Welcome, coaches, to the Tuesday night #swarmfbchat Tonight we will share what works with regards to effective practice planning. Let's start with intros - Q1 will drop at 9:07pm.
As usual, we will use the Q1/A1 format. Be sure to use the tag #swarmfbchat in all tweets. Follow each other and ask follow up questions as you wish! Let's have a good one tonight.
Questions are asked on the 7s - in case you are multi-tasking tonight... I will like/retweet all responses for max exposure - feel free to do the same. #swarmfbchat
A1: We start each practice with Blazer blitz. A @coachshattuck invention where the guys run through various agility movements on bags before bursting and getting a break. Defensive days we burst to U-Tackling #swarmfbchat
A1) I love to start practice out with some sort of competition. Get the mind right and get the competitive juices flowing. Also a great time to train the mind on scenarios (OT, 3rd and Long, etc) #swarmfbchat
A1: Before we break off into Indy, we bring the whole team together for a few words from the HC, to set the focus and mentality for the day. #swarmfbchat
A1: I like to start practice 2 times a week with pursuit drill and 1 time a week with tackle circuit and 1 time a week sigh takeaway circuit. Depending on Years and success of team I have mixed it up and done 2 tackles and 1 pursuit. #swarmfbchat
A1: My favorite drill to do maybe once a week is “money downs”. 5 or 7 plays with the chains, 1O vs 1D, loser has up downs or bear crawls. Kids beg for money downs but you always surprise them. Sets the tone for 3rd downs and works on sudden change! #swarmfbchat
A1: I like to start practice 2 times a week with pursuit drill and 1 time a week with tackle circuit and 1 time a week sigh takeaway circuit. Depending on Years and success of team I have mixed it up and done 2 tackles and 1 pursuit. #swarmfbchat
A1 cont: Wednesdays are my favorite day of the week. After EDD tackle circuit, we run The Gauntlet. One defender, three blockers in a line, 8 seconds to tackle the dummy 10 yards away. #swarmfbchat
A1) Dynamic warm-up. I actually want it to be low key, I like it when it gets chatty, its a good sign that their CNS is primed. Low key because I want them to switch their mindset from school to football. #swarmfbchat
A1. Cont. After that get into D timewith Pursuit or tackle circuit. Like to throw in “The Octagon” using barrels. 1 Def, 1 Off & 1 BC. Def has to fight & scrap to try and tackle anywhere in the Octagon. Only have used Def players.
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Whatever it is after warmup do a team drill that gets them hitting as a group, running and ALWAYS ends before they want it too. Leave them hungry #swarmfbchat
A2: After a team period, we will get in a corresponding ST. For example after team O, we will go Punt or Field Goal. After defense, we will go punt return. #swarmfbchat
A2) Right now we traditionally do it in the middle of practice, but we have debated also throwing special team situations randomly in to team periods to help practice things like sudden change and big plays. #swarmfbchat
A2: I think clumping ST any where in the practice plan is bad. Too many kids standing. It's part of the flow of the game - put emphasis on that at practice too. #swarmfbchat
A2)With our coaching staff, our special teams sections moves often. We mostly walk-on coaches, so moving 15-30 mins of the schedule is something that is much needed. Ideally we like to break up our O and D segments with specials. #swarmfbchat
A2) beautiful question! We start there, 10-20 minutes. Then 10-20 minutes again between O & D. We LOVE it! Plus we incorporate throughout situationally. #DawgPoundSpecialTeams#swarmfbchat
A2: we do them after dynamic warmup. We practice punting, kicking, snapping, holding. Our oline are with coach working Indy. Our d line is with coach warning Indy and qbs are with coach working Indy. Everyone else is working blocking or defeating blocks #swarmfbchat
A2) we hit special teams 1/3 days MTW during the middle of practice for about 20 minute period, start Thursday practice with it, on sundays it is only on field work we do for about 30 mins #swarmfbchat
A1 situation Wednesday’s start with red zone and goal line . 1 series move the chains for O and D it’s a live segment scout team can earn stickers with 1st down or TD’s or defensive stops #swarmfbchat
A2: We usually do KOC and/or KOR first thing after warmup. FG and punt are usually more towards the middle but it differs. Do at least 1 ST each day, and usually do all of them of W and Th. #swarmfbchat
A1: short team meet= set the tone, character traits we are working on, talk thru install/ scout once we get out we want to be firing. Jog to field together, right into player led warm up(7 min), then right into a circuit of some kind depends on the day #swarmfbchat
A2 con’t: we also start with ST Indy- including blocking and angles for tackles followed by a unit- given name to each one- directly after #swarmfbchat
Does anyone practice ST fundamentals, or do you just practice the scheme? If you do practice fundamentals, when do you try to incorporate them? #swarmfbchat
@rmacblue A2 specials segment after walk theubpre practice then 5 minutes segments that follow flow of practice plan ie kickoff to offense to punt to red zone to PAt/ Fg . #swarmfbchat
