Building a Championship Culturecoachlynchfootball.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/4/9/11490823/...Section 2: Program Vision o 13 o Staff Roles Varsity Defensive Coordinator Special Teams Coordinator

Building a Championship Culture

Table of Contents

Building a Championship Culture III

Section 1: Introduction 7RESUME 8REFERENCE LETTERS 9

Section 2: Program Vision 11TOTAL PROGRAM OUTLINE 11ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC BALANCE 15SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 16JUNIOR TACKLE FOOTBALL PROGRAM 17PARENT RELATIONS 19THE LIGHTNING BOLT 20NEW LIGHTNING BOLT - NEW IDENTITY 21PROGRAM BUILDING 22PROGRAM GOALS 24TEAM CODE OF CONDUCT 25KEYS TO A CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAM 26THE NINE PILLARS OF LEADERSHIP 28PRIDE STICKER CRITERIA/IN-GAME GOALS 29PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 31PROGRAM TENTATIVE SCHEDULE 33

Section 3: Coaching Staff 42COACHING PHILOSOPHY 42COACHING CODE OF ETHICS 44COACHING EXPECTATIONS 46OFFENSIVE COACH EXPECTATIONS 48DEFENSIVE COACH EXPECTATIONS 49SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR EXPECTATIONS 50COACHING DUTIES 51HEAD COACH ORGANIZATIONAL TIMELINE 53

Section 4: Strength and Conditioning 56STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM OVERVIEW 56FOUR YEAR TRAINING MODEL 59YEARLY TRAINING MODEL 62WEEKLY TRAINING OUTLINE 65

Table of Contents

Building a Championship CultureIV

Table of Contents

Building a Championship Culture V

Section 5: Practice Philosophy 66PRACTICE SEGMENTS 67PRACTICE PLANS 76

Section 6: Offensive Philosophy 86OFFENSIVE PERSONNEL 88FORMATION EXAMPLES 89“10’S” RUN BLOCKING SCHEME - ISO PACKAGE 90“20’S” RUN BLOCKING SCHEME - BUCK SWEEP PACKAGE 91“30’S” RUN BLOCKING SCHEME - POWER PACKAGE 92“40’S” RUN BLOCKING SCHEME - TRAP PACKAGE 93LIGHTNING MOTION/BACKFIELD ACTION 94TORNADO MOTION/BACKFIELD ACTION 95THUNDER MOTION 96RPO SCHEMES 97BOOTLEG/PLAY ACTION PACKAGE 98SCREEN PACKAGE 99OPTION ROUTE PASS GAME 100ROLLOUT PASS GAME 1012 RECEIVER PASS GAME 102SINGLE RECEIVER PASS GAME 103GOALLINE/SHORT YARDAGE PACKAGE 104

Section 7: Defensive Philosophy 105DEFENSIVE PERSONNEL 106“BASE” DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT 108“50” DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT 109“60” DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT 110RUN FIT EXPLANATION 111PASS COVERAGE EXPLANATION 112

Table of Contents

Building a Championship CultureVI

Section 8: Special Teams Philosophy 113KICKOFF SCHEME/PERSONNEL 114KICKOFF RETURN SCHEME/PERSONNEL 115PUNT RETURN/PUNT BLOCK 116PUNT TEAM 117EXTRA POINT/FIELD GOAL 118

Building a Championship Culture 11

Section 2: Program VisionTOTAL PROGRAM OUTLINE

• Academicso Priority #1o Accessibility and communication with facultyo Grade progress reportso Off season grade/behavior monitoring

• Administrationo Constant open line of communicationo Organization of special events

Homecoming Senior Night Pep Rallies

o Schedulingo Compliance with IHSA Rules and Regulations

• Parentso Accessibility and communication

Meetings Letters Schedules/Calendars

o Spring Team Meeting Program overview and philosophies Rules and responsibilities

o Team Moms Sign up volunteers Clear responsibilities Constant communication Assign a team mom captain Wednesday Night Meals Game Night Nutrition

• Facultyo Accessibility, support, and communicationo Teacher Recognition

Honorary team captain for home games• Support Personnel

o Building/Grounds Crew Communication

o Statisticians Alumni/Faculty Three statisticians needed

o Scouting Alumni/Faculty Clear and precise instructions

o Student Managers Recruit students for a large managerial staff Appoint head manager Clear and precise instructions on duties of managers

Section 2: Program Vision

Building a Championship Culture12

• Recruitingo In School

Work the hallwaysWinter/Spring sports athletesWinter/Spring coach involvementPlayer Involvement

o Junior Tackle ProgramCoaches Clinic Letters to parentsSpeak at school/practiceSupport program at games

• Strength and Conditioningo Goals (off season)

DurabilityAbsolute and Speed StrengthExplosiveness and PowerSpeedAgility/MobilityConditioning

o Motivation 1,000 pound club t-shirtsHigh Energy and enthusiasm Reward program for attendance

o Goals (in season)DurabilityMaintenance

• Fundraising & Promotiono Utilization of Social Media

Constant contact with fans/media/parentsPromote football program to large audienceVery economic marketing toolRecruitingCommunication tool

o Posters/Calendars/Team Apparelo Team Fundraising

• Junior Tackle Football Programo Clear vision and focuso Program continuityo Coaches Clinics

• Football Campso High School Campo Junior High Football Camp

• Coaching Staffo Paid Assistants

Defensive CoordinatorAssistant Head Coach/Special Teams CoordinatorHead Freshmen/Sophomore Coach



o Staff RolesVarsity Defensive CoordinatorSpecial Teams CoordinatorBacks Coach (QB’s/RB’s)Wide Receivers CoachOffensive Line CoachDefensive Line Coach Linebackers CoachDefensive Backs Coach

o Volunteer AssistantsPositional Coaches/Support

o Frequent coaches meetings In Season

• Sunday Night Meetings• Daily meeting pre-practice• Post practice as needed

Out of Season• Weekly Meetings

o Professional GrowthClinicsCamps/College Spring PracticesBooks/Videos/Websites

• Playerso Individual Interviewso Traditions

Reward decalsThursday ShirtsWednesday Team MealsScout Team Player of the WeekSpecial Teams Player of the WeekHit of the Week

o Team Meetingso Seniors

CaptainsCollege Recruiting

• Information/Correspondence• Game Film• Coaching Contacts• Visits

• Mediao Accessibilityo Statso Seek positive recognition and attention



• In Seasono Practices

Install into game prepo Gameso Scoutingo Strength and Conditioning

• Post Seasono Player Honors/Awardso Team Banqueto Information to Recruiters

• Winter/Spring Sportso Encourage and Recruit for other sportso Attend sporting events

• Filmo Scouting o Recruitingo Organized

• School Spirito Band Cooperationo Cheerleader Recognition and Supporto Team appreciation and recognitiono Banners/Signso Team Apparel



ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC BALANCE

Athletics can play an integral role in a child’s education; however, it should never be viewed as equal to that of the core educational curriculum. The integrity of the academic mission of an institution should never be compromised in order to achieve athletic success. Athlet-ics only provide an opportunity for added character development through structured compe-tition and sport.

Academic Responsibilities of Coaches• Promote academics over athletics in all situations.• Teach proper time management skills• Maintain constant communication with faculty, staff, and guardians.• Praise and reward academic achievements.• Monitor athlete’s grades and classroom behavior throughout the year• Facilitate tutoring/study sessions for student-athletes in need during practice.• Abide by the eligibility standards set forth by the student handbook.• Thoroughly understand any special academic needs of student-athletes.

Football Program Academic Plan of Action

1. Open the line of communication between coaching staff and faculty by introducing ourselvesto the faculty providing our contact information. Make it perfectly clear that any behavior/grade problems by our student-athletes will not be tolerated and that the faculty has our fullsupport to reprimand as they see fit. We will also encourage the faculty to communicatewith us any problems that persist with student-athletes. This is to be complete at the begin-ning of every academic year.

2. Institute a faculty honorary captain for all home games. The student-athletes nominatefaculty members (K-12) that they feel deserve to be recognized for their efforts as educators.These faculty members will be invited to attend practice on Thursdays to be recognized infront of the team. They will then be invited to participate in the coin toss of the varsity gameand then remain on the sideline for the remainder of the contest if they so choose.

3. Monitor student-athlete’s grades through the weekly grade report for extracurricular activity.Any student-athlete with D’s or F’s will be required to complete study hall time during prac-tice, which prevents them from participating fully in practice.

4. Our student-athletes will not have failure in their vocabulary, therefore, failing class workwill not be tolerated. These instances will be handled with the upmost attention. A detailedinvestigation will take place with communication between the student-athlete, parents, andfaculty. A plan of action will then be implemented with the recommendations on how to en-sure the student-athlete be successful.

5. Offseason academic monitoring will consist of keeping the line of communication openbetween coaches and faculty. We will also work closely with the winter and spring sportcoaches to monitor student-athlete grades and behavior.



SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

School • Adamantly encourage and support multi-sport student-athletes• Encourage student-athletes to be involved with as many extra-curricular activities as pos-

sible• Actively endorse football players’ attendance at other sporting events.• Attend school events such as plays, music recitals, and sporting events.• Participate in pep rallies and promote an active student cheering section.• Involve the faculty and staff in the football program.

o Faculty Honorary Captain Programo Thank you notes/emails for support of the football programo Involve faculty/staff in support roles such as stats and video detail.

• Recruit non-football students to become student managers

Community• Participate in town events and parades.• Involve football program in charity events and fundraisers.• Organize football program volunteering for charities and services.• Support feeder school athletic programs and schools.• Accept and perform public speaking at local clubs and organizations.• Play an active role in as many community events as possible.

Alumni• Actively pursue alumni to volunteer to coaching/support staff• Invite alumni to practices and team meetings to speak with team about experiences.• Promote the “Homecoming” game actively with alumni.

Fundraising• Evaluate the effectiveness of all the current fundraising activities.• Establish goals in conjunction with the administration/athletic director.

o Stadium, practice facility, weight room, and equipment.• Evaluate relationship and status of booster club.

o Promote community participation in the booster club.o Develop a tremendous relationship with booster club members.

The Role of Social Media To accomplish the goals set forth for community and school involvement, I believe social media can play a tremendous role. We will use social media to market our program to potential student-athletes, fans, and donors. Social media can play a vital role in the per-ception of a football program. We will highlight our success on and off the field while giving the community an inside look into the football program. We will also use social media to market any fundraising events and promote other school functions that requires the com-munity involvement.



