the LBs are looking to wall off anything coming across.
• If #2 goes outside, both players yell “Switch, Switch” and the CB jumps the route of #2. The FS has #1 but he will take a cut-off angle to defend the go route by #1 first. (Since that can beat us the fastest).

That is it. That is our READ technique. Now this is how we play READ Coverage.

READ vs 2RBs

• When the Spurs see 2 RBs, they will know that they are Run first / Force players all the way. If it turns to pass, they continue with the rush unless a back crosses their face. (Pitch/Peel Rule)
• The CB to the single receiver side is on an island , Man to Man with no help.
• To the two receiver side, the FS and CB are executing a READ technique.
• Note: if the #1 receiver is excessively far away from the #2, then the DBs can make an early “Stay” call before the snap and play loose man.

After we installed this, we needed a one back adjustment other than checking out of the coverage. Through much trial and error, we came up with some rules to play vs one back that we actually began to use as our Base coverage.
READ vs 1RB in a 2×2 set

• One RB tells the Spurs that they are now involved in the coverage.
• The CB and Spur will align over the 2 receivers to each side and play a READ Technique.
• The FS is free to the ball in the middle of the field

When we align like this the QB sees MOF closed and thinks Cover 3 or Man Free, but we are too far off to be in Man. Many coordinators like 4 verticals vs MOF closed (We are fine against this) or they like the curl / flat combo (The CB will take the Flats head off and the Spur robs the curl). Either way we have created confusion.

READ vs 1 RB in a 3 x 1 set

• To the three receiver side, the Spur rolls up & plays press man on #3
• To the three receiver side, the FS & CB play READ technique on #1 and #2
• The backside CB is locked tight man on #1
• The backside Spur aligns on the backside hash and is a free to the ball player. We tell him to check the single receiver to see if the CB needs help, then look for crossers from the Trips side.

Once again, this is confusing for the QB. He has a MOF Open look which should tell him some kind of Cover 2 or Quarters. Many coordinators like to look for the Smash route vs 2 (We are ok) or they like the bubble screen vs Quarters (Once again the CB should blow it up).
Once the players learn the rules, the adjustments are built in. Motion from Trips to Doubles is a simple move back to READ tech for the Spurs and the FS is free in the middle. Motion from Doubles to Trips send the Spur rolling up into Man, the FS moves into READ tech and the other Spur, sinks back.
If the players can count to 3, they can play this coverage. To phrase the rules in a simple way:
CB

• 1 receiver = Press Man
• More than 1 receiver = Read #2

Spurs

• 1 receiver = Free on the Hash
• 2 receivers = READ tech
• 3 receivers = Man on #3

Using these rules, the coverage also adjusts well to empty.


Communication is key in this coverage. We tell our players that we don’t care whether they make a “Stay” or “Switch” call, as long as they both play the same thing. If one guys stays and the other one switches, the opposing receiver is going to be celebrating in the end zone.
We have been very happy with this coverage as almost a catch-all vs Spread teams. It has simple adjustments yet looks complicated to the opposing QB, which fits our overall philosophy on Defense.

Coaching Knowledge Project #10 John Madden & Joe Gibbs

Over the last few summers, I have started taking notes on some of the coaching biographies and books that I have read. One problem that I have had over the years is that I read so much and look at so much different info that I don't ever retain the knowledge for future use. I will read about a drill or a philosophy and I will think "Hey, that fits pretty good with my guys. I wanna use that this year." Then I will lay the book or the info to the side and forget all about it.
Earlier this year, I began to compile & organize these notes & axioms into a single document. Ideally I would like to eventually have a notebook that I could add to each offseason and look at again each pre-season as I reevaluate my program. I thought that as part of this blog and my compilation efforts, I would share some of the things that I've found.
These are quotes about coaches, quotes from coaches about their influences, and outside observations on coaches and their programs. Some of these are Hall of Fame coaches, some have losing records, and some are career assistants; all have good things to offer.
How about some nuggets from Joe Gibbs & John Madden:

JOHN MADDEN

·         From Don Coryell: Successful coaches are able to take everything they must teach and grind it down to a common denominator where it is understood by the most intelligent and the least intelligent.

·         In preparing for a class, a teacher has to be organized. Once in the classroom, a teacher has to get the students to settle down, to pay attention, to understand. After you teach, you discuss and then you test. Coaching football is basically the same thing. You teach in the meetings. You discuss on the practice field. You test in the game.

·         I learned that one of the most important tenets of teaching is repetition. Tell the class over and over what you want it to learn. As a coach, I applied that same principle. Show the players the play on paper. Show it to them on film. And show it to them on the field.

