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VOLUME 19
FEBRUARY
2013
M O N T H L Y
AFMs FBS
Coach of the Year
BRIAN
KELLY
COACHING THE IRISH
BACK TO WHERE THEY
once belonged
What Works:
WINNING STRATEGIES
FROM ALL 12 AFM
COACHES OF THE YEAR
WANT TO BE A DEFENSIVE
GENIUS? LEARN THESE
100 OFFENSIVE VARIABLES
HOW TO DEVELOP GREAT QBs
BY BRYON HAMILTON
& KEITH GRABOWSKI
FIRST, GET THE
FOOTWORK RIGHT
O-LINE FOOTWORK &
BLOCKING SCHEMES
WANT TOUGH WRs?
THEN BLAST THEM
Letter from AFM

Speed Report Elite Training Facilities
and Apparatus: Are They the Answer for Football
Speed & Movement?
By Dale Baskett, Football Speed Specialist
and Mike Johnson, Sports Science Consultant
Strength Report A Year Round

Strength and Conditioning Program, Part II
By James Frazier, Strength and Conditioning Coach,
Harvard University

Safety First Training for Safety

By Mike Carroll, Head Athletic Trainer,
Stephenville High School (TX)
Drills Report Blastoff! Using the Blaster

to Create Physicality in Your WR Corps

By Chris Metcalf, Assistant Coach, Auburn High School (AL)
Coach to Coach Four Strategies in Preparing

Your Quarterback for Success
By Bryon Hamilton, Head Coach, Foothill High School (CA)
Managing Your Program Avoid a Quarterback

Controversy An Objective System for Grading
Your Quarterbacks
By Keith Grabowski, Offensive Coordinator,
Baldwin Wallace University
AFMs College Coaches of the Year for 2012

By David Purdum

AFMs National and Regional High School

Coaches of the Year
By David Purdum
to: Notr
e Dame A
thletics
6/,./&%"25!29
- General Robert Neyland
Cover Pho
).3)$%
Are you part of our problem

or part of our solution?
Variables 101 Knowing how to analyze over 100

offensive variables gives your defense a statistical edge.
By Brian Fleury, Defensive Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator,
Towson University

Zone Blocking, Part II Footwork and Blocking Schemes

By Ken Wilmesheer, Offensive Line Coach, Grossmont College

Out With the Old, In With the New Todays tight ends
have become an integral part of every offense.
By Aaron Best, Offensive Coordinator, Eastern Washington University

Defending the Power Game with the Stack Defense

The stack defense allows players to be aggressive and limit
adjustments against either a spread or a power offense.
By Matt McCarty, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator,
Northwestern College (IA)
Web Exclusives Articles only available

at AmericanFootballMonthly.com

AFM Subscribers Ask with Mike Cieri

Special Teams Coordinator, Montclair State University
7(!43
.%84
Heres a sample of the articles
you can look forward
to in March:
t Samsons Annual Strength and Conditioning Coaches of the Year - NFL, College, and High School
t The Rise of Old Dominion University - The Philosophy and Strategy Behind the Monarchs Success
t Defending the Zone Read t The Hitch-Naked Passing Game
t Maximizing Special Teams Practice Time
t Real World Conditioning for Offensive and Defensive Linemen
PLUS much more including online articles for subscribers only!
Not a Subscriber? Dont miss a single issue.

Subscribe today and get 10 issues for the low introductory price of $29.99 (Reg.$39)
Offer valid for new subscribers in the USA.
Online Priority Code: AFPR1302 t www.AmericanFootballMonthly.com
,%44%2
M O N T H L Y
&2/-!&-
www.AmericanFootballMonthly.com
Editor & Publisher: John Gallup
jgallup@AFMmedia.com
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Contributing Writers:
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s/PTION
LEADERS-IN-TRAINING
The NFL High School
Player Development
program presented by
the National Guard
expands their Leadership
Program into more
markets this year to
impact more of
tomorrows leaders.
In the classroom with Troy Vincent and Tony Stewart
hat makes a good leader? Is

it having confidence in ones
abilities and then building confidence in others? Is it the skills to
connect with individuals in a caring, empathetic
way? Is it mental and physical competence and
the ability to solve problems?
Leadership, of course, is a combination of these
and other factors all of which are developed and
reinforced in the NFL High School Player Developments Leadership Program for young athletes.
The HSPD Leadership Program is a series of
one-day gatherings of high school football players who have exhibited leadership qualities on
the playing field, in the classroom, and in the
community. Started last year as a pilot program
in three cities, the Leadership Program is expanding to 12-15 markets in 2013.
While the backbone of the HSPD program is
the nearly 200 multi-day camps that include football skills instruction and character development
sessions, the Leadership Program is seen as an additional way for the NFL and the National Guard
to have a positive impact among promising high
school football players. Players will have an experience that reaches far beyond football by attending the NFL HSPD Leadership Program, said
Gerhard Sanchez, HSPD Regional Director for New
York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The program
www.nhspd.com
reinforces, strengthens, and develops leadership

skills in players who will positively impact their
teams, schools, and communities.
The curriculum at each Leadership Program
session is divided into three parts character and
leadership development, community service, and
leadership reaction. Each segment is conducted
for all participants and designed to fit into the
groups 9 AM to 5 PM schedule.
For the character and leadership development
portion of the day, HSPD has partnered with NFL
Player Engagement, which is responsible for providing current and former NFL athletes with personal and professional development resources to
assist them with their lives off-the-field and prepare them for a successful transition to life after
football. Part of Player Engagement is the NFL
Prep program, which works with high school and
college student-athletes in areas that will help
them succeed in life, so it is natural for them to be
involved in the HSPD Leadership Program.
Player Engagement provides an NFL Ambassador, typically a former NFL Player, to conduct the
character and leadership development session,
which consists of a classroom presentation and
leadership building activities. One such Ambassador is Tony Stewart, who has been an active mentor to both youths and his peers for more than a
decade. Stewart, who had a nine-year career in
Special Advertising Feature
In the community
the NFL as a tight end with the Bengals, Eagles,

and Raiders, views the HSPD in general and the
Leadership Program specifically as positive ways
for the NFL to give back to the game by helping
high school football players succeed in life. I am
impressed by the way HSPD serves student-athletes, he said. Their programs work to engage
and improve at all levels. I look forward to a continued partnership as we work together to empower todays student-athlete.
Part two of the Leadership Program schedule is
a community service activity. HSPD and National
Guard representatives identify and partner with
a local charitable or community organization
and design meaningful activities for Leadership
Program participants that last for several hours.
Last years activities included packaging school
supplies for underserved elementary school students, a park cleanup, and work at a food bank.
The final session of the day is a Leadership Reaction Course, which is conducted by National
Guardsmen. While the course can take many
forms, all involve a physical challenge combined
with problem solving and team building. This session gives the Guard an opportunity to interact
with the Leadership Program participants and
impart values of physical and mental competence
and teamwork.
The HSPD Leadership Program is specifically
Special Advertising Feature
With the National Guard
designed to develop leadership qualities of high

school football players who have already demonstrated leadership potential in the classroom
and on the field. There are standards for participation, which vary by state but always include a
minimum GPA and other requirements that must
be met. Specific information about all 2013 Leadership Program criteria, as well as state-by-state
information about each session, when and where
they will be conducted, and how to nominate
players can be found at www.nflhspd.com under
the Leadership section in the next few months.
As is true with every element of HSPD, the
Leadership Program gives back to high school
football players and provides them with the tools
to be more successful individuals. Like the HSPD
camps and the 7-on-7 competition, look for the
Leadership Program to grow from year to year
and provide additional impact to more deserving students in more markets across the country.
In 2013, we are expanding the HSPD Leadership Program by nearly five times the number
of sites, according to Andrea Heflin, Manager of
the HSPD Leadership Program. The host states
for these sites have been selected and we are
making preparations for these programs to be
even bigger and better this year. You wont want
to miss out on getting your players involved in
this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Whether its providing your teams future
leaders with a chance to shine in the Leadership
Program, giving all of your players an opportunity to develop their character and football skills
at the HSPD camps nationwide, or encouraging
your skill-position players to compete in the nations premier 7-on-7 competition, you can and
should take advantage of what the NFL High
School Player Development Program presented
by the National Guard offers young football players everywhere. p
GET INVOLVED IN 2013 If youre a coach who wants to share your expertise with athletes in your area, you can
contact the NFL HSPD program and volunteer your services as a coach at your local camp. If you can spare more time and
would really like to give something back to the game, you can organize a new HSPD camp in your region. Either way, youll
be part of the nations best summer camp program for deserving athletes improving football skills and building character
with the NFL HSPD program presented by the National Guard.
For more information, visit www.NFLHSPD.com and enter the promo code AFM213.
www.nhspd.com
2%0/24
30%%$
.L?M?HN?><S1;GMIHY
Elite Training Facilities and Apparatus.

Are they the Answer for Football
Speed and Movement?
QQQM;GMIH?KOCJG?HN=IG
e looked at sprint assisted and resisted

aids in a past article. In this article Ill discuss a few of the other popular training
aids and whether or not they are a good resource
for enhancing speed and movement in your program.
Since speed and movement can be enhanced
through training, entrepreneurs and manufacturers are attempting to make it easier for coaches and trainers to get the job done by offering a
potpourri of training aids. Each month I receive
magazines and catalogs touting the latest devices that will make athletes faster and enhance
movement control. While I certainly applaud ingenuity and the entrepreneurial spirit, many of
the training aids are just not suited for developing football speed and movement.
There are so many speed and movement training aids on the market today that you might begin
to believe that athletes need to be entertained
rather than trained. Variety does have its place in
training but, it should never take the place of deliberate practice. You dont need elite training facilities or a multitude of training aids to teach the
highest quality football speed and movement.
Deliberate Practice vs. Products

As I have indicated in several articles in the
past, technical function of human movement
should be the focus for maximizing pure football
speed performance. When all is said and done,
nothing else will deliver the highest form of return for your effort .
Relying on equipment and aids as an equal
trade-off pales drastically by comparison. I travel
to high schools all over the country to install my
comprehensive football speed system. Im never
surprised when we begin to discuss the types of
speed training they have been doing. I start by
listing the type of things they like to do and why

they use it and when they use it. Inevitably apparatus and aids are a major part of their training
activity. Directly following the coaches workshop
we go to the field or field house and we evaluate
the movement and running skills for the team.
Even though in some cases they may have every
aid known to man, they always fall short on running skill and movement control. Its a technical
subject and not every coach is well versed, technically speaking. Football coaches arent supposed
to be. This fact creates an open door for training
aids to flourish. To train specific technical movement skills requires knowledge of the subject and
sound applications. That requires implementing a
progressive processing system for your athletes to
purify athletic motor skills from a knowledgeable
reference base. Most football coaches dont have
this capability nor should they; theyre football
coaches, not physiologists.
Approximately two-three years ago I worked
briefly with two NFL greats, one a 12 time all-pro
and the other an eight year all-pro. Both will be
headed to the Hall of Fame once they finish playing as current starters. You would assume they
would be awesome on their feet with any movement drills you lay down. Wrong. They struggled
to nearly the point of tears.
They fell all over themselves. I had one of my high
school students demonstrate the same drills at very
high rates of speed and movement combined. He
killed it and so did the other three youngsters who
had been properly trained to handle themselves
bio-mechanically. Speed and movement skills are
not developed on a one-fits-all basis.
Pure human movement knowledge leads the
way to heightened results. Beware of quick fix
items proposing to do everything for you in the
speed world with the push of a button, unless
science says so.
Cone Ladders, Dots and Rings: types of ground-based agility training aids.
8
By Dale Baskett t Football Speed Specialist

Mike Johnson t Sports Science Consultant
Agility Ladders
Agility ladders come in many sizes, shapes,
colors; some can be set out in patterns such as
squares or zig-zags. They are portable, easy to
set up and relatively inexpensive. But, do they
work and are they necessary? One thing is certain ladders help you learn to put your feet
down in quick, prescribed patterns. However,
do they help athletes become better football
players? There arent any scientific studies suggesting that ladders increase football agility or
speed. And one huge drawback to ladders (and
other ground based visual training aids) is that
they cause athletes to focus on the ground as
they attempt to move through quick and often
complex stepping patterns. Drills that cause athletes to look down at objects build skills that are
not useful to football players.
Are ladders necessary? Every drill that is done
with a ladder can be done just as well without a
ladder; it can be done with the eyes focused on
playing football. Do you really think Ickey Woods
developed the Ickey Shuffle using a ladder?
Ropes and Tires

It seems running ropes, tires and other such
devices have been around since football began.
They must help make better football players! But
running ropes and tires are simply agility ladders raised off the ground. So all negative issues
stated about ladders are multiplied with running
ropes and, not to mention, your knee lift is overpronounced on the upcycle action of the leg.
This creates a poor motor pattern activity that is
less than specific to speed on the field.
An argument can be made that running ropes
and tires help athletes learn how to run with high
knees. Thats a false argument however. Running

with high knees in a football game is a result of
putting large forces into the ground and not artificially lifting the knees using hip and knee flexors.
What Does Work?

One helpful training aid for football coaches and
trainers is cones. Cones, when used as general reference items, can be useful. Cones can be used to
delineate actual football running and movement
patterns. The athlete can see them using their peripheral vision. Collapsible cones can be stepped
on without injuring the athlete and cones can easily be moved or removed as necessary.
There are many, many more devices that purport to help develop speed and agility: ankle and
wrist weights, dozens of different types of position
chutes (to help athletes learn how to stay low), reaction balls and on and on. As you can tell from
the information presented, I think most training
aids designed to enhance speed and agility arent
very useful for developing football speed and
movement. The vast majority constrain athletes
to movements that are not sport specific and, in
some cases, help lead to movements that are biomechanically unsound.
Football speed and movement are unique skills
that are not easily developed. The most important
training aid for developing football speed and
movement is a coach or trainer that understands
the meaning of deliberate practice and has a certain familiarization with correct aspects of human
movement. Deliberate practice is a type of practice that enables athletes to acquire expertise in
their sport and then maintain that expertise. Its
practice based on scientific fundamentals and
techniques. It is explained well in the book Expert
Performances In Sports Advances in Research on
Sport Expertise. The book is edited by Janet Starkes
and K. Anders Ericsson.
There is no substitute for movement specific,
technically sound training. Therefore coaches
must decide to think through the values that are
derived by using aids. If you do not evaluate and
apply good, sound bio-mechanical applications
then youre rolling the dice or throwing darts
at balloons. If you need to acquire knowledge
for your teams success, contact me. I would be
glad to help you with the many available training packages designed for team development,
movement control development and many
more. p
Coach Baskett began his career as a football speed coach in 1979. During the last 34
years hes consulted and trained hundreds
of coaches and thousands of athletes nationwide. In the last year he has worked directly with high schools in California, Texas,
Minnesota, Kansas, and Pennsylvania. Over
the last few years he has also consulted with Texas Tech,
Ohio State, USC, University of Washington, and the University of Mount Union. You can reach him directly for
more information or if you have specific questions on
your training program. Coach Baskett is at dbspeedt@
hotmail.com and 858-568-3751.
QQQB;GG?LMNL?HANB=IG