JUNIOR TACKLE FOOTBALL PROGRAM

Junior Tackle Program Positives/Goals:• Comprehend the basic fundamentals, positions, and rules of the game• Understand the essential terminology/scheme of the high school’s offense and defense• Learn how to properly and safely tackle• Understand practice structure and what it means to practice hard• Develop an understanding on how to carry pads, take hits, and play physical• Instill confidence in the kids that will ultimately lead to them performing at a high level

Junior Tackle Program Negatives/Detriments:• The “specialness” of playing football is gone by the time the kids get to high school• The risk of concussions and serious injuries are real and the more kids are exposed to these

risks, the more likely the risks are• Under developed kids are not getting playing time, which results in them not to continue to

participate• Following injuries, parents/kids decide to not to continue to play football• Kids don’t necessarily play the positions they will play in high school• Volunteer football coaches are not educated enough to properly teach, lead, and organize a

football program• Seasons are typically long in duration, sometimes even consisting of multiple games in one

week increasing the risk of injuries.

Unfortunately, our junior tackle football program is not associated with our school. As the head football coach, I would not necessarily have a say in how the program operates. I am willing; however, to have the tough conversations necessary to drive change within our JFL program. The negatives with the program strongly outweigh the positives. In small school high school football, the power of numbers in your program can make or break your football season. JFL programs are diluting the participation in football for a variety of reasons. Kids no longer view playing football in high school as a special deal as they typically have four to even six years of playing football by the time they get to high school. JFL programs are also leaving kids more susceptible to injury due to the length of their seasons and the lack of properly educated and qualified coaches.



Suggested JFL Football Program:

5th and 6th Grade Football:• Five week season where the only focus is the basic fundamentals, positions, and rules of

the game• The last two Saturdays of the season would consist of inter-squad scrimmages in a con-

trolled fashion.• There would be no scheduled games against outside opponents

7th and 8th Grade Football:• Program will continue as currently operating• Mandate that team will not play more than one game a week and no more than eight games

in a season• Implement a rule that all players must receive playing time in all facets of the game

To be clear, I am not of the opinion that a JFL program is necessary to be successful at the high school level. There are multiple elite level high school football programs that do not currently have junior tackle football programs. If I were able to implement my revised JFL football program, we would operate in that manner for three years and then re-evaluate from there with the hopes that we could condense the program even more.

It will be a very important mission of mine to take a very aggressive interest in the future of our JFL program. Although I may not be able to control if the program persists or not, I can provide an educational resource for the volunteer coaches on how to properly run the program. We will hold a football coaching clinic centered around our high school football camp. Any coach that will be involved with the JFL program will be invited and strongly rec-ommended to attend the clinic. They will be invited to every camp session and then culmi-nate with a detailed coaching clinic on the Saturday following the camp.

JFL Coaching Clinic Agenda• Practice Planning/Organization• Scheme Terminology/Formations/Plays

o Playbooks will be given• Proper tackling techniques and drills• Drills to ensure proper fundamentals

The coaching clinic provides our program the avenue to ensure the JFL program is better prepared to run a safe, well organized program that provides the atmosphere and experi-ence that will benefit our high school program. Coaches will also be given our coaching staff’s contact information in order to always rely on us a resource to enhance the experi-ence for the kids.



PARENT RELATIONSOur main objective in parent relations will be to have an open and honest relationship with parents. There are few people that will have a more vested interest in the football program than the parents of the players. As a direct result of the their interest, issues with parents that are both positive and negative are a significant part of being a head coach. Keeping a direct and open communication line along with setting clear expectations will be vital to ensuring a positive relationship between the coaches, players, and parents.

The objective is to alleviate:• Unidentified negative emails• Negative letters• Uncomfortable confrontations• Unwanted phone calls• Detrimental “back room” conversations

Team MeetingA meeting will be held every spring for all players and parents grades 10-12 (incoming 9th graders will have a separate meeting). The meeting will outline my policies:

• Team Rules and Expectations• Offseason Schedule• Missed Practices and Workouts• 7 on 7 schedule• Academics• Discipline• Community Expectations• Outline strength and conditioning program and nutrition• Ask for volunteer team moms

Team MomsMothers of the players will be asked to play a special role in our football program.

The team mom volunteers will then nominate a mother to be the captain who will facilitate and organize all functions of the team moms.

• Wednesday Night Team Mealso Organize, prepare, and serve the football team with a meal on each Wednesday of

the season.• Game night nutrition for halftime

o Bananas and Apples• Away Game Travel Brown Sack Meals

o Provide meals for team for travelling purposes to ensure kids are properly fueled toplay the game.

o This should include enough for post-game meals as well.



2000: Lightning Bolts Placed on Helmets: 3-6 Record

Combined Record Prior to Lighning Bolts: 18-27 Zero Playo� Appearances

2001-2003: 25-8 Record

2002 Class 2A Quarter�nalistsConference Champions

2004-2006:39-2 Record

3-time Conference Champion2004 Class 3A State Runner-Up2005 Class 3A State Champion

2006 Class 3A State Semi�nalist

2007:3-6 Record

Ended 6 year playo� run

2008-2010:23-9 Record

2008 Class 2A Quarter�nalistThree Straight Playo� Quali�ers

2011-2016: 24-31 Total Record

Only 1 Playo� Appearance

Bureau Valley StormHelmet Decal from

2001-2016

THE LIGHTNING BOLT

The lightning bolt on the Bureau Valley helmets are extremely special to me. I was one of the first to wear this logo back in 2001. When the lightning bolts were placed on the hel-mets, Bureau Valley had never been to a playoff game and had been mediocre at best on the field. I was a part of the trail blazing process that led to the first ever playoff appearance and conference champions that Bureau Valley ever had. This paved the way for the peak of the Bureau Valley program from 2004-2006 when we combined for a 39-2 record including a state champion, state runner-up, and a state semifinalist. Bureau Valley fell off the peak in 2007 falling 3-6 for the year. After three state playoff appearances from 2008-2010, Bureau Valley has only managed a 24-31 record in six seasons with only one playoff appearance. Although the lightning bolt itself signifies a great deal of success the program has had, the curvature of the current lightning bolt also signifies the inconsistency that has been prevalent within this program.



2017:Playo� Quali�er

Conference Champion ContenderDeep Playo� Runs

Bureau Valley StormHelmet Decal from

2017-

Every Future Season:Playo� Quali�er

Conference Champion ContenderDeep Playo� Runs

NEW LIGHTNING BOLT - NEW IDENTITY

The new Bureau Valley lightning bolt will scream consistency. It will be big, bold, and be pointed di-rectly at our opponents at all times. It will also take a straight shape to signify that year in and year out we are going to be consistent. It will be a foregone conclusion that we will be a playoff qualifier. Our opponents will know that they will have to go through us to win the conference championship. We will always be a threat to make deep playoff runs. There will be no more peaks and valleys as our program will consistently compete at the top of our conference.



PROGRAM BUILDING

• Pride Stickerso Pride stickers will be handed out every Thursday prior to gameso The process of handing out these decals will be a special event and receiving these

decals will be viewed as a privilege.o Coaches will meet and set criteria for the distribution before every seasono Types of Pride Decals

We will have two types of pride decals that signify achievements both indi-vidual and team oriented.

• Hit of the Weeko Each week a t-shirt and “champion” decal will be handed out to the athlete/athletes

that performed the best hit of the week. This will be voted upon by the players and coaches during the Thursday post-practice meeting. All awarded hits will be legal and safe hits.

• Special Teams Player of the Weeko Each week the coaching staff will vote on a special teams player of the week that

displays the best effort and execution in the special teams facet of the game. This award can even go to a whole unit of special teams for their efforts in the previous game. “Uncommon” decals will be handed out to the recipients and they will be rec-ognized for their performance.

• Scout Team Player of the Weeko Each week an offensive and defensive scout team player will be chosen to receive

an “Uncommon” pride sticker. The scout team players of the week will be nominated by fellow players and coaches. The athletes chosen will exemplify the dedication and sacrifice it takes to help our starting offense and defense be as prepared as pos-sible for the football games.

• Wednesday Night Team Mealo Administered and organized by team momso All athletes and coaches eat meal together

• Thursday Scout Team Pizzao Every Thursday, scout team members (offense, defense, and special teams) will

receive pizza as a reward for their efforts.o No starters on offense/defense are allowed to have pizza unless otherwise specified

by the coaching staff.• Thursday Shirts

o Our team will all wear the same t-shirt on the Thursdays before games. These t-shirts will be specific to the current teams personality and goals. The Thursday shirts will be developed by the seniors in conjunction with the coaching staff to fit that year’s themes and goals. These shirts signify team unity and pride as everyone in the school and in the community will recognize this action.

• 1,000 Pound Clubo Strength and conditioning plays a vital role to the success of our football program.

We will reward those that work harder than most in the weight room. Athletes that obtain a total in three combined lifts out of the bench press, back squat, deadlift, power clean, or push press will receive a 1,000 pound club t-shirt. We will also hand out honorary 1,000 pound club t-shirts to those athletes that have a weight room at-tendance rate of 90% or higher. A plaque will be placed in the weight room with all recipient names on it. We will build on this from year to year.



• Blue Shirtso We make being part of our starting defensive unit a privilege and an honor. All start-

ers will receive blue jerseys for practice that no one else in the program will have. They will have to earn these jerseys by performance in practice and can have them taken away if their performance falls below expectations. If they are to lose their blue shirts, the offensive scout team will wear the blue shirts until the defense wins back the right to wear the coveted practice jerseys.



PROGRAM GOALS

As a program, we will not set a lot of objective goals. We believe that if you control what you can control, the rest will take care of itself.

• Academic Success – Zero ineligible athletes• 80% of football program on honor roll every semester• Promote mental, emotional, intellectual, and social growth of the student-athlete• Increase team involvement in community affairs and events• Keep athletes healthy and injury free• Create an environment that being involved in strength and conditioning is the way of life• Emphasis on overall player improvement and development• Maintain and improve all playing and practicing fields and equipment• Qualify for playoffs each and every year• Conference champion contenders year in and year out• Improve fundraising efforts each year• Strive to be UNCOMMON• HAVE FUN



TEAM CODE OF CONDUCT

On the Field• Everyone dresses the same.• Show uncommonly great sportsmanship• NEVER argue with an official• Always remain positive and uplifting• Do your job on every play• BE A LEADER

At Practice• “To be early is to be on time and to be on time is to be late”• Listen to your coaches, follow instructions, be receptive to critiques• Leave all outside distractions in the locker room• Be positive and uplifting to teammates• BE A LEADER

In the Classroom• Be a positive contributor to the class• Sit in the front of the room when you have a choice• Always set a positive example (BE A LEADER)• Interact with teachers and ask for help• Failure is not an option, therefore receiving F’s is not acceptable

In the Community• Absolutely zero vulgar language or obscene gestures• Always treat people with respect• Be on time for all obligations• While wearing football apparel, your conduct MUST be at a premium.• BE A LEADER

At Home• Honor and respect your parents and do as they wish

With the Media• Always complement your opponent for game well-played.• Public credit your teammates for the success of the team.• Choose words wisely when asked about an upcoming opponent.

o Zero bulletin board material



KEYS TO A CHAMPIONSHIP PROGRAM

A lot of people get to play or coach high school football. What is going to make you spe-cial? What are you going to do to make your experience different than the average high school football player? The teams that display these characteristics set themselves apart and win championships. They are willing to do uncommon things to achieve great accom-plishments. Live these things and you will be great.

