http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/ Sun, 18 May 2008 12:35:49 -0600 MyBB http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=59 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:40:08 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=59
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Forbes labels CoachingStaff.com :"Best of the Web" ]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=58 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:09:10 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=58 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=57 Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:05:34 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=57 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=56 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:53:38 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=56 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=55 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:46:58 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=55 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=54 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:48:22 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=54 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=53 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:46:36 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=53 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=52 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:44:01 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=52 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=50 Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:41:37 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=50 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=49 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:28:55 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=49 Coach Smith, would like your opinion on the best three ways to beat the following with the pass:

1) Pattern Reading & Bracketing Zone Coverages in the open field, mainly Quarters

2) 7 Across Zone Coverage on the +5 yard line to Goal Line.

Homer Smith
1. Try to occupy the corners with quick screen or hitch routes. Run theremaining inside receivers past the LBers and onto the two safeties.

2. Go to all four endzone corners and to the back of the endzone. Or,go to both endline corners and to the center of the endline. Give eachof the two remaining receivers option routes along the goalline.]]> Coach Smith, would like your opinion on the best three ways to beat the following with the pass:

1) Pattern Reading & Bracketing Zone Coverages in the open field, mainly Quarters

2) 7 Across Zone Coverage on the +5 yard line to Goal Line.

Homer Smith
1. Try to occupy the corners with quick screen or hitch routes. Run theremaining inside receivers past the LBers and onto the two safeties.

2. Go to all four endzone corners and to the back of the endzone. Or,go to both endline corners and to the center of the endline. Give eachof the two remaining receivers option routes along the goalline.]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=48 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:25:38 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=48 In regards to Installing the Wishbone Attack, how did you teach thequarterback on his second step to "hang in the air waiting to sprint"?Just going through the footwork myself, I'm amazed at how much betteracceleration I get. Would this technique be as effective on midline?

Homer Smith
In the Wishbone the second step hangs (or drags) in order to stay backfor leverage by which to accelerate in taking the third step.

In the midline the second step must be backwards in order to get the needed leverage.]]> In regards to Installing the Wishbone Attack, how did you teach thequarterback on his second step to "hang in the air waiting to sprint"?Just going through the footwork myself, I'm amazed at how much betteracceleration I get. Would this technique be as effective on midline?

Homer Smith
In the Wishbone the second step hangs (or drags) in order to stay backfor leverage by which to accelerate in taking the third step.

In the midline the second step must be backwards in order to get the needed leverage.]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=47 Sat, 05 Apr 2008 11:05:21 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=47
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Physiology of Stretching
Flexibility
Types of Stretching
How to Stretch
]]>

Physiology of Stretching
Flexibility
Types of Stretching
How to Stretch
]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=45 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:44:05 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=45 I happened to be digging in a pile of dusty books back in some PE roomat the school I coach at and found a classic, Installing FootballsWishbone T Attack. We're actually a broken bone team so I'm lookingforward to reading it.

On to my question. How do you defense the spread double slot tripleoption. I started by mirroring the defense which ended up looking likea 5-3. Can I still have the required balance of 3 defenders on themidline by sliding the nose back and playing a 4-4? Is it feasible tohave outside linebackers manned up on slots with option responsiblity?Is he in a position of conflict where he can't be right? Theathleticism of our OLB's isn't a concern at our level. They are similarathletes to the slots. Obviously zone pass defenses such as a Cover 3keep the safety from tackling at the line which is required if the QBis a runner. What other ways of defensing this attack are there thatI'm missing?

Homer Smith:

My manual on Optioning contains my ideas for defending againstoptioning. First, you line up to mirror, as much as possible, theoffensive formation. Then you move when they move. You cannot have asafety and you cannot man-up on deployed receivers. The triple beatsthis concept because it allows the QB to occupy two defenders,essentially. But you can line up to take away the triple-option read.]]> I happened to be digging in a pile of dusty books back in some PE roomat the school I coach at and found a classic, Installing FootballsWishbone T Attack. We're actually a broken bone team so I'm lookingforward to reading it.

On to my question. How do you defense the spread double slot tripleoption. I started by mirroring the defense which ended up looking likea 5-3. Can I still have the required balance of 3 defenders on themidline by sliding the nose back and playing a 4-4? Is it feasible tohave outside linebackers manned up on slots with option responsiblity?Is he in a position of conflict where he can't be right? Theathleticism of our OLB's isn't a concern at our level. They are similarathletes to the slots. Obviously zone pass defenses such as a Cover 3keep the safety from tackling at the line which is required if the QBis a runner. What other ways of defensing this attack are there thatI'm missing?

Homer Smith:

My manual on Optioning contains my ideas for defending againstoptioning. First, you line up to mirror, as much as possible, theoffensive formation. Then you move when they move. You cannot have asafety and you cannot man-up on deployed receivers. The triple beatsthis concept because it allows the QB to occupy two defenders,essentially. But you can line up to take away the triple-option read.]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=44 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:40:51 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=44 We are considering installing the 3-5-3 defense for our middle school team. I like the stunting attack of this defense.
Are there any pit falls I should be concerned with this age group of players ? Do or don'ts ?

