Well HELLO there #swarmfbchat participants! Welcome to tonight's edition. Take a moment to say hi - grab a buddy - we've got 5 coach-inspired questions about beliefs/philosophy - let's help our fellow coaches out!
These chats where the questions come directly from coaches are my favorite - you guys seem to come out in droves and give great advice/help to those in our community looking for some answers! #swarmfbchat
Q1: How do you handle off-season workouts, particularly with a player involved in another sport? How many days/times do you offer it and do you “require” that student-athlete to find time to lift during his season of sport? #swarmfbchat
Ours basically get a pass if they're involved in another sport, although we do try to get them into our football class to lift still. In the summer it's different. We offer morning and evening weights and they have to get a certain # of sessions in. #swarmfbchat
Where I’m at now, we’re blessed to have 95% of our kids in 1st period weightlifting. Also we’ll start meeting next week, but not to conflict with spring sports, we meet in the morning at 7:30. Not required but certain number of days to meet before spring practice #swarmfbchat
Q1: How do you handle off-season workouts, particularly with a player involved in another sport? How many days/times do you offer it and do you “require” that student-athlete to find time to lift during his season of sport? #swarmfbchat
A1 : in season hands off. All others r involved in 4 day split performance training . We do positional unit point challenged keeps things interesting. Always have a pre meeting to explain how we will execute our off season and the expectations #swarmfbchat
A1: Current position if they are participating in another sport then they should give that their full attention. We only offer 1 session on the days we lift. Once that season ends then we expect them to be focused on the weight room for us. #swarmfbchat
A1: we have to share athletes. We constantly talk in are profession about multi-sport athletes. Many of ours work when they can. We lift 3 d/w until June then we bump up to 4. #swarmfbchat
We have a lifting period built into our players schedule and they have option to lift before school as well. If they are another sport that concentrate on lifting during that period for that sport. #swarmfbchat
A1: We take what we can get from other sports. At our school most of the other sports also have their programs lift. We also have 2 lifting classes kids can have. Then we have the weight room available after school 5 days a week. We encourage-not require. #swarmfbchat
Three days. In season kids in other sports are excused. Try to get them in one day a week but it's tough. Don't want other coaches asking them to do stuff during the fall, so I don't ask much in the winter/spring. #swarmfbchat
One session after school w makeup opportunity on wed. All levels work together but break them up by projected goals. This is when the culture is built the behaviors u want in season MUST b developed out of season #swarmfbchat
A1) 2/2 We lift the guys who run track before they go run . We also have our middle school on our campus so they start lifting and running with us starting in January. #swarmfbchat
Q2: What is your TOP defensive front/scheme for playing against an Option Team? What is your belief on the best way to slow down an option team? #swarmfbchat
A1. I run the weight room 3 x week. If they are not playing a school sport, they are expected to be there. Now, at a small school like mine, I only have 15 kids who are NOT playing a winter sport. So, they go to their winter sport and focus on that. #swarmfbchat
A1: The majority have 1st pd WT. Starting tomorrow at 7AM, myself & our OL coach are going to start working with our guys on fundy at least twice a week. Agility, sprints, pass pro, rush, etc. We also have an after school period for those w/o WT or in another sport. #swarmfbchat
A2: going 5 man front to help with run stopping this coming season. We try to take away the better athlete vs option which is most of the time the QB. #swarmfbchat
Q2: What is your TOP defensive front/scheme for playing against an Option Team? What is your belief on the best way to slow down an option team? #swarmfbchat
A1cont. The way I look at it is, I don't want other coaches impinging on the kids when its football. I can't do it to them. I push them all to take Strength Training and to focus on being a leader in that seasons sport. #swarmfbchat
We lift 3-4 days a week, prefer 4. Mon ties thurs fri. We have advanced PE classes,I can get a player involved in another sport a quick effective lift during their other season. We have a lot of 2-3 sport athletes, no required amount. Can’t coach pressure situations #swarmfbchat