1. DON’T JUST BE COMPETITIVE…STRIVE• Being competitive is great, but being a competitor doesn’t guarantee anything. One

that strives to be better relentlessly can constantly get better. Even when you are a champion, you still can get better. Never be satisfied and constantly strive to be bet-ter.

2. WIN EVERYDAY• In order to win championships, you have to focus on daily excellence. Take advan-

tage of every opportunity and every day to make yourself better. Ask yourself daily, “what can I do today to make myself better?” Focus on the fundamentals and be dis-ciplined enough to stick with them. Pursue excellence, earn it, want it and embrace the grinder mentality.

3. ALL IN• Stay the course and buy in to the process. Challenge yourself every day and hold

yourself accountable for mistakes. Trust your coaches and teammates and believe in them. Focus on what you can control and everything else is just noise. There will always be lots of distractions and an urge to do everything, but the best are those who can execute their responsibilities no matter what the circumstances.

4. VALUE AND RESPECT EVERYONE• Every single person within this program has a role that is equally important to the

rest. Get to know your teammates/coaches and value the roles they are responsible for. Treat your teammates/coaches as you would like to be treated yourself.

5. PUT IN THE WORK• Work ethic takes zero talent. If you truly want something, you have to be willing to

put in the work to accomplish your goals. Never let our opponents outwork us in any facet of the game, whether that would be in the weight room, in the class room, or on the field.

6. BE A LEADER• Do you want to watch people do great things or do you want to be the ones doing

great things? Lead by example that not only you can be proud of, but that influences other people to do the same. It is easy to be a follower and people that are followers are common. Choosing to be uncommon means you are willing to do things that not all people are willing to do. Being a leader is a choice.

7. MENTAL TOUGHNESS• Everyone is faced with adversity at some point in their life. How you respond to

adversity is the true test in life. Treat each mistake as a learning experience and ensure you never make the same mistake twice. Embrace criticism and mistakes treating them as opportunities to make yourself a better player/coach, but more importantly, a better person. No person is born with mental toughness, you have to learn mental toughness and that doesn’t happen by taking the easy way out in any instance.



8. ZERO EXCUSES• Do your best and keep moving forward. Don’t whine or complain if things don’t go as

planned. Take responsibility for shortcomings and keep moving forward or fall risk of falling behind.

9. GREAT PREPARATION LEADS TO THE CONFIDENCE TO SUCCEED• Prepare for everything put in front of you. Visualize and plan all types of situations

that may occur. Properly preparing for any situation leads to the confidence to per-form under pressure because the work is done. Anticipate the best outcomes, but prepare for the worst.

10. LOVE, SERVE, CARE• Love the people around you. Be passionate about things you like to do. When you

are passionate and loving, you can achieve tremendous heights. Serving is the most selfless characteristic a person can display. Put others before yourself and you will become great in their eyes. You cannot be great if you do not live to serve and sacrifice. Care about everything. Take pride in your work in the class room and on the field. Look after your teammates and help them be better. Take pride in being a caring teammate and you will be a better person.



THE NINE PILLARS OF LEADERSHIP

● Leaders should intend to lead, but be ready to follow.○ Setting aside an ego is a hard thing to do for a person with great leadership qualities,

but the best know when they should listen to the advice of others even if they work for them.

● Leaders have a powerful presence, but are approachable.○ Possessing an aggressive nature is important for leaders, but being a micromanager

and overbearing can sometimes be a negative bi-product. Leaders do not tolerate such things as laziness, but they never put themselves in a position that fellow coach-es, players, or parents feel like they can’t approach them with questions and concerns.

● Leaders are strategically emotional○ People who do not have control of their emotions do not get the respect that great

leaders do. People who control themselves emotionally, but then aren’t afraid to show their emotions in the appropriate times make tremendous leaders.

● Leaders toe the line between confidence and arrogance○ A leader who displays confidence can inspire confidence in others. As a result, the

leadership of these people often times lead to extraordinary accomplishments. Ar-rogant people tend to end up falling victim to complacency, which then turns into mediocrity in terms of performance.

● Leaders aren’t afraid of big decisions○ Great decision makers who work swiftly to mitigate the risk in each decision and

leave no room for gray area make great leaders. Leaders understand that mistakes will be made, but learning from those mistakes are the key. They understand the con-sequences that could come from making a decision and they work to ensure the risk is minimal.

● Leaders are ultra-competitive, but extremely accountable○ It is always necessary to do everything within your power and within the rules to

drive your team to be successful in order to be considered a great leader. It is also necessary as a leader to always take full responsibility for failure when it occurs.

● Leaders always keep the big picture in mind○ Attention to detail is extremely important, but great leaders understand that paying

too close attention to details can lead to the urge to implement “quick fixes”. “Quick fixes” never truly fix problems and great leaders never lose sight of this.

● Leaders turn negatives into positives○ Everyone is faced with adversity in life and everyone makes mistakes. Those that

can turn these things into positive outcomes are leaders. There is nothing naive about maintaining a positive attitude through an adverse situation. Leaders constantly ana-lyze their mistakes in order to ensure that they are never made again.

● Leaders trust and empower people○ Effective leaders understand the importance of motivating people and developing

a positive relationship with people they are in charge of. Leaders do not; however, allow this relationship to cloud their judgment in decision making. They never play favorites and they never use personal relationships as deciding factors.



Decal Goal Awarded To:ENTIRE TEAM

Champion Win TeamChampion Win turnover margin TeamUncommon Scout Team Player of the Week (Offense and Defense) Individual/GroupChampion Hit of the Week IndividualUncommon Special Teams Player of the Week Individual/GroupChampion 3 or less total team penalties TeamUncommon Hustle Play IndividualUncommon Uncommon act of good sportsmanship IndividualUncommon Academic award/achievements IndividualUncommon Uncommon acts of extraordinary practice habits IndividualUncommon Service to school and/or community Individual/TeamUncommon 1,000 pound club honoree IndividualUncommon Voted Team Captain Individual

STARTING OFFENSIVE GROUPChampion Score 24+ points in a victory only Offensive UnitChampion No turnovers/change of possession on our half of the field Offensive UnitChampion 10 plays of 12+ yards Offensive UnitChampion 90% Short Yardage Conversions Offensive UnitChampion Four Drives of 8+ plays. Offensive UnitChampion 3+ yards on all 1st downs Offensive UnitChampion 300 yards of total offense Offensive Unit

OFFENSE - INDIVIDUALChampion 100+ yard passing game IndividualChampion 80+ yard receiving game IndividualChampion No Sacks (10+ pass attempts) Offensive LineChampion Touchdown (passing/receiving/rushing) IndividualChampion 80+ yards rushing IndividualChampion Pancake block IndividualChampion Big Play of 25+ yards Individual

STARTING DEFENSIVE UNITChampion Hold opponents to 13 points or less (win only) Defensive Unit

Not only is this chart our pride sticker criteria, it is also the goals that we will set for our teams’ game performance. If we are giving out a lot of pride stickers, than we have won the ball game. Coaches will meet to go over the criteria on a yearly basis in order to assure that our criteria meets the de-mands and goals of our football team. Coaches will also retain the right to take away the event of pride sticker distribution and give out pride stickers for anything they deem as fit.

PRIDE STICKER CRITERIA/IN-GAME GOALS



Champion Defensive Score Defensive UnitChampion Five plus “3 and outs” Defensive UnitChampion Stop opponents in all “sudden change” situations Defensive UnitChampion Stop opponents inside their own 10 yard line Defensive UnitChampion Stop opponent in all two minute situations Defensive UnitChampion Hold opponents under 80 yards passing Defensive UnitChampion Hold opponents under 100 yards rushing Defensive UnitChampion Force 2+ turnovers Defensive Unit

DEFENSE - INDIVIDUALChampion Defensive Score IndividualChampion Forced Fumble that we recovred IndividualChampion Fumble Recovery IndividualChampion Interception IndividualChampion 10+ tackles IndividualChampion Sack Individual

SPECIAL TEAMS - KICKOFFUncommon No Returns Past the 25 yard line K.O. UnitUncommon Tackle Inside the 20 yard line K.O. UnitUncommon Cause Fumble and Recover IndividualUncommon Recover an Onside Kick K.O. Unit

SPECIAL TEAMS - PUNTUncommon Zero return yardage Punt TeamUncommon 30+ yard punt average PunterUncommon Punt Inside Opponent 10 yard line PunterUncommon Cause Fumble/Recovery IndividualUncommon Successful Fake Punt for 1st Down Punt TeamUncommon Zero Big Plays (No blocked punts/big returns of 15+ yds) Punt Team

SPECIAL TEAMS - PUNT RETURNUncommon Punt Block/Force bad punt P.R. TeamUncommon 2+ Returns of 20+ yards P.R. TeamUncommon Punt Return Touchdown P.R. Team

SPECIAL TEAMS - KICK RETURNUncommon All Returnable Kicks past the 30 yard line K.R. TeamUncommon Recovered Onside Kick K.R. TeamUncommon Kick Return Touchdown K.R. TeamUncommon Kick Return past 50 yard line K.R. Team

SPECIAL TEAMS - EXTRA POINT/FIELD GOALUncommon For every two made extra points F.G. UnitUncommon Successful field goal F.G. UnitUncommon Successful fake for first down or touchdown F.G. Unit



PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Spring 2017

• Student-Athlete/Parent Introductory Meetingo Invite incoming 8th graderso Introduce my family and Io Set the direction and expectations of our programo Outline the off season schedule and plano Open the line of communication between the student-athletes/parents and myselfo Ask for volunteer team moms

Get contact information for those interestedo Disperse football program handbook

• Introduce myself to booster club to discuss fundraising and supporto Become active in booster club events and fundraisers

• Hire a Coaching Staffo Varsity Defensive Coordinatoro Assistant Head Coacho Head Freshmen/Sophomore Coacho Large Volunteer Assistant Staff

• Weekly meetings with newly assembled coaching staffo Create staff chemistry as quickly as possibleo Set-up individual coach meetings o Set expectations, roles, and staff assignmentso Teach/Review schemes and techniqueso Implement strength and conditioning philosophies/goalso Personnel discussions and initialize a depth charto Begin opponent scouting/initial game planning

• Attend Coaching Clinicso 2017 IHSFCA Coaching Clinic (March 30th, 31st, and April 1st)o Glazier Football Clinic (March 3rd-5th)

• Schedule one-on-one meetings with all returning playerso Begin the process of developing a connection with all players individuallyo Set goals and expectations

• Schedule meeting with JFL boardo Understand current operating modelo Discuss future of JFL and directiono Discuss coaching education

• Implement Strength and Conditioning Programo After school program for non-winter and spring athletes

• Perform a comprehensive equipment inventory and maintenance evaluation.o What equipment do we have?o Refurbish program?o What equipment do we need?