Homer Smith:
It should be good. I assume you will have stacked LBers. Stacks require zone blocking which is difficult for young players.

The drawback is that you will have a 3-deep safety who will not tackleon the LOS. If a bootleg threat takes one of your frontal defendersout, you will have no more defenders tackling than they have offendersblocking.]]> We are considering installing the 3-5-3 defense for our middle school team. I like the stunting attack of this defense.
Are there any pit falls I should be concerned with this age group of players ? Do or don'ts ?

Homer Smith:
It should be good. I assume you will have stacked LBers. Stacks require zone blocking which is difficult for young players.

The drawback is that you will have a 3-deep safety who will not tackleon the LOS. If a bootleg threat takes one of your frontal defendersout, you will have no more defenders tackling than they have offendersblocking.]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=43 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:43:38 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=43 [attachment=3]]]> [attachment=3]]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=42 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:08:06 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=42 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=41 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 15:43:43 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=41 Added: 6/20/2000

Bulldog O-Line Calls & Terms
* roy- blocking to the right
* larry- blocking to the left
* charlie- fold block with the center leading first
* gus- fold block with the guard leading first
* tom- fold block with the tackle leading first
* dumbo- a double team
* combo- a combination block
* tuff- down block
* horn- horn block
* 21- fore arm lift to the backer
* on- drive block
* suzie-scamble
* spilt- everyone is man blocking
* I go- cross block-with call man going first
* you go-cross block
* gap- block first man to play side gap
* odd- center is covered
* even- center is uncovered
* home- center stays and helps out nearest threat]]> Added: 6/20/2000

Bulldog O-Line Calls & Terms
* roy- blocking to the right
* larry- blocking to the left
* charlie- fold block with the center leading first
* gus- fold block with the guard leading first
* tom- fold block with the tackle leading first
* dumbo- a double team
* combo- a combination block
* tuff- down block
* horn- horn block
* 21- fore arm lift to the backer
* on- drive block
* suzie-scamble
* spilt- everyone is man blocking
* I go- cross block-with call man going first
* you go-cross block
* gap- block first man to play side gap
* odd- center is covered
* even- center is uncovered
* home- center stays and helps out nearest threat]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=40 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 14:57:44 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=40 Date: 6/15/2000

Drive Block

Basic block that is used when we want a one on one block against the defender. The offensive lineman will take a 6 to 8 inch power step just outside the defender's base toward the play side call. The second step will drive over the first and will be planted in the ground simultaneously as the hands and helmet strike the top of the play side # to create a hard surface. The lineman will then attempt to get downhill movement on the defender while keeping a flat back and #’s over the knees. We will finish every block, if we can't keep up, if the defender disengages, or if the defender gets outside the framework(do not stretch the jersey) climb, accelerate your feet for the pancake.

Scoop Block

The Scoop block is primarily a backside blocking scheme in our offense. We use it on inside, outside veer, and load option. The basic thing that we want to accomplish is to cut off pursuit of the defender. It is very productive when the ball is being run wide or against in inside slant. The technique of this block is to push off strongly wit the inside foot. Set to reach with the lead foot to gain inside leverage upfield. The blocker must throw the backside arm through the the defender's crotch. square the shoulders and bear crawling to the second level (keep moving do not let your feet die). At the second level snap to feet and sprit to the alley. This is a quick and sharply executed block. Do not be concerned with the reaction of the defender. If a stalemate occurs snap to feet quickly and get to the second level.

Blocking a LB

Take a aiming point of where the LB going to be not where he is lined up. Know where the play is going and how the LB is going to react. If the LB pads are square to the LOS we will drive block him high. At about 1 to 1 1/2 yards out come under control maintain your base, bend your knees and drive block him. You may use a two hand punch or a fore arm lift. Come off the line low and hard with your aiming points in mind. If the LB turns his pads away from the LOS and is running, cut him. Do this by getting your head to the play side and driving your shoulder pads through his knee. Do not dive(shamu) keep your feet moving. You may engage high than work down to the knees also. Do not show the cut to soon. Be sure you can touch him before you cut him.

Fold Blocks

In dealing with the fold block the uncovered lineman will always go first with the covered lineman folding around. The offensive man blocking the down defender will aim for the near hip of the defender. The first step will be with nearest foot toward the defender. The step will be a 6 to 8 inch power step and will be short and quick. On the second step contact should be made. The blocker will then explode his hands through the mid-section of the defender accelerating his feet keeping a flat back with #’s over knees. The lineman must make sure that his butt does not swing up field on contact as this would allow the defender to roll off inside possibly catching the play from behind.

The covered lineman has a more difficult block then the uncovered lineman. He will lose some ground with the first step opening up with the near foot toward the uncovered lineman while keeping the far foot planted. The second step will replace the feet of the uncovered lineman who is now carrying out his down block. The idea is to keep the feet and shoulders parallel to the LOS after the first step so the lineman can keep his eye on the linebacker at all times. We like to use three different types of fold blocks, one for each of the interior lineman. They are: Charlie-center drives first, Gus-guard drives first, and Tom-tackle drives first.