·         No matter how quick a cornerback was, I never wanted him to line up more than 7 yards off the wide receiver. In training camp, I never let them line up more than 5 yards off their man. That way, it forced them to cover tight & short. When a corner was more than 7 yards off his man, I always felt that he tended to sit back and wait for something to happen, rather than reacting to something that was happening.

·         If it’s something that they don’t know, they can’t teach it. If it’s something that’s been stuffed down their throats, they really can’t teach it either.

·         If you throw on the break or before the break, you get interceptions. We throw after the break, two steps after the receiver has made his cut. That receiver usually has an option between 12 and 18 yards on the cut and we want to make sure he has somebody beat before our quarterbacks release that ball.

·         You’ve got to start by being able to do things the hard way. That means being able to cover man to man, to take on blocks and defeat them. Then you move on to the more sophisticated movements – the stunts, zones, multiplicity of pass coverage, situation substitution and so on. But all of those are no good unless you can whip someone one on one.

JOE GIBBS

·         I believe that picking the right people is the single most important thing a coach can do. If you pick sharp, highly motivated people, you’re going to be successful.

·         We run the same play from 30 different formations, because I believe that repetition is the key to success, and because I am convinced that defense is based on recognition of formations.

·         A winning effort begins with preparation. The game may be played on Sunday, but it’s won on the practice field during the week, in the meeting rooms (where the coaches and players prepare the game plan) and in the weight room, where the best players do a few extra repetitions.

·         To be a good coach, you must be a good teacher. You not only have to possess the knowledge, but you must also be able to get it across. You give it to the players visually, on film, written on the board, and on the field.

Coaching Knowledge Project #9 Paul Brown

         Over the last few summers, I have started taking notes on some of the coaching biographies and books that I have read. One problem that I have had over the years is that I read so much and look at so much different info that I don't ever retain the knowledge for future use. I will read about a drill or a philosophy and I will think "Hey, that fits pretty good with my guys. I wanna use that this year." Then I will lay the book or the info to the side and forget all about it.
        Earlier this year, I began to compile & organize these notes & axioms into a single document. Ideally I would like to eventually have a notebook that I could add to each offseason and look at again each pre-season as I reevaluate my program. I thought that as part of this blog and my compilation efforts, I would share some of the things that I've found.
        These are quotes about coaches, quotes from coaches about their influences, and outside observations on coaches and their programs. Some of these are Hall of Fame coaches, some have losing records, and some are career assistants; all have good things to offer.
       Today I am sharing some quotes and information about NFL Legend Paul Brown. Brown is considered the "father of the modern offense", and one of the greatest football coaches of all time, achieving success at every major level—high school, college, and professional—and introducing numerous innovative coaching methods still in use today. He is also credited with founding both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals franchises, with the former named after him and the latter naming their stadium in his honor.

PAUL BROWN

·         Everything worked to complement everything else.

·         First it is taught, then it is learned, then it is groomed. If all else fails, go back to fundamentals.

·         You’ve got to be able to get along with them and have them be at their best. You do this by organizing things well enough so that they believe in what you are doing.

·         Going to the movie, for instance, made you realize that something important is going to happen the next day and that it isn’t going to be just another Sunday. And those written exams on the plane take your mind of silly things and make you think about the job ahead.

·         Getting into football is a state of heart & mind as well as physical…don’t ever get the idea this stuff isn’t important.

·         You must invest yourself fully. If it’s worth something, it’s worth everything.

·         You must sacrifice to get to the top. That is why we ask you to train.

·         In training camp the players wrote in their own plays, the defenses against them and the various breakdowns that made up each element. He checked the books to make sure each player was doing the same thing.

·         If you placed the best individuals (not necessarily the most talented football players) in the most advantageous positions, winning would come almost naturally.

·         In every training camp, I applied the basic laws of learning – seeing, hearing, writing, then doing, again and again.

·         On defense, Brown stressed the fundamentals of tackling more than any other phase of the game.

·         Win or lose, they expected the same things for next weeks game.

·         On his criticism: I would much rather he had gotten up there and screamed and ranted and called me names. But he didn’t. Each slice got deeper. It was nothing vicious, and he never raised his voice. But he really got to you with that needle.

·         I attached more importance to a team’s respect than to any other phase of my relationship with them, including blocking & tackling.

·         You begin by building up the middle because you’ve got to start an offense with a good ground game.

·         He takes pains to tell his players to forget about things said during the heat of a game or to take them with a grain of salt and to consider the circumstances under which they were said. “I may say things to you I don’t really mean and you must understand that at all times and take it just that way.”