We are a multiple front team. Will give them different looks, jump between a 4-4 and a 3-4 look even though our base is a 4-3 and stem around a ton. Try to manipulate OL blocking rules. #swarmfbchat
Q2: What is your TOP defensive front/scheme for playing against an Option Team? What is your belief on the best way to slow down an option team? #swarmfbchat
A1: "Zero period." Kids come in at 630AM & get their lift. Then 7th period can be utilized for film/sport specific practice. Athletes are on an 8 period day & get credit for zero period on their transcript. Gameday routine is up to coach of the sport #swarmfbchat
A2: 3-3 with a Rover. Force the ball to their weakest option. We like the QB to keep it and just keep hitting him. We were blessed to have strong front 6 past year, so we flexed OLBs to take away perimeter reads and force teams inside to our strength. #swarmfbchat#hittheQB
A2: I don't necessarily have a top front for playing against an Option Team, but my philosophy is to hit the quarterback as much as possible because in my experience vs. Option Teams, quarterbacks that get hit a lot will not want to carry the ball as the game goes on #swarmfbchat
A2: We are an odd front team. We can switch roles as the game moves to spark confusion. DL and ILB responsible for FB. OLB is In QB Satey OUt QB to pitch Corner is pitch. #swarmfbchat
A2: 2/2 Another school of thought is to give a 3 and 1 tech so that you can work with your kids all week on seeing inside or outside veer. #swarmfbchat
We are a multiple front team. Will give them different looks, jump between a 4-4 and a 3-4 look even though our base is a 4-3 and stem around a ton. Try to manipulate OL blocking rules. #swarmfbchat
Q2: What is your TOP defensive front/scheme for playing against an Option Team? What is your belief on the best way to slow down an option team? #swarmfbchat
A2: depends on the type of option. Are they spread zone read/veer or under center dive option/veer. If they like pulling guards, out tackles head up and cut the pullers. Thank to @The_Coach_A for that one...#swarmfbchat
Q3: How do you manage your stud 2-way players during practice when you are predominately a 2-platoon system/structure? When/How do they get reps? #swarmfbchat
Q2: Be multiple with the fronts but consistent with the responsibilities of your guys. Know tendencies...who do they really want to have the ball and keep pounding that guy relentlessly. #swarmfbchat
PART 1: Any type of your base defense. Something your kids know and can play fast in. I saw a quote from Gary Patterson this past season saying, “You build your defense to stop the option, then work from there.” #swarmfbchat
Q2: What is your TOP defensive front/scheme for playing against an Option Team? What is your belief on the best way to slow down an option team? #swarmfbchat
A2: Play your base front with one change up to the option responsibilities. Have to take away the dive man first, have to tackle well on the perimeter. Make them give it to their worst phase if you can dictate it via scheme in your base alignment.
#swarmfbchat
Q2: What is your TOP defensive front/scheme for playing against an Option Team? What is your belief on the best way to slow down an option team? #swarmfbchat
A4: we have offensive Indy & defensive Indy. At one point this past season we had roughly 14 guys for 22 spots. Not complaining, just the way it is. Try to get those guys better. #swarmfbchat
Q3: How do you manage your stud 2-way players during practice when you are predominately a 2-platoon system/structure? When/How do they get reps? #swarmfbchat
A2: Personnel always beats scheme. That said, I like a 4 LB scheme vs. option. So 3-4, 4-4, or 4-2-5 where I can add extra safety help. We have 1 for dive, 1 for pitch, and 2 for QB to pitch because he already has the ball = most dangerous. #swarmfbchat
A4: We have a ton of two way players, so we split our practices old/young. While Varsity is with O position coaches, young guys are with D position coaches. Same coach coaches every level of their position. So O and D Varsity aren't going at same time. #swarmfbchat
A3: I’ve used set rotations with them, 3 plays on 3 off when in team. Put them in situational periods so they see/get the reps they need. If they aren’t in they are in my hip pocket so I know they are getting mental reps #swarmfbchat
Teach them basics of the position they minor in. Find ways to get the thinking out of it for them, give them base set of rules and fundamentals and let them play. They get Team/Skell/Inside reps with both O/D, but Monday with O in Indy, and D Indy on Tuesday. #swarmfbchat