Tom

Gus



Charlie

The fold block must be used with the least amount of splits with out tipping the play off to the defender. This will help get the folder around and help eliminate any possibility of penetration by the down man or a stunting linebacker. The foldblock helps the blocker to obtain a desirable angle on the defender and it also a good block to change up the pace.

Alley Block

Backside cutoff block that is carried up to the second level and third level. Once the cutoff blocker has worked upfield to cut-off the pursuit of the first and second level defenders, the blocker then turns and sprints to the sideline.Make your width the width of the play.Get as wide as the alley and seven yards deep.Learn to intercept the alley just as ball carrier hits the alley with his shudders square.When the alley is tight the angle will be further upfield (10 -15 yards).

Combo Block

The combination block is used when we would like to initiate movement along the LOS by using two blockers on one defender and still pick up either the front side or backside linebacker. The neat thing about this block is that our lineman merely need to know if they are covered or uncovered. If the lineman is covered we tell him to execute a drive block. If he is uncovered he will check for slant by the lineman, check for plug, and then help the covered lineman get a push on the defender. The uncovered lineman first step will be at the defender. By taking this step the uncovered lineman can stop a slant by the defender, allowing the covered lineman to re-direct and help get push on the defender. The second step by the uncovered lineman is at a imaginary point just behind the near foot of the defender prior to the snap. By taking the two steps properly the uncovered lineman's head should be on the up-field side of the defender. The linebacker is the primary responsibility of the uncovered lineman. He must stay with the combo and only come off when he can touch the linebacker. This method again helps maintain a down field push on the defender. If the tackle does slant and the linebacker comes around the rolls are now reversed. The call for this block will be "combo".


Down Block
The down block involves the entire front-side of the LOS with the exception of the center.This block is used to give the tackle and end good blocking angles to the inside while at the same time, releasing the guard to the outside or to the point of attack. The point of aim for the down blockers should be at the near hip of the defender.At the snap the lineman must lead with the near foot toward the defender.On contact, the head must drive to the front of the defender to eliminate penetration by the defender.The blockers should drive the defenders as far inside as possible. Do not let the defender get penetration he could blow up the play.The center can still down block and usually does when the backside guard pulls.The center will then execute a fill block where essentially he is filling for the pulling guard.



Reach Block

The reach block is used at the point of attack to keep the defender from running the play down to the outside. This block has many different names such as, the cutoff, read block, or shield block.The reach block is used when we want to get movement parallel to the LOS.This block can either be a one on one block or can be used with the combo block.The first step will be a flat step at a 45 degree angle outside of the defenders base.The second step will be at the inside of the defender's far leg.The blocker must get his play side hand and helmet to the # on the far sleeve.He must then try to quickly get the other hand to the near armpit. We would like the blocker to work his outside leg and head past the defender accelerating his feet and getting his shoulders parallel with the goal line.


Trap Blocks-short &long

The basic steps and armmotion will be the same for all of the trap blocks, but the course anddirection will be different.The first step will be a short quick stepslightly parallel with the LOS.At the same time the blocker will whiphis elbow and head in the direction of the trap.The far arm will bebrought close to the body to aid in rapid running.The far foot willpivot and become the drive foot. Your aiming point is the defender'sinside hip, be sure to get your head down field on the long trap.Bendyour knees and run through the defender.Stay low and keep your feetmoving do not clog the hole.If the defender squeezes the hole so tightwhere you can not trap, shift your aiming point to the defendersoutside hip and log him.Seal his outside hip and stay on your feet sothe defender can not play off your block.Log him only as a lastresort.

ShortTrap
The short trap is usually performedby the guard and is never more than two or three lineman removed.It isthe same technique as mentioned above with the exception of the firststep which will not be as flat but will be less parallel. This stepshould replace the foot of the down block or fill by the guard.Thetrapper should step into the LOS scrimmage with his firststep.


LongTrap
The long trap has initially the sametechnique as the short trap with the exception of the trapper will tryto achieve a inside out relationship.He must run down the LOS andfollow the lineman firing out.

Sweep

The first step on the sweep will be the same as the long trap with the exception of the depth that the lineman will try to gain.This depth will change on the type of play, what front the defense is in, and what position the lineman is in when he initiates the pull.We would like him to gain at least one yard by the third step. We want them to get deeper as they travel down the LOS but never more then three yards deep.


Double Team

The double team is used to give blocking power at the point of attack.The block will consist of two lineman, the post and the drive man.The post man will execute a drive block.He will perform this block as if he was blocking thedefender alone.The drive man will take his normal stance with the exception that he will cut his split down so he can arrive at the double team early thus cutting down the risk of the defender splitting the double.His point of aim will be the near hip of the defender.When the drive man makes contact he will stay low and drive the screws of his helmet and hands through the defender not allowing his feet to die.If the post man delivers a good drive block and can stand the defender up, the drive man's contact to the mid-section should create movement.This block will be called "dumbo"


Scramble Block & Cut Block

The scramble and cut block begin with the same stance and steps as the drive block.The target of the cut block will be inside the defender's knee at knee level. It is important for the blocker not to drop his head.Punch the play side hand inside the backside knee and keep the feet moving while maintaining a flat back. The scramble block target will be the helmet and shoulder to the outside play side knee.Again it is important not to drop the head.To finish the block lock off play side knee between shoulder and hip, keep pressure and bear crawl.