A2: id say middle but I’m not 100% in this. I don’t like it at the beginning of practice... I feel like kids are still easing into practice like a boat into water. At the end they’re mentally turned off and want to go home. I could be swayed though #swarmfbchat
A2: middle to random. Early on we have dedicated days. In the season, when we feel we are lacking in an area we make time in the middle. Thursday are bug ST days usually. #swarmfbchat
We do fundamentals in a special teams circuit, for example I am responsible for gunners and working on foot fire getting off block then breaking down 30-35 yds downfield at cone #swarmfbchat
A2: Most of the time we will do special teams after a team period and try to do punt return or kick return after defense and pat, punt, and kickoff after offense. #swarmfbchat
Q3: How often do you practice situational football? Example: 3rd down O/D, Goal Line, Short Yardage,Etc. What are some unique sessions you utilize? #swarmfbchat
A3: a couple good ways. We do a mock game which is 100% game situations. I've also been a part of a staff that did real game type practices on Wed. Coin toss and all. Controlled situations and period. From sudden change to 2 minute.
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A1: After Warmup/Stretch , like to go straight into a 3-4 station tackling circuit to set the tone and stress the importance of tackling everyday
Sorry I'm late to the chat!
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We focus special teams skills all through our summer. We don’t even get into scheme until we feel skill sets are established . Ie. Kickoff we work acceleration zone for 2 weeks then avoidance then compression . Utilize different drill progression al w Samw goal #swarmfbchat
A3: we practice a different coupe of special situations each practice- we made team time each day a few special situations example- Wednesday=3rd downs by tendencies so kids can practice them and put it all together #swarmfbchat
A3: I like our goal line competition. 1sv1s ball at 10, 4 plays to score. Loser does updowns. We let our 2s go as well. Depending on time and how many plays we will do it a few times. #swarmfbchat
A3:Schedule 3rd downs on Wed 1st downs are Monday, 2nd down is Tuesday. Goalline work the runs during inside and we move the ball during team period #swarmfbchat
Situations and down and distance go on the practice scripts and also when u scrimmage pre season and spring practice, have goal line and red zone periods against each other #swarmfbchat
Excited to hear answers for Q3 from the group! We usually go D&D on Wednesdays, with high emphasis on 3rd down. Thursday (pre-game) we work late game situations vs O1's. Kids compete and love it! #swarmfbchat
Thursday’s (or wed ). 15 min situations. 1s v 1s. All other team sessions will incorporate some. End two days of the week with some situation with consequences for losing. #swarmfbchat
Swinging Gate every pre-practice so we can dedicate everyday aggressive knowledge and plan for 2pt conv. Rest rotate after dynamic warmup, with a circuit then specific special teams. Will Work in random situations as well #swarmfbchat
Q3 Offense side we have situational in our script Tuesday-Thursday. Goal line, coming out, 2min. Our best is 4 plays to score from the +20 loser runs sprints. We call it the Seminole drill. #swarmfbchat
Q3: How often do you practice situational football? Example: 3rd down O/D, Goal Line, Short Yardage,Etc. What are some unique sessions you utilize? #swarmfbchat
Q3: How often do you practice situational football? Example: 3rd down O/D, Goal Line, Short Yardage,Etc. What are some unique sessions you utilize? #swarmfbchat
A3) we do goalline at beginning of practice as our first official period, follow this with 1st team vs 1st team for 5 plays (would like to incorporate more 3rd down scenarios) cuz you got to get off the field on the 💰💰💰 down #swarmfbchat
A3: I really like situational football. I think the more you do it, the clearer it is for players on the field. I said “money downs” which you can do goal line, short yardage, Deep pass, anything you want. But I think the more often you do it, the better you’ll be. #swarmfbchat
Q3: How often do you practice situational football? Example: 3rd down O/D, Goal Line, Short Yardage,Etc. What are some unique sessions you utilize? #swarmfbchat
A2: once everyone is there - do in beginning. Punt and PR have their own day KO/KOR done same day. Punt gets most time of all specials. Focus on doing 1 KO Return very well #swarmfbchat
A3) We do a decent amount during our team sessions. Each day we have a time where we have our offense play scout team and move the ball so we get different d&d, field position, etc. Offensive coaches during this time to mix and match scout cards for play calls #swarmfbchat
A1: straight to pursuit drill. On some days it will be kick off/kick return. Everyone goes during this period from first team to last player on roster. #swarmfbchat
A3. Have one Goal line period on Checkout day, I need help in this area!! feel like i never have enough time to fit em in during week. Gonna learn a lot from this question. #swarmfbchat
Also on special teams, I think you have to understand the schemes you want to run and the practice time they take. I intentionally keep some basic, so I can spend more time with others. #swarmfbchat
A2) currently, we practice ST at the top of practice. We practice Varsity vs JV which has panned out really well; both units played at a high level all season long.