2%0/24
342%.'4(
Presented by
A Year Round
Strength and
Conditioning
Program
Part II
Harvard Athletic Communications
By James Frazier
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Harvard University
ast months Strength Report included a

training program for the post-season, the
off-season and the spring season. As part of
a year round program, this article will include a
strength and conditioning program for both the
pre-season as well as an in-season schedule.
PRE-SEASON
This is the phase that is probably the most
important part of all the training phases we use.
During this time, we must build a conditioning
foundation that will allow our athletes to make it
through practices during camp. During this time,
we also need to peak speed, agility, power, and
specific skills for football. This is not to say that
strength still doesnt need to be developed during this time, but getting our athletes prepared
for the upcoming season should be the focal
point.
The pre-season, or summer portion of trainings main objective should be sport specific skill
and conditioning preparation. We must ensure
that our athletes are ready for the rigorous demands of pre-season camp. Therefore, during
this phase there will be more of an emphasis on
overall volume of running. In the summer, we will
typically train four times a week. Each workout
will begin with speed work, followed by lifting,
then finished with conditioning. Each workout
will be roughly two hours in length (about the
standard length of a practice). The speed sessions
will have a linear focus on day one and three, and
a lateral focus on days two and four. It will also
10
be important to monitor the overall volume of

running at the end of each workout session. The
large quantities of running and physical preparation can make overtraining a real possibility. The
objective is to progress the running throughout
the course of the summer with the total volume
of running peaking just before camp. Typically,
we will rotate our days of high volume running,
high intensity running, and recovery running to
ensure that our athletes arent overtraining.
The speed portion of the workout should be
the next focal point. Since we are trying to get
our athletes to peak in speed, agility, and power,
we must also use this time for quality speed sessions. During the first couple of weeks during
this phase, we will typically use some traditional
acceleration and agility drills, but as the summer
progresses, all of our drills will become much
more competitive. We will pit one athlete against
another, and have them chase each other in linear and change of direction drills. This will prepare the athlete for game situations that requires
them to play fast and react to the things they
see. It will also generate a level of competitiveness that will help in games.
The lifting portion of the workouts will be
designed around the idea that our athletes peak
in power output by the end of summer. This will

ensure that our athletes have the highest ceiling
on explosiveness that can take them throughout
the season. The total lifting volume will decrease
as the summer moves along, but the intensity
of the lifts will increase. This means that we will
be seeking quality sessions where the athletes
are generating high bar speeds throughout the
workouts.
Our goal for the end of summer is to have all
of our athletes healthy, in shape, and ready to
play football. We believe that by putting them
in competitive situations daily and having two
running sessions a day, most of our athletes will
be ready for the demands of practice and preseason camp.
IN-SEASON TRAINING
The in-season training phase is where all the
hard work of the past year should show. The
overall objective of this training should be to
improve position-specific conditioning through
practice, and maintaining power, speed, and
agility.
Most colleges and high schools will practice
seven days a week during the pre-season period,
and four days a week once games begin (with

one day as more of a walk-through). Athletes will
typically get one day off a week, each week, as the
season progresses. This means that for 12-18 consecutive weeks, the athletes will have one in seven days off. This ratio lends to athletes breaking
down and a decrease in performance throughout
the season. But, with proper training throughout
the year, and a smart in-season training plan, we
will be able to maintain our power output, speed
and agility. With all of the days of practice and
games, it is a natural occurrence for an athletes
performance to decline during the season.
Therefore, our programming is designed to
keep them performing at a high level for the
entire season. As the year progresses, the time
spent in the weight room lowers. The focus in the
weight room will be on moving the bar as fast as
possible as well as working to get as much out of
our time in the weight room as possible. But emphasis is also focused on recovery from game to
game. It is our goal to peak at the end of the season. This goal allows us to improve throughout
the year, with, hopefully, our best efforts coming
at the end of the season.
As we look at the year and the movement from
the off-season spring season pre-season inseason program, we see a program that should
wave in intensity and volume through the year,
but also as a program that should build on itself. It
is not a good idea to have an athlete get stronger
only to have them not improve in football. Spring
is the time for the gains of the winter to be put to
use which should carry over into summer training,
and finally, the fall. Mobility and stability should
be a part of all these programs, as they will be the
most important aspects in athletic movement.
Here are the goals for each phase:
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gains from the off-season.
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power, and acceleration.
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maintain power output.
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t1PTU4FBTPO3FDPWFSGSPNUIFJOTFBTPO
physically and mentally and begin preparation
for winter.
About the Author: James Frazier

became Harvards Strength and
Conditioning Coach in February
of 2009. He previously served with
the Iowa football program for two
years. A 2006 graduate of Brown,
Frazier was a four-year letterman playing defensive end and
linebacker.
CLINICS
For more information call (866) 994-3742
2012 Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corporation. All rights reserved. Hammer Strength is a registered
trademark of Brunswick Corporation. USV-041-12 (11.12)
11
SAFETY
FIRST
TRAINING FOR SAFETY

Having a certied athletic trainer at every football program
is a necessity, not a luxury.
#Z.JLF$BSSPMMtHead Athletic TrainertStephenville High School (TX)
ince Lombardi once said, Football is not a

contact sport. Football is a collision sport.
Dancing is a contact sport.
This, coupled with the fact that every year,
athletes at all levels are getting bigger, stronger,
and faster, means that there is a very real threat
to see a dramatic increase in football injuries.
These run the gamut from minor injuries with no
time lost to more severe injuries that could be
season or career ending.
Keeping a football team healthy is very often
one of the keys to success. If the top players can
stay on the field, the respective coach has the
best chance for his team to compete at the level
they are capable of playing. To do this, the school
must establish recommendations for the prevention, care and management of athletic related injury and illness. The individual who is best suited
for this is the certified athletic trainer.
Certified athletic trainers educational background is in injury prevention, care, and treatment. If a school has football, it should have an
athletic trainer available not only for games, but
for practices as well. Because a majority of injuries
occur during practice, this medical professional
should be readily available to evaluate athletes
injuries. Athletic trainers maintain continuing education and professional development. Although
football coaches should be trained in first aid, CPR,
and AED use, that does not negate the fact that a
school should have an athletic trainer available for
all practices and games.
Athletic trainers are educated and trained
to determine an individuals readiness to participate. If an individual is not physically ready
and able to participate, he should not be on the
football field. The athletic trainer also promotes
safe and appropriate practices, competitions,
and maintains the treatment facility. Often, the
coaching staff selects and fits the players athletic
equipment. The athletic trainer can help with this

by advising the staff and also ensuring proper fit
once the season commences.
The emergency action plan is a critical component to athletic programs. It helps ensure the
safety of all participants (players, coaches, and
spectators). Without a solid plan in place before
an injury occurs, taking care of someone during
an emergency situation can become very complicated. Athletic trainers are trained to develop
and implement such plans.
Mike Carroll (R) is the Athletic Trainer

at Stephenville High School.
Another topic that has recently gained a tremendous amount of interest from the media
and, in turn, state associations, is environmental
conditions. For example, high school activity
associations in the states of Georgia and Texas
have recently changed their pre-season practice
guidelines to make the initial stages of the season as safe as possible for athletes. Monitoring
environmental conditions during pre-season
practices is also a responsibility of the athletic
trainer. He or she can ensure all players are properly hydrated and constantly monitor them.
Deaths from heat illness are 100% preventable.
The presence of an athletic trainer will help to
keep all athletes safe in their practice sessions.
Football players get injured during the course

of preparing for and playing football. That is the
nature of the game. It is critical that strategies exist for prevention of these injuries. This is another
area where the athletic trainer has an extensive
background. Not every athlete who becomes injured has to go to a medical doctor. The athletic
trainer can assess and, very often, treat an injury
with negligible down time. With an on-campus
athletic trainer, an ankle injury that may have required a doctor visit and several additional visits
to a physical therapist can be dealt with at the
school with minimal to no loss of school time.
Finally, there are also other areas in which athletic trainers are trained. The psychosocial aspect
of return from an injury is very often overlooked,
but it is very important for the athlete to participate at a high level. Nutritional counseling is also
very important because a properly fueled athlete
is critical. Access to an athletic trainer ensures athletes can benefit from their expertise in this area.
As we all know, any football program that
wants to play at the highest level and achieve
its maximum potential must have several critical
components. It must have players who can and
are willing to do what is asked of them. It must
have a coaching staff that is willing and able to
do whatever is needed to prepare players for
games. And it must have a tremendous support
staff. In that support staff, it is critical to have an
individual who can develop and implement a
comprehensive program and administrative system to deal with athletic injuries. That person is
the certified athletic trainer. If a school can afford
to have a football program, it should find a way
to afford an athletic trainer. Whether an athlete
is facing a life threatening condition, a concussion, or a minor injury, the person who is most
qualified to deal with all of these situations is the
certified athletic trainer. p
For information on how to hire an athletic trainer, please visit www.nata.org.

PRESENTED BY
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BETTER COMFORT.
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Using the Blaster to Create

Physicality in Your WR Corps
#Z$ISJT.FUDBMGtAssistant CoachtAuburn High School (AL)
s a former wide receiver, one of the hardest things for me as a player was to catch
the ball when a big hit was coming. Now,
as a coach, I have noticed that my players
also struggle with securing the catch when being
hit, or having to fight through contact. Wanting
to be able to practice for this difficult situation, I
was forced to examine the drills we do in practice. Most of our drills are traditional ball drills
that focus on the different aspects of the catch,
as well as the tuck and securing of the football.
We also run routes on air to establish proper timing with the quarterbacks.
It became clear that none of these drills simulated contact. This presented a potential problem
since contact is an integral part of playing football. As a coach, I need to prepare my athletes to
be successful in each and every situation they
would face in competition. If we never practice
enduring contact, then how can I discipline my
players when they drop a pass because contact
is present? Through the use of the blaster, we try
to instill a dominant physical mentality for our
entire WR unit.
This past season, we began to incorporate the
blaster into our WR drills. I believe this helped
us as a WR corps to make the difficult catches, as
well as the routine ones. Note that if your school
14
does not have a blaster, the same effect can be

achieved by holding dummies and having a player
run through the tunnel formed by the dummies.
not over with just the catch. Players must know

that contact is coming, stay low, and explode
through the tackle. Here, we are hoping to get
yardage after the catch (YAC).
YAC Drill
Grinder Drill
Diagram 1 simulates a WR coming back to the
football. Upon securing the catch, the WR makes
a tight turn with a low pad level and explodes
through the pursuing defenders (i.e., the blaster). This drill creates an attitude that the play is
Diagram 2 also simulates a WR coming back to

the ball. This time however, the WR runs through
the blaster initially. This forces the WR to fight
Diagram 1: YAC Drill
Diagram 2: Grinder Drill
through contact as he comes back to the football.

Also, if the coach can time the pass correctly, the
ball is thrown a fraction before the WR clears the
blaster. Often, the player will be off-balance, or
have his arm held up by one of the components
in the blaster, but he must adjust to catch the
football in an awkward position or while being
hit. Upon securing the catch, the WR turns and
scores by running upfield. We always emphasize
scoring every single time the football is touched.
Swivel Drill
the offensive player off their line. Now it is the

job of the WR to be physical and work through
the contact. After fighting through the contact
(the coach and blaster), the WR then gets back
on his original line.
Champion Drill
Diagram 5 is a new drill we plan to implement
next season. I found my WRs exploded off the
ball and ran full speed when a pass play was
called, but became lazy when they were expected to block. Since we want each play to look
Diagram 3 is basically the same concept as Diagram

2, except this drill looks at a WR fighting through
contact while running across the field. Upon exiting the blaster, the WR must have his head turned
in order to make the catch from the side.
the same, we expected our WRs to come of the

ball full speed when blocking as well as running
pass routes. From my experience, the teams who
have WRs that are willing to lay it all on the line
to block are the teams who compete for and win
championships.
This drill has the WR line up in a proper stance
directly in front of the blaster. By having to run
through the blaster at the start of the play, we
try to develop a habit of coming off the ball at
full speed. At the snap, the WR runs through the
blaster, and breaks down in front of the coach
who is holding a dummy. After breaking down
to ensure we do not over run the defender, the
WR maintains hot feet and engages with the
defender with his elbows inside. Once engaged,
the WR keeps his feet moving, taking the defender where he wants to go. We emphasize finishing
and completing the job on every play. p
About the Author: Chris Metcalf
is a senior at Auburn University,
scheduled to graduate in May,
2013. He was a volunteer coach
at Auburn High School this past
season and was the Wide Receivers Coach at John Carroll High
School in Birmingham in 2010.
Diagram 5: Champion Drill

Diagram 3: Swivel Drill
Release and Recover Drill

Diagram 4 deals with getting a release against
a hard cover 2 defense. The coach lines up on a
yard line or hash mark and simulates press coverage and holds a dummy to jam the WR with on
the snap. The WR is forced to use a release and
work through the contact as the coach tries to
push the WR off his line. Ultimately, the coach
pushes and guides the player to the blaster.
Throughout this drill, the WR needs to maintain a
low pad level and rip through the contact. After
getting a release, the defender will try to push
Diagram 4: Release and Recover Drill
15
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t the start of the 2012 season, there were a lot of questions from coaches,
players, fans and the local sportswriters regarding the state of our quarterback position. We had graduated a MVP quarterback in 2011 and the
heir apparent was an undersized junior without any varsity experience.
The questions regarding the position were legitimate and I knew that in order
for our team to make another championship run, it was imperative that we continue to have great play at the quarterback position.
Former NFL quarterback and current NFL analyst Ron Jaworski once said, The heartbeat of a
football team is the quarterback position and I
think everyone who has any intelligence about
the game understands you must have consistency at that position to be a championship team. I
have coached quarterbacks for 16 seasons and I
know without a doubt that there is a correlation
between having a championship caliber team
and great quarterback play. The relationship
between quarterback success and team success
can be observed at every level.
In preparing for the 2012 season, I was confident that our quarterback would play very well.
I believe in our system and our specific teaching
formula that has always allowed my quarterbacks to flourish. We opened the season against
an out of state opponent who had played in their
states large school championship in 2011. They
16
were a great team from a much larger school

than ours and they presented a tough challenge
for our team and for our quarterback.
Our quarterback passed his inaugural test by
throwing for 250 yards, completing 80% of his
passes with five touchdowns and no turnovers.
His success was sustained throughout the season where he threw for almost 2600 yards, completed 65% of his passes with 34 touchdowns
and only six interceptions. He broke almost every
meaningful quarterback record in school history.
There is no doubt that this young quarterback is
gifted, but I also know that our system and our
simple teaching formula helped this inexperienced player develop into a great player.
As we consider ways to prepare our teams and
players for the 2013 season, I want to share with
you four key strategies that may help you and
your quarterbacks have great success in 2013.
1. Despise Mistakes and Develop

Mental Toughness
Tom Brady is quoted as saying, Every quarterback can throw a ball; every running back can
run and every receiver is fast. But that mental
toughness that you talk about translates into
competitiveness. Great players and especially
great quarterbacks do not just play the game
to play the game. Most possess an assassins attitude that desires to bury the competition each
and every play. You can make a legitimate point
that mental toughness is innate in some while
painfully absent in others.
While I believe that there is some truth to that
statement, mental toughness and the desire to
compete every day on every play should be consistently emphasized and practiced. Admittedly,
I can be very tough on my players and especially
my quarterback in practice. I explain early in their
careers that if they cant handle my pressure in
practice, then how are they going to handle the
pressures of the game. I believe that practice
should be tough so that the game is easy.
To develop mental toughness and the will to
compete, I schedule several periods of competition between the offense and the defense in each
practice script. One of my favorites is our third
down challenge. During this competitive period,
the offense and defense battle for third down
supremacy. The stakes are high (we reward the
Pressure
When I design a pass concept, I always have
what I call a blitz beater route built into each
play. These routes are designed to give the quarterback a quick option versus pressure while at
the same time making the defense pay for vacating coverage areas. These routes usually consist
of quick under/replace routes versus zone coverage or under/stretch routes versus man coverage.
I schedule a blitz beater (pertains to the wide
receivers, running backs and quarterbacks) as
The majority of the quarterbacks decision

making should take place pre-snap. Teaching
the art of reading defenses will go a long way
towards eliminating doubt, hesitation and mistakes. Our quarterback had a touchdown to
interception ratio of almost 6/1 last season. He
obviously did a great job of taking care of the
football and making great decisions. One of my
previous quarterbacks, Ricky Ray, just won his
third CFL Grey Cup Championship and is regarded as one of the most intelligent and accurate
quarterbacks to ever play in Canada.
Consistency comes in large part from educated confidence. The best way to obtain educated
confidence is by anticipating what the defense is
going to do before they do it and being right. To
help my quarterbacks make the right decisions
and reads, I teach a seven point pre-snap read
progression. Once the quarterback knows what
he is looking for, the read progression can easily
be done with a basic scan of the field. The defense
will also show these in previous games and thus
we will have a point of reference from film study
and position meetings to prep him for the game.
7 Point Pre-Snap Read Progression
1. Is the middle of the field open (cover 2 or 4)
or closed (cover 3 or 1)?
2. Technique of the CBs: soft, press, bail etc.
(where are his hips and eyes)?
3. Leverage and depth of the flat defender
(Usually the OLB, SS, CB).
4. Pressure /blitz tell (shallow safety stacked
over a OLB, reduced OLB, creeping ILBs).
5. Motion adjustments (bounce, roll, travel).
6. Favorable personnel matchups.
7. Boundary coverage and field coverage
alignments.
I hope these four points in preparing your
quarterback for success have been informative.
Next month I will expand on the topic of the
passing game and quarterback play by introducing three passing concepts that have been extremely successful for me over my career. These
concepts are easy to teach and execute and I
look forward to sharing them with you.
Like American Football Monthly?
3. Know How To Handle Defensive
Pre-Snap Progression
Make it official.
To help our quarterbacks become very comfortable with their reads, I package all of our pass
plays into similar read concepts. The packages
consist of plays that I categorize as vertical defender reads, flat defender reads, under coverage
man reads and over coverage man reads. Even
though I have several plays and route combinations in each category, the read for the quarterback stays relatively the same within each concept. I script practice based on these packages.
On Mondays, we may rep the zone flat defender and man under read plays only. On Tuesday
we work on vertical read and over man coverage
plays. By being specific each day, we get a ton of
familiar reps which leads to efficient execution.
This approach allows my quarterback to become
very confident in his understanding of each concept as it applies to what area we are trying to
attack and who we are trying to beat.
4. Read A Defense with a 7 Point
Check out exclusive offers, giveaways from advertisers,

and communicate directly with coaches on articles
theyve written in AFM only on Facebook!
2. Keep Reads Easy and Familiar
well as a blitz pickup (pertains to all protection

positions) period into every practice. During
these periods, my quarterbacks practice identifying pressure and hitting the blitz beater receiver
in the correct area. I teach my quarterbacks to
welcome defensive pressure as a great opportunity to make a defense pay for being overly
aggressive. The knowledge that each of our
pass plays has a route designated to beat pressure schemes and the daily practice of defeating
pressure develops confidence in our quarterback
and receivers.
www.facebook.com/AmericanFootballMonthly/
victors and punish the losers), the coaches are