Forearm Lift-21block

We like to call this Block the 21 block meaning 2 for 1 block. This block is primarily used on the backside of the LOS. This block allows us to account for the down lineman while working to the next level to attack the linebacker. The lineman will take his first two step as he would in the drive block. As the second step is planted in the ground he will bring his far-side forearm up to make contact with the defender to slow his forward progress. He will keep his play side arm and leg free working towards the linebacker at the proper pursuit angle.


Cross Block

The cross block is used when two adjacent lineman are covered and there is an exchange in responsibility.A much quicker block then the fold the cross block can be used to confuse defensive keys as well as create better blocking angles.The inside man who is the man closet to the center should go first.



Horn Block

The horn block is used to block a loose playing linebacker either inside or outside. The horn block is a quick pull by the tackle where he tries to get around the en d quickly and squaring up his shoulders to the LOS looking for the play side or backside line backer.
]]> Date: 6/15/2000

Drive Block

Basic block that is used when we want a one on one block against the defender. The offensive lineman will take a 6 to 8 inch power step just outside the defender's base toward the play side call. The second step will drive over the first and will be planted in the ground simultaneously as the hands and helmet strike the top of the play side # to create a hard surface. The lineman will then attempt to get downhill movement on the defender while keeping a flat back and #’s over the knees. We will finish every block, if we can't keep up, if the defender disengages, or if the defender gets outside the framework(do not stretch the jersey) climb, accelerate your feet for the pancake.

Scoop Block

The Scoop block is primarily a backside blocking scheme in our offense. We use it on inside, outside veer, and load option. The basic thing that we want to accomplish is to cut off pursuit of the defender. It is very productive when the ball is being run wide or against in inside slant. The technique of this block is to push off strongly wit the inside foot. Set to reach with the lead foot to gain inside leverage upfield. The blocker must throw the backside arm through the the defender's crotch. square the shoulders and bear crawling to the second level (keep moving do not let your feet die). At the second level snap to feet and sprit to the alley. This is a quick and sharply executed block. Do not be concerned with the reaction of the defender. If a stalemate occurs snap to feet quickly and get to the second level.

Blocking a LB

Take a aiming point of where the LB going to be not where he is lined up. Know where the play is going and how the LB is going to react. If the LB pads are square to the LOS we will drive block him high. At about 1 to 1 1/2 yards out come under control maintain your base, bend your knees and drive block him. You may use a two hand punch or a fore arm lift. Come off the line low and hard with your aiming points in mind. If the LB turns his pads away from the LOS and is running, cut him. Do this by getting your head to the play side and driving your shoulder pads through his knee. Do not dive(shamu) keep your feet moving. You may engage high than work down to the knees also. Do not show the cut to soon. Be sure you can touch him before you cut him.

Fold Blocks

In dealing with the fold block the uncovered lineman will always go first with the covered lineman folding around. The offensive man blocking the down defender will aim for the near hip of the defender. The first step will be with nearest foot toward the defender. The step will be a 6 to 8 inch power step and will be short and quick. On the second step contact should be made. The blocker will then explode his hands through the mid-section of the defender accelerating his feet keeping a flat back with #’s over knees. The lineman must make sure that his butt does not swing up field on contact as this would allow the defender to roll off inside possibly catching the play from behind.

The covered lineman has a more difficult block then the uncovered lineman. He will lose some ground with the first step opening up with the near foot toward the uncovered lineman while keeping the far foot planted. The second step will replace the feet of the uncovered lineman who is now carrying out his down block. The idea is to keep the feet and shoulders parallel to the LOS after the first step so the lineman can keep his eye on the linebacker at all times. We like to use three different types of fold blocks, one for each of the interior lineman. They are: Charlie-center drives first, Gus-guard drives first, and Tom-tackle drives first.

Tom

Gus



Charlie

The fold block must be used with the least amount of splits with out tipping the play off to the defender. This will help get the folder around and help eliminate any possibility of penetration by the down man or a stunting linebacker. The foldblock helps the blocker to obtain a desirable angle on the defender and it also a good block to change up the pace.

Alley Block

Backside cutoff block that is carried up to the second level and third level. Once the cutoff blocker has worked upfield to cut-off the pursuit of the first and second level defenders, the blocker then turns and sprints to the sideline.Make your width the width of the play.Get as wide as the alley and seven yards deep.Learn to intercept the alley just as ball carrier hits the alley with his shudders square.When the alley is tight the angle will be further upfield (10 -15 yards).

Combo Block

The combination block is used when we would like to initiate movement along the LOS by using two blockers on one defender and still pick up either the front side or backside linebacker. The neat thing about this block is that our lineman merely need to know if they are covered or uncovered. If the lineman is covered we tell him to execute a drive block. If he is uncovered he will check for slant by the lineman, check for plug, and then help the covered lineman get a push on the defender. The uncovered lineman first step will be at the defender. By taking this step the uncovered lineman can stop a slant by the defender, allowing the covered lineman to re-direct and help get push on the defender. The second step by the uncovered lineman is at a imaginary point just behind the near foot of the defender prior to the snap. By taking the two steps properly the uncovered lineman's head should be on the up-field side of the defender. The linebacker is the primary responsibility of the uncovered lineman. He must stay with the combo and only come off when he can touch the linebacker. This method again helps maintain a down field push on the defender. If the tackle does slant and the linebacker comes around the rolls are now reversed. The call for this block will be "combo".