Q3: How do you manage your stud 2-way players during practice when you are predominately a 2-platoon system/structure? When/How do they get reps? #swarmfbchat
A1: All athletes train year round using the same system. For in season sports, they train as they normally would, except that on game day, they perform the "game day workout", which is 3 sets of our 2 Core lifts for the day, equaling 6 total sets. #swarmfbchat
A2: 50 front with TE. Keep 8-9 in box. 4-2-5 in “200” formation. Will roll down Rover to help w/ run. Cover 3 look in case of any 90/Pass. You must be disciplined in all areas: Dive, QB, QB to pitch, etc. This must be practiced consistently until it’s 2nd nature! #swarmfbchat
Q1: How do you handle off-season workouts, particularly with a player involved in another sport? How many days/times do you offer it and do you “require” that student-athlete to find time to lift during his season of sport? #swarmfbchat
A3. We play the best 11 offensive, best 11 defensive, and best 11 on each special teams unit with the goal of getting as many players playing. So can't help too much. #swarmfbchat
Q4: Scenario: You have a Senior and a Sophomore equal in skill set; Do you have a belief in which player deserves to start – Senior who has put in the time or Sophomore with a bigger upside? #swarmfbchat
A2: The first 2 sets are "warm up"'sets and then they do 1 "work set". The intensity is 50, 60, 70% respectively. After they finish their core lifts, they perform our dynamic mobility and static flexibility routine. Kids feel great when they are done. #swarmfbchat
A2: here’s an original thought for a 4 down front-switch the ends and tackles. Let them make the same read but it varies the speed and challenges the visual and timing of the qb #swarmfbchat
A3: We have O & D focused days and our guys that go both ways will stay with that focus group. Utilizing a class period for HUDL/Install/Review helps with mental reps for these guys. #swarmfbchat
A3) Our guys still have a primary position and get reps at the other position by rotating during team and group. 1 on 1 meetings with coordinators if they need to be caught up to speed on anything they missed. #swarmfbchat
A3: the best system I've seen is practice planned on weekend to accommodate 2-way guys. Mon-D emphasis, he'll be D period 1-10, 20-24 & O period 11-19. Swap on Tuesdays. Etc. But as a HC every player practiced both ways. We only had 4 coaches and 30 or so players #swarmfbchat
A3: This one does not really pertain to us. We do not run two platoon with kids. We did for the first time this year do it with our coaches. Worked very well. #swarmfbchat
All depends. You said skill set. Who is a smarter player? Who has the GRIT? Who has leadership qualities ? If all are equal after this, I go with the sophomore to test the junior. If it fails, I have 2 more years with sophomore #swarmfbchat
Q4: Scenario: You have a Senior and a Sophomore equal in skill set; Do you have a belief in which player deserves to start – Senior who has put in the time or Sophomore with a bigger upside? #swarmfbchat
A4- Who is tougher? More than likely the sophomore. He will get better as the year goes on. The senior is probably topped out. Just depends on the scenario, team morale, etc. #swarmfbchat
A4. In situations like this, I think we have to be creative as coaches and find ways to work both players in. The Senior has been there and done everything asked, you can't punish him. But it's also our job to develop the younger players as well. #swarmfbchat
A3: We don’t have enough to 2 platoon, but any stud players we make sure to teach them the basics 1st. They get their reps in throughout the week during inside, 7on7 & Sink drill and sometimes Team depending on who is on the field. Gotta coach on the fly sometimes. #swarmfbchat
A4: If they are equal or close, we start the Senior who has put in the time. Plus being a senior usually means they play with urgency and finality. Soph will also see field and can contribute on special teams. When in playoff mode, everyone lettered. Play the best. #swarmfbchat
A2 : as a HC film review, grade out and his positional coach will determine the outcome. Also take into consideration crunch time ability. Never stop playing a kid because someone is equal but do when that someone is better #swarmfbchat
Philosophically speaking we have tended to go with the young guy if all other things are equal. Senior is still going to get his opportunities as well. #swarmfbchat
Q4: Scenario: You have a Senior and a Sophomore equal in skill set; Do you have a belief in which player deserves to start – Senior who has put in the time or Sophomore with a bigger upside? #swarmfbchat