amped and very vocal and each side expects to
win. I apply as much mental stress on my quarterback during this period as I can. Through the
chaos, the noise, the pressure and the obstacles,
I expect him to succeed. This period has a game
day feel to it and it is one of the ways I teach the
art of mental toughness. Another thing I stress is
that we must learn to despise mistakes.
Some mistakes are unavoidable but most are
not. In my practice, its not acceptable for my
quarterback to throw interceptions. Its not acceptable to miss a read or miss a throw. We have
a standard and that standard is excellence. I think
that too many players and people in general
want to make excuses or point the finger when
they make a mistake. There is no place for that
within my team and especially with my quarterback. In life, most people avoid things they despise. If a player or coach is okay with mistakes
then they will encounter a bunch. Despise them
and they will be a rare thing in practice and in
games. Terry Bradshaw said Whats the worst
thing that can happen to a quarterback? He loses
his confidence. I agree and, therefore, the teaching and practice of mental toughness and the
development of a gunslingers swagger is a part
of our daily practice regiment.
Join us on:
17
-!.!').'9/52
02/'2!By Keith Grabowski
Offensive Coordinator, Baldwin Wallace University
n the spring and fall of 2010, we had a heated battle for the starting quarterback position. Our three-year starter was graduating
and we had three freshmen battling to be in
the number one spot at the beginning of their
sophomore year.
That year I used three criteria to help me objectively distinguish the starter from the backups. After doing that, I realized I could develop
the criteria further to not only slot each quarterback in a position, but also give the position
group valuable information about where they
needed to improve. This is a system that continues on into camp and through the season, and
helps give both the quarterbacks and me feedback on what needs work.
The first three criteria I used were release, accuracy, and decision. Each gave important information about how the quarterback was performing
in some critical aspects as a passer. The total of
the three was averaged to give an overall grade.
I posted all of the quarterbacks scores for each of
them to see not only how well each one was performing, but also how each compared to the other
18
Avoid a Quarterback
Controversy
An Objective System for
Grading Your Quarterbacks
quarterbacks. In addition, before grades were

posted, each quarterback had to evaluate himself
based on the same criteria. I could see very easily
if the QB wasnt being objective, and for the most
part, they were actually more critical of themselves
in this process. I like that they were looking at the
little things in which they could get better.
Release refers to how quickly the quarterback
is getting the ball out. It is a product of footwork
and vision and includes the use of his pre-snap
and post-snap thought processes. Proper mechanics also affect his release time. These are calibrated
to the type of throw he is making. Quick game
should be out in 1.5 seconds or less. For drop back,
we expect his first route in the progression to be
thrown on the last step of his drop on rhythm between 1.8 and 2.0 seconds from the snap to the release. The intermediate routes which are second in
his progression are thrown from 2.2 to 2.6 seconds
depending on the depth and type of break.
For the quarterback, these are calibrated with
one or two hitch steps with each accounting for
.2 seconds. Check downs or hot routes should be
thrown by 2.6 seconds or sooner, and at worst I
should see the quarterback escaping the pocket

or moving to keep it alive at 2.6 seconds if nothing is there. Initially, in route timing drills and
pass skelly, I will stand behind the quarterback
with a stopwatch and give him his release time.
What we have found is that we become huma
stopwatches. As they get a feel for timing and
rhythm they can turn around and tell me their
time within a tenth of a second. We will sit in film
and call out the times before looking at the stopwatch and be dead on. Our freshmen marvel at
this and think we are some kind of freaks.
The results of this constant evaluation are shown
in chart I that show each quarterbacks improvement over the course of the spring (See Chart 1
- Quarterback Release Times in Spring).
We chart completions and completion rate for
each quarterback, but put more value on his accuracy grade. Being accurate means he must give
the receiver a chance. Just because its complete
doesnt mean its accurate. Proper ball placement
is important. We tell the quarterback to talk to
the receiver with the ball. Meaning that ball
placement should tell the receiver which way to
turn with the ball. A pass may be complete, but

the ball placement may put ball security after the
catch at risk. Furthermore the accuracy grade accounts for both dropped balls which dont count
against the QB negatively and spectacular catches which save a bad throw and do count against
the QB negatively in his accuracy grade.
Decision grade indicates the percentage of
time the quarterback is making the right decision
and using the pre-post-snap processes correctly.
This is where his understanding of the concept,
study of film and understanding of defensive
coverage structures and defensive reactions
show. We want to see that his eyes and feet are
moving through the progression correctly and
taking him to the correct throw.
Quarterback
Quick
Game
Before
Quick Game
After
sion. Technically, this will also reflect as a minus in

his release time, but it also shows him if he is seeing things correctly but triggering too late. What
it tells me as a coach is that we need to continue
repping that concept so that he gains confidence
in throwing it and the feel for the correct timing.
Chain movers are throws that gain 10 or more
yards on the pass itself. These show the percentage of throws in which he is hitting receivers
downfield in space. We derive this number by
taking the number of rhythm and intermediate
routes he is hitting and dividing it by total completions. Check downs are a reality in the passing
game, but quarterbacks who only throw check
downs are showing a lack of confidence, timing,
or accuracy in getting down the field and that defi-
Change
Drop Back
Before
Drop Back
After
2.44
Change
QB 1
1.52
1.38
-.14
2.52
-.18
QB2
1.49
1.33
-.16
2.46
2.25
-.21
QB3
1.62
1.39
-.21
2.8
2.57
-.23
Chart 1: Quarterback Release Times in Spring

As we learned more about what we really
wanted and the timing we needed on our concepts and routes, release was defined further. Every route had a timing tied to it, and this served
as feedback for our quarterbacks, receivers and
coaches as to what needed improvement.
Release, accuracy and decision carried the
most weight for us and how the quarterback
performed as a passer. These three combined
to give us the overall percentage grade for the
quarterback. Because we were giving this feedback, I was also able to evaluate what I was doing
on the field as a coach to make them better.
However, I wanted to dig deeper and show
each quarterback how he was performing in other aspects. Being able to collect and analyze data
in the types of routes a QB is hitting with consistency, information on his decision making process
and how well he operates the offense also aid in
the evaluation of our quarterbacks in both determining playing time and practice needs. We created grades called percent of rhythm complete,
percent of decisions late, chain movers and
tempo. (See Chart 2 - Criteria)
His percentage of rhythm complete score tells
the percentage of the routes that he is completing on the last step of his drop. These are explosive passes that calibrate with a throw on the last
step. All passes are counted only if complete and
becomes a percentage of his total completions,
not a completion rate. This aspect of his passing
ability is a product of footwork and vision including use of our pre-snap thought process.
Another aspect that we chart and give feedback on is the percentage of decisions that are
late. This gives him the percentage of the time
that he went to the correct receiver but took too
long to get the ball out and make the correct deci-
ciency must be corrected in order to have success.

Finally, tempo tells us how well he is operating the offense. We script the exact same reps
and number of reps for the quarterback when
we are evaluating and slotting our quarterbacks,
and we time how long it takes each one to move
his unit through all of those reps. This is an indicaCriteria
Overall:
Release:
% Rhythm Complete:
Avg. Release Time:
Accuracy:
Decision:
% of Decisions Late:
Tempo:
Completion:
Chain Mover:
% of Completions/Chain Movers:
tor of how well the quarterback is doing running

the offense, using procedures and getting players
aligned. We will add time to his total if an error
occurs procedurally or with alignment. This forces
him to be the leader he needs to be on the field.
Our younger QBs usually get the later sets of reps
in practice. They are constantly reminded to get
their mental reps and learn from the groups before them. This has been valuable in helping the
progress of our younger quarterbacks.
Grading and evaluating our quarterbacks constantly helps develop them into the field generals who can operate our offense effectively. We
also value the intangibles like leadership, confidence, poise and composure. Our quarterbacks
throwing mechanics are also recorded on video
and put through slow motion analysis. We want
to develop our quarterbacks in every area that
can affect their performance. Having a very objective set of data like that described in our grading system helps create a clear picture of where
each quarterback is in his development.
As coaches, we have all faced tough situations
that those who do not put the time into it may not
understand. The quarterback position seems to
be the one that attracts the most attention when
it comes to deciding who the starter is. Having
clearly defined performance standards and giving
players constant evaluation helps make our decisions tangible for those involved.
Additional charts and video examples of the
standards explained in this article can be found online
at www.AmericanFootballMonthly.com
Explanation
Grade as a passer and how he does with all 3 components
combined.
How quickly he is getting the ball out. It is a product of
footwork and vision including use of pre-snap thought
process.
Tells the % of routes he is completing on the last
step of his drop. All passes are counted only if complete
and it is a percentage of his total completions not
a completion rate. Again this is a product of
footwork and vision including use of pre-snap thought
process.
On dropback passes this is the average time it takes
for him to make his decision and get the ball out from snap
to throw.
Indicates how accurate the QB is in his throws.
Indicates the percentage of time the QB is making the
correct decision and using his pre-and post-snap
processes correctly.
Gives % of time that QB is taking too long to get to the
correct decision.
Is an indicator of how well the QB is doing running the offense
and his use of procedures and getting guys aligned and
ready to go.
Completion percentage over the spring.
Vertical rhythm or intermediate read route that gets
10+ on the throw; does not include YAC.
Tells how well the QB is seeing
receivers downfield in open space.
Chart 2: Criteria
19
M O N T H L Y
2012
COACHES
OF THE YEAR
20
Opening Photo: Jamey Nowlin
21
AFMs FBS Coach of the Year
BRIAN
KELLY
NOTRE
DAME
After decades of
frustration, Kelly led
the Fighting Irish
back to national
prominence.
By David Purdum
t was not a pleasant environment, but Brian

Kelly had been there before. He knew what
to say.
In 2001, Kelly led Grand Valley State to an undefeated season and its first appearance in the
Division II championship game. It was also Kellys first national championship game as a head
coach, and it would end in heartbreak.
Grand Valley State led for much of the game
and scored to go up 14-10 with 2:46 to play. But
North Dakota State drove 80 yards, converting
a fourth down with a 58-yard pass to set up the
winning touchdown run with 38 seconds to play.
Win or lose, we are a better football team for being in this game, Kelly told reporters after the loss.
The future of this team can only get better.
But it was Kellys message to his dejected
players inside the locker room that jumpstarted
Grand Valley States run of back-to-back national
championships in the following two seasons. It
also was the beginning of his rise to the top of
the coaching ranks.
Eleven years later, Kelly used his experience
from losing the Division II title game as a foundation for how to approach his Notre Dame players
after this years loss to Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game.
20
I said the same thing to my team at Notre

Dame that I said when I was at Grand Valley State,
explained Kelly, American Football Monthlys FBS
Coach of the Year. I told them, Now, you know
what it looks like. Weve closed the gap and that
next step is up to you. And that next step is going to take place the first time that we get back
in that weight room. Now, this offseason is dedicated to getting back to this game.
Will his words help Notre Dame produce
anything close to the level of success he had at
Grand Valley State? That remains to be determined, but there is no question the Fighting Irish
under Kelly are headed in that direction.
t/PUSF%BNFCFDBNFUIFSTUUFBNJOUIF#$4
era to begin the season unranked and finish in
the national championship game.
t5IF'JHIUJOH*SJTIJNQSPWFEBDSPTTUIFCPBSE
In 2011, Notre Dame finished 30th in total defense. This season, they were seventh.
t/PUSF%BNFTVSSFOEFSFEQPJOUTQFSHBNF
in 2011. They allowed an average of 12.8 this
season.
t*O /PUSF%BNFOJTIFEUIJOUVSOPWFS
NBSHJO5IJTTFBTPO UIFZXFSFUI
t/PUSF%BNFIBEOPUCFBUFOBUFBNSBOLFEJO
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JO5IJTTFBTPO UIFZXPOBU/P0LMBIP
NBBOEBU/P.JDIJHBO4UBUFBOEBMTPIBEB
dramatic win over a Stanford team that finished
ranked seventh.
t/PUSF%BNFXFOUJOXJUIGPVSPGUIFJS
losses coming against unranked opponents.
The Irish went 12-1 in 2012 with four wins over
ranked opponents.
t5IF'JHIUJOH*SJTI XIPIBETUSVHHMFEJODMPTF
game in years past, went 5-0 in games decided
by less than a touchdown this season. When we
got here, they would lose games late, said Kelly.
When they were able to change that and win
the close games late, it built a great deal of confidence in the entire group.
The statistical improvement, however, wasnt
the key to Notre Dames remarkable run, Kelly
said. Instead, he points to a re-distribution of his
time as one of the biggest reasons the Fighting
Irish developed into a unit with obvious chemistry and confidence.
Whether youre a high school coach or the
coach at Notre Dame, its important to understand why you got in this business. And its to
develop young men, to develop them as football
players both on and off the field, Kelly said. We
all tend to get distracted from that goal. Whether
you have to teach and wear two or three different hats, you always have to come back to why
you got into this business and that is to teach
and develop your players.
I think I learned that this year, he continued.
At Notre Dame, the job tends to distract you.
I got back to basics and got back to spending
more time with the team.
confidence, Kelly continued. You have to put

them in position to gain confidence throughout the year. And I think thats what we did. We
scaled some things back and really fit the offense
to accentuate what his positives were so he could
gain some confidence.
Golson completed 58.3 percent of his passes
with 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. He
also rushed for six touchdowns.
DEVELOPING HIS QUARTERBACKS

DEFINING MOMENT
Kelly named sophomore starting quarterback
Everett Golson his starting quarterback Aug. 24.
Golson spent his freshman season operating
the scout team and didnt have near the game
experience of the quarterbacks he was competing against for the starting job. But Kelly saw
what he needed to and picked Golson to start
the opener against Navy.
It was clearly the right decision the quarterback play was drastically improved. Kelly said
two elements were key in developing his young
quarterback.
First, you have to set a level of accountability on and off the field, Kelly explained. For us,
the quarterback is under such scrutiny that if
hes not taking care of business in the classroom,
if hes not representing the program in all facets,
then he cant be the quarterback, whether hes
the most talented or not. I think it starts with setting a level of accountability for the quarterback
because he is such a central figure on your team.
Then, giving them the opportunity to gain
There were so many memorable moments

from Notre Dames storybook season: the controversial goal-line stand in the overtime win
against Stanford, the dominating performance
BU 0LMBIPNB BOE UIF USJQMFPWFSUJNF WJDUPSZ
over Pittsburgh.
When asked, Kelly couldnt pinpoint a defining
moment of the season. But Kelly said his career
has never been about defining moments. Instead,
its about the little moments that added up and
prepared his team to execute in the clutch.
I dont think in my 23 years that theres ever
been one moment as much as there has been a
lead up to that, Kelly explained. Ive always said
this, when your players care about each other,
you have a great chance of being successful.
I think what we had developed over time was
a locker room where the kids really cared about
each other, he added. They were all doing the
same thing; they were all pushing the cart in the
same direction. p
23
AFMs College Coaches of the Year
FCS
Bobby Wilder
Old Dominion University
ld Dominion led the Football Championship Subdivision in total offense, scoring
PFOTF BOE QBTTJOH PFOTF 5IF .PO
archs averaged 45.15 points, and quarterback
Taylor Heinicke, the Walter Payton Award winner,
TFUB%JWJTJPO*SFDPSEXJUIQBTTJOHZBSETJOB
64-61 win over New Hampshire.
:FU 0%6DPBDI#PCCZ8JMEFS OBNFEAmerican Football Monthlys FCS Coach of the Year, can
simplify his offensive philosophy down to two
words: teach fundamentals.
Wilder said Were very simplistic in our approach to offensive football. We have one basic
run play, weve got about 10-12 pass concepts
that were going to use. And we drill them over
and over and over in practice. We try to work
against as many looks as we can, so our kids can
play fast in the game.
5FNQPXBTOPUBOJTTVFGPSUIF.POBSDITEVS
ing their prolific 11-2 season. They averaged 85
plays per game.
I spent a lot of time talking to Chip Kelly and
other one-back spread guys, said Wilder. And
UIBUTXIBUXFWFEPOFBU0ME%PNJOJPO3VO
plays, average 46 points and go as fast as we can
go. But in order to go fast, you have to have base
concepts offensively. Youve got to teach each
fundamental.
Wilders teachings in 2012 produced a dream
season for a fledging program in its last year in
UIF '$4 5IF .POBSDIT XJMM USBOTJUJPO JOUP UIF
'#4 UIJT GBMM BOE KPJO $POGFSFODF 64" JO
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reborn after an absence of 69 years.
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FBS this past season, but elected to remain in the
FCS for one last year as a reward to the programs
first senior class.
We had 82 kids walk through the door on
"VH BOEXFIBETFOJPSTXIPTUVDL
with it the entire way, said Wilder. We wanted to
make sure they had the opportunity to play for a

championship their senior year.
0ME%PNJOJPOXPOUIF$PMPOJBM"UIMFUJD"TTP
ciation title and reached the Elite Eight of the FCS
playoffs.
Division II
24
Aaron Keen
Minnesota State University
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nesota State coach Aaron Keen experienced this past season.
,FFOCFHBOGBMMDBNQBTUIF.BWFSJDLTPFO
TJWFDPPSEJOBUPSBOEBTTPDJBUFIFBEDPBDI0OFBG
ternoon during an August walk-through practice,
Keen was pulled aside and informed that head
coach Todd Hoffner had been put on administrative leave. Keen was now in charge of the program.
He had two weeks before the season opener.
A former head coach, he embraced the opportunity and immediately turned his attention
to the players. His focus was on his teams mindset, not scheme or game plans.
I wanted to make sure the players knew our
goals were not changing, said Keen, American
Football Monthlys Division II Coach of the Year.
We were still going to work to be a championship football team.
He made a concerted effort to connect with
defensive and special teams players and ones
that he had not interacted with as much due to
his responsibilities on offense.
Keen said everyone bought in. The result was
the most successful season in the programs history.
5IF .BWFSJDLT TFU B TDIPPM SFDPSE XJUI
wins, reached the national semifinals for the first
time and finished ranked No. 3 in the Division II
Coaches Poll. They finished first in run defense
and total defense in the Northern Sun Conference. But it was a key decision with his back-up
quarterback that Keen says was a defining moNFOUGPSUIF.BWFSJDLT
Trailing in the second half at St. Cloud State in
J.T. Higgins
week three of the season, Keens starting QB went