Down Block
The down block involves the entire front-side of the LOS with the exception of the center.This block is used to give the tackle and end good blocking angles to the inside while at the same time, releasing the guard to the outside or to the point of attack. The point of aim for the down blockers should be at the near hip of the defender.At the snap the lineman must lead with the near foot toward the defender.On contact, the head must drive to the front of the defender to eliminate penetration by the defender.The blockers should drive the defenders as far inside as possible. Do not let the defender get penetration he could blow up the play.The center can still down block and usually does when the backside guard pulls.The center will then execute a fill block where essentially he is filling for the pulling guard.



Reach Block

The reach block is used at the point of attack to keep the defender from running the play down to the outside. This block has many different names such as, the cutoff, read block, or shield block.The reach block is used when we want to get movement parallel to the LOS.This block can either be a one on one block or can be used with the combo block.The first step will be a flat step at a 45 degree angle outside of the defenders base.The second step will be at the inside of the defender's far leg.The blocker must get his play side hand and helmet to the # on the far sleeve.He must then try to quickly get the other hand to the near armpit. We would like the blocker to work his outside leg and head past the defender accelerating his feet and getting his shoulders parallel with the goal line.


Trap Blocks-short &long

The basic steps and armmotion will be the same for all of the trap blocks, but the course anddirection will be different.The first step will be a short quick stepslightly parallel with the LOS.At the same time the blocker will whiphis elbow and head in the direction of the trap.The far arm will bebrought close to the body to aid in rapid running.The far foot willpivot and become the drive foot. Your aiming point is the defender'sinside hip, be sure to get your head down field on the long trap.Bendyour knees and run through the defender.Stay low and keep your feetmoving do not clog the hole.If the defender squeezes the hole so tightwhere you can not trap, shift your aiming point to the defendersoutside hip and log him.Seal his outside hip and stay on your feet sothe defender can not play off your block.Log him only as a lastresort.

ShortTrap
The short trap is usually performedby the guard and is never more than two or three lineman removed.It isthe same technique as mentioned above with the exception of the firststep which will not be as flat but will be less parallel. This stepshould replace the foot of the down block or fill by the guard.Thetrapper should step into the LOS scrimmage with his firststep.


LongTrap
The long trap has initially the sametechnique as the short trap with the exception of the trapper will tryto achieve a inside out relationship.He must run down the LOS andfollow the lineman firing out.

Sweep

The first step on the sweep will be the same as the long trap with the exception of the depth that the lineman will try to gain.This depth will change on the type of play, what front the defense is in, and what position the lineman is in when he initiates the pull.We would like him to gain at least one yard by the third step. We want them to get deeper as they travel down the LOS but never more then three yards deep.


Double Team

The double team is used to give blocking power at the point of attack.The block will consist of two lineman, the post and the drive man.The post man will execute a drive block.He will perform this block as if he was blocking thedefender alone.The drive man will take his normal stance with the exception that he will cut his split down so he can arrive at the double team early thus cutting down the risk of the defender splitting the double.His point of aim will be the near hip of the defender.When the drive man makes contact he will stay low and drive the screws of his helmet and hands through the defender not allowing his feet to die.If the post man delivers a good drive block and can stand the defender up, the drive man's contact to the mid-section should create movement.This block will be called "dumbo"


Scramble Block & Cut Block

The scramble and cut block begin with the same stance and steps as the drive block.The target of the cut block will be inside the defender's knee at knee level. It is important for the blocker not to drop his head.Punch the play side hand inside the backside knee and keep the feet moving while maintaining a flat back. The scramble block target will be the helmet and shoulder to the outside play side knee.Again it is important not to drop the head.To finish the block lock off play side knee between shoulder and hip, keep pressure and bear crawl.

Forearm Lift-21block

We like to call this Block the 21 block meaning 2 for 1 block. This block is primarily used on the backside of the LOS. This block allows us to account for the down lineman while working to the next level to attack the linebacker. The lineman will take his first two step as he would in the drive block. As the second step is planted in the ground he will bring his far-side forearm up to make contact with the defender to slow his forward progress. He will keep his play side arm and leg free working towards the linebacker at the proper pursuit angle.


Cross Block

The cross block is used when two adjacent lineman are covered and there is an exchange in responsibility.A much quicker block then the fold the cross block can be used to confuse defensive keys as well as create better blocking angles.The inside man who is the man closet to the center should go first.



Horn Block

The horn block is used to block a loose playing linebacker either inside or outside. The horn block is a quick pull by the tackle where he tries to get around the en d quickly and squaring up his shoulders to the LOS looking for the play side or backside line backer.
]]> http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=39 Sun, 23 Mar 2008 13:52:33 -0600 http://www.coachingstaff.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=39
This is a great challenge for the track coach. Teams sports are very demanding on athletes, not leaving much free time for these athletes during the year. That's when your sales job is most important.