• Work with athletic director on budget/finances/purchasing equipment.o Fundraising Ideas

Gold CardOther Fundraising Ideas



• Begin academic monitoring of student-athleteso Introduce myself to faculty and staffo Work with faculty to begin monitoring the academic success of student athletes

• Support all winter and spring sports by attending games/eventso Schedule meetings with other sports coaches to get to know them and better under-

stand the student-athletes• Recruit student managers• End of academic year team meeting



March 201

7 SU

NDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1 2

3 4

Parent/Player Intro

Mee

�ng – 6:30

PM

5 6

7 8

9 10

11

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Early

Dism

issal:

11:00 AM

– No S&

C Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

26

27

28

29

30

31Sprin

g Break

No S&

C Sprin

g Break

No S&

C Sprin

g Break

No S&

C Sprin

g Break

No S&

C Sprin

g Break

PROGRAM TENTATIVE SCHEDULE



April 201

7 SU

NDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1

2 3

4 5

6 7

8

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Weightli�ing

Clinic

8 AM – 12 PM

9 10

11

12

13

14

15

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Early

Dism

issal:

No S&

C No Scho

ol –

Goo

d Friday

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

No Scho

ol –

No S&

C Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Academ

ic Progress

Repo

rt Che

ck

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Early

Dism

issal:

11:00 AM

– No S&

C Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

30



May 201

7 SU

NDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1

2 3

4 5

6

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

7 8

9 10

11

12

13

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports: S&C –

3:00

‐5:00 PM

‐ En

d of

Year M

ee�n

g – 6:30

pm

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Non

‐Spring Sports:

S&C – 3:00

‐5:00 PM

Last Day of Schoo

l: No S&

C Off

High

Schoo

l Gradu

a�on

28

29

30

31

Mem

orial D

ay

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM



June

201

7 SU

NDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1 2

3

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

4 5

6 7

8 9

10

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

25

26

27

28

29

30

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

New

man

7on

7 ‐ T

BD

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM



July 201

7 SU

NDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1

2 3

4 5

6 7

8 Off

4th o

f July

Off

7 on

7 – 3:00‐5:00

PM

At High Scho

ol

New

man

7on

7 ‐ T

BD

Off

Off

JFL Co

ache

s Clinic:

8:00

AM – 12:00

PM

9 10

11

12

13

14

15

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

*B

acks Cam

p – 5‐6 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

*Linem

an Cam

p – 5‐6 PM

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

New

man

7on

7 ‐ T

BD

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

Off

Washington 7 on

7

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

**HS

Cam

p** ‐ 5

:30‐7:30

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

**HS

Cam

p** ‐ 5

:30‐7:30

S&C: 6‐7:30 PM

, **H

S Camp*

* ‐ 3

:30 – 5:30

PM

, New

man

7on

7 TB

D

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

**HS

Cam

p** ‐ 5

:30‐7:30

**HS

Cam

p** ‐ 3

:30‐5:30

Co

okou

t – 5:45‐7:00

PM

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

S&

C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

New

man

7on

7 ‐ T

BD

S&C: 6:00‐7:30

AM

3:00

– 5:00 PM

Off

East Peo

ria 7 on 7

30

31



August 201

7 SU

NDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1 2

3 4

5

6 7

8 9

10

11

12

1s

t Day of P

rac�ce

3:00

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:00

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:00

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:00

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:00

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

8:00

– 11:00

AM

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 5:30 PM

*C

onference Mee

�ng

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Meet the

Storm

: 5:00

PM

Prac�ce:

8:00

– 10:30

AM

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

GAM

E:

Erie‐Proph

etstow

n

27

28

29

30

31

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM



Septem

ber 2

017

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1

2

GAM

E:

@St. B

ede

3 4

5 6

7 8

9

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

GAM

E:

@Ro

ckrid

ge

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

GAM

E:

@Orio

n

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

GAM

E:

Sterling New

man

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

GAM

E:

@Sherrard



Octob

er 201

7 SU

NDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1 2

3 4

5 6

7

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

GAM

E:

Fulto

n

8 9

10

11

12

13

14

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

GAM

E:

Riverdale

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

GAM

E:

@Morrison

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

IHSA

Playoffs:

1st Rou

nd

29

30

31

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM



Novem

ber 2

017

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TU

ESDAY

WED

NES

DAY

TH

URS

DAY

FR

IDAY

SA

TURD

AY

1

2 3

4

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

IHSA

Playoffs:

2nd R

ound

5 6

7 8

9 10

11

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

IHSA

Playoffs:

Quartern

als

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

IHSA

Playoffs:

Seminals

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Prac�ce:

3:30

– 6:00 PM

Thanksgiving

Prac�ce:

8:00

– 10:00

AM

IHSA

State

Cham

pion

ship

26

27

28

29

30


COACHING PHILOSOPHY

Section 3: Coaching Staff

Growing up in Illinois during the 1990’s, almost every single child idolized Michael Jordan. For some reason, I was more drawn to the likes of Phil Jackson, Jimmy Johnson, and Mike Ditka. One Saturday afternoon around the same time, I watched a college basketball pre-game show where they drew up the “Princeton” offense with x’s and o’s. All excited, I immediately drew my first of-fense up on some post-it notes. I was ten years old at the time. It became increasingly evident the older I got that coaching is what I was put on this Earth to do. To be quite honest, I have really struggled to find anything else that I am good at and that gives me such purpose.

I have been extremely fortunate to be around some tremendous people throughout my life. My fam-ily has instilled the importance of a great work ethic, integrity, unselfishness, loyalty, and persever-ance. I have been around some of the most highly respected and successful coaches through my years as well. Coaches that not only have won state championships and coached in many more, but coaches that have had a lasting impact on not only me, but hundreds of kids and other coaches. These people have shaped me into the person I am today and that is the type of impact that I want to have on other people. These people and experiences have left me with an unwavering desire to help people. I have yet to find a more fitting platform other than football for myself and believe me when I say that I have tried.

Early on in my coaching career, my goal was to be known as the best coach in the state. The coach that is asked to speak at all the coaching clinics and the coach that everyone viewed as an innova-tor and pioneer. I would spend countless hours scheming things up on a whiteboard and watching any coaching video I could get my hand on. This all changed when I received hand written letters from a couple players thanking me for helping them become better people. They thanked me for instilling the confidence in them to achieve things they never thought they could accomplish. All this time that I was striving to be the best x’s and o’s coach around, I was actually having a profound impact on these kids’ life that they could take on with them into the real world. This was a game changer for me as I realized that my role as a coach could go much deeper than winning football games and getting notoriety.

The role of a coach in an athlete’s life is an important one, but it is one that is very fluid. Athletes are brought up in all different types of situations and all athletes have different personalities. It is the job of the coach to find how to connect with each individual athlete communicating with them in a way that is positive and uplifting while getting the most out of them on the field. Confidence plays a major role in the success of a coach-player relationship and is extremely powerful. Athletes that play confident are head and shoulders above those that aren’t and the best part is that confidence has nothing to do with talent. If the coach sets up the players for success and believes in them, the athlete is much more likely to succeed. Instilling confidence in a young person can have a profound impact on them for the rest of their life.

A coach is largely responsible for setting the tone for the culture that surrounds the program. A coach not only leads this culture, but has to embody what that culture stands for. Vince Lombardi once said “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we’ll catch excellence”. A cham-pionship culture is challenging and it takes a lot of hard work. You have to choose to live by this type of culture as it is never given to you. Coaches ask players to give 100% effort all the time and coaches need to be willing to give the same and more back. Players are asked to learn, grow, and get better, if coaches aren’t willing to do the same then the team will not be successful. Making good and moral decisions off of the field are a must for not only the players, but especially for the



coaches. We as coaches hold our players to higher standards and if we do not do the same for ourselves then we can’t expect our players to uphold those same standards. You have to live the culture you want to create and lead by example.

Coaches are leaders and they have to exemplify the qualities that make up a great leader. A coach should have a powerful presence, but should never be someone viewed as not approachable by other coaches, players, and parents. A coach has to be able to keep their emotions in check all the while not being afraid to show their emotions in the proper setting. A coach should be honest and direct with other players/coaches/parents, but never in a disrespectful manner. A coach has to be a strong decision maker where they mitigate the risk in each decision, but leave no room for gray area. A coach should do everything in their power to put their players/coaches in a position to win, but then always take the blame for when things don’t go as planned. Coaches need to have a strong attention to detail, but never settle on quick fixes always keeping the big picture in mind. Coaches should empower their assistants with responsibilities avoiding micromanagement, but then hold them responsible and give them specific direction for their specific tasks.

I believe in the concept of teaching young people the importance of loving, caring, and serving. Although I truly love coaching, I love my family and friends first and foremost. It is important to have a balance between your professional and personal life. Including your family and friends in your journey as a coach is important as well. Caring about the people around you and the work you do is when people truly make a difference. I care about being the best football coach, husband, broth-er, friend, and son that I can be. I also care about helping the people around me be the best ver-sions of themselves. Serving can mean many things, but most importantly to me serving consists of how I can contribute the most to my community. I believe that I am best to serve my community by impacting young people in a positive manner.

Although my goals have changed over time, my philosophies have been shaped by the people I have surrounded myself with and the experiences I have had. My coaching philosophy is control-lable through how I handle myself and the situations I am put in. As long as I control everything within my power, the sky’s the limit for what I can accomplish.



COACHING CODE OF ETHICSResponsibilities to the Players

1. Coaches should fully understand the tremendous influence they have on players both good and bad. Parents entrust coaches with their most prize possession and it is the coach’s duty to ensure these players are better people once their playing career is done. The safety and welfare of the players should always be the center of the coach’s attention. It is the coach’s responsibility to uphold the high standards set forth by the institution both on and off the field. The value of winning should always come second to ensuring the players are building great character.

2. It is the duty of the coach while in direct contact with the players to give them 100% of their attention. A coach should give the task of coaching its full and undivided attention no matter what the individual has going on outside of football. As a coach, one cannot ask a player to give 100% during practice or games if one is not willing to do the same.

3. Coaches are solely responsible for setting up players for success. Through practice, strength and conditioning, and team meetings, coaches are to prepare players to achieve the set forth goals. Coaches should have a well thought out, elaborate plan on how to get the most of out of players while upholding a positive atmosphere that breeds growth both on the field and off.

4. In no way, shape, or form should coaches ever attempt to circumvent the rules in an at-tempt to gain an unfair advantage against an opponent. One must thoroughly understand the rules of the game and abide by those rules. Understanding the rules of eligibility and not jeopardize the institution or players by violating these rules. The coaches should lead by example on how to be a gracious winner, but then lose with dignity. It is important to under-stand what makes you a winner or a loser is how you respond to winning and losing. Losing provides the ultimate platform to teach players the importance of learning from mistakes and ensuring that you become better because you have lost.