I have also worked on staff who practice ST in the middle as well. More than one way to skin a cat. #swarmfbchat
A3: looking into making all team situational (1st/2nd/3rd/4th all distances, 2 min, 4 min) wouldn't mind get more info. We do goal line and 3rd down most weeks. Currently, we run through all plays and review favorites more frequently. #swarmfbchat
Offensive coaches like it because they get to use their brains a little to think of situational play calls and learn more about our opponents offense #swarmfbchat
A3: We usually rep 15 plays of 3rd down per week, 5-10 plays of short yardage/goaline live per week. Doesn’t count the walk through time to discuss game plan for those situations. #swarmfbchat
A2 a special in pre practice (right before they go offense or defense) and one in the middle of practice. Thursday hit all in game situations. Always wanted to try a chaos time for specials when we have to jump into one quick in the middle of something! #swarmfbchat
Q4: Do you abide by any time rules? For example, no single session over 20 minutes? Or using odd numbers for sessions like 3 min or 7 min? #swarmfbchat
A3: Wednesday is heavy situations. Somewhat Play the game with our scout team. Also Do a special script on Wednesday’s that hits special situations including uncertain punt, gate defense, gadget plays, Fg return, and Hail Mary. #swarmfbchat
A3) We always practice two minute drill the day before a game also so kids know that situation (try and tackle in bounds, play call in quickly, pass rush personnel, etc) #swarmfbchat
Thursday’s almost all situational. Goal line and RZ on heavy defensive day, would like I get more down-based situational during the week next season. Advantage to game-like situations vs 20 min of just team script #swarmfbchat
Q3: How often do you practice situational football? Example: 3rd down O/D, Goal Line, Short Yardage,Etc. What are some unique sessions you utilize? #swarmfbchat
One of HCs for whom I’ve worked used mock game for pregame practice on Thursdays. Always felt it helped with situational awareness for all players, as well as less need for manufactured situations from coaches...just fill in what didn’t happen. #swarmfbchat
A3: Defensively we do short yardage/ goal line about every team session. Every Thursday our defense ends with a late game need to get a goal line stop situation. #swarmfbchat
Q3: How often do you practice situational football? Example: 3rd down O/D, Goal Line, Short Yardage,Etc. What are some unique sessions you utilize? #swarmfbchat
A4) Strict time schedule. It's put out before practice. Scoreboard is running. Position coaches are responsible for their group being where they're supposed to be when it's supposed to happen.