You must sell yourself to the athletes. Caring, getting to know the athlete, their friends, family, just stuff about each one of them. We don't coach track. We coach people. They must see that you care about them as a person, not just as part of a team. This will make your program different and exciting to the tired athlete.

You must be organized. The athletes have put a lot of time in other sports during the year. You need to organize quick, effective, and fun workouts. Oftentimes, you are expected to work around off-season workouts. You do this by being organized. Have a plan and stick to it. Let the athletes know the objective of your daily workout and how they are expected to achieve this objective.

You must have a plan. no matter when you start your track program, have a plan! All programs have a preseason, competitive season, championship season, and state-bound season (if you are lucky that is). The important thing in each of these training cycles is to have a goal in mind. What do you want to accomplish in each phase of the program? How long is each phase? Do some athletes miss phases due to other sports?

Track is measurable and so are workouts. Keep good records of your workouts as the season progresses. Build future workouts on past performances of your athletes. Be specific with each athlete's workouts. Specificity of training is the key to reaching your goals in meets. Don't train a half-miler with your sprinters.

Teach the pace to your athletes. How many times have you seen an athlete go out too fast or too slow? This is embarrassing to the athlete and hurts his self-confidence and pride in himself. Work on race pace in practice so the athlete will know how to race on Saturdays. Why should he always have to run someone else's race and try to beat them at the end? Teach pace every day and your athletes will have this race pace ingrained in their brains for race day. Once again, this refers to specificity of training.
For many years, beginning back in 1973, I began using the pacing method of coaching athletes. I have learned new tricks throughout these years, but basically the results are always the same. The athletes know how to race on Saturdays because they have trained using the same pace on Mondays and Wednesdays. Calculating these split times took a lot of my time, but if you believe in a system it will usually work for you.

My tools were a calculator, stopwatch, traffic cones, and a whistle. Eventually computers came around and I wrote a program to figure splits and print them out on a sheet of paper for me. That was about 1988. in the '93 season, my assistant coach, Phil Wiggins, and I wrote some software to design workouts and calculate training splits for any goal pace. This is what we use today to design all of our workouts every day for our athletes. All you need is a goal pace and the computer does the rest for any training distance.
Let's take a look at our workout plan at Lake Highlands and I'll talk more about the software later.


Workout Design


Stretching
Hamstring and lower back (grab toes - straighten legs)
Groin (butterfly)
Hurdle stretch (foot inward)
Shoulder stretch (2 man)
Leg spread (touch toes straight legs)
Roll overs and bicycle legs
Hamstring (2 man)
Quad stretch (pull foot to butt)
Calf stretch (against wall or fence)
Drills

Form run (alignment of toes, head, eyes, hands)
Ankle flips
Low butt kicks (fast turnover)
High butt kicks
5x5 quick step
Short skip
Long skip
Backwards kick (from hip)
Machine gun (high knees)
Buildups
Squad Meeting and stretch with Coach - Coach explains workout and objectives of training while athletes stretch. (Note: Post workouts in locker room so athletes know what equipment to bring to track each day such as spikes, jumping shoes, batons, etc.)
Technique Work
Relays - mechanics and steps
Hurdles - hurdle drills and pace work
Jumps - jumping skills
Throws - throwing drills
Conditioning in groups. (Assign one student timer to each group.

Sprinters
400
800
Distance (this group is conditioning while the others are doing their technique work)

Hurdlers
Weights Set up weight days for athletes. This is important to them and their other sport coaches. We use a program called Stiggins for this.
Cool Down. Jog and stretch until you feel somewhat recovered from the conditioning.

Pacing Method of Training
1. Divide your track into sectors. We use 10 forty meter (40m) sectors.
2. Determine your goal pace for the individual or group you are working with. Then start your workouts with approximately 70% intensity at the beginning of your preseason workouts. As your season progresses increase the intensity of the training runs until you are training a race pace. Here's an example workout:
Typical workout for a 400m runner (Goal time = 50.0)

Preseason
6 x 320m at 70% intensity (Restart at 10:00)
This workout means that a group of 400m runners would train at a distance of 320m with a training time of 52 seconds and start the next training run every 10:00, running a total of 6 training runs for the session.
The calculation for this training time is 320 meters is the 8th interval of a 400m dash. Your goal pace is 50 seconds for the end of the year so each interval of training is 5 seconds (50 seconds¸ 10 splits) in duration. 8 x 5 seconds = 40 seconds. Then you are training at the beginning of the year so multiply 40 seconds x 1.3 and that yields a time of 52 seconds for the training run. Actually 70% of intensity equals 130% of a maximum effort run. Just as 80% equals 120% of a maximum training run, 90% equals 110%, etc.
Competitive
4 x 320m at 90% intensity (Restart - Full recovery)
This yields a training time of 44 seconds for 320m.
Championship
3 x 320m at 100% intensity (Restart = full recovery)
State Bound Athlete
2 x 320m at 100% intensity (Recovery = full recovery)
Note: A yearly goal faster than 50.0 might be appropriate to run in the state meet. You may need to adjust your goal for an athlete who achieves this plateau of competition.
**Notice that the volume of training runs decreases as the intensity increases. This is the movement from quantity to quality in your workouts.