5. Coaches should not act as doctors in any way shape or form. Coaches should address injuries very promptly and swiftly. In no circumstances should a coach attempt to diagnose an injury. It is vital to have an independent and competent medical team that provides the diagnoses and treatment for players. Coaches are to support this medical team to keep the well-being of the players as the upmost concern.

6. Under absolutely no circumstances should a coach every encourage, tolerate, or allow the use of illegal or performance enhancing drugs. All medicine used by student-athletes should be provided or recommended by a physician or medical personnel. This includes over the counter pain medication.

7. Education must come first in a players’ life. It is the responsibility of a coach to provide an environment where a player’s education is valued above all else. Teaching proper time management skills aids the players in achieving academic success while also allowing the platform to teach life skills. Communicating and developing a relationship with the school faculty is vital to ensure the student-athletes are getting the help and attention they need.



Responsibility to the Institution

1. A coach is to educate student-athletes through the participation in sports. The high stan-dards and ideals that accompany this task must always be upheld.

2. A coach should always represent his/her institution with the upmost integrity and always be aware that they are constantly representing the institution in everything they do.

3. At no point is it ethical to pressure a faculty member to give special treatment or consider-ation to a student-athlete in which they don’t deserve.

4. Any problems should be discussed with the administration and should be done in a profes-sional manner. At no point is it acceptable to discuss issues with subordinates or members of the community that would reflect negatively on the administration.

5. The promotion of an athletic program should always be done in an respectful and positive manner. Coaches should not at any point condone the participating in other school events or sports. Supporting other sports and school events only enhances the championship cul-ture that a coach is attempting to obtain.

6. It is absolutely vital that a coach both publicly and privately support the administration in all policies, rules, and regulations regarding athletics.

Sportsmanship

The coaches are solely responsible for the sportsmanship that their team displays. The encouragement of actions that could potentially be deemed illegal and/or potentially injure players from another team should be refuted swiftly. There is no place in athletics for deliberately attempt-ing to embarrass and/or injure an opponent. Coaches should fully understand and teach to the best of their abilities the techniques that are fully within the rules governed by the IHSA and the NFHS. Unsportsmanlike conduct and arguing with officials/opposing teams will not be tolerated. Com-munication between opposing teams and/or officials should be handled by the head coach accept for any logistical issues that arise during a contest where an official addresses a player directly. All coaches should possess the ability to win with dignity and teach their players to act in a simi-lar manner. After a loss, coaches should respect their opponent giving them the credit for a hard fought victory. A coach should also take this opportunity to teach the student-athletes the valuable lessons that can be learned from losing. Any coach that does not adhere to these things shall be considered to be guilty of the most serious offenses against proper coaching ethics.


Building a Championship Culture46Building a Championship Culture 46

COACHING EXPECTATIONSCoaches serve as the backbone of any championship program and no institution can be success-ful if it is not made up of tremendous people. Our coaching staff will be comprised of compassion-ate, strong, and loyal individuals who have a serious passion for coaching and serving others. Our coaches will have a genuine concern for our players well-being. Our coaches will embody the “Keys to a Championship Program” and all of them should always strive to be a head coach some-day. We want to have a staff full of great leaders.

Head Coach Expectations• Be accountable for all actions. When we win it is because of our players and assistant

coaches. When we lose it will be because the head coach.• Deal with all coaching situations with honor and integrity. If we as coaches discuss potential

problems or disagreements, it will be behind closed doors.• Run a well-organized program that functions extremely efficiently. • Drive and maintain a positive atmosphere that is conducive to success.• Listen to assistant coaches/administration’s suggestions and philosophies.• Give the assistant coaches ownership, responsibility, and authority.• Provide the necessary leadership to win.• Treat all members of the program with dignity and respect.• Be extremely loyal to the assistant coaches and do everything possible to help them grow

professionally.• Permit assistant coaches to display their own personality on the field.• Communicate all decisions with assistant coaches and keep them fully informed.• Always keep assistant coaches and their families above all else.• Love, serve, and care for the kids and assistants as if they were your own family.• Keep the well-being of the kids as the most upmost importance.

Assistant Coach Expectations• Embrace the new system and accept change (conceptual, not just physical acceptance)• Off-season and summer strength and conditioning participation.• Entire staff works full week of camp during summer• Attend as many clinics as possible• Present for all coaches meetings that are scheduled.• Post-Season Banquet• Practice field organization• Breaking down films weekly• Perform your assigned tasks and duties as if it is the only job you have.



General Coaching Staff Expectations• Be the very best teacher and on the field coach as you can be.• Never use profanity and never allow players to.• Do your job and do it as well as you can, never worry about what other coaches are doing.• Be on time to every staff meeting and practice.• Be a positive role model and embody the nine pillars of leadership and the keys to a champi-

onship program.• Sell and defend the program.• Make yourself a better coach by studying and watching great coaches. Ask questions, put in

extra work. Research your craft.• Be professional in attitude, responses, work, and personal appearance.• Constantly strive for perfection• Never give up on a player• Be sincerely interested in the success of our players and other members of the coaching

staff.• Be creative and have the ability to think on your own and apply your knowledge of the game.• Never allow disagreements to make their way to the practice fields• Constantly focus on the little things• Have a plan for everything that may arise and be organized.• For every critique for a player or team, you must give the team a positive.• Take pride in your positional group and the work they do.• All practices need a sense of urgency, therefore, you must coach with a sense of urgency.• Gain respect from players, don’t demand it, you have to earn it.• Always stress the importance of academics and mention it as many times as you can during

meetings/practices.



OFFENSIVE COACH EXPECTATIONSThe offensive coaches must learn and contribute to the development of the offense at the discretion of the head coach. They are also responsible for implementing proper fundamentals specific to our offensive scheme. Every coach must buy-in to our offensive philosophy and become experts how to teach aggression and execution. Every coach will understand the proper alignments, assign-ments, and players’ responsibilities.

Offensive Coordinator● Responsible for scheme development and implementation

○ Responsible for organization ○ Responsible for meetings with both players and coaches

● Responsible for Game Plan○ Accumulate and analyze game film of our opponents○ Develop game plan that fits in our offensive system that is designed to stop the op-

posing offense○ Develop a plan of implementation for game plan in practice/meetings○ Delegate any specific offensive responsibilities to assistant coaches

● Responsible for Oversight of Position Coaches○ Each offensive position will have position coaches and the offensive coordinator will

be in charge of ensuring each position coach understands the offensive scheme and game plan to the extent that they can teach the proper techniques and fundamentals during individual time.

● Responsible for final depth chart/personnel recommendations to head coach

Positional Coaches (Backs/WR/OL)● Responsible for any tasks/responsibilities delegated to them by the head coach or offensive

coordinator● Learn and contribute to the offensive scheme● Learn and fully understand the techniques and responsibilities of the given positional group● Carry out game plan/system implementation in individual positional time● Develop the proper fundamentals necessary to run our specific offense● Understand and evaluate personnel and make personnel recommendations

Entire Offensive Staff● Be masters of your craft. Whether it be as the coordinator or as a offensive line coach, un-

derstand your responsibilities fully and be the best at whatever your job is.● Take extreme ownership to your responsibilities● Be very attentive to details● Take pride in your unit (create positive competition)● Buy-In and execute...exactly what you want out of your players.



DEFENSIVE COACH EXPECTATIONSThe defensive coaches must learn and contribute to the development of the defense at the discre-tion of the head coach. They are also responsible for implementing proper fundamentals specific to our defensive scheme. Every coach must buy-in to our defensive philosophy and become experts on “heads up” tackling. Every coach will understand the proper alignments, assignments, and play-ers’ responsibilities.

Defensive Coordinator● Responsible for scheme development and implementation

○ Responsible for organization ○ Responsible for meetings with both players and coaches

● Responsible for Game Plan○ Accumulate and analyze game film of our opponents○ Develop game plan that fits in our defensive system that is designed to stop the op-

posing offense○ Develop a plan of implementation for game plan in practice/meetings○ Delegate any specific defensive responsibilities to assistant coaches

● Responsible for Oversight of Position Coaches○ Each defensive position will have position coaches and the defensive coordinator will

be in charge of ensuring each position coach understands the defensive scheme and game plan to the extent that they can teach the proper techniques and fundamentals during individual time.

● Responsible for final depth chart/personnel recommendations to head coach

Positional Coaches (DL/LB/DB)● Responsible for any tasks/responsibilities delegated to them by the head coach or defensive

coordinator● Learn and contribute to the defensive scheme● Learn and fully understand the techniques and responsibilities of the given positional group● Carry out game plan/system implementation in individual positional time● Develop the proper fundamentals necessary to run our specific defense● Understand and evaluate personnel and make personnel recommendations

Entire Defensive Staff● Be masters of your craft. Whether it be as the coordinator or as a defensive backs coach,

understand your responsibilities fully and be the best at whatever your job is.● Take extreme ownership to your responsibilities● Be very attentive to details● Take pride in your unit (create positive competition)● Have a full and comprehensive understanding of tackling progressions and understand how

to teach it properly and safely● Buy-In and execute...exactly what you want out of your players.



SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR EXPECTATIONSThe special teams coordinator is largely responsible for organizing, planning, and implementing our special teams. The special teams coordinator must take extreme ownership of the duties and take great pride in great special teams play. Playing special teams will be an “earned” right in our foot-ball program and the coach that fills this role will have “earned” his right to oversee the program.