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A4: I think too many coaches just put sessions in blocks of 5 minute increments. I like to use odd numbers to both get more out of my practice time and lessen the time in transition/overall length of practice. #swarmfbchat
Q4: Do you abide by any time rules? For example, no single session over 20 minutes? Or using odd numbers for sessions like 3 min or 7 min? #swarmfbchat
@rmacblue A3 situations 3 days per week Tues 1st 2nd Down red zone wed short all downs 3rd Down red zone to GL thurs come out off / 2nd half adjustments 3rd L based on field position. 4th Down +50 red zone Gl 2min . Finish w transitions period #swarmfbchat
A3: we are a smaller school, 40 kids, so our team usually consists of 1s vs scout. Does anyone switch player groups, for example 1s OL with JV Backs Vs JV DL and Varsity Back 7? Any thoughts? #swarmfbchat
A4) usually all period are either 5 or 7 mins, we will not repeat a period but we may extend a period if need be and “stop the clock”, only period that is over 7 is ST or a full team period. #swarmfbchat
A2: Special teams indy daily to start practice, focus on punt/kickoff on Tues. and both returns on Wed. Extra point/PAT are used daily during team. Cover everything during run through on Thursday. #swarmfbchat
A3: We have 15 reps of specific 3rd downs on Wednesday on both sides of the ball. We have additional unscripted 3rd down reps on Thursday as well. We do GL on M and Tu and work on OT scenario for offense as well #swarmfbchat
A4) we stay in time. It’s on each coach to maximize reps during sessions. In beginning of the season, 10 minute sessions but as the session moves...reduce that time. #swarmfbchat
A4. Most sessions are 10-15 min. If we want to go a longer we schedule a short break to allow kids to refocus. Then back to it. Complete practice is set up on 5 min segments on scoreboard.
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A4) we stick to the time. It’s on each coach to maximize reps during their session.
In beginning of the season, 10 minute sessions but as the session moves...reduce that time. #swarmfbchat
Q4: Do you abide by any time rules? For example, no single session over 20 minutes? Or using odd numbers for sessions like 3 min or 7 min? #swarmfbchat
A3: we incorporate 7 on 7 during our team time to work tempo. 11 on 11 then a second huddle comes up and works 7 on 7 while first huddle gets next play. Contemplating working strictly 3rd down passing situations with 7 on 7 huddle #swarmfbchat
Q4: Do you abide by any time rules? For example, no single session over 20 minutes? Or using odd numbers for sessions like 3 min or 7 min? #swarmfbchat
Go half line. 1s v 1s. Other half 2s v 2s. Call plays accordingly. Have to have full line competitive drills no matter how many kids u have #swarmfbchat
A4) I don’t have hard and fast rules but we try not to go past 20 minutes in a session. For us I feel like our focus tends to drop after that. #swarmfbchat
A4: All situations covered during practice. Speciality period for specialist and Special Teams with fundamentals, Group Time, Inside Run Periods, 7 on 7 at same time as Run periods, One on Ones for Ol/DL, Boards Drills , Team O and D 20 min for teams, 10 elsewhere #swarmfbchat
A4 cont: if we are having a bad practice that day and time runs out it runs out like in a game we dont get redo on game night so if we lose that day at practice I dont want anymore time bc just makes it worse #swarmfbchat
A4: I don’t think there’s a reason to have time rules? If a team gashed you for 300 yards on the ground the week before, you should probably devote a lot of time to it. You’re the one that made the rule! Why not change it?#swarmfbchat
Q4: Do you abide by any time rules? For example, no single session over 20 minutes? Or using odd numbers for sessions like 3 min or 7 min? #swarmfbchat
Another critical factor in efficiency of practice. Must have short sessions. Kids need less NOT MORE. Less than 15 min periods at all costs. #swarmfbchat
A3: On Wednesdays we have a 10 min Off 3rd down period ( short, Med, long) so that our guys will be familiar with these calls on game night. These plays will show up again on Thursdays during 3rd down calls. #swarmfbchat
Q4: Do you abide by any time rules? For example, no single session over 20 minutes? Or using odd numbers for sessions like 3 min or 7 min? #swarmfbchat
A4: We tend to stick to a set time rule. But can extend/shorten periods if we need to, it's whatever we need. Some weeks we face spread, others dbl tite power. Defense and practice schedule has to be some what flexible. #swarmfbchat
Q5: Final Question. What are the best strategies/sessions/plans for reducing the amount of time backups/lower level players spend watching practice from the sidelines? #swarmfbchat
A5. We platoon, so we have 1 D vs Scout O in one end with 1 O vs Scout D on the other. Rotating in kids when necessary on both ends. Very few kids standing & if they are they are rolling every 4-5 plays. #swarmfbchat
A5: we try to always have 2 offensive hudls going for more reps and more kids involved. Also have a varsity session and jv session going on at same time on opposite sides of field. Stretches our coaching staff but keeps more kids involved #swarmfbchat
A5 we have a double scrimmage. Var O in middle and two scout team defenses on either side. 33 involved at once and rotate. We have 45-50 on team. Also do this for D and Specials. All involved in indy and group.