down with an injury. He would have to insert a
freshman backup to face a second-and-long.
I reminded him how much I trusted him, said
Keen, thinking back to his conversation with his
inexperienced backup. We went out and threw
the ball on his first play on second-and-long. I
told him, a lot of coaches would send you out
there to hand it off and make adjustments from
there. I trust you to go out there and throw it and
get a win. And he did.
them to pass accurately, move their feet and relocate in the pocket. I want them to throw it to the
correct spot on time, improve their arm strength
and leadership.
Those are the five skills Im trying to teach
them. I want them to learn those skills and improve on them. Were going to run drills and set
up practice to give them a chance to improve in
those areas.
Division III
Steve Ryan
Morningside (IA)
Larry Kehres
University of Mount Union
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ian in the NAIA Championship Game. It
was the best record in the schools history.
.PSOJOHTJEF)FBE$PBDI4UFWF3ZBONPWFE
a wide receiver to quarterback, quit kicking field
goals in the playoffs and made a run at a national
championship.
*OGBMMDBNQ 3ZBOSFDPHOJ[FEUIBUTFOJPSXJEF
receiver Joel Nixon had the ability to make his
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terback and tailored his offense around his new
signal-callers strengths.
We felt that his biggest impact would be
made at quarterback, because of the way he
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American Football Monthlys NAIA Coach of the
Year. We felt that we had a veteran-enough
team that it was worth taking two or three days
of fall camp to test and try it out. If we needed
to, we could always move him back to receiver.
It was a huge lesson for me as a coach in terms
of seeing how much leadership and heart of one
player can impact an entire team.
8JUI /JYPO BU RVBSUFSCBDL UIF .VTUBOHT
mowed through the regular season, finishing
ranked No. 1 in scoring defense and No. 2 in
TDPSJOHPFOTF#VU3ZBOXBTOUTBUJTFEIFBE
ing into the playoffs. His kicker had struggled. So
he made the decision to quit kicking field goals.
We made the decision that when we crossed
the 50-yard line, we were going to go for it on
GPVSUIEPXO wTBJE3ZBOi*USFBMMZQBJEPGPSVT
PVOU 6OJPO )FBE $PBDI -BSSZ ,FISFT

took some advice from his players and
won another national championship.
After three consecutive losses in the Amos
Alonzo Stagg Bowl, this years senior class of
1VSQMF3BJEFSTFOUFSFEUIFTFBTPOJOEBOHFSPG
being the first class in 20 years to leave without
winning a national championship.
Some of the seniors had played in each of
three Stagg Bowl losses. Kehres said the senior
class had a sense of urgency from the off-season
and wanted more from their coach.
The players convinced me that I needed
to be firmer with our young men, said Kehres,
American Football Monthlys Division III Coach of
the Year. I maybe had a tendency to be too lenient in giving young players too much rope. The
older players convinced me to toughen up just a
bit, and it was good advice.
.PVOU6OJPOXFOU MFBEJOHUIFOBUJPOJO
scoring offense and scoring defense in arguably
the most dominating seasons of Kehres illustrious career. Kehres said having a quicker football
team was among the keys to winning his 11th
OBUJPOBM DIBNQJPOTIJQ 6QQJOH UIF MFBSOJOH
curve also helped.
I think young men appreciated being coached
like theyre great learners, said Kehres. Say, for example, youre working with a quarterback. I want
NAIA
in the playoffs. Its easy to make that decision

in your office on Wednesday, but on Saturday
when you have to make the call, those were critical times for us. We wouldnt have made it to the
national championship game, if we hadnt been
as successful as we were on fourth downs.
JUCO
Scott Strohmeier
Iowa Western Community College
IFPOMZVOEFGFBUFE+6$0UFBNJOUIFOB
tion practiced less this season.
We didnt want to overwork our
players, said Iowa Western Community College
Head Coach Scott Strohmeier, American Football
MonthlyT +6$0 $PBDI PG UIF :FBS i8F EJEOU
practice very long. We want to be crisp, and we
want to go.
Strohmeier said his practices lasted no more
than 90 minutes, but he made the most of the
time, including making sure to give his reserves
plenty of reps. It paid off in the national championship game.
Strohmeier lost his starting free safety early in
the game against Butler Community College and
was forced to insert a backup that had limited
game action. The backup made two interceptions, including one on the last play of the first
half that he returned 85 yards for a touchdown.
But that was only the beginning.
-FBEJOH 4USPINFJFSXBTGBDJOHBGPVSUI
and six and elected to go for it. He called timeout
and was notified that his starting quarterback had
tweaked his knee and would not be ready to go
back in for the critical play.
I was thinking, Do we change the play? Do
XFLJDLUIFFMEHPBM 0SEPXFTUJMMHPGPSJU w
Strohmeier remembered. We decided to go for
it, and our backup completed the fourth and six
like hed played the whole game.
If I look back at the season, giving our backups and even our third-team guys reps in practice, coaching them like the starters, was a big
part of our success.p
25
AFMs High School Coach of the Year
Reyna Photography
GARY
JOSEPH
KATY
HIGH
SCHOOL
Joseph led the Tigers to one of the most dominating
seasons in Texas football history.
By David Purdum
last-minute playoff loss ended the Katy

Tigers 2011 season. It marked the second straight season the Tigers had been
close, but were unable to finish.
Head coach Gary Joseph was determined not
to let that happen in 2012. We had been competitive, but hadnt finished. This year, we were
going to become a more physical football team
that was able to finish, said Joseph, American
Football Monthlys National High School Coach
of the Year. This year was about growing up
more than anything else.
The Tigers maturity produced possibly the
most dominant season of Josephs illustrious career.
Katy finished 16-0 and won the 5A Division II
Texas state championship. Thirteen of the Tigers
games were over by halftime. They won by an average margin of 39 points, with an I-formationbased ground game that shredded defenses to
UIF UVOF PG ZBSET QFS HBNF i0FOTJWFMZ
we want to run the ball and control the tempo.
Those are our priorities, Joseph said.
The Tigers 3-4 defense surrendered just 216
total yards per game. Defensively, we have to be
able to stop the run, Joseph said. Were 3-4, predominantly zone coverage team. Well play quarters and halves. We dont want to be real predictable, but we want to be good at what we do.
But defensively, its not based on scheme or
concepts, its based on kids on defense being
unselfish and understanding what their jobs are,
he added. If our kids are selfish, were not going
to be successful. And we know that.
26
The 2012 campaign was sheer dominance by

the Tigers and an example of a coach maximizing
his teams ability. But a story from 2008 might be a
better example of Josephs coaching prowess.
After being promoted from assistant to head
coach in 2004, Joseph led the Tigers to an undeGFBUFETFBTPOBOEBTUBUFDIBNQJPOTIJQJO
Significant turnover left him with an inexperienced team that, because of the programs tradition, began the season highly ranked. The 2008
Tigers lost their first two games, including a humCMJOHEFGFBUJO8FFL*UXBTUIFSTUUJNF
Katy High School had lost its first two games since
1984, according to HoustonPress.com.
i:PVHFUCFBU UIBUTBIVNCMJOHFYQFSJ
ence. The way we got beat, you lose your confidence. It was bad, Joseph said. I talked about
humility. There is no right of entitlement. The
only thing youre guaranteed is opportunity and
no matter how good you were the year before
or how much tradition your school has, it still
comes down to your performance on the field.
Joseph had an off week to get his team to regroup before their next game. Instead of trying
to correct everything that had gone wrong in the
0-2 start, he was determined to just get better at
one play.
The intensity at practice was raised, as were
the expectations. A message was being delivered very clearly to the Tigers.
i0O.POEBZ BMMXFXPSLFEPOXBTPOFSVO
ning play, he said. We ran it to the right and ran
it to the left, all day long for a full practice. It was
to show them that we were going to get good at
running this play. We worked extremely hard on

it, and defensively we worked hard on being able
to stop it.
The whole thing that we were trying to get
through to our kids, Joseph continued, was that
it didnt make any difference what we ran. We
have to still be able to execute. I think it sent a
message and set a tone for the rest of the year.
The next day at practice, Joseph had the team
run three plays over and over again.
Those three plays were what we based our
offense on the rest of the year, he said. The Tigers
rebounded, won 13 of their next 14 team games
and went on to win the state championship.
Joseph says he still includes periods during
practice where all they do is work on one play
over and over, but there was no need to go such
drastic measures this season. There was no need
for a rebound at this year. Katy ran over everyone
in its path. That was by design.
Joseph entered the season with an inexperienced quarterback. Katy product Andy Dalton
was not walking back through the door. Joseph
LOFXIFIBEUPGFBUVSFUIFSVOOJOHHBNFi0VS
strength was in the backfield, said Joseph. We
felt like we had to establish the run in order for us
to be successful. We wanted to let the kids grow
up and manage the game.
5BJMCBDL "EBN 5BZMPS SVTIFE GPS ZBSET
and five touchdowns in the Tigers 35-24 win
over Cedar Hill in the state championship game
at Cowboys Stadium.
It was Katys seventh state title and third under
Joseph, who is now 123-11 in nine seasons. p
Don Adkins - TakeTheShot-Photography.Com
James K. Willis - Classic Trends Photography
AFMS
2010 High
School
ofthe
theYear
Year
AFMs REgional
High
SchoolCoaches
Coaches of
East
Art Walker
North Allegheny High School (PA)
The Tigers went 15-0 and won the
AAAA state championship.
Q: What is something you learned or approached
differently this season that made you a better
football coach?
As a staff, we learned that if our players
were properly prepared and focused on what
the game plan was, than we were ready. I also
learned not to over-do things with extra reps or
extra contact just for the sake of doing it. Week
after week our players maintained focus for 16
weeks. We wanted them rested for Friday, because they were properly prepared starting the
Saturday after every game.
Q: What was the defining in-game moment of
the season and what did you do as a coach to
make that moment successful?
When we played Gateway High School on the
road in a tough non-conference game, it was a
physical battle, a struggle on both sides of the
CBMM0VSEFGFOTFIBECFFOQMBZJOHXFMMBMMZFBS
but that week they emerged as a force to be
taken seriously across the state of Pennsylvania.
I give our defensive coaches a ton of credit for
their development as a unit.
Q: In what area did this seasons team improve
the most from last season? And what did you
do to foster that improvement?
I think we improved as a team and believe we
had great team chemistry. When you have that
mixed with the willingness to prepare and sacrifice for each other, a great deal can be accomplished. I believe in loyalty. If there is not loyalty
among the players, staff and the athletic department, somewhere there will be a breakdown.
28
If one player or one coach thinks that they are

above or more important than the team or overall program, it will eventually be detrimental to
the future of that program. I am thankful that we
do not have that problem.
Southeast
Brian Hales
Butler High School (NC)
The Bulldogs went 15-0 and won the
4A championship.
football coach?
.Z CJHHFTU BEKVTUNFOU XBT VOEFSTUBOEJOH
that there are things that are out of my control. I
think all coaches, to a degree, feel like we have to
CFBMMUIJOHTUPBMMQFPQMF-BTUTFBTPO*TUSFTTFE
so much over things that I could do nothing
about and became frustrated easily. It took away
from the actual coaching. This year I focused so
much more on things in which I could help to
determine an outcome.
The one moment that really sticks out was
a fake punt we converted in the state semifinals. The thing about it was that it was something seen by our defensive coordinator, Steve
Shaughnessy, that someone else had run. We
looked at it and thought it would be something
HSFBUUPVTF8FTUBSUFEXPSLJOHPOJUFBSMZJO0D
tober but didnt run it until late November. It really exemplified the camaraderie of our staff and
willingness to work together. Then for our kids to
take something unorthodox and take ownership
of it and then be able to execute it, really said a
lot about their willingness to take coaching.

the most from last season? And what did you do
to foster that improvement?
The biggest improvement the team made
was in terms of leadership. They had set very
high goals (state championship, undefeated season, etc.) and then held each other accountable
throughout the year. There werent any games
that anyone looked at as less important than
others. What we did from a staff perspective was
continue to challenge them to be the best version of Butler football that anyone had ever seen
each Friday night.
Midwest
Jayson West
Lawrence Central High School (IN)
The Bears went 15-0 and won the
5A state championship.
football coach?
We knew as a staff that the young men returning to our program were special. It allowed
us to be very versatile in our approach to our
daily operation, routines, workouts and even our
schemes. The kids were great, and they loved
each new challenge that we presented to them.
For example, it was a lot of fun to take a routine
like lifting and make it a highly competitive environment each day by throwing out a new challenge that the players really looked forward to.
It may have been when we were playing at our
rival Pike high school the first time at their place.
We werent playing well in the first half. The game
Melissa Campbell, Bellevue Athletics
Jamey Nowlin
got called that night because of storms and was

rescheduled for the next day. The staff stayed
up late that night to make sure we were on the
same page. The kids came in a couple of hours
earlier than needed to get up and get used to an
unknown routine. It also allowed us to talk about
our team and how we needed to play harder together and with more confidence. The kids came
out the next day and played great in an adverse
situation. I couldnt be more proud of our staff
or our players with how well they responded to
a routine change, going to a rivals home field
twice, and responding so well after not playing
our best the previous night.
0VS UFBN XBT NVDI NPSF NBUVSF NFOUBMMZ
and physically. We put more time in the weight
room than we ever had. It was six straight
months of lifting after school. It was extremely
intense. What made it great was that the players
were the ones who led the whole process, and
they were fantastic to work with every day.
Southwest
Josh Niblett
Hoover High School (AL)
The Buccaneers went 15-0 and won the
6A state championship.
football coach?
I think the biggest thing this past year was that
within our program all we talked about was greatness, which means doing things better than they
have ever been done before. This group of seniors,
since they were sophomores, have done everything you can do as a high school football player:
spend the night on the road, play on TV, play bigtime programs from out of state, play in the state
championship game, win a region crown, and be
the north champions. But they hadnt won a state
championship. They wanted to go out leaving a
legacy of greatness and they did.
0OF EFOJOH NPNFOU UIJT ZFBS XBT QSPC
ably the semifinals. We were playing a team
that we did not match up well with. They were
extremely fast and physical, but after watching
film all week, we felt like we could use that to our
advantage. So we isolated our receivers, who are
great route runners, on their linebackers, and we
frustrated them all night. We were 9-11 on 3rd
down conversions and didnt punt until there
were six minutes left in the game, which in turn
opened up the run game. We ended up with a
44-20 victory and 512 yards offense. Its all about
preparation for defining moments.
8FOJTIFE0VSNPUUPXBTi0OF1MVT'JOJTI
the Climb. We had drills in the off-season called
UIF0OF1MVT%SJMM0OF1MVTCFDBNFQBSUPGPVS
daily language. It was universal to all in the program. That is all we preached in the off-season, in
the classroom, in the community, at home, when
fundraising, at practice, meetings, games and
the season. It became a way of life for us and our
program. We have a pyramid for greatness that
we work to instill in the players through a proDFTTDBMMFEi0VS4UBOEBSEPG(SFBUOFTTw5IFLFZ
XPSEJT0638FXBOUUPCSVTIPVSUFFUICFUUFS
take the trash out better, do everything we can
to achieve greatness. We dont care what other
programs are doing because we cannot control
them, but we do control the Bucs.
West
Butch Goncharoff
Bellevue High School (WA)
The Wolverines went 14-0 and won the
3A State Championship.
football coach?
We turned the ball over in the playoffs a year
ago. But this season we only turned the ball over
a total of only six times, one pick and five fumbles
in a 14-game season. And we had only two negative plays all season. Were a Wing-T team, in the
spread 40 percent of the time, so that was pretty
impressive for us do that.
the most from last season? And what did you do
to foster that improvement?
We honestly got a lot better in our two-minute
offense. We spent a lot of time on it in the spring,
JODMVEJOHBUUFOEJOHBDMJOJDBU0SFHPO8FQMBZFE
faster and quicker. We improved at the entire
process of getting points before half in situations
when we needed to score.
In our first game against Trinity, they surprised
us a little bit by mixing up their fronts and showing us some things that we hadnt seen. At halftime, we came out and made some adjustments
of running a counter play and a trap. We actually
pulled the tackle instead of the guard. We ended
up scoring on the first two drives of the half. I think
that was our best half-time adjustment. p
29
Want More Xs and Os?
Strength & Conditioning
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Program Management
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Defense
Special Teams
Program Management
Offense
Defense
Program Management
3. Helps tire out the defense. Another huge

advantage is to tire out the defense, especially
the defensive line. We all know that the game is
won and lost in the trenches, so whatever the
offense can do to tire out the defensive line will
be a benefit that grows as the game goes on. A
tired defense will make both physical and mental mistakes which leads to giving up points.
PLAY FAST FROM THE VERY START!