A4)Plenty of plays in a football game, equal early, hot hand gets extra rotations. I am more concerned with ruining a young kid, hate to overexpose any player but especially young ones. #swarmfbchat
A4: One thing i have learned in the past 18 years is that Seniors drive your program. We had the exact situation this year and our Senior made play after play for us. Seniors are much more vested and mature. #swarmfbchat
A4: This depends on if their equal skill set is the same. This is easy if their skill sets are different because you start who fits best in that game. It's also easy if they play a position that rotates a lot such as DL #swarmfbchat
Q4S: Depends on where we are in season. If I had two very good players equal in talent I'd find a way to play them both majority of snaps. Have to be able to coach on the fly #swarmfbchat
Q4: Scenario: You have a Senior and a Sophomore equal in skill set; Do you have a belief in which player deserves to start – Senior who has put in the time or Sophomore with a bigger upside? #swarmfbchat
A1: Always work with schedules, want all programs in our school to be great=kids play multiple sports. Blessed to have a department that works well across sports. HC teaches a lifting class that 99% of kids take which makes life less stressful #swarmfbchat
A4: Typically lean towards the senior as far as starting. Sophomore will work in throughout the game. Be up front with them, if senior has a bad week or inconsistent sophomore is going to get a shot. Want them both to play with confidence but have to play the best #swarmfbchat
A4: we like to look for a way to play both! Use their skill sets that are best ex: is one a better pass rusher? Is one better in a certain situation? Senior has a shorter leash but hopefully is more reliable if the sophomore is struggling #swarmfbchat
Base 3-4 C4 - 5 tech w/ 1 tech (open B gap) takes dive, LB scrapes for QB, $ plays pitch. DE with the 3 tech holds the QB and forces the give (LB is the plugger in A gap). Need to have calls built in to close/change the open B gap. Full line movement, blitz, etc. #swarmfbchat
Q2: What is your TOP defensive front/scheme for playing against an Option Team? What is your belief on the best way to slow down an option team? #swarmfbchat
A4: Has the Senior “put in the time” by being behind the last senior you had and not pushing him enough as a Junior? I’d go with my Senior until he isn’t producing. Sophomore has to stand out in my opinion #swarmfbchat
A2: Odd front base-try to incorporate variety of fronts in order to put kids in position to do what they do well. Some years that means we end up 3 front, some years 4 front #swarmfbchat
Q5: What are the first things you would do to establish CULTURE as a New Head Football Coach? What experiences have you had turning around programs or getting buy-in from players? #swarmfbchat
A4: I start the Sr but the Soph. will definitely play. Great question though, because in baseball I probably cut the senior. I'm not sure I can defend myself, either; I can only say football is different. #swarmfbchat
A4: Seniority does’t matter in this game...we need the best 11 on the field. No hard feelings. If they’re equal, have them both on at opposite sides of the field - creates options on offense and havoc on defense. Otherwise, rotate both & evaluate accordingly! #swarmfbchat
That is what practice and preparation are for..see who performs better during the week, who has watched the most film and made the least amount of mistakes getting ready for the game #swarmfbchat
A4) Senior usually gets early snaps because he should know the defense better. In crunch time you have to fine out which one is the biggest competitor and play him. #swarmfbchat
A4) Competition. What ever player has the better week of practice starts . The competition will in return allow both of their level play rise because they will have to being their A game everyday because they KNOW their job is on the line . #swarmfbchat
If I ever get the chance at a HC job, I'd like an intense workout the day I take over. Mandatory workout. Really set the tone with these guys. Then something fun like a water balloon fight or something to build a new team bond later in the week. #swarmfbchat
Q5: What are the first things you would do to establish CULTURE as a New Head Football Coach? What experiences have you had turning around programs or getting buy-in from players? #swarmfbchat
Before you leave - I want to send out a thank you to you all for helping coaches and this profession each and every week! It's always a pleasure spending this time together. #swarmfbchat
A5: I've never been a head coach before, but in my experience turning around a program, the first 3 things we did in order were to:
1. Eliminate the negative aspects of the program
2. Establish expectations
3. Instill confidence in our players
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Came in to an 0-10 team, was fortunate enough to run weight room. Used shock and awe approach, over 30 quit. Biggest thing though was showing kids you are asking them to do these crazy things, you have to develop a relationship off the field. Ended up 6-4 that year. #swarmfbchat
Q5: What are the first things you would do to establish CULTURE as a New Head Football Coach? What experiences have you had turning around programs or getting buy-in from players? #swarmfbchat
A5: establish expectations with some player input. Don’t be afraid to be honest with the team about vision and where we are and where we need to be. We use a point system in the off-season to get equipment ex: good grades, lifting attendance, etc #swarmfbchat
Even if coming in to an established/successful program must make the kids IMMEDIATELY aware this is different, even though might be similar. No auto-pilot mindset. Intentional. #swarmfbchat
Q5: What are the first things you would do to establish CULTURE as a New Head Football Coach? What experiences have you had turning around programs or getting buy-in from players? #swarmfbchat
A5: Thiught about this a lot the past few years. CULTURE is built through time and bonds away from football. The first thing i would do is create an environment or them to grow together away from the sport. #swarmfbchat
A5: Cont. something that has stuck with me is that “culture does not change when we want it to it only changes when they say it does”. We have to build players who love each other off the field before they can love each other on it. #swarmfbchat
As a wise man once told me, we have 18 yr olds fight wars, not 15 yr olds. Best player wins/plays, but in a dream world the older kid plays. Have started sophs over Srs before though #swarmfbchat
I looking for intangibles; who's the most trustworthy, has the most competitive spirit, who's coolest under pressure, has the physical courage to bang it up in there; it SHOULD be the senior, but either way, I'll find a way to get both on the field at the same time #swarmfbchat
A4: As a wise man once told me, we have 18 yr olds fight wars, not 15 yr olds. Best player wins/plays, but in a dream world the older kid plays. Have started sophs over Srs before though #swarmfbchat
A5: Have a simple consistent message and keep giving it with as much charisma and energy you can. Ours is 1) Be on time 2) Be prepared 3) Be a good teammate. Finally, be great at the fundamentals. If tech is good blocking/tackling, good things will come. #swarmfbchat
Firm believers in your seniors having their best years means your team has a chance to overachieve. That being said, if all is equal we are playing the young guy who we have more time with. Our kids know this. #swarmfbchat
Q4: Scenario: You have a Senior and a Sophomore equal in skill set; Do you have a belief in which player deserves to start – Senior who has put in the time or Sophomore with a bigger upside? #swarmfbchat
A5: having only 4 days To prep before camp we committed to listening everyday. Surveyed players and had them grade coaches-then made sure we acted on it. We acted in every single thing- right down to limiting our own talks. Let the upper class take a leadership role #swarmfbchat
We do a Wednesday night Defensive team film session in my classroom. I have done it since my JR year in HS in 1995, and have brought it everywhere I’ve coached. Great for team building and having your players see another side of you #swarmfbchat
A5: I used to say weights. Now I believe in mental training 1st! Expectations & mindset. 1. SWOT Analysis 2. What makes a great teammate? 3. How can WE improve? 4. What does commitment mean? THEN attack the weight room. I highly recommend @CoachJacksonTPW book. #swarmfbchat
VOTE for Mackenzie Underwood @12_Mackenzie_12 for Player of the Week! She is a wonderful student-athlete and we can't say enough good things about her! https://t.co/1qHDdqlTfq
A5: Not a head coach & this may be cliche, but, starts in the weight room. Getting the guys to work together, look out for one another, struggle together, fight together to get better. Allows you to do the most important thing and build relationships with players. #swarmfbchat
A5: Blessed to work with great head coaches at each stop in my career. Great culture is relationship first—takes time, communication, and being invested in doing what is best for kids! #swarmfbchat
A5: HFC is my ultimate aspiration down the road, but I would instill the following.