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A5) We mostly platoon so it works pretty well for us. We do a bunch of drills with the JV offense, and the O does a lot of drills with the JV D. We will then go starters vs starters and JV vs JV for sessions. #swarmfbchat
A4: I'm bad about team sessions running over by a few minutes but most all other segments will run on the time limit of 15 minutes. Usually less! #swarmfbchat
Q5: Final Question. What are the best strategies/sessions/plans for reducing the amount of time backups/lower level players spend watching practice from the sidelines? #swarmfbchat
A5: We rotate our backups in. Plus backups our scouts in skelly and inside run. If your not in will have the guys signal the calls to stay locked in. During specials will do Indy with anyone not involved too. #swarmfbchat
A5:my first job our jv defense played against our 1 Off and fresh Def played against our 2nd Off both offense worked back to back and of course offense got dibs during that time, defensively we had 2 offenses working against our 1st D #swarmfbchat
A5: 2 big components/factors often overlooked...
1-BE ORGANIZED! Every coach know plan, all periods mapped out before. No wasting time figuring out how to set up drills, what to do, etc.
2-COACH ON THE FLY! Minimize (eliminate?) stopping everything to make a point.
#SwarmFBChat
Q5: Final Question. What are the best strategies/sessions/plans for reducing the amount of time backups/lower level players spend watching practice from the sidelines? #swarmfbchat
A5)At WashMO we had an issue of kids not rotating on scout or team. So we had a 3 play rule, if you weren't playing a play every 3 plays, then the had a 50 yard sprint. Fixed it!
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Starting O and D gets to do scout work, and JV kids get a chance to work on what they need. We really only have a few subs with each groups to rotate in so very few kids standing around. Plus we get a quality scout look from our starters. #swarmfbchat
A5: tempo tempo tempo. 7 on 7 go fast and sub. Inside go fast and sub. Team play situational football with people getting tired or hurt. Need things to be game like or tougher so the game is easy! #swarmfbchat
A1) We start with Pursuit. We have two that we alternate. If we play a running QB. We will turn it into a Scramble Drill Pursuit with the scout teams. Forces the DB’s to stay in coverage and how to pursue a QB with the DL. We then Goto a short turnover circuit. #swarmfbchat
Great to see a coach from NE, and just down the road! Our practices run around 2 hours. I’ve been a part of programs that run longer - new HC knows his stuff. How long can you keep teenage boys engaged? What do they retain beyond that? #swarmfbchat
We run 2 groups on all that we do. Try to get the kids in scout team that don't get much time. We also use those kids on our special team scout as well. We have a scout team player of the week award each week. #swarmfbchat
Q5: Final Question. What are the best strategies/sessions/plans for reducing the amount of time backups/lower level players spend watching practice from the sidelines? #swarmfbchat
Include small group competition drills, circuits daily, group/Indy periods that are active, clear, concise= certain periods dedicated to game plan, others focused on development. From there have a culture that is growth focused and compels players to get into team. #swarmfbchat
Hopefully you stole some good ideas from tonight's #swarmfbchat It was a pleasure bringing it to you. I appreciate all of you for your participation and support!
A2) After Flex we always start with either KOR or KO similar to a game. In the middle we do punt or PR. We do PAT/FG at the end. One thing I like that I had done is the past is incorporate a STI period for 5-10 minutes where you work special team individual drills. #swarmfbchat
Practice hack - have the sticks move but not the down marker. With practice space it’s easier to adjust the chains backwards than to re-spot the ball ahead or back and have the huddle/coaches/etc move #swarmfbchat
A5: at a previous spot I was at we were able to run 7on7 and inside run at the same time. 2 groups of LB’s made it possible to do both defensively. Lots of reps for everyone! #swarmfbchat
Q5: Final Question. What are the best strategies/sessions/plans for reducing the amount of time backups/lower level players spend watching practice from the sidelines? #swarmfbchat
A4: Usually break practice down into 20/ 5 minute blocks with no one segment over 15 minutes. Maybe 20 minutes in Indy but try and fit 2-3 drills into that time frame. #swarmfbchat
I'm speaking on this topic Friday afternoon in Orlando for @usafootball National Convention. If I steal an answer, you'll be getting a shout out! #swarmfbchat
A5: People under estimate the value of scout team reps use your next best guys at each position for scout looks , helps them develop just playing the game and also during Team rotate in as much as possible and schedule B team scrimmage time during practice #swarmfbchat