#Z.BSD,PMCtOffensive CoordinatortTusculum College
very football team in America does

the same thing when they have to
score at the end of the half or at the
end of the game. They go no-huddle,
play out of one personnel group, and
play as fast as they can. Why wait? Why wait
until the end of the half or end of the game to
give your offense its best chance to move the
football and score points?
Defenses are getting smarter and more
complicated every year. They are better at understanding what the offense is attempting to
run based on personnel groups or formations
being used. The offense must do something
different to keep the defense off balance and
to gain an advantage. We believe that playing
fast helps to create that advantage.
In 2010 we had one of the best offensive
seasons in school history. Tusculum College
led all of college football (all NCAA divisions)
in passing yards per game with 424.8 and we
were nationally-ranked in almost every major
category. We led our conference in per-game
averages for total offense, passing yards, scoring, first downs, red zone scoring, and third
down conversions. Our dedication to playing
gridiron strategies
fast-paced has helped us to become much

more effective as an offensive unit.
2010 National Rankings in Division II

Passing Offense
Total Offense
Scoring Offense
1st downs per game
Red Zone Scoring
3rd Down Conversion
424.6
484.6
39.9
25
91.1 %
45.9 %
#1
#5
#5
#5
#5
#13
In 2007, I joined the staff at Tusculum and

we immediately became a fast-paced, no-huddle team. Even though playing with almost the
exact same personnel on the field, the improvements were immediate and significant. There
was over a 1,500- yard improvement in total offense and we scored almost 10 points more per
game in the very first season. But short-term
gains are never enough. By continuing to push
the pace, we have maintained those improvements over the past four seasons.
Season
Plays per
Game
Plays per
Minute
Total
Offense
Points per
Game
1st downs
per Game
Yards per
Play
2006 prior
to arrival
61.5
280.5
18.2
15.7
4.6
2007
1st season
77.1
2.7
417.8
27.8
22.4
5.4
2008
70.5
2.6
445.2
34.8
22.9
6.3
2009
70.8
2.6
391.7
29.4
19.7
5.5
2010
79.5
2.8
484.6
39.9
25
6.1
No Huddle
Averages
74.4
2.7
434.8
32.9
22.5
5.8
4. Control the speed of the game. Generally,

coaches recognize the offense has two major
advantages they know where they are going
and they know the snap count. But I believe
the offenses ability to control the speed of the
game is just as important. By playing fast the
offense always puts the defense in a catch-up
mode. They must hurry to get lined up, hear
the defensive call, etc. This creates mental fatigue as the game goes on.
5. Practice is on your side. An offense has a
much easier time simulating game speed during practice than the defense. Therefore, the
offense has a much greater advantage come
game time when it plays at a fast pace.
Communication is key.
When you go no-huddle, then the offense
must be able to communicate quickly and effectively. Regardless of how plays are called, the information must get to the each offensive player
as quickly as possible. Each no-huddle team has
their own way of getting it done whether it is
signals, wristbands, or picture boards. Find your
best way to get the information to the players
as quickly and succinctly as possible. Everybody
must be on the same page.
But how do you practice no-huddle while
being able to simulate game speed?
The first concept is defeating the reach block. This is the basic principle that all of our D-line play is based on. In block reaction, we tell our
linemen that anything they see that is not a down block is to be viewed
as a reach block. A reach block, a drive block, double teams, and a pass
set are all releases of the offensive linemen that are to be played exactly the same. We attack the reach block by shooting the outside hand
to the nine oclock position on the offensive linemans shoulder and the
inside hand to the six oclock position on the defenders chest. We then
teach the defender to push the nine and pull the six trying to turn the
shoulder of the offensive lineman and then ripping the six oclock hand
through while clearing the hips.
2. The defense has less time to react. By going quickly on offense, the defense has less
time to make its adjustments. The defense
must play as quickly as the offense. The defensive coordinator must anticipate instead of reacting to the offensive personnel group. Also,
it is much more difficult for the defense to disguise coverages or bluff their pressure looks
because they are worried about how quickly
the offense will snap the ball.
WHY WAIT?
Special Teams
Offense
Reach IBlocks
The benefits of the no-huddle offense are

simple and well understood.
1. Limit defensive substitutions. The defense
is just as personnel-dependent as the offense.
When you can limit what personnel group the
defense has on the field, then you can limit
what different looks and blitzes the defense
can run, giving the offense an advantage.
Down IBlocks
The scout team defense must be able to

line up and play as quickly as the offense. We
have our scout defense working off of wristbands. Each defensive player has a wristband
that tells him what to do on each given play. He
is told where to line up, where to blitz, or what
type of coverage is being run. Normally 16-18
different looks can be created on a wristband.
One of the coaches is responsible for calling out
the corresponding number on the scout wristbands to get the defense lined up correctly.
During a normal 20-minute team period,
our offense is able to run 50-60 plays. Our goal
during a game is to run 2.75 to 3.0 plays per
minute off the game clock, so we are pushing
to create that level of game speed during each
scout team period. In order to keep that pace
going, the coaching staff cannot stop practice
to make corrections to individual players. If
there is a problem with multiple players, then
make the corrections. But if the correction
only deals with an individual player, pull that
individual player out and make the correction.
During a game, you cannot stop to make the
correction, so why should it be done in practice? Isnt our primary goal during practice to
teach the players how to play during games?
Every coach wants more practice time.
The best way to gain practice time is to practice
at the no-huddle pace. Since the offense and
scout defense are moving so quickly they are
able to get more reps during the practice. Also,
there is not as much of a need for conditioning.
The players are able to work themselves into
playing shape as they take actual reps instead
of dedicating time solely to a conditioning period. Finally, by getting more reps during practice, you have more time to focus on specific
game situations such as third down or red zone
offense. The more these specific situations are
practiced, the better the offense will be able to
handle them during the game.
The down block is played by shooting the hands at the hip of the
offensive lineman and attempting to grab cloth and pull down towards
the ball constricting the next inside gap. We use this aiming point to
get the shoulders turned in an attempt to run and squeeze as much air
out of the gaps as possible.
What about time of possession?

This is the most over-used and over-discussed stat in all of football. Time of possession only matters in the fourth quarter. Obviously, you have to be able to control the clock
late in the game when you have the lead, but
that is the only part of the game where time
of possession matters. Which is more difficult
for a defense to play against - an offense that
takes its time or an offense that runs a lot of
plays? Being on the field is not what tires out
a defense. Having to defend a lot of plays is
what creates a tired defense and eventually
leads to defensive confusion and mistakes.
ARKANSAS TECH DEFENSES

TEACHING PROGRESSION
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marc Kolb is in his fifth season
as OC at Tusculum College. He
was promoted to assistant head
coach in 2008. Last fall, Kolb led
Tusculum to the #1 passing offense in the country (among all
NCAA divisions). He previously coached at MissouriRolla, Fairfield University, Curry College and Framingham State. Kolb is a 1994 graduate of Brown.
gridironstrategies.com
We accomplish these goals by giving our young men only a few

things in which to be proficient. Only five concepts are taught to our
group and we repeat these things over and over in practice. We attempt to be as multiple as these concepts allow us to be. We do not
install anything that the athletes can not rely on and execute. We believe these concepts fit everything that we teach and it gives the players something that they have done hundreds of times.
We will look at each position and the concepts that we teach. We
keep these concepts the same to ensure that our players recognize the
situations very quickly and give them the opportunity to play fast.
Defensive line
There are five concepts that we teach the defensive line and everything
that we ask them to do is taught in these concepts. They include:
3. Pass rush.
4. Blitz Responsibility.
5. Pass Drops.
Special Teams
Program Management
Offense
Defense
4. Gap assignments in blitzes.

5. Man technique vs. running back in peel situations.
Gap Responsibility vs. Run
The Only Four Running Plays

You Need for
Your Option
Offense
Program Management
Special Teams
Offense
Defense
Diagram 1: Veer
Drops vs. Pass
IBlitz Calls vs. Formations
Pass Rush
Gap Responsibilities in IBlitz
Our basic pass rush techniques mirror our playing of the reach block.
We feel that a defensive lineman has to have a plan to be an effective
pass rusher and we want the plan to be a habit. We believe that with
a great ball get-off and a repetitive move of pushing the nine, pulling
the six, and ripping through, our linemen get into their pass rush mode
a lot quicker.
They must know their gap or responsibility in each of our blitzes

whether it is run or pass. This concept is practiced much like an offense
running play. We run a blitz on barrels drill every day to work the concept of blitz responsibility.
IBlitz Gap Responsibility
All of our linebackers must know that in certain blitzes they are responsible for the running back. We still want them to bring pressure
but if the running back attempts to go out into a route, their job is to
peel out of the blitz and cover the running back.
We all have a job to do in our blitz schemes, from sacking the quarterback, to shortening the edge, to occupying a blocker. We ask our
players to know their assignments and gaps within the framework of
the defense.
Pass Drops
1. Defeat the reach block.

2. Squeeze the down block.
3. Blitz calls vs. formation.
We have evolved our linebacker system to make as many opportunities for our athletes to be downhill players vs. the run game. There are
only a few situations in which we ask our backers to be flow fitters vs. the
run. Most of our gap fits are predetermined or based on the release of
the offensive lineman aligned directly in front of them. We are a one-gap
fit with the linebackers and we feel this allows them to play fast and be
much more aggressive.
All of our blitzes are based on the formation the offense aligns. We
give our defense a set of variables to determine where the blitz is to
come from. For example, it could be tight end, most receivers, field,
and left. The defense goes through this progression and determines
the direction from which the blitz comes from. Our linebackers are
responsible for setting the blitz just like the quarterback changes the
play on offense.
#Z+F#ZSEtDefensive Coordinator tArkansas Tech University
ur philosophy at Arkansas Tech University is to be an attacking and dictating style of defense. We want to play with great
intensity and confidence by limiting the thought process of
our athletes and allowing them to feel that we are always pro-active
in our approach and not reactive. We want as much of our scheme to
be like the offense in that we know where we are going on the snap
of the football. We want to be simple in scheme, play with our eyes
and attack, attack, attack. Offenses are based on timing in so many
ways timing on the snap, timing on the throws, and timing on speed
sweeps. We want to do as much to disrupt the timing of these things
as possible. There are also many option concepts in todays offensive
football and we want to make those concepts happen faster than they
normally do. We then create the match-up that we are looking for in
our base schemes vs. the quarterback and not the coaches in the box.
We are, first and foremost, dedicated to stopping the run. The only
way to have any success on defense is to make an offense one-dimensional. Once eliminating the run game portion of the game plan, we
feel we can attack the other teams protection schemes from a variety
of different angles from our 3-3 stack alignment. We also look to change
the coverage by mixing different underneath and top shell alignments
to cause confusion of the quarterback and have him hold the ball one
more count. This gives our pressure package time to get there.
2. Drops vs. pass.
All of our zone drops are based off of two concepts. One of those
concepts puts us in a spot drop mentality (hash, middle, hash). The
other concept is based on a pattern read principle. The pattern read
principle we call 2 to 1. The rule is if 2 goes away, I work to 1. If I am
dropping to a 2 x2 set and 2 runs the out cut, I work to get under the
number 1 receiver. It is one of the easiest concepts to talk about but
takes many repetitions to master.
Dont be afraid - be aggressive.

The safest way to play is to be like everybody else. Unless you are blessed with far superior athletes than your opponent, you have
to take some well-calculated chances to be
successful. By playing fast and operating in a
no-huddle, you give your offense a chance to
build confidence, move the football, and score
points. It does not matter if you are a run-first
no-huddle team, balanced no-huddle team,
or a passing no-huddle team because the offense is ultimately judged by one primary criteria how many points did you score?
Defense
LineIBacker Play
The five concepts that we teach linebackers include:
1. Gap responsibility vs. run.
We ask our defensive linemen to drop in some of our zone-blitz concepts. We give them landmarks during their drops and practice these
so it becomes repetitive. We teach a hash drop, a low hole drop, and
a curl drop. We dont do anything more than these three in order to
provide simplicity to these concepts.
14 gridiron strategies
Man Techniques in IBlitz Peel Situations
Defensive IBack Play

The five concepts we teach defensive backs are as follows:
1. Be a flat defender.
4. Gap responsibilities in the run game.
2. Split verticals.
5. Gap responsibilities.
3. Man techniques.
Diagram 2: Blast
#Z1BVM"OUIPOZ.BSLPXTLJtRunning Backs CoachtMansfield University
here are literally hundreds of running

plays that have been drawn up over
the years. How does a coach determine
which plays are the best? It is my belief that the answer lies in the old tried and
true football principle called: KISS (otherwise
known as Keep It Simple Stupid).
Four Plays is All You Need
This article diagrams and explains the four
running plays that I believe to be the cornerstone of an option offense. The key to achieving success using these plays comes down to
ensuring one thing - lots of repetition. These
plays must be repped each and every practice
- countless times. Your players will know these
plays like the backs of their own hands. Since
we only have four run plays, our players must
become experts in executing all four plays. We
will be better at running the plays than the defense will be at defending them. Each player
on offense must truly believe that, as a unit,
we cannot be denied. Having confident play-
ers leads to them playing aggressively. That is

the key.
Veer (Diagram 1)
This is our bread and butter triple option
play. It is really three plays in one. This is the
one play that we must execute flawlessly as the
other three plays feed off of the veers success.
Player Assignments/ Rules
QB: Mesh with diving B-back. Read your dive
key (first defensive lineman face-up or outside
of the playside OT). Eeither pull or give. If he
gets a pull read, QB takes the ball and attacks
the inside thigh of his pitch key (next defensive player outside of the dive key). QB either
pitches or keeps.
B-Back: Aiming point is the crack of the butt
of the playside OG and mesh with QB. If given
ball, follow blocks. If ball is pulled, then block
the dive key.
Blast (Diagram 2)
Diagram 3: Counter Option

BSG: If covered, man block. If uncovered, protect playside gap. Help center.
A-Back: Get into a 4X4 pitch relationship with

the QB and keep your eyes on him at all times.
If the ball is pitched, take to perimeter and follow blocks.
This is our A-back iso play. The iso block is performed by our B-back.
C: If covered, block man. If uncovered, protect

playside gap. Help PSG.
PSG: If covered, block man. If uncovered, protect playside gap. Help OT.
X (playside WR): Get to third level safety.
QB: At the snap, make an effort to vacate the

QB/center area as you take your steps back
(this allows room for the pulling lineman to
get to his assignment). Handoff to A-back.
Z (backside WR): Cut off block on safety.

playside gap. Combo with playside OG.
PSG: If covered, block man. If uncovered, get
to second level backer.
PST: If covered, veer release to second level
backer. If uncovered, get to second level backer.
BSG: Scoop towards playside gap (cut).
B-Back: Responsibility is for the widest LB in

tackle box on the playside.
A-Back: Aiming point is the crack of the playside OGs butt. Read blocks and cut off of what
you see.
X (backside receiver): Get to third level safety
for cut off block.
BST: Scoop towards playside gap (cut).
Z (play side receiver): Stock cornerback.
BSY: Get to second level.
BST: Pull to playside A-gap and hammer first

wrong color jersey.
PST: If covered, block man. If uncovered, protect playside gap. Get to second level.
PSY: If covered, block man. If uncovered, get
to second level.
Counter Option (Diagram 3)

This play will keep the defense honest if
they start to key on O-line/ back movement.
butt. Get to second level backer.

A-Back: Take a single counter step towards
the backside. Then, get into a 4X4 pitch relationship with QB. If pitched the ball, follow
blocks on the perimeter.
X (playside receiver): Get to second level
backer. If no one shows, get to third level.
Z (backside receiver): Get to third level for
cut off block on safety.
PST: If covered, block man. If uncovered, get
to second level.
PSG: If covered, block man. If uncovered, get
to second level.
playside gap; help PSG. Get to second level.
BSG: Scoop towards playside gap (cut).
QB: Reverse out and immediately attack the

pitch key (force defender); either keep the ball
and get north, or pitch to trailing back.
BST: Scoop towards playside gap (cut).
B-Back: Track is into the crack of backside OGs
BSY: Get to second level.

