Summer for football coaches is usually a time to re-charge and plan for the upcoming season. As we get ready to start the month of August, I wanted to share some thoughts/observations that have been reinforced this summer. Less is more – the less complicated your system is the more time you have to focus on fundamentals and the physical/visual/mental skills needed to execute the Xs and Os. As we watched film this summer, we saw a lot of situations were employing these skills was the key to success on any individual play. I remember as a young coach wanting to do it all on offense and be multiple on defense. One of the things football coaches love about the game is the Xs and Os. But we must be able to balance this side of the sport with the ability to execute the schemes on the field.
Here are some random thoughts that have bubbled to the surface:
Offense
* Blocking schemes that have multiple uses. One Scheme for several plays.
* Fewer plays – more formations.
* Option plays – Read the best defender – Hard to block = easy to read.
* Communication system.
* Focus on blocking and ball security.
Defense
* Sound alignments – with gap control.
* Techniques that have carryover between fronts and alignments (5 tech/3 tech/shade).
* Pursuit.
* Get off blocks.
* Tackle – 3 prong attack on every play.
* Turnovers – get the ball away from the offense – a punt is a turnover.
Kicking Game
* Hidden yardage – field all punts possible.
* Opportunity for big plays.
* Get your best guys the ball in the open field.
* Ball security.
* Kick it to a side or in a hole on kick-offs to limit big plays from your opponent.
* Develop deep snappers to have quality and depth at that position.