● Develop a scheme for each individual special teams unit○ Punt○ Punt Return (block)○ Kick-Off ○ Kick-Off Return○ Field Goal/Extra Point○ Field Goal Block

● Identify personnel to fit our special teams schemes○ Seek help from other assistants○ Meet with head coach/staff to finalize depth chart

● Be extremely organized with personnel and schemes● Develop a weekly special teams game plan equipped with any adjustments to create big

plays within the special teams ● Understand the techniques of each special teams unit and be extremely knowledgeable on

how to teach these techniques● Be extremely energetic and enthusiastic during special teams periods

Section 1: Introduction


COACHING DUTIES

Head Coach• Offensive Coordinator• Academic Coordinator• Offensive Game-Plan/Play-Caller• Varsity Backs Coach• Sideline during Varsity games• Budget/Ordering of gear, equipment, and supplies• Practice planning/schedule• Scout Offense during practice• Game Cut-Ups• Offensive Scripts• Hiring of all football personnel• Travel and operations (travel itineraries)• Coaches’ communication, meetings, schedules – in season and off• Public Relations – Media, Community• Grading Officials (input of staff/AD) – IHSA rule changes• College liaison• Special Projects – facility improvements (all staff)• Coaching Clinics• Director of Camps/Clinics• Daily Practice Reminders• Fundraising decision maker• Video Coordinator

Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator• Special Teams Coordinator• Special Teams game-plan/play-caller• Special Teams Scripts• Second in command• Backs Coach (Offense) – subject to change• Defensive Backs Coach (Defense) – subject to change• Scout Team Defense during practice• Label and duplicate scouting reports• Media Guides – roster and game program• In charge of fundraising activities (organization)• Sideline during game• Compiling scouting report information• Official roster • Academic progress reports• Compiling daily practice reminders• Travel and operations organizer• Head of Student Managers• Equipment Manager• Paperwork Organizer• Call in/post scores after games – TV, Radio, Newspaper



Defensive Coordinator• Defensive Coordinator• Defensive game-plan/play-caller• Defensive scripts• Linebackers coach – subject to change• Offensive positional coach – potentially• Game Cut-Ups/Film organization• Defensive Scouting Report• Sideline during Varsity Games• Practice planning/scheduling – Defense

Head Junior Varsity Coach• Head JV Coach• JV Offensive or Defensive Coordinator• Assistant Video Coordinator• Organize and plan JV practice schedules• Organize and plan all JV logistics• Assistant Equipment manager• Assist with scouting reports/game plans• Booth during varsity games• Special Teams Coordinator for the junior varsity• Positional coach on offense and defense• Dynamic Warm-Up in practices

Volunteer Staff• Positional coaches or assistant positional coaches• Booth or on the field (one in booth, rest on the field)• Assistant equipment managers• Potential defensive coordinator at JV level• Coaching Staff Support Roles• Assist in game plans/scouting reports



HEAD COACH ORGANIZATIONAL TIMELINEOff Season:

• Communication with AD• Conference Meeting – All Conference/All State• Equipment Check In• Post Season Team Meeting• Post Season Banquet• College Recruiting – Film Cut-ups, Information, Correspondence• Coaching Staff Evaluation

o Roleso Recruit Volunteerso Solidify

• Player Evaluationo Film Analysiso Tentative Depth Chart for next year

• Individual Player Meetings• Off-Season Strength and Conditioning Program• Weightlifting Clinic• Season Review with Coaches• Take coaching staff out to meal (Prime Quarter)• Playbook and Scheme Review• Equipment Inventory, Maintenance, and Ordering• Coaches Clinics• Promotional Planning• Staff Apparel• Work with AD in purchasing equipment, supplies, uniforms• Work with AD on budget issues• Work with Booster Club on Fundraising• One-on-one player interviews• Meet with JFL board• Coaches Meetings• Managers/Support Staff recruitment• Academics – Progress Report Checks• Work with winter/spring sport coaches to put together summer schedule• Attend winter/spring sporting events• Attend school/booster club functions• Spring Team Meeting



Summer• Communication with AD• Strength and Conditioning Program• Calendars to players and parents• Pre-season schedules• JFL Coaching Clinic• Post Information in weight room

o Campso Physicalso Formso Equipmento Meetings

• Lineman Camp• Backs Camp• 7 on 7 leagues and tournaments• Equipment organization

o New Equipmento Order status follow up phone callso Practice equipment

• Summer Football Camp• Game filming and statistician assignments and meeting• Managers/Support Staff assignments and meeting• Coaches meetings/correspondence/assignments• Fundraising and promotions• Ordering of Program Building Apparel

o Helmet Decalso Thursday Shirtso Hit of the Week Shirtso Coaching Apparel

• Meet with contracted team trainer • Team Meeting

Pre-Season• Communication with AD• Itinerary and Calendar for preseason• Coaches Meeting

o Program Overviewo Handbookso Calendarso Playbookso Game Day Assignmentso Scouting Assignmentso Volunteer Assignmentso Practice Equipment & Field Logistics

• In-season strength and conditioning• Confirm game film and statistician assignments• Confirm managers/support staff



• Locker Room Organizationo Locker & Padlocks

• Issue Equipment• Submit Transportation Requirements• Pre-season practices• Meet The Storm Night

o Parents MeetingProgram PhilosophyRulesPlayer/Team ExpectationsCoach ResponsibilitiesAcademicsEligibilityQuestions

• Fundraisers • Communication with Team Trainer• Promotions

In Season:• Communication with AD• Communication with Team Trainer• Head Coach letter to Faculty• Pep Assemblies• Band Logistics• Communication with Band Director• Communication with School Support Personnel

o Building/Maintenance Personnelo Grounds Crew

• Academic Progress Reports• Teacher/Grades feedback on players• Teacher of the Week program• In season strength and conditioning• Special Event Logistics

o Homecomingo Senior Night

• Sunday Night Coaches Meetings• Attendance at junior varsity and JFL games• School Issues• Parent Issues• Player Issues• Media Issues• Game Issues

Section 4: Strength and Conditioning


STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Goal: Put our athletes in a position to achieve the highest level of physical preparation using meth-ods and means that yield the highest possible results with the lowest cost.

Our strength and conditioning program will not only help athletes become the best football play-ers they can be, but it will also make them better suited for the physical demands that life throws at them. This program will not just be designed for football as we want to encourage multi-sport ath-letes so the program will be designed with multi-sport preparation in mind. We will use innovative and state-of-the-art techniques to ensure our athletes maximize their potential as athletes. We will constantly monitor intensity, volume, and technique to ensure our athletes are getting the work they need without leaving them more susceptible to injury.

Benefits of a Strength and Conditioning Program:● Minimize injuries● Maximize performance● Create work ethic and toughness● Improve self-confidence● Establish accountability

Keys to a Championship Strength and Conditioning Program:● Intensity: Anyone can lift weights, but it is those that do it with a high level of effort, determi-

nation, and passion are those that succeed.● Consistency: Every single lift, every single effort, every single training session must be

carried out with the same level of focus, determination, and effort. Training consistently is crucial to the progress and development of an athlete. Rest and recovery are important con-cepts to keep consistent as well.

● Accountability: Being accountable to yourself and your teammates is crucial to the success of the program. Show up every day ready to work and make sure your teammates are as well.

● Mental Toughness: Training is hard, training takes extraordinary effort, that is why not everyone trains and more importantly that is why not everyone wins. Those that are will-ing to sacrifice and put in the work are the ones that are successful. You must be mentally prepared to endure hardship and fight mental barriers that may persist preventing you from reaching your goals.

Components of Our Strength and Conditioning Program:● Primary Strength Movements (Goal = strength, speed, power):

○ Absolute Strength:■ Back/Front Squat■ Deadlift■ Bench Press

○ Strength-Speed■ Power Clean■ Push Press/Jerk

● Auxiliary Strength Movements (Goal = durability, symmetrical strength, muscle/bone density)○ Upper Body Pulling

■ Pull-ups■ Lat Pull downs



■ DB Rows ● All angles/variations

■ DB Reverse Flys● All angles/variations

○ Upper Body Pressing■ DB Bench Press

● All angles/variations■ DB Strict Press■ Push-ups

○ Lower Body Squatting■ Weighted/Unweighted Lunges

● All angles■ Elevated Split Squats■ Goblet Squats■ Kang Squats■ Hamstring Curls■ Leg Extensions

○ Lower Body Pulling■ Single Leg Deadlifts■ Good Mornings■ Single Leg Good Mornings■ Reverse Hypers

○ Midline Stabilization, Anti-Rotation, and Strength■ Carries

● All variations■ Barbell/Dumbbell Holds■ Valslide Hand Walks

● All variations■ The Pallof Series

● Walkouts/Presses■ Deadbugs■ Turkish Get-Ups/Sandbag Get-ups

○ Neck Specific Work■ Banded rotations■ Partner protraction/retraction

● Movement/Performance○ Range of Motion

■ Dynamic Warm-Ups■ Mobility

○ “SAQ” ■ “Speed, Agility, Quickness”

● Running Mechanics● Deceleration Drills● Plyometrics● Acceleration● Change of Direction● Lateral Agility● Top End Speed● Transitional Running

○ Position Specific Drills/Techniques/Skills



● Conditioning○ Energy System Based

■ Aerobic Base Work (LSD)● 20-30 minutes, steady pace● Long, slow distance runs● Mobility/Range of Motion circuits● Skill Practice● 1-2 times a week

■ Aerobic Threshold Training (ATT)● 3 sets of 10-20 minutes with 5-10 min rest b/t● Speed, agility, quickness circuits● Sprints, sled work, odd-object work● Skill-practice● 1-3 time a week

■ Alactic Intervals● Alactic Power Intervals (API)

○ 7-10 seconds all out effort○ Full Recovery (2-3 minutes)○ 5-6 reps per set○ 1-2 sets per training session○ Sport specific training, sprints, SAQ drills, and/or weightlifting○ 1-3 times a week

● Alactic Threshold Intervals (ATI)○ Sport Specific - Alactic-Aerobic○ 10-15 seconds per rep○ 30-40 seconds rest (sport specific)

■ “Every minute on the minute”○ 10-12 reps per set○ 2-3 sets per training session○ 1-3 times per week



FOUR YEAR TRAINING MODEL

Strength and conditioning is the centerpiece of any championship athletic program. A compre-hensive training model must be in place that allows athletes to progress safely and properly in the weight room. Failing to implement a sound strength and conditioning program, in my opinion, is the leading cause for injuries at the high school level. Our coaching staff takes the well-being of our kids extremely serious and we want to prevent injuries at all cost. Although most athletic programs call it strength and conditioning, very few coaches implement a conditioning program that is comprehensive and well-structured for development. We will incorpo-rate a conditioning program that is based on energy system development that is specific to the sport of football. Football is a sport that consists of several short bursts of energy with rest between. If football was purely an alactic sport, players would rest between plays until they are fully recovered, but as we all know this is not the case. If football was purely an aerobic sport, there would be zero rest between plays and a constant effort would be necessary. Football is actually a sport that re-quires short bursts of energy with inadequate rest between plays to become fully recovered making it an alactic-aerobic sport. Our conditioning program will be designed to develop athletes to their fullest capabilities within this energy system. High school athletes range drastically in their growth development level and not taking this into account is largely irresponsible. 9th graders are not as developed as 12th graders; therefore, their training regimen should not look exactly the same. It is important to develop these athletes in a linear progressive manner in order to maximize their development and potential. It is equally im-portant to constantly monitor and analyze an athlete’s movement patterns throughout their athletic career to determine whether athlete specific work needs to be prescribed. Year 1: Freshmen - Preparation It is crucial to the long term development of an athlete that the foundation is laid for them to build upon. When an athlete comes into high school, they can range wildly in regards to their physical development. This does not mean; however, that the kids that are better developed are ready for a comprehensive strength training program. At the ages of 13-15, the onset of muscular imbalances begin to take place. These asymmetries can be the precursor to future injuries that could occur both on the field and off. 9th graders will focus on unilateral movements to begin the process of pre-venting/fixing any imbalances that persist while also beginning technique work on bilateral/barbell movements. If we focus on proper/safe techniques of the lifts while performing unilateral strength work, we will decrease the risk of injury for our athletes while ensuring the athletes and progress properly. Goals: Provide athletes with the foundational skills and techniques to perform movements nec-essary for a strength program. Begin the process of fixing/preventing muscular imbalances and asymmetries to prevent injuries and create more durable athletes. Improve athletes’ aerobic energy system in order to increase recovery time and overall cardiovascular health. Primary Lifts: Unilateral Deadlifts (DB suitcase DL, single leg DL), Unilateral squats (Split Squats, weighted lunges), Unilateral upper body pressing (DB bench press, DB Press), Unilateral upper body pulling (DB rows)