Running Plays continued on back cover
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6!2)!",%3
Knowing how to analyze over 100 offensive variables

gives your defense a statistical edge.
#Z#SJBO'MFVSZtDefensive Backs Coach and Special Teams CoordinatortTowson University
very defensive coordinator has his own style and process in preparing a game plan for the next opponent. Part of this process is detailing the
statistical side of probability on the opponents play selection. Ideally, each defensive call has the probability of being successful, helps create
one-on-one favorable match-ups and allows the players to execute the proper techniques in stopping the offense. If two out of these three
criteria are met on each play, it will usually be a successful play for the defense.
GAME PLAN PROCESS

The first step in formulating an effective game
plan is the analysis of raw data. In order for the
process to be efficient, it is important that all data
is accurate, especially in situations where the
amount of plays is limited. In a small sample set,
a single mislabeled play will alter the percentages
by tens and skew the statistics. Therefore, ensuring the data is accurate prior to analysis is critical.
When performing any sort of data analysis
it is also important to understand the variables

and how they interact with each other. Different
combinations of variables in different order will
give a varying array of percentages. For the purposes of defensive game planning, there are five
variables that are considered Primary Variables.
They are:
1. Field position
2. Down and distance (D and D)
3. Personnel
4. Time on clock
5. Score of game
These variables encompass all the relevant information that a defensive play caller is guaranteed to have prior to each play. The interaction
of these variables creates a web of probability
that when properly analyzed can give the de-
31
Understanding the primary variables and their interaction with

each other is critical to eective data analysis in formulating
a defensive game plan.
fensive play caller insight into the offensive play

callers tendency to select a run or pass in certain
typical situations. In some situations it can give
the defensive play caller and idea as to the specific scheme that will be used by the offense.
Beyond the primary variables, there are secondary variables that should also be analyzed. These
variables provide information that is not guaranteed to be obtained prior to the snap and, therefore, is typically not used to determine the initial
defensive play selection. These variables include:
1. Formation
or check the defensive call to one that gives

them a schematic advantage. These tendencies should always be analyzed and considered.
However, Checks and Audibles in a defensive
game plan typically requires an advanced level
of knowledge and savvy on the part of the players who are being asked to execute the game
plan and may not always be utilized.
Finally, there are Tertiary Variables that can
be used similar to secondary variables. But they
are not typically used in traditional data analysis.
Tertiary variables are identified through intensive film study and are not always present. Some
examples of these variables include:
2. Backfield set
1. Offensive linemen stance (2pt/3pt)
3. Shifts and motions
2. Offensive linemen splits and levels
4. Formation strength relative to hash
3. Receiver splits and levels
5. Displacement of eligible receivers
4. Receiver stance (outside/inside foot up)
6. Positioning of specific personnel
(e.g., #80 in the slot position)
These variables are typically used to formulate a system of Checks and Audibles for the
defensive game plan. The information provided
from analyzing these variables along with the
primary variables can provide the opportunity
for the defensive players on the field to anticipate a specific offensive play and either make a
slight adjustment to gain a physical advantage,
32
5. Running back splits and levels

6. Pre-snap gestures
In some instances, the identification of these
variables can provide a defensive player with insight as to the scheme of the next offensive play.
The potential for this advantage makes it necessary to consider these variables when formulating the defensive game plan.
DATA ANALYSIS
Understanding the primary variables and
their interaction with each other is critical to effective data analysis in formulating a defensive
game plan. The variables will only generate relevant data when arranged properly with each
situation. For example, on 1st and 10, personnel
will be the primary variable that most accurately
dictates the run/pass or play selection tendency
of the offensive play caller. However, on 3rd and
15, the D and D takes precedent over personnel
in dictating the tendencies of the offensive play
caller. Furthermore, less than one minute to play
in the fourth quarter and a deficit of six points,
take precedent over D and D and personnel in
that situation. Not arranging the variables in order of importance will provide the defensive play
caller with incomplete data and leads to poor
play selection. In order to properly arrange the
variables, it is important to define what a normal situation is. This means that when in a normal situation, the variable is not the primary
factor impacting the offensive play callers selection. For the purposes of this discussion, we will
use the following values for the normal range:
1. Field position = between -10 and +25
2. D and D = 1st and 10 or 2nd and med (3-6)
3. Time on clock = greater than 2:00 left in 2nd
or 4th quarter
4. Score of game = lead/deficit is less than 21

points
With all other variables in a normal state,
personnel will be the primary variable used to
determine offensive tendencies. Once one of
the variables enters an abnormal state, the data
must be analyzed in multiple arrangements to
determine the philosophy of the offensive play
caller and plan for the appropriate scenario as it
applies to that particular opponent.
For example, a 2nd and short situation may
be viewed as a choice down (2nd and short run/
pass percentage consistent with overall R/P percentage) for some offensive play callers, and it
may be seen as an opportunity to take a shot at a
big play for some others, as indicated by a significantly higher pass percentage. If 2nd and short is
determined to be a choice down, then personnel
remains the primary variable used to establish
the tendencies. If 2nd and short is determined to
have a significantly higher pass percentage, then
the D and D overrides personnel as a means to
ascertain the R/P and play selection tendencies
for that particular offensive play caller.
This example highlights the need to analyze
the data in multiple forms in order to determine
which percentages are most relevant to a particular offensive play caller, and, hopefully obtain
an indication as to his play calling philosophy in
any given situation. This process requires that we
examine the following data reports containing
primary variables on a weekly basis (in order to
consolidate the data, D and D and Field Zone are
grouped into relevant sub-categories; i.e., short,
medium, long, red zone, grey zone, etc.):
1. Overall R/P
15. R/P by personnel by two-minute
37. R/P by D and D by field zone by two-minute
16. R/P by personnel by 21 point lead/deficit
38. R/P by D and D by field zone by 21-point

lead/deficit
17. Play selection by personnel by D and D

18. Play selection by personnel by field zone
19. Play selection by personnel by two-minute
20. Play selection by personnel by 21 point lead/
deficit
39. Play selection by D and D by field zone by

two-minute
40. Play selection by D and D by field zone by
21 point lead/deficit
41. R/P by personnel by field zone by twominute
21. R/P by D and D by field zone

22. R/P by D and D by two-minute
23. R/P by D and D by 21-point lead/deficit
42. R/P by personnel by field zone by 21-pont

lead/deficit
43. Play selection by personnel by field zone by

two-minute
24. Play selection by D and D by field zone

25. Play selection by D and D by two-minute
44. Play selection by personnel by field zone by

21-point lead/deficit
26. Play selection by D and D by 21-point lead/

deficit
Note that we never progress beyond three active

variables. The data becomes too diluted.
27. R/P by personnel by D and D by field zone
The data contained in these reports will be analyzed along with detailed film study to compile a
game plan that gives us a schematic advantage in
the appropriate situations. Once the tendencies
have been determined for both run/pass and play
selection within each situation, we will choose the
defensive calls from our menu that schematically
give us the greatest chance of success against the
schemes we will most likely see. These defensive
calls will be divided into two categories base defenses with stunts (3 or 4-man rush) and pressures
(5+ man rush).
In situations where the opponent tends to run
the ball 40% or more of the time, we will choose
defenses best suited to stop the run while maintaining the integrity of our pass defense. The base
defenses will utilize stunts designed to attack the
blocking schemes of the opponents favorite run
plays combined with coverages that tend to give us
a numerical advantage and allow us to cancel every
offensive gap. The pressures will be selected based
on their ability to attack the offense where they are
likely to be running the football while maintaining
integrity against less likely plays.
2. R/P by personnel
3. R/P by D and D
28. R/P by personnel by D and D by two-minute
4. R/P by field zone
5. R/P by 2-minute
6. R/P by 21 point lead/deficit
29. R/P by personnel by D and D by 21-point

lead/deficit
30. Play selection by personnel by D and D by
field zone
7. Overall play selection by R/P

8. Play selection by personnel
9. Play selection by D and D

two-minute
21-point lead/deficit
10. Play selection by field zone

33. R/P by field zone by two-minute
11. Play selection by two-minute
34. R/P by field zone by 21-point lead/deficit
12. Play selection by 21 point lead/deficit
35. Play selection by field zone by two-minute
13. R/P by personnel by D and D
14. R/P by personnel by field zone
36. Play selection by field zone by 21-point

lead/deficit
33
In situations where the opponent tends to pass

the ball 61% or more of the time, we will choose
defenses best suited to stop the pass. The base
defenses will utilize coverages designed to give
us the best chance for success against their favorite route combinations while using stunts that
allow us to stress the protection scheme being
utilized by the offense. The pressures will be selected based on their ability to attack the protections and threaten the quarterback while utilizing
coverages that give us the best chance for success
against their favorite route combination.
As a general rule, the game plan is formulated
with the intent on stopping the run first. This is
why we continue to focus on stopping the run in
situations where the offensive tendency is to throw
60% of the time. In these situations, both base and
pressure defenses will be selected based on their
ability to stop the probable runs. Notice that on
passing downs, the priority in base defense is to
cover the routes and the priority in pressure defense is to threaten the quarterback.
Selection of base defense vs. pressure on passing downs is typically based on the ability of the
opposing QB in three categories. Does he have a
strong arm? Is he intelligent or does he make good
decisions in the pass game? Is he accurate with his
passing? Keep in mind that we might evaluate an
opposing quarterback to be strong in any combination of the three categories, or deficient in any of
the three categories. In situations where a deficiency is not present, we will plan to attack the opposing quarterback with whatever we feel we execute
the best. The philosophy surrounding this thought
process is best illustrated by the diagram above.
For example, if a QB is deemed to be accurate
and intelligent, but does not have a strong arm,
we would plan to utilize more 8-man drop coverage in an effort to limit the amount of space
there is for the quarterback to fit the throw. The
combination of smaller throwing lanes and increased flight of the ball due to the lack of arm
strength should allow for more disrupted passes.
34
The variable that changes this philosophy is always the ability of the quarterback to extend the
play by running the football. This will typically
limit the amount of man coverage played by the
defense and significantly decrease the number
of available huddle calls.
We will also examine the following data reports
containing both primary and secondary variables:
1. R/P by formation
2. Play selection by formation
3. R/P by formation by personnel
4. Play selection by formation by personnel
5. R/P by backfield set
6. Play selection by backfield set
7. R/P by backfield set by formation
8. Play selection by backfield set by formation
9. R/P by backfield set by formation by personnel
10. Play selection by backfield set by formation
by personnel
This data will be analyzed along with intensive

film study to determine if the defensive play caller would like to utilize any Checks and Audibles
for the particular game. Typically, a R/P or play
selection tendency has to be greater than 85%
in order to justify the investment in a Check
or Audible for that situation. In many cases, it
is better to advise the players of any relevant
tendencies and allow them to anticipate the
selected offensive play giving them a physical
advantage, rather than investing in a Check or
Audible. The same holds true of any tendency
derived from evaluation of the tertiary variables.
Finally, there are certain Special Situations
which may lend themselves to create specific
tendencies on the part of the offensive play caller.
These situations are based on a variety of variables
typically extending beyond the three-variable
maximum utilized in general game planning. They
do, however, tend to establish tendencies worthy
of consideration in the defensive game plan. There
are also potential personnel tendencies which are
analyzed and may provide insight as to the offensive play callers general game philosophy. If broken down properly, these tendencies can typically
be viewed in the following reports:
1. R/P on 2nd and 10 after an incomplete pass
11. R/P by shifts and motions
2. Play selection on 2nd & 10 after an incomplete pass
12. Play selection by shifts and motions
3. R/P on 3rd down after a sack
13. R/P by formation strength relative to hash
4. Play selection on 3rd down after a sack
14. Play selection by formation strength relative

to hash
5. R/P on possession and 10 after a turnover
15. R/P by displacement of eligible receivers

16. Play selection by displacement of eligible
receivers
6. Play selection on possession and 10 after a

turnover
7. R/P on possession and 10 of the half
8. Play selection on possession and 10 of the half
DETERMINING
THE FAVORABLE MATCHUPS
9. Gadget plays
10. R/P after a successful gadget play
11. Play selection after a successful gadget play
12. R/P after a failed gadget play
13. Play selection after a failed gadget play
14. Passes attempted by pass zone
15. Receptions by position by formation
16. Receptions by player
17. Runs by position
18. Runs by position by formation
19. Runs by player
20. Overall touches by position per game
21. Overall touches by player per game
22. Average yards per touch by player
These reports generate information that may
only apply to one play throughout the game. However, the information should be analyzed and understood so the defensive play caller is prepared
with a defensive call if the situation presents itself.
Once the data analysis is complete, we should
have a list of base and pressure huddle calls prepared for the most prominent situations and
tendencies provided by the data. The amount
of huddle calls for each situation should be relative to the ratio of occurrence per game for that
situation. For example, there will be significantly
more huddle calls available for normal situations
than there will be for 2nd and long with the ball
on the -2 yard line. It is also important to understand that the goal of a defensive game plan is
to force the offensive play caller out of his comfort zone and, therefore, force the offense to do
something it is not accustomed to in order to
win the game. With this in mind, the defensive
game plan should provide the best opportunity
to stop the offenses 3-5 favorite runs or passes in
any given situation. If the opponent broke a 50yard run, but only ran this particular play once
in five games, the defensive play caller should
not be including a defense in the game plan that
stops that play, but may be weak against the play
they run 10 times a game in a similar situation.
This requires great discipline on the part of the
defensive coordinator, but is necessary in order
to guarantee the efficient use of time in the staff
room and at practice.
Once the data has been analyzed and the film

has been reviewed, it is important for the defensive staff to discuss the ability of the opponents
personnel in comparison to its own personnel.
Efficient data analysis aids the defensive play
caller in formulating a game plan that, based
on probability and statistics, should give the defense a schematic advantage.
Once this is completed, it is important to review the possible defensive huddle calls against
the 3-5 favorite runs and passes in any given
situation and discuss the potential one-on-one
matchups that will result from the clash of the
two opposing schemes. Generally speaking,
any defensive call that may potentially result in
significant amount of favorable matchups for
the defense should be highlighted. Conversely,
any defensive call that may result in a significant
amount of unfavorable matchups should potentially be removed from the game plan.
It is important to recognize that this process is
largely subjective and requires careful consideration on the part of the defensive staff. Suppose
a defensive call presents extremely favorable
matchups against all of the offenses plays except
the one they run the most. The decision to carry,
and ultimately call the play in a game situation
is that of the defensive play caller and is based
on his capability to evaluate his own defensive
players compared to the opponents offensive
players. The ability to influence the outcome of
the game may often be found in a play callers
efficiency in predicting favorable matchups for
the defensive personnel and repeatedly putting
them in a position to succeed.
lize him in coverage, even if he has a favorable

one-on-one matchup in pass rush situations.
Awareness of the strengths of the players adds
another variable to the play selection process.
However, these variables deserve consideration
and can often be used to help the defense gain
confidence over the course of a series or a game
by putting the players in a position to utilize their
strengths and experience success.
FINAL EVALUATION
Once the game plan has been refined, it is
important to continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the potential play calls during practice.
When planning practice, the coordinator should
maintain awareness of the probability of certain
situations occurring as well as the preferred ratio
of pressure to base defense. These ratios should
be maintained in preparation.
In other words, if you plan to pressure 65% of
the time in games, you should pressure 65% of
the time in practice. The same is true of other situations as well. If 30 out of 75 snaps in a game are
1st and 10 (30/75 = 40%), then 40% of the reps in
practice should be focused on defensive calls vs.
offensive calls that will likely occur on 1st and 10.
Over the course of the week, the coaching staff
must evaluate the effectiveness of the defenses
being utilized and potentially eliminate those
that have proven unsuccessful in practice. If done
efficiently, the game plan will be reduced and become more concise. The final product will be a list
of calls for given situations that have a probability
of providing a schematic advantage, while presenting favorable one-on-one matchups, and cultivating confidence over the course of the game.
CONCLUSION
DETERMINING
WHAT THE DEFENSE DOES WELL
Similar to the evaluation of favorable one-onone matchups is the discussion of what the defensive unit executes well. This process is typically
less subjective and can be researched through
statistical self-scout analysis and the grading of
individual positions on particular defensive calls.
For example, if playing cover 2 gives the defense a schematic advantage in a given situation, but historically, the defense is giving up 10+
yards per pass attempt in cover 2, the defensive
play caller may want to remove the call from the
game plan. In addition, if the defensive coordinator knows that the players execute a certain
pressure with great confidence, he may want to
highlight the opportunities to call that pressure
within the game plan. This philosophy extends
beyond the team concept as well. A good coordinator will be aware of individual strengths and
how they relate to defensive huddle calls.
For example, if a player is not an effective pass
rusher, it will probably be more efficient to uti-
The game planning process is a necessary

means to an end. The attention to detail in the
initial breakdown allows the opponent to be
seen from many different angles. The data analysis allows the defensive play caller to evaluate
and understand the opponents tendencies in
certain situations. The analysis of strengths over
weaknesses from both a personnel and team
standpoint allows us to put ourselves in a position to be successful. All of this is important.
However, the defensive play caller must be
cautious about paralysis by over analysis. It is
impossible to call the perfect play for every situation. We take a mathematical approach to planning and come up with the best plan based on
probability, but it is important to remember that
there is always a human element that can, and
will, deviate from the percentages and defeat the
science. The goal is to study, absorb, and commit
to memory as much information as possible over
the course of the week. Know the plan, trust your
own preparation, and at the end of the day go
with your gut. p
35
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GROSSMONT COLLEGE
Proper footwork and
technique are critical for
an offensive lineman.
By Ken Wilmesherr
Offensive Line CoachtGrossmont College
n Part I of this three-part series, we introduced our offensive line philosophy, the basics of the zone offense and key offensive line coaching points. In Part II, we will discuss the footwork, co-op blocks, and
schemes of the zone game.
FOOTWORK
The footwork is different for the zone play than most other offensive
plays. The first step is a directional step. The second step is a power step
with the emphasis on getting it on the ground as soon as possible. The
tighter the down defenders alignment, the tighter the step should be.
When executing the footwork for the zone play, linemen will step simultaneously, taking either a six-inch lateral jab step (set to drive directional
step) or a bucket step with an angle of departure of 45 degrees (set to
reach directional step) to the left or right. All linemen need to maintain
their directional track.
We keep the footwork simple and we have identified three types: covered steps for a covered lineman on inside zone, uncovered steps for an
uncovered lineman on inside zone, and outside zone. As we established
in Part I, footwork will vary between uncovered and covered linemen.
An offensive lineman is covered if he has a man on him on the line of
scrimmage. In addition, he must know if he is covered playside or covered
backside. He is covered playside if a defender is aligned in the playside
shade or gap. He is covered backside if no defender is in the playside shade
or gap, but is head up or in the backside gap.
A lineman is considered uncovered if he does not have a defender either backside, head up, or to the callside shade or gap on the LOS, but is
covered at depth by a second level defender. Uncovered linemen will zone
with the adjacent lineman to the call side. Covered linemen will zone with
the backside (away from the callside) lineman. If both backside linemen
are covered, then they must man block.
Here is an overview of the three types of footwork each offensive lineman must master:
I explain to my players their hip should open at a 45-degree angle to the

sideline. I also talk in terms of losing ground to gain ground. Losing ground
allows the uncovered lineman to get on the proper angle to make the block.
Second step: This is a vertical step to and through the defenders crotch
(knee to and through the crotch). It is important to get the second step in the
ground as soon as possible. The speed of the second step is important.
Third step: This step will square the offensive linemen upfield.
Covered Steps For Covered Linemen