Seasonal Plan
We start our preseason just like everyone else with lots of overdistance and steady state runs. We use a formula of 70% intensity of the athlete's goal for the year to start this cycle of training.

Let's look at an example:
Athlete A wants to run a 2:00 for 800 by the end of the year. Starting your athlete at 70% maximum effort wills safely train the athlete toward his goal at the end of the year. he chart below illustrates this principle with four different training distances.
Preseason — Competitve — Championship — State Distance
70%
75%
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
800m
2:36
2:30
2:24
2:18
2:12
2:06
2:00
600m
1:57
1:53
1:48
1:43
1:39
1:35
1:30
400m
1:18
1:15
1:12
1:09
1:06
1:03
1:00
320m
1:02
1:00
0:58
0:55
0:53
0:50
0:48 Pacing Chart for an 800m runner with a goal time of 2:00.
Having well-defined goals is the key to planning these types of workouts. Goals are like road trips -- you need to know where you are going before you start driving. Here are some reasons why we use the pacing method with our athletes.

1. How many times have you designed a workout for runners with a good mixture of quantity and quality for your objective then see your athletes blow out the first rep trying to impress you and their teammates and everything is downhill from that point? Well cut your workout down and go to the house. Pacing doesn't allow this to happen. Your athletes are getting audible feedback with their pace every 40 to 80 meters during their training runs.

2. How many times have you designed a workout for close to maximum effort for 2, maybe 3, training runs and your athlete goes out too slow and you ask them to repeat the effort for their first run? This sets the attitude and tempo for the rest of the day. Crummy! Pacing doesn't allow this to happen.

3. If your athletes don't learn race pace in practice, they won't be prepared on Saturday. Training against a pace builds confidence. You can simulate race conditions for your runners. Teach them how fast to run the first turn of an 800m race. Show them how fast to run the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd intermediate hurdles. All these things can be done with pacing.

Conclusion
A successful track and field workout is a beautiful thing to watch. Most of us have been part of an 8 to 10 man football staff with 60 to 70 athletes to workout. It's a whole different challenge working with 16 different events, sometimes boys and girls together, with one or two assistants. We take great pride in our organizational skills and the ability to coach boys and girls at the same time with three coaches at Lake Highlands. We feel our athletes appreciate coming out to a workout that flows from one phase to another in an orderly fashion. As I said before, these guys have paid some dues in other sports, put in many long hours, and need some time for themselves to just relax. That makes organization a must for these athletes.]]>
This is a great challenge for the track coach. Teams sports are very demanding on athletes, not leaving much free time for these athletes during the year. That's when your sales job is most important.


You must sell yourself to the athletes. Caring, getting to know the athlete, their friends, family, just stuff about each one of them. We don't coach track. We coach people. They must see that you care about them as a person, not just as part of a team. This will make your program different and exciting to the tired athlete.

You must be organized. The athletes have put a lot of time in other sports during the year. You need to organize quick, effective, and fun workouts. Oftentimes, you are expected to work around off-season workouts. You do this by being organized. Have a plan and stick to it. Let the athletes know the objective of your daily workout and how they are expected to achieve this objective.

You must have a plan. no matter when you start your track program, have a plan! All programs have a preseason, competitive season, championship season, and state-bound season (if you are lucky that is). The important thing in each of these training cycles is to have a goal in mind. What do you want to accomplish in each phase of the program? How long is each phase? Do some athletes miss phases due to other sports?

Track is measurable and so are workouts. Keep good records of your workouts as the season progresses. Build future workouts on past performances of your athletes. Be specific with each athlete's workouts. Specificity of training is the key to reaching your goals in meets. Don't train a half-miler with your sprinters.

Teach the pace to your athletes. How many times have you seen an athlete go out too fast or too slow? This is embarrassing to the athlete and hurts his self-confidence and pride in himself. Work on race pace in practice so the athlete will know how to race on Saturdays. Why should he always have to run someone else's race and try to beat them at the end? Teach pace every day and your athletes will have this race pace ingrained in their brains for race day. Once again, this refers to specificity of training.
For many years, beginning back in 1973, I began using the pacing method of coaching athletes. I have learned new tricks throughout these years, but basically the results are always the same. The athletes know how to race on Saturdays because they have trained using the same pace on Mondays and Wednesdays. Calculating these split times took a lot of my time, but if you believe in a system it will usually work for you.

My tools were a calculator, stopwatch, traffic cones, and a whistle. Eventually computers came around and I wrote a program to figure splits and print them out on a sheet of paper for me. That was about 1988. in the '93 season, my assistant coach, Phil Wiggins, and I wrote some software to design workouts and calculate training splits for any goal pace. This is what we use today to design all of our workouts every day for our athletes. All you need is a goal pace and the computer does the rest for any training distance.
Let's take a look at our workout plan at Lake Highlands and I'll talk more about the software later.