Secondary Lifts: Barbell technique (power clean, deadlift, front/back squat, bench press, push press), posterior chain development (reverse hypers, leg extensions), anterior chain development (anti-rotation core work, leg extensions), bodyweight movements (air squats, push-ups, pull-ups, jumps, bounds) Energy System Development: Primarily aerobic energy system based (long, slow distances, circuits + game simulation threshold circuits), alactic intervals (power), and anaerobic work via strength work. Movement Emphasis: Neuromuscular development, running mechanics, deceleration training, plyometrics Year 2: Sophomore – Acclamation By their sophomore year, athletes should have a solid foundation in regards to symmetrical balance, improved neuromuscular efficiency, and technique. These athletes should also have solid running technique and deceleration skills. Athletes are typically now ready for specific movements/lifts to develop specific strength qualities. After spending a year developing their basic aerobic system, we will continue to develop their aerobic system by implementing intervals to increase the intensity and volume. A 10th grader’s program will look similar to that of an 11th or 12th grader; however, the volume will be lower still with a large emphasis on technique and foundation building. Primary Lifts: Front/Back Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, Power Clean, Push Press Secondary Lifts: Unilateral strength (DB pushing/pulling upper and lower), posterior chain devel-opment (reverse hypers, leg extensions), anterior chain development (anti-rotation core work, leg extensions), bodyweight movements (air squats, push-ups, pull-ups, jumps, bounds), and weighted jumps/bounds. Energy System Development: Primarily aerobic energy system based (long, slow distances, circuits + game simulation threshold circuits), alactic intervals (power), and anaerobic work via strength work. Movement Emphasis: Sprint technique, acceleration, and change of direction with continued de-velopment on neuromuscular development, deceleration training, and plyometrics.

Year 3: Junior - Realization

As juniors, athletes typically are now in a position to dramatically increase their strength, put muscle on, and built the strength-speed necessary to be better athletes. Athletes should have a proper un-derstanding of the techniques of the main lifts as well as have the developed neuromuscular drive to lift heavy weights making them stronger and faster. Volume doesn’t necessarily go up a great deal from sophomore year to junior year, but the intensity and weight should increase dramatically.

Goals: Build strength capacities, fine tune mechanics, develop speed and speed-strength.

Primary Lifts: Front/Back Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, Power Clean, Push Press

Section 1: Introduction


Secondary Lifts: Unilateral strength (DB pushing/pulling upper and lower), posterior chain devel-opment (reverse hypers, leg extensions), anterior chain development (anti-rotation core work, leg extensions), bodyweight movements (air squats, push-ups, pull-ups, jumps, bounds), mixed modal work (ex. Heavy power clean immediately into bounding), and weighted jumps/bounds

Movement Emphasis: Acceleration, lateral agility and change of direction, top end speed, transi-tional running, deceleration, plyometrics.

Energy System Development: Aerobic base work for recovery, game simulation threshold circuits, and alactic intervals (power ------>capacity).

Year 4: Senior - Proficiency

At this stage in the athlete’s development, they are extremely well schooled in the mechanics of strength and conditioning. They have a solid base with little asymmetries, good strength levels, and have the ability to sprint, change direction, and decelerate efficiently. We will now incorporate some athlete specific work to further increase their development to a athlete by athlete basis. They will follow the same program as everyone else, but will be required to complete additional work depend-ing on their weaknesses and position.

Goals: Improve speed-strength and absolute strength, strive for perfection on techniques, attack weaknesses specific to the athlete.

Primary Lifts: Front/Back Squat, Deadlift, Bench Press, Power Clean, Push Press

Secondary Lifts: Unilateral strength (DB pushing/pulling upper and lower), posterior chain devel-opment (reverse hypers, leg extensions), anterior chain development (anti-rotation core work, leg extensions), bodyweight movements (air squats, push-ups, pull-ups, jumps, bounds), mixed modal work (ex. Heavy power clean immediately into bounding), and weighted jumps/bounds

Movement Emphasis: Acceleration, lateral agility and change of direction, top end speed, transi-tional running, deceleration, plyometrics.

Energy System Development: Aerobic base work for recovery, game simulation threshold cir-cuits, and alactic intervals (power ------>capacity).



YEARLY TRAINING MODEL

Phase 1 - Accumulation - Offseason (December - February)● Goal: Recovery takes precedence, but beginning the base building in strength, speed, and

conditioning is key.● December is off completely from football, offseason training will begin when school starts in

January.● Absolute Strength Development

○ Use pauses, chains, and bands on main lifts○ Hypertrophy programming (5-6 sets of 6-10 reps)

■ Increase muscle mass/bone density to prepare for big absolute strength gains

● Strength-Speed Technique○ Get back to the basics on olympic movements to develop efficiency and technique○ Gradually work into heavier lifts

● Conditioning - Base Building○ Build up aerobic system to be able to recover more efficiently from high intensity

work.○ Tempo Sprints/Steady paced circuits○ This portion is vital to not inhibit too much size growth that will lead to slower athletes

● Basic SAQ Development○ Linear speed and speed mechanics○ Deceleration training○ Change of direction and lateral speed

Phase 2 - Realization - Offseason (March - May)● Goal:Begintheprocessoftransitioningfromgeneraltospecific.Abalancebetweencon-

tinuingtobuildaproperbasewhileintroducingspecificaspectsinaprogressivemanner.● Transition from absolute strength to strength speed

○ Volume goes down while the weights go up in absolute strength work■ 5x5, 8x3, 12x2, 10x2

○ Re-introduction to heavy olympic weightlifting○ Absolute strength priority turns into power/explosiveness priority

● Increase specificity of SAQ development○ Linear and lateral speed○ Change of Direction and Reaction○ Continuously develop sprinting mechanics

● Conditioning - Base building into threshold building○ Less steady paced intervals○ More shorter, high intensity circuits/intervals

■ Aerobic priority, but some alactic-aerobic work○ Still largely aerobic in design

Phase 3 - Specification - Offseason (June - July)● Goal:Translatethebasebodyofworkbuiltintosportspecificready.● Strength-Speed (Power) Priority

○ Maximizing the athlete’s ability to translate absolute strength into power and explo-siveness

○ Bands and Chains used if athletes are ready



○ Low reps, high weights■ 5x5, 8x3, 12x2, 10x2

○ High emphasis on olympic weightlifting■ Power Clean (all variations)■ Jerks (push press/jerk)

○ Mixed Modal Power Work■ Heavy lifting directly into plyometrics

● Heavy power cleans into bounding● Heavy front squat into med ball throws● Heavy deadlifts into box jumps

● Speed Priority○ Linear Speed

■ Running Mechanics● Starts/Stops● 1st 3 steps

■ Contrast Speed Drills● Sled pushes directly into sprints● Static movements directly into springs

○ Mountain climbers to sprints○ Jumps to sprints

○ Lateral Speed■ Cone Drills■ Rope drills■ Ladder drills■ Mirror Drills■ Contrast method drills

○ Reaction/Position Specific Speed■ Competitive

● Races/Relays■ Position Specific

● WR Route Running● Back Bag/Rope Drills● DB Pedaling/Reaction drills● LB shuffle/bag drills● DL/OL footwork/sled work

● Conditioning○ Alactic-Aerobic Intervals Exclusively

■ 10-20 seconds work/40-12 seconds rest● Team Specific

○ Practice Offensive/Defensive Team Takeoff “TTO”● Work Capacity Day

○ Repeated Sprint Ability■ Lineman - 40-60 yard repeats■ Backs - 60-80 yard repeats



○ Final Sprint Endurance Conditioning■ This is implemented in final three weeks of summer

● One day a week○ 3 sets - 60 yard shuttle○ 3 sets - 150 yard shuttle○ 2 sets - 200 yard shuttle○ 1 set - 300 yard shuttle○ ...this is where we start and volume will build

Phase 4 - Maintenance - In Season (August-November)● Goal:Maintainstrengthlevels,conditioninglevels,andbodyweightwhileavoidingcompeti-

tion of stressors necessary to practice/play at a high level.● Absolute Strength/Strength-Speed Maintenance

○ Volume Drop (3x5, 3x3)○ Loads should be between 75-85% of maximal lifts from summer testing

● Minimum level of auxiliary strength movements ○ Goal is to keep range of motion and prevent asymmetries

● Speed/skill work is non-existent as athletes are performing sport specific drills during prac-tice

● Conditioning:○ Maintaining conditioning levels is the most crucial key of the maintenance phase.

We will condition the same way all season to ensure that we are equally as ready for competition the first week of the season as we are at the end of the season.

○ Monday:■ Repeated Sprint Ability

● Lineman - 40-60 yard repeats● Backs - 60-80 yard repeats

○ Wednesday:■ Sprint Endurance Conditioning

● 3 sets - 60 yard shuttle● 3 sets - 150 yard shuttle● 2 sets - 200 yard shuttle● 1 set - 300 yard shuttle



WEEKLY TRAINING OUTLINE

Training Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Warm-Up Dynamic Warm-Up (lower)Neck/Ankle CircuitHip/Posterior Chain Mobil-ity

Dynamic Warm-Up (upper)Crossover Symmetry ProtocolT-Spine/Chest mobility

Dynamic Warm-Up (com-prehensive)Mobility Reset

Dynamic Warm-Up (com-prehensive)Head to toe mobility

Strength Back Squat – 5 x 5, AHAP Bench Press – 5 x 5, AHAP Deadlift – 5 x 5, AHAP

Power Clean Pulls – 5 x 3 Hip Clean + Push Press – 5 x 3

Auxiliary 3 supersets:20x Single Arm KBS20x Deadbugs

3 supersets:15x Bent Over DB rows10x DB Z-Press

3 sets:Plate Circuit

3 supersets:10/10x FR Reverse lunges15x Pendlay rows

Auxiliary 3 supersets:10/10x RFESS20-30 sec plank hold

3 supersets:15x Incline DB Reverse Flys10x Incline DB Bench Press

3 sets:Midline Plate Circuit

3 supersets:10/10x Palloff Press50 yard farmer’s carry

Auxiliary Box Jump CircuitSpeed Step Circuit

100 reps:Leg ExtensionsBB CurlsHamstring CurlsBB Tricep Ext’sReverse HypersPlate YTW’s

Bounding CircuitSingle Leg Jump Circuit

SAQ/Conditioning - Linear Sprint/Deceleration Mechanics CircuitContrast Speed Circuit

Lateral Movement CircuitTempo Sprints

COD/Deceleration:Cone/Bag/Ladder Drill Circuit

Shuttle Runs

Although movements, rep/set schemes, and intensity will vary depending on where we are at in the training cycle, the above week plan portrays what our strength and conditioning program will look like.