This footwork is used by all covered linemen on the inside zone (Diagram 2).
Uncovered Steps for Uncovered Linemen

This is used against a wide defender playside, and by any uncovered
lineman in the inside zone concept (Diagram 1).
First step: This is a bucket step or drop step (set to reach directional step)
with the angle of departure at 45 degrees. The angle of departure will not
change, but the depth of the bucket step will depend on the alignment of
the down defender.
38
Diagram 1. Uncovered Steps

ZONE BLOCKING
First step: This is a six-inch lateral jab step (set to drive directional step)
with the play side foot.
Second step: This is a vertical step to and through the down defenders
crotch (knee to and through the crotch). The linemans base will narrow
slightly. It is important to get the second step in the ground as soon as possible. The speed of the second step is important.
Third step: This will square the offensive lineman upfield. It is important to
keep the shoulders square.
The covered lineman can do one of two things with his punch either
one-arm bench or rip to rise. A great teaching tool for the rip to rise is the
Crowther progression (the flipper). The co-op block (with an adjacent
blocker) will force defensive movement off the line of scrimmage, so make
sure the linemans eyes are on the second level defender.
Diagram 2. Covered Steps
PART 2:
FOOTWORK AND
BLOCKING SCHEMES
Footwork For Outside Zone

On outside zone, all linemen take uncovered steps and a bucket step
(set to reach directional step Diagram 3).
First step: This is a bucket step or drop step with the angle of departure
at 45 degrees (set to reach). The angle of departure will not change, but
the depth of the bucket step will depend on the alignment of the down
defender. Again, the linemans hip should open at a 45-degree angle to the
sideline, and that we are losing ground to gain ground.
Second step: This is an outside reach step trying to step on the outside
toes of the defender.
Third step: This step will square the offensive linemen upfield.
Diagram 3. Footwork Outside Zone

39
The offensive lineman is trying to rip the funnel on the bucket step. The
funnel is the elbow, ribs, and armpit of the defender. The entry level of the
funnel is between the elbow and ribs while the end of the funnel is the
armpit. When ripping the funnel, the lineman needs to stay square. Ripping
the funnel will disallow the defender to hold.
Overall, you can teach the footwork on the outside zone as: Bucket,
Cross Over, Rip.
If the linebacker is aligned over the callside lineman, then he will make
a thin call to alert the backside lineman that he will have very little to no
help on the down defender. Both linemen will execute a bucket (set to
reach) step aiming for the callside shoulders of the defenders.
If the linebacker is aligned over the backside lineman, the callside lineman will make a thick call and hang on the down defender one arm, maintaining pressure and inside leverage as both linemen work to the second
level defender.
TECHNIQUE AND CALLS FOR THE UNCOVERED LINEMAN

Thick Call
It is imperative that uncovered linemen understand the down defenders alignment (inside technique, head-up technique, or outside technique)
on the playside or callside covered lineman.
In this example, the Will linebacker is thick on the 2 (or 3) technique (Will
is stacked on the defensive end or is in the C gap on the back side). The
backside tackle and guard are blocking the 2 technique to the Will linebacker (4i at depth Diagram 8).
Inside Shade Technique

There is a greater chance (80%) the uncovered
lineman will end up blocking an inside shaded
defender (2i, 4i, 7 technique) unless the defender stunts away from him (Diagram 4).
WILL LB is Thick
The backside guard will

hang, getting a vertical push
on the down defender while
creating a double team until
the Will backer commits.
Diagram 4.
Head-Up Shade Technique
There is half the chance (50%) the uncovered lineman will end up blocking a head-up
defender (0, 2 ,4, 6 technique). The defender
can slant to either gap from a head-up alignment (Diagram 5).
Diagram 5.
Outside Shade Technique
There is a slight chance (20%) the uncovered lineman will end up blocking an outside
shaded defender (3, 5, or 9 technique) unless
the defender stunts to him (Diagram 6).
Diagram 8.
Thin Call
In this example, Will is at a 3-technique at depth while splitting the
crotch or stacked over the 2 (or 3) technique (Diagram 9).
The backside guard will make a thin call to alert the backside tackle that
he will not hang on the first level defender. The footwork will also change
on a thin call as the guard will take uncovered steps.
Mike LB is Thick
WILL LB is Thin
Diagram 6.
TECHNIQUE AND CALLS FOR THE COVERED LINEMAN
Covered linemen make thin or thick calls on the inside zone. These
calls are determined by the linebackers alignment at depth. For example,
if the defense is a 4-3, the center will make a defensive recognition call to
alert the entire line. The backside guard will then make a co-op call to alert
the backside tackle. The covered lineman will make a thick or thin call at
the LOS (Diagram 7).
Diagram 9.
CO-OPS
Diagram 7.
40
When teaching the zone, we use playside and backside co-op block concepts. Co-op blocks are defined as two or more adjacent linemen working
together on a down defender on level one and a linebacker on level two.
A term I use when teaching co-ops is piggyback, which an uncovered
lineman uses to handle slants, stunts, and blitzes. The uncovered lineman
will try to piggyback the covered lineman on the inside zone.
When we make our calls on the LOS, we start from the call side out and
work in to the back side. Thin and thick calls are made depending on the
alignment of the second level defender.
Backside Co-Ops
Playside Co-Ops
We have six backside co-ops: slug, buzz, swap, scoop, solid and trip. Here
are examples of each:
We have six playside co-ops: single, double, triple, gang, trio and triplet.
Here are examples of each:
Single: Playside co-op between

the center and guard (Diagram 16).
Slug: Backside co-op between the tight

end and tackle (Diagram 10).
Diagram 10.
Diagram 16.
Buzz: Backside co-op between the tight

end and tackle working to a safety on the
second level (Diagram 11).
Diagram 11.
Double: Playside co-op

between the guard and
tackle (Diagram 17).
Diagram 17.
Triple: Playside co-op

between the tackle and tight
end (Diagram 18).
Swap: Backside co-op between the tackle

and guard (Diagram 12).
Diagram 12.
Diagram 18.
Gang: Playside co-op
between the back
side tackle, back side
guard, center, and
playside guard
(Diagram 19).
Scoop: Backside co-op between the

guard and center (Diagram 13).
Diagram 13.
Diagram 19.
Trio: Playside co-op between

the backside guard, center, and
playside guard (Diagram 20).
Solid: Backside
co-op between the
TE, tackle and guard
(Diagram 14).
Diagram 14.
Diagram 20.
Trip: Backside co-op

between the tackle,
guard and the center
(Diagram 15).
Diagram 15.
Triplet: Playside
co-op between the
guard, tackle, and TE
(Diagram 21).
Diagram 21.
41
SAMPLE ZONE SCHEMES

A scheme is defined as a combination of blocks in either the running
game or passing game. Here are a few examples of inside and outside zone
schemes against some of the defenses we see each season:
Weak Inside Zone vs. 5-3 (Diagram 22)
TE: Set to reach; (Buzz call) with the tackle
SST: Set to drive; Thick (Buzz call) with tight end
SSG: Set to drive; (Scoop call) with center
C: Set to reach; Thick (Scoop call) with SSG
BSG: Set to drive; maintain inside leverage
BST: Set to drive; maintain inside leverage
Inside Zone vs. 4-3 (Diagram 24)

TE: Set to drive; Thick (Triple call) with the tackle
SST: Set to Reach; (Triple call) with tight end
SSG: Set to drive; Thick (Single call) with center
C: Set to reach; (Single call) with SSG
BSG: Set to drive; Thick (Swap call) with BST
BST: Set to reach; (Swap call) with BSG
Diagram 24.
Diagram 22.
Outside Zone vs. 4-3 (Diagram 23)

TE: Set to reach; (Triple call) with the tackle
SST: Set to reach; (Triple call) with tight end
SSG: Set to reach; (Single call) with center
C: Set to reach; (Single call) with SSG
BSG: Set to reach; (Swap call) with BST
BST: Set to reach; (Swap call) with BSG
Outside Zone vs. Eagle Weak (Diagram 25)

TE: Set to reach; maintain inside leverage, possible triplet with tackle and
guard
SST: Set to reach; maintain inside leverage, possible triplet with tight end
and guard or possible double with guard
SSG: Set to reach; possible triplet with tight end and tackle or possible
double with tackle
C: Set to Reach; (Scoop call) with BSG
BSG: Set to reach; (Scoop call) with center
BST: Cut the 3 technique
Diagram 25.
Diagram 23.
42
Inside Zone vs. Eagle Weak (Diagram 26)

TE: Set to drive; maintain inside leverage
SST: Set to drive; maintain inside leverage, possible double with SSG
SSG: Set to drive; Thin (Single call) with center, or possible double with SST
C: Set to reach; (Single call) with SSG or a possible trip call with the BSG
and BST
BSG: Set to reach; Thin (Swap call) with tackle or a possible trip call with
center and BST
BST: Set to reach; (Swap call) with BSG or a trip call with the center and
BSG p
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Diagram 26.
(Part III will cover the line drills used to teach the fundamentals
and techniques of the run game).
About the Author: A frequent contributor to both American Football Monthly and
Gridiron Strategies, Ken Wilmesheer is the Offensive Line Coach at Grossmont College. He has over 30 years of coaching experience on the high school and college
level. Wilmesheer previously coached at Southwestern College and holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Chapman College.
Ken Wilmesheer answer your questions on Facebook - just go

to http://www.facebook.com/AmericanFootballMonthly/
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Looking Back at the Backside Tackle August, 2012

The W Drill Offensive Line Style March, 2010
O-Line Drills for the Inside Zone July, 2008
43
Todays
TIGHT ENDS
have
become
an integral
part of every
offense.
By Aaron Best
Offensive Coordinator
Eastern Washington University
oday, tight ends have become a fusion of a wide receiver, running

back, and offensive tackle. Due to their athletic limitations, the oldschool tight ends were always attached to the offensive line with
their hand on the ground. The defense knew this and could call defenses accordingly. The new school tight ends are lining up in the backfield
and flexing out both as slot and outside receivers to cause matchup issues.
Many teams are now doing this with two or more tight ends in the game
at the same time. This strategy greatly limits a defensive coordinators personnel and schematic options. These defensive limitations allow offenses
a multitude of play call opportunities.
We rotate in as many as four different guys at tight end that all bring
something special to the scheme. This year, we have utilized our tight ends
much more than in years past due to our re-dedication to running the ball.
44
The larger bodies have helped our once-struggling running game in becoming something we can hang our hat on again. The formation used the
most is a two tight end and two wide receiver balanced set (Diagram 1).
Diagram 1.
If tight ends are effective in the vertical passing game and the inside
zone concept, it will open up the play-action pass. The play-action pass
consists of a multitude of route combinations. Here is a play-action concept that is effective vs. a single or two high safeties (Diagram 4).
We love to run the ball out of this formation and have seen success. Inside zone is a common play run these days that includes the tight ends
blocking the defensive end one-on-one. With the new school tight end
being able to handle the defensive end, it allows the zone play to create
seams in the defensive front (Diagram 2).
Diagram 2.
Diagram 4.
Out of this formation there are many different passing combinations to

beat multiple coverages. A common play out of this formation is four verticals. The two wide receivers run fade routes which will occupy the corners.
The tight ends widen at the line of scrimmage and continue up their hash.
If there a single high post player, then the tight end should end up with the
ball in his hands (Diagram 3).
The new school athletic tight ends make an offensive coachs play calling duties much easier. His athleticism puts defenses in a bind in terms of
what they can do to matchup. If a tight end is able to establish all of these
concepts, the offense will have a nice flow and help create nightmares for
a defensive coordinator. p
About the Author: Aaron Best just completed his 16th season on the staff of
Eastern Washington University including four as an All-American Center (19961999). He also completed his fourth year as EWUs Offensive Coordinator. Best
spent the 2007 season as an assistant coach with the Toronto Argonauts.
Coach Best answers your questions on Facebook - just go

to http://www.facebook.com/AmericanFootballMonthly/
7!.4-/2%

Multiplicity Using Personnel Groupings to Enhance Your Offense

and Player Morale May, 2012
Open Opportunities: Get Your Tight End Involved in the Option Pass Game
April, 2012
Drills Report Tight End Run Blocking: The Reach-Scoop Drill April, 2011
Diagram 3.
45
DEFENDING THE POWER GAME

WITH THE STACK DEFENSE
The Stack Defense allows players to be aggressive and limit
adjustments against either a spread or a power offense.
#Z.BUU.D$BSUZt"TTJTUBOU)FBE$PBDIBOE%FGFOTJWF$PPSEJOBUPStNorthwestern College (IA)
ne of the primary benefits of the stack

defense is its ability to line up against
any style of offense and be very effective. With the emergence of the spread
offense, the stack gives defenses a great opportunity to not only match up with the spread but
also attack it. While this is a great benefit, the primary strength of the stack defense is its ability to
stop the run. Throughout the course of a season,
we will defend shotgun-spread offenses mainly
running out of 10 and 11 personnel as well as
double-tight end 12 personnel offenses.
The stack, especially the 3-5 version that we
run, is a great defense against the power running
game. There are several reasons we run the stack
the way we do (Diagram 1):
t)FBEVQBMJHONFOUCZFOETBOEOPTFBM
lows them to play either B or C gap effectively while creating uncertainty for the offense.
t4UBDLFE-#TDSFBUFUPVHIBOHMFTGPS
O-linemen.
46
t:PVDBOVTFBXJEFWBSJFUZPGTUVOUBOECMJU[
combos.
t0WFSIBOHEPHT DPSOFST
BSFEJ
DVMUUP
block in space and can be very aggressive in
the run game.
t"CJMJUZUPBEEB'4UPUIFSVOHBNFBOE
gain a ninth man in the box.
Playing solid defensive football is less about
scheme and more about having your players execute the scheme precisely. We spend countless
practice hours on visual key reads and proper fits in
OPUPOMZPVSCMJU[HBNFCVUBMTPJOTIVUUJOHEPXO
the run game. When it comes to stopping the power run game, defensive fits are vital to the success
of the defense. We have used several different options in defending the power, usually depending
on our personnel or the tendencies and personnel
of our opponent. We will take a look at these different options as well as how we implement and
practice some of the key components of each.
One way to defend a 2 RB 1 TE power offense is to play a walked-up 44 front out of the
3-5 stack (Diagram 2). We simply make a call to
BEKVTUPVSGSPOUBOEPVS-#POUIFTUSPOHTJEFPG
the offense lines up in a two point stance, inside
FZFUPUIF5&TPVUTJEFFZF PWFSUIF5&)JTWJTVBM
key is the tight ends V of his neck. Our other two
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an alignment over the guards. We still have our
dogs in an overhang position of 3 x 5 yards of the
end man on the line of scrimmage.
8FDBOTUJMMTMBOUPVS%-TUSPOHPSXFBLGSPN
UIFJS IFBEVQ BMJHONFOU BT XFMM BT CMJU[ BOZ PG
our five linebackers. In our basic 44 alignment,
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side power. If he sees a down block from the TE,
he must get his hands on the TEs shoulder and
force him down the line of scrimmage while at
the same time come tight off his back side and
stay square to the line of scrimmage. This will enable him to meet as tight as possible any pulling
lineman or running back attempting to kick him
out. We do not teach a wrong arm, but preach
Diagram 1: 3-5 Stack Align vs. Double Tight 12 Personnel
Diagram 2: 44 Alignment out of the Stack Defense
Diagram 3: 5-2 Look Out of the Stack Defense vs. Double Tight Power
Diagram 4: Defending the Power with 35 Stack
the importance of staying square to the line of

scrimmage and fitting as tight as possible. If the
3#CPVODFT XFXBOUPVS-#UPCFBCMFUPSFEJSFDU
down the line of scrimmage and get involved in
the play. If his fit is correct, it should force the ball
to bounce to our dog aligned in an overhang
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of blocks to the ball, will be in a great inside-out
position on the ball carrier.
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take on the pulling offensive player and force the
ball carrier to bounce. Again, we are hoping to
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alley. If the power is run to the weak side, our
$HBQEFGFOEFS FJUIFSUIF%&PSUIF%PH JTSF
sponsible for fitting tight and making the RB run
MBUFSBM8FBMMPXPVS%PHBMPUPGGSFFEPNXJUI
his alignment on the back side, usually depending on the tendencies we see from an offense.
Another option we have used against double
UJHIUQPXFSPFOTFTJTQMBZJOHPOF-#JOBOPWFS
BMJHONFOUBOEQSFTTJOHB%PHPOUIFCBDLTJEF
creating a 5-2 look (Diagram 3). We will usually
play cover 2 or 4 out of this alignment. We also
DBOCMJU[CPUIUIF-#BOE%PH FJUIFSPOFPGUIFN
or neither of them. Plus, we still have flexibility
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UIF MPPLT GPS UIF PFOTF #PUI UIF %PH BOE UIF
XBMLFEVQ-#XJMMSFBEBOEQMBZUIF5&JOBTJNJMBS
GBTIJPOUPUIFXBMLFEVQ-#JOPVSMPPL
We will also continue to run our base 3-5 stack
EFGFOTFUPEFGFOEUIFQPXFS4PMJE%PHQMBZJT
a must in defending the power out of a stack
defense. We spend countless hours of film study
BOEQSBDUJDFUJNFXJUIPVS%PHTSFQQJOHWJTVBM
LFZ SFBET BOE UT P PG UIF 5& 5IF %PH NVTU
attack when reading a down block from a TE
BMNPTUMJLFIFJTCMJU[JOH (Diagram 4). We have
been fortunate enough to have some very intelMJHFOUBOEBHHSFTTJWFGPPUCBMMQMBZFSTBUPVS%PH
positions over the years, which has helped us in
defending the power run game.
5IF%PHBUUBDLJOHUIFQVMMFSBOEGPSDJOHUIF
ball to bounce or stay inside (depending on the
style of running back we are defending) is important in defending the power, but how the inside
-#TQMBZPPGCMPDLTBOEUJTKVTUBTJNQPSUBOU
5IFJOTJEF-#TNVTUVOEFSTUBOEUIFHBNFQMBO
BOEUSVTUUIF%PHUPEFGFOEUIFQPXFSBOEXPSL
PIJTCMPDLBDDPSEJOHMZ*GUIF%PHDBOGPSDFUIF
CBMMUPCPVODF PVS-#TNVTUBUUBDLUIFJSCMPDLFS
so they do not give ground and shed the block
over the top as tight as possible. We feel if we
can force the ball to be run laterally, our team
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responsibility is to turn the ball back inside, then
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and maintain their gap control.
#BDLTJEF-#QMBZJTJNQPSUBOU UPP"MUIPVHIUIF
3-5 stack defense is a gap defense, as soon as the
47