Workout Design


Stretching
Hamstring and lower back (grab toes - straighten legs)
Groin (butterfly)
Hurdle stretch (foot inward)
Shoulder stretch (2 man)
Leg spread (touch toes straight legs)
Roll overs and bicycle legs
Hamstring (2 man)
Quad stretch (pull foot to butt)
Calf stretch (against wall or fence)
Drills

Form run (alignment of toes, head, eyes, hands)
Ankle flips
Low butt kicks (fast turnover)
High butt kicks
5x5 quick step
Short skip
Long skip
Backwards kick (from hip)
Machine gun (high knees)
Buildups
Squad Meeting and stretch with Coach - Coach explains workout and objectives of training while athletes stretch. (Note: Post workouts in locker room so athletes know what equipment to bring to track each day such as spikes, jumping shoes, batons, etc.)
Technique Work
Relays - mechanics and steps
Hurdles - hurdle drills and pace work
Jumps - jumping skills
Throws - throwing drills
Conditioning in groups. (Assign one student timer to each group.

Sprinters
400
800
Distance (this group is conditioning while the others are doing their technique work)

Hurdlers
Weights Set up weight days for athletes. This is important to them and their other sport coaches. We use a program called Stiggins for this.
Cool Down. Jog and stretch until you feel somewhat recovered from the conditioning.

Pacing Method of Training
1. Divide your track into sectors. We use 10 forty meter (40m) sectors.
2. Determine your goal pace for the individual or group you are working with. Then start your workouts with approximately 70% intensity at the beginning of your preseason workouts. As your season progresses increase the intensity of the training runs until you are training a race pace. Here's an example workout:
Typical workout for a 400m runner (Goal time = 50.0)

Preseason
6 x 320m at 70% intensity (Restart at 10:00)
This workout means that a group of 400m runners would train at a distance of 320m with a training time of 52 seconds and start the next training run every 10:00, running a total of 6 training runs for the session.
The calculation for this training time is 320 meters is the 8th interval of a 400m dash. Your goal pace is 50 seconds for the end of the year so each interval of training is 5 seconds (50 seconds¸ 10 splits) in duration. 8 x 5 seconds = 40 seconds. Then you are training at the beginning of the year so multiply 40 seconds x 1.3 and that yields a time of 52 seconds for the training run. Actually 70% of intensity equals 130% of a maximum effort run. Just as 80% equals 120% of a maximum training run, 90% equals 110%, etc.
Competitive
4 x 320m at 90% intensity (Restart - Full recovery)
This yields a training time of 44 seconds for 320m.
Championship
3 x 320m at 100% intensity (Restart = full recovery)
State Bound Athlete
2 x 320m at 100% intensity (Recovery = full recovery)
Note: A yearly goal faster than 50.0 might be appropriate to run in the state meet. You may need to adjust your goal for an athlete who achieves this plateau of competition.
**Notice that the volume of training runs decreases as the intensity increases. This is the movement from quantity to quality in your workouts.

Seasonal Plan
We start our preseason just like everyone else with lots of overdistance and steady state runs. We use a formula of 70% intensity of the athlete's goal for the year to start this cycle of training.

Let's look at an example:
Athlete A wants to run a 2:00 for 800 by the end of the year. Starting your athlete at 70% maximum effort wills safely train the athlete toward his goal at the end of the year. he chart below illustrates this principle with four different training distances.
Preseason — Competitve — Championship — State Distance
70%
75%
80%
85%
90%
95%
100%
800m
2:36
2:30
2:24
2:18
2:12
2:06
2:00
600m
1:57
1:53
1:48
1:43
1:39
1:35
1:30
400m
1:18
1:15
1:12
1:09
1:06
1:03
1:00
320m
1:02
1:00
0:58
0:55
0:53
0:50
0:48 Pacing Chart for an 800m runner with a goal time of 2:00.
Having well-defined goals is the key to planning these types of workouts. Goals are like road trips -- you need to know where you are going before you start driving. Here are some reasons why we use the pacing method with our athletes.

1. How many times have you designed a workout for runners with a good mixture of quantity and quality for your objective then see your athletes blow out the first rep trying to impress you and their teammates and everything is downhill from that point? Well cut your workout down and go to the house. Pacing doesn't allow this to happen. Your athletes are getting audible feedback with their pace every 40 to 80 meters during their training runs.

2. How many times have you designed a workout for close to maximum effort for 2, maybe 3, training runs and your athlete goes out too slow and you ask them to repeat the effort for their first run? This sets the attitude and tempo for the rest of the day. Crummy! Pacing doesn't allow this to happen.

3. If your athletes don't learn race pace in practice, they won't be prepared on Saturday. Training against a pace builds confidence. You can simulate race conditions for your runners. Teach them how fast to run the first turn of an 800m race. Show them how fast to run the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd intermediate hurdles. All these things can be done with pacing.

Conclusion
A successful track and field workout is a beautiful thing to watch. Most of us have been part of an 8 to 10 man football staff with 60 to 70 athletes to workout. It's a whole different challenge working with 16 different events, sometimes boys and girls together, with one or two assistants. We take great pride in our organizational skills and the ability to coach boys and girls at the same time with three coaches at Lake Highlands. We feel our athletes appreciate coming out to a workout that flows from one phase to another in an orderly fashion. As I said before, these guys have paid some dues in other sports, put in many long hours, and need some time for themselves to just relax. That makes organization a must for these athletes.]]>