1. It’s not about ME but the TEAM
2. Past is the past...leave it there
3. In order to be different, we must do something different.
4. Embrace the chase, BUY IN & trust the process! #swarmfbchat
A1: We are blessed to have a good relationship with the other HCs... This helps us to get on the same page. We provide them with what we are doing in the weight room and they do the same. It really is helpful for all of us to be on the same page. #swarmfbchat
A2) (Grew up in a flexbone trip option since youth ball) gotta be a 50 front with a nose that can trouble a center...and better slant those DTs and stunt/twist with backers to muddy reads..as with RPO teams...you have to attack the decision process!
#swarmfbchat
Q2: What is your TOP defensive front/scheme for playing against an Option Team? What is your belief on the best way to slow down an option team? #swarmfbchat
A5: Establish an environment where high expectations for the team are paramount to individual needs. Success as a team will also generate individual success as well. Only the high expectations and belief in what they are doing will result in success.
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A5 Contd: More visible progress/ success there is the easier it is to sell the message to the kids. Once they believe in the message they will go as far as their talent and perseverance will take them. Sell what you do as setting your program apart from the others.
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A3) havent done this full time yet, but will potentially this year...they have to be in top shape, but no doubt they have to have at least 1 day a week at each position and flip sides during group/team...
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Q3: How do you manage your stud 2-way players during practice when you are predominately a 2-platoon system/structure? When/How do they get reps? #swarmfbchat
A2. Two high safeties screaming downfield reading qb to pitch. Or cover 1. Need to hit the QB early and often. Twist pressures to force qb to give the ball when you want. #swarmfbchat
A2: Base 4-3. I love to pressure the QB and disrupt the exchange. The faster you can force him to make a decision the more success you'll have. Not to be too cliché.. But as long as we are sound.. We'll be okay. Set the edge.. Squeeze it down.. Protect your gap. #swarmfbchat
A5 cont: All players & staff members would write out goals & expectations for the season & hang them around locker room. Kids needs visuals to work towards something. Once hung up, no need to reiterate goals & expectations - we all see them. We’re all now bought in! #swarmfbchat
A5. Came into an 0-24 program (4 years prior I was DC so I had familiarity to it) and set out to instill a sense of winning & belief. Everything was a competition or extremely challenging. Nothing we did was negative based. No one yelled unless it was effort based. #swarmfbchat
A4) Best player plays...I assess each week, each day even....everything we do matters, inclusive of effort and body language...My position group knows we have a high performing culture...perform or sit the bench!
#swarmfbchat
Q4: Scenario: You have a Senior and a Sophomore equal in skill set; Do you have a belief in which player deserves to start – Senior who has put in the time or Sophomore with a bigger upside? #swarmfbchat
A2) It matters what personnel, I'm going against like 10 or 21 for my alignment. But the numbering them off the defenders of who are the threats to their side mainly stay the same and need to make sure they swarm to the football. #swarmfbchat
A5: need to let the players come up with their own values (with the HC's careful guidance, of course), then hold them accountable to them. They are much more likely to 'buy in' to their own beliefs, rather than being forced to buy in to someone else's. #swarmfbchat
A5 cont. Just as many have stated... set the bar high but never too high they don't believe they can reach it. That is the tricky part. Then hold them to those standards. Everything is about the Team. Always. #swarmfbchat
A3: We do a good job of repping the guys in the pos they'll be playing the most... If not, we're cheating ourselves and the player. We need all the reps they can get to make sure they're ready. 2-way guys may get a few reps in Team just to make sure they are ready. #swarmfbchat
Vary your looks and ALWAYS TACKLE THE DIVE. As many reps as possible during the week. Pre-determine responsibilities with a call but switch them up. #swarmfbchat
A5) One of the biggest things I would implement are expectations, from weight room, to classroom, to the football field...provide "THE WAY" to the young men as the standard and go from there! Have "extra mile events" even as simple as cleanup days to assess "buy-in"
#swarmfbchat
Q5: What are the first things you would do to establish CULTURE as a New Head Football Coach? What experiences have you had turning around programs or getting buy-in from players? #swarmfbchat
A4: Probably going to hurt some feelings here.. But I'm all for playing the young guy. I'd rather go ahead and get the pup in the fire so he knows what to expect. The senior has had all kinds of chances to rise up and own that spot by then.. They shouldn't be equal. #swarmfbchat