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Diagram 5: LB and Dog Fits on Garbage Cans

ball is snapped and the offense dictates the play, the
-#TSFTQPOTJCJMJUZXJMMBEKVTUBDDPSEJOHMZ"TTIPXO
in diagram 4, although the Ram may be a B or C-gap
player, his gap responsibility vs. power away may be
PQQPTJUF"BOEUIFCBDLTJEF%PH BMUIPVHIBCBDL
TJEF%HBQQMBZFSNBZUJOTJEFUPCBDLTJEF#8F
UFBDIPVS-#TUPCFWFSZBHHSFTTJWFBOEUPBUUBDL
through any seam they see just as if they were playing running back and hitting the hole.
)BWJOH B TPVOE HBNF QMBO UP EFGFOE UIF
power run game is an important starting point
but preparing well throughout the week in practice is what helps your team execute the plan
successfully on game days. One of the best practice segments we have added over the years is a
five minute run fit walk through on Tuesdays and
'SJEBZT5IJTJTBHBJOTUPVSTDPVUPFOTFBOEBM
lows us to see our proper reads and fits at a slow
speed before we crank it up and get physical in
practice. We have found this is a great way to test
our guys understanding of the game plan but
also a great way for them to build confidence in
their own preparation and their teammates execution of the game plan. The slow speed helps
our players see their proper fits and how they fit
in the big picture of defending the run. We run
this segment before we go to our team segment
vs. scouts on Tuesdays and also as a review segNFOUEVSJOHPVS'SJEBZQSBDUJDF
A few other practice drills we have used efGFDUJWFMZ BSF UIF XBMLFE VQ -# UFDIOJRVF BMPOH
XJUI UIF %PHT WJTVBM LFZ SFBET XIJDI BSF EPOF
XJUIHBSCBHFDBOT8FXJMMMJOFPVS-#TVQJOUIFJS
correct alignment and place a TE on offense and
also replace a garbage can with the first puller
(Diagram 5)8FXJMMXPSLXJUIPVSXBMLFEVQ-#
on getting hands on and being physical with the
down block of the TE and also staying square, fitting tightly and taking on the puller. We can also
work the inside reads, fits and block defeats of our
UXPJOTJEF-#TEVSJOHUIFTBNFESJMMTFRVFODFJG
needed. We can focus solely on the power play or
BEEJOB5&CBTFCMPDLPSPUIFS[POFTDIFNFTXF
may see as well.
8FXJMMVUJMJ[FBTJNJMBSESJMMTFUVQUPQSBDUJDF
PVS%PHTWJTVBMLFZSFBETBOEUT8FXJMMHJWF
PVS %PH EJFSFOU 5& CMPDL MPPLT BOE XPSL PO
his visual key read and proper fit. With the down
CMPDL XFXBOUPVS%PHUPBUUBDLBOEUBTUJHIU
BT QPTTJCMF 5IF %PH OFFET UP CF WFSZ BHHSFT
sive and play on the offensive side of the line of
48
scrimmage. We have found through many pracUJDFSFQTBOETPMJEQSFQBSBUJPOPVS%PHTBSFBCMF

to do this very effectively from their 3 x 3 or 3 x 5
yard alignment. We can also make this a double
TE look and work a backside cutback check with
PVSPUIFS%PH5IFTFESJMMTBSFTJNQMFZFUFFD
tive at giving our players the reps they need to
prepare in defending the power run game.
We are a 3-5 stack defense because we feel
it fits who we are and what we want to be as a
team. It allows us to play aggressive defensive
football and not have to make large scale adjustments whether we are facing a spread or power
offense. The 3-5 stack defense allows our players
to line up and play fast. Being able to stop the
SVOJTBMXBZTBUPQQSJPSJUZPGPVST%PJOHTPBM
lows for being aggressive in long yardage situaUJPOTBTXFMMBTUBLJOHGVMMBEWBOUBHFPGCMJU[PQ
portunities. p
About the Author: Matt
McCarty just completed
his 8th season as Defensive Coordinator and
first as Assistant Head
Coach at Northwestern
College. A former Honorable Mention as an All-American Defensive Back at
Northwestern, McCarty also serves as an instructor
in the Kinesiology Department and is the teams Recruiting Coordinator.
Coach McCarty answers your questions on

Facebook - just go to to http://www.facebook.
com/AmericanFootballMonthly/
7!.4-/2%
Disrupting the Spread with the 3-5 Defense July, 2012
The 30 Stack Pressure Defense January, 2009
Point-counterpoint: The Spread Offense vs. the 3-3
Stack Defense December, 2006
7%"
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%8#,53)6%3
Articles and features only available at
FINAL TEAM DEFENSIVE STATISTICS BY GAME
USING THE IPAD AS A COACHING TOOL
Team: ____________________________________________________________________________________
OPPONENT
PER GAME AVERAGE
TOTALS
PLAYS
YARDS
RUSHING
AVG
#Z+F.D%POBMEt-JOFCBDLFST$PBDIt8FTMFZBO6OJWFSTJUZ
ATT
COMP
AVG
AVG
YARDS YDS/COMP YDS/ATT
PLAYS
YDS
AVG
POINTS
ALLOWED
274
#Z+BSPO$PIFOt)FBE$PBDIt-JCFSUZ)JHI4DIPPM $0
uring my five years as a head coach, I have always been proud of the class that fans, staff, and
players have shown in games, regardless of the score. At every pre-season coaches meeting, I
share with my staff a valuable lesson that I learned in my first year as a head coach at Rockville
High School (CT). We were losing my first game of 2005, 41-0 to Hall High School and when they got
the ball with a minute to go on our ten-yard line, they took a knee.
&2/-
4(%6!5,4
AFMs 1,500+ online features from back issues is
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Its available FREE to all subscribers.
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Football Forms For The Winning Coach
&).!,4%!-$%&%.3)6%
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This one-page form summarizes your
defensive performances game by game
in 2012. Included are both the total rushing
and passing plays by each opponent,
total yards gained, and average per play.
Average per-game statistics are also
included for the season.
&YDMVTJWFMZBU
XXX"NFSJDBO'PPUCBMM.POUIMZ.com
5PSFBEUIFBSUJDMF HPUPXXX"NFSJDBO'PPUCBMM.POUIMZDPN
January, 2009
TOTAL
5PSFBEUIFBSUJDMF HPUPXXX"NFSJDBO'PPUCBMM.POUIMZDPN
GETTING YOUR TEAM CONNECTED
PASSING
hether on the field or off, the IPad can be a major part in helping your players improve
and communicate the weekly game plan. Our student-athletes are used to technology. It
is the way they are taught in the classroom and it is what they use outside the classroom.
Give your student-athlete an IPad and they immediately feel comfortable swiping through pages or
watching video.
Brian Kelly has been successful wherever hes been. From Division II Grand Valley State to
mid-major Central Michigan, to the Big Easts University of Cincinnati, and now to Notre
Dame. In fact, Kelly was AFMs FBS Coach of the Year for the 2008 season, helping land
Cincinnati in their first BCS bowl game. Kelly now becomes the only two-time winner of
the National Coach of the Award, leading the Irish to a 12-0 regular season. The article
begins on page 22.
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ike Cieri recently completed his 41st year as a football coach, the last 12 as Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Line Coach at Montclair State University. He also coached at Boonton
High School (NJ) and at Farleigh Dickinson University-Florham. Cieri has coached on the collegiate level for over a quarter century.
Since 2003, his special teams have scored eight touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns and blocked
58 kicks on punts, extra points, and field goal attempts scoring a total of 72 points in the process.
Cieri has also authored the book, 101 Winning Special Team Drills and produced a five-set package of
DVDs on special teams play Installing the Punt Block, The Wing Punt, Kickoff Coverage, Installing the
Punt Return, and Installing the Kickoff Return. All DVDs are available at AFMvideos.com. He answers
your questions:
My special team questions deal with kicker development. On a weekly basis during the season,
how much kicking should our placekicker be doing? During the off-season, are there specific
exercises our kickers can be doing to increase
leg strength in the hope of gaining distance on
their kicks? Currently, they train with the other
skill positions doing both squat cleans and glute
ham exercises. (Randy Pinkowski, Head Coach,
C.B. Aycock High School, Gastonia, NC).
During the season, our punters and kickers have
a set routine. On Monday, our kickers and punters
perform a modified balance and flexibility, use the
weight room for their strength training and then
go to the field to do technique drills. Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday they will do stretching on the field, kick and punt during the various
special teams periods and work on their specialty
kicks (pooch, corner, onsides, etc). No kicker or
punter will exceed 30 kicks in a day. On Friday, the
athletes stretch on the field, kick or punt no more
than 10 balls. Saturday is game day and on Sunday
they are asked to stretch and walk a mile.
The key to strength training drills for kickers
and punters in the off-season is to emphasize
techniques. Slow, controlled movements during
the lifting, as well as the balance and flexibility
training is essential. Have the athletes start with
lighter weights, which allows them to focus on
perfecting techniques. Then have the athletes
increase the weight. Most of the exercises do not
require using any weights. Kickers and punters
need to focus on using less weight and doing
more repetitions. The routines should be varied
from time to time to prevent a plateau effect.
Also, they should give their bodies the time they
need to rest and recuperate between workouts.
The strength training should consist of exercises that concentrate on the upper and lower
legs, hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexors. Exercises to consider would be front, back, split and
50
jump squats, stiff-leg dead lifts, dumbbell lunges,

box jumps, leg curls and extensions and standing
calf raises. Building the core for a punter and kicker
is also very important. I prefer having my kickers
and punters using a physioball in their routine to
improve the core muscle group. Exercises incorporating the physioball are ball leg curls (double or
single), ball hip extensions (double or single) and
bridges. To increase leg speed, plyometrics should
be done as well. Long jumps, single-leg hops, side
steps, and box jumps will aid in increasing leg
speed. If someone is offering a pilates class, encourage you punters and kickers to take that also.
Very seldom will opposing teams kick to us deep
on kickoffs because of our speed. Most of the time
we will receive squib or pooch kicks. I have now
started to attack on the kick of the ball by assigning man blocking responsibilities. What kind of
return would you do in this situation? (Sam Harp,
Head Coach, Danville High School, KY).
I like the fact that you are man blocking the
kickoff return. If the kick is not going deep, the
front line and perhaps the second line, can pull
up and attack the coverage earlier. Always keep
in mind that good returns occur as the blockers
are doing their job slightly before the returner
is in their territory. Another thing you can do is
have your second and third line flip the ball back
to your returners. Additionally, you can bring
your returners closer to the ball by aligning them
in the second or third line.
When installing your protection scheme, what
is the number one criteria for selecting players? (Chris Hilliker, Head Coach, Northside High
School, AL).
I am assuming you are talking about punt
protection. The key skill I am looking for is if the
player can run and play in space. We use for our
wing punt alignment mostly linebackers, tight
ends, and defensive backs. Keep in mind that

they must be able to tackle as well as use their
hands to block. One of the drills we use to identify punt team players is our 2-on-1 drill, where
two defenders are sent down the field 15 yards
apart for 20 yards and a returner will start up the
field on a coachs command. The two defenders
must herd in the ball carrier and complete the
drill with a form tackle. The returner will not
make this easy as he will attempt to split, fake or
out run the defenders.
Weve had problems with our extra point and
field goal penetration units. In fact, we havent
blocked a field goal or extra point in two years.
Are there any drills you would recommend
or coaching points to help us improve in this
area? (Steve Smith, Assistant Coach, Dawson
High School, TX).
What I do to help this process is select interior blocking specialists from my defensive line.
Doing their practice time on Wednesdays, they
practice the fork lift technique with my assistant
defensive line coach. We practice getting up and
under the O-linemen as well as practice working
on their dip and rip technique (getting skinny). In
addition, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the outside block specialists are working on
their pull through, jump through and speed rush
techniques vs. the tight end and wing on the PAT
and FG units.
What are your priorities in practicing the onsides kick? Any special drills that you feel will help
in this phase of special teams? (Bob Broadhead,
Assistant Coach, Forest Hill High School, MS).
We have been more successful with our onside kicks when we drive the ball to the sideline
in the air (line drive pop-up) in comparison to
driving the ball on the ground. The kicker and
sideline rebounder on Thursdays get together to
kick the ball and sprint to catch it in the air. They
work on speed of the ball and timing. Its like a
QB throwing the fade to the corner of the end
zone. They will do no more than 10 of these per
practice. p
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2013 - 02 - Afm

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 Letter from AFM

 Strength Report A Year Round

Safety First Training for Safety

 Drills Report Blastoff! Using the Blaster

to Create Physicality in Your WR Corps

 Coach to Coach Four Strategies in Preparing

Managing Your Program Avoid a Quarterback

AFMs College Coaches of the Year for 2012

 AFMs National and Regional High School

- General Robert Neyland

Are you part of our problem

Variables 101 Knowing how to analyze over 100

Zone Blocking, Part II Footwork and Blocking Schemes

Defending the Power Game with the Stack Defense

 Web Exclusives Articles only available

AFM Subscribers Ask with Mike Cieri

Not a Subscriber? Dont miss a single issue.

Offer valid for new subscribers in the USA.

Online Priority Code: AFPR1302 t www.AmericanFootballMonthly.com

Managing Editor: Rex Lardner

hat makes a good leader? Is

reinforces, strengthens, and develops leadership

Special Advertising Feature

the NFL as a tight end with the Bengals, Eagles,

Special Advertising Feature

With the National Guard

designed to develop leadership qualities of high

Elite Training Facilities and Apparatus.

e looked at sprint assisted and resisted

Deliberate Practice vs. Products

listing the type of things they like to do and why

By Dale Baskett t Football Speed Specialist

Ropes and Tires

knees. Thats a false argument however. Running

What Does Work?

Harvard Athletic Communications

ast months Strength Report included a

be important to monitor the overall volume of

in power output by the end of summer. This will

and four days a week once games begin (with

t04FBTPOTUSFOHUI MFBOCPEZNBTT XPSL

REGISTER ONLINE NOW

For the most up-to-date information on

About the Author: James Frazier

For more information call (866) 994-3742

TRAINING FOR SAFETY

ince Lombardi once said, Football is not a

equipment. The athletic trainer can help with this

Mike Carroll (R) is the Athletic Trainer

Football players get injured during the course

For information on how to hire an athletic trainer, please visit www.nata.org.

THE XENITH X2.

Using the Blaster to Create

#Z$ISJT.FUDBMGtAssistant CoachtAuburn High School (AL)

does not have a blaster, the same effect can be

not over with just the catch. Players must know

Diagram 2 also simulates a WR coming back to

Diagram 1: YAC Drill

Diagram 2: Grinder Drill

through contact as he comes back to the football.

the offensive player off their line. Now it is the

Diagram 3 is basically the same concept as Diagram

Letter from AFM

Strength Report A Year Round

Drills Report Blastoff! Using the Blaster

Coach to Coach Four Strategies in Preparing

Managing Your Program Avoid a Quarterback

AFMs College Coaches of the Year for 2012

AFMs National and Regional High School

Variables 101 Knowing how to analyze over 100

Web Exclusives Articles only available

t04FBTPOTUSFOHUI MFBOCPEZNBTT XPSL