Monday:• Lower body based strength work• Midline stabilization• Explosive jumps/footwork (vertical/lateral)• Linear Sprint/Deceleration/Contrast Speed work

Tuesday:• Upper body based strength work• Conditioning priority via tempo sprints

o Sprint 40 yards, walk back, repeatWednesday:

• Recovery based strength endurance• Ligament/Tendon Strengthening Circuit (100 reps)• Change of Direction/Deceleration/Acceleration Circuits

o Cones/Bags/LaddersThursday:

• Upper/Lower Balanced Day• Midline Stabilization• Explosive plyometrics – forwards/backwards/lateral• Conditioning – Intense Day

o Shuttle Runs


Section 5: Practice Philosophy“Successisthatplaceintheroadwherepreparationmeetsopportunity”

-Branch Rickey

Setting our players up for success is the ultimate goal in regards to our practices. We will prepare to win championships through tough, fast paced, development focused practices. We will control what we can control meaning we will ensure our players have the necessary skills and drills to go out on Friday nights and execute to the highest level. There will be a specific purpose to everything we do during practices. WE WILL RELENTLESSLY PURSUE PERFECTION

● Practices will be more difficult than games○ Our practices won’t be long in duration; however, they will be extremely intense.

They will mimic game like situations as much as possible and the players will com-pete all the time. Practices will be organized in a fashion to get as many players involved as possible. This not only will help prepare our entire team to be better on Friday nights, but this also keeps everyone engaged and interested in practice. Our coaches will coach on the fly, meaning we will not disrupt the flow of practice to make a long teaching point unless it is absolutely necessary. Our coaches will teach cues to be able to continue to run reps while getting the players to improve upon a tech-nique.

● Everything will be scripted○ Practice organization is vital to the success of a football practice. Without a thor-

oughly organized practice plan, there is no clear cut goal or objective to accomplish for the day. We will script everything during a practice from special teams drills to individual positional sessions to play scripts for the team sessions. We will utilize Google Docs in order to have a collaborative document where positional coaches/coordinators can implement their specific plan for the day. All coaches are to have their plan for practice in the Google Doc by noon of the day of practice in order for the head coach to review the plan and make any changes before practice begins.

● Practice segments are short, but efficient○ We will keep practice segments to 15 minutes or less (most are 10 minutes) to

ensure complacency does not creep in while working on specific drills, skills, and schemes. This provides the ultimate learning environment as we are able to center our focus into certain aspects of the game while not losing the attention of athletes due to the duration the lessons are being taught. It will be up to the coaches to maximize the amount of reps done during a segment while also ensuring the proper teaching is getting done.

Section 5: Practice Fundamentals


PRACTICE SEGMENTS● Team Meetings

○ Our team meetings can mean a variety of things. In reference to preseason/insea-son meetings, these will be used for the following reasons:

■ Important Information/Schedules■ Practice Outline and Goals■ Expectations/Motivation■ Opponent Preparation/Scouting■ Award Decal Presentation

● Offensive Formation Walkthroughs○ We will use walkthrough segments to install offensive formations and motions.

Considering we will be a no huddle attack, these walkthroughs are vital to install our signalling and alignment process. We want to be able to line up in multiple forma-tions quickly and efficiently to get the ball snapped.

● Offensive/Defensive Team Install○ We will use install periods at the beginning of practices to introduce new plays and

motions before starting practice. This can be done in the classroom or on the field. These periods are important as we can install plays/rules/responsibilities before practice, which in turn will then allow us to practice at a higher intensity due to our kids understanding the concepts being taught that day.

● Defensive Formation Recognition○ Our defense has a strong side and a weak side; therefore, our players will have to be

able to recognize the strength of the offensive formation and then properly align with-in that front. Depending on what offensive sets we see, we can be in a four man, five man, or six man front so it is vital that we understand how to properly align accord-ing to the offensive formation. It is also a great teaching tool to ensure the players understand their responsibilities and how they change depending on the formation.

● Pre-Practice○ Pre-practice is a segment used to get in extra work for specialty players. Punters

will punt, kickers will kick (extra points/kickoffs), long snappers will long snap, and returners will catch kickoffs/punts. This is also a segment that will be used to get in position specific warm-up work. For example, quarterbacks will go through a series of throwing drills to get themselves warm for the day while working on proper throw-ing mechanics.

● Dynamic Warm-Up:○ We will have a short dynamic warm-up (for five minute segments) and a long dynam-

ic warm-up (for 10 minute segments). The five minute segment is designed to get the athlete’s’ core body temperature up and increase range of motion to decrease injuries and increase performance. The 10 minute segment will include the same movements as the five minute, but will also incorporate a few more recovery based/mobility movements. The 10 minute segments show up more on game prep and game night protocols.



■ 5 minute Dynamic Warm-Up Example (10 yards each)● High Knees Down and Back● Bear Crawl Forward Down● Bear Crawl Reverse Back● Butt Kickers Down and Back● High Steppers Down and Back● Back Pedal Down and Back● Quick Shuttle (2x)

■ 10 minute Dynamic Warm-Up Example (10 yards each)● Knee pulls down● Quad pulls back● Calf pulls down● Forward lunges back● Reverse lunges down● Knee Kick and Touch back● Cossack lunges down and back● High Knees Down and Back● Bear Crawl Forward Down● Bear Crawl Reverse Back● Butt Kickers Down and Back● High Steppers Down and Back● Back Pedal Down and Back● Quick Shuttle (2x)

● TTO (Team Takeoff)○ TTO is a vital drill that will serve a variety of purposes for our program. TTO is a

great way to get athletes extra conditioning in while also utilizing it for alignment, recognition, and extra play reps for players. TTO also serves as a great way to teach tempo on both sides of the ball. Athletes will line up (either offensively or defensive-ly) in a formation, a cadence will be said, once the ball is snapped a play will be ran (or if we are in the early stages, they would immediately perform a hit it). There will be two coaches in the back of the end zone (line of scrimmage will be the 20 yard line). Once the players run the play for 10 yards (ball carrier takes it into endzone), they perform a “hit-it” and then precede to the coach to the side that the play was called. The coach then allows players to shuffle feet until they yell “Storm!” and then players break the huddle yelling back “Pride!”.

■ Offensive TTO● Typically done at the beginning of practice● We will begin getting reps at signalling in formation, players align

properly, then the ball is snapped.● Players immediately perform “hit-it” and proceed to one of the coach-

es in the end zone.● This will progress into the signalling of plays along with formations

where the players execute the play then proceed to end zone.



■ Defensive TTO● Typically performed before the start of the defensive half of practice.● Early in the preseason, this will be used as formation recognition

as we will line up a formation and the defensive captain will call out strength, players will align correctly, then a cadence will be said.

● We can progress this to running offensive plays at defenses, but this is typically not the direction we go. We put alignment as a high priority and we typically will take this time for the extra reps at alignment only.

● Individual Offensive Time○ Indy offense segments are implemented in order to work on position specific drills

while also implementing our schemes at a position level. Position coaches are given the freedom to spend their indy time as they see fit, but there are days that we will specify a time frame for skill specific drills and scheme specific separately.

○ Compete as much as possible, drills will have clear winners and losers with conse-quences when applicable.

■ Skill Specific Drills● Each position coach will have drills that are done every single day to

better their players at their given position.● These drills will vary from day to day depending on what we are in-

stalling offensively and should be done in a progressive manner.■ Scheme Specific Drills

● Scheme specific drills are necessary to teach the progressions of our offensive/defensive schemes. Every position coach will have drills to teach the intricacies of our schemes in a controlled, finite fashion. This time will also be used as additional walkthroughs to prep players for the upcoming run/pass/team segments that are coming up after these segments.

● Offensive Run Game ○ This segment puts the entire focus of the team into our offensive run game concepts.

Narrowing the focus allows us to get in more quality reps in a shorter amount of time. This segment is versatile as we will run it as ½ line sessions, inside run sessions, outside run sessions, and 11 on 11. We will also utilize this time for situational, short yardage situations. When the wide receivers aren’t included in these sessions, they are released to their position coach to work on blocking drills.


■ ½ Line Sessions● From center to the sideline, we will break the field in half giving the

focus to only one side of the field. This allows us to have two groups set up (right/left) to maximize the amount of reps we can get in during the allotted time. This also allows coaches to narrow their focus to certain positions resulting in better instruction.

■ Inside Run Sessions● We will run these sessions just with our offensive line and backs. This

will narrow the focus enough for the coaches and players to get in more reps with an inside run priority.



■ Outside Run Sessions● These sessions will include all 11 players that we focus on correcting/

implementing our outside run game. This keeps our focus on the im-portant blocks and techniques necessary to have an effective outside run game.

■ Short Yardage Sessions● We will specifically run segments to implement our short yardage

package. This will be a segment that we will put a lot of emphasis on and we will treat it as an event. We will pride ourselves on how effec-tive we are in short yardage.

● Offensive Pass Game○ Pass game segments will include implementing/practicing our pass game and RPO

concepts. These segments are utilized in order to give the quarterbacks clear reads to make the proper throws while getting good looks at receiver route running and timing. By splitting the passing game away from the run game, you are able to get a significant amount of more quality reps. Offensive Lineman will enter a pass pro-tection block during this time. We will decipher what type of segment to utilize for the day by what we feel we need the most work on. During the preseason, we will progressively work from a passing skeleton to 11 on 11 passing.


■ Passing Skeleton● Two QB’s at a time will throw routes to the right and left. This allows

for the most amount of reps in a short amount of time. This is the first progression in our passing game. We will implement all of our routes and the proper QB footwork during this time.

■ 7 on 7 Passing● This segment allows for the entire passing game to be implemented

and plays are now specifically called. This will begin with no defense and then a defense will be added to give quarterbacks read keys.

■ RPO’s● RPO segments will be treated similarly to that of 7 on 7’s only differing

in the “run-pass option” aspect. Quarterbacks are now asked to read the conflict player to give them a run-pass read before then making the throw. We will typically give a ball to the quarterback to then make the throw if he receives a run key where he would hand off the ball.

■ Screens● We will utilize screen segments to get in focused work on our screen

game. We will typically do this with all 11 offensive players. Screens will play a vital role in our passing game.

■ 11 on 11 Passing● 11 on 11 will progress just like that of 7 on 7 except that we now in-

corporate the offensive line in the drill. It is important for quarterbacks to be comfortable throwing in front of an offensive line and to build continuity and timing with the receivers and offensive line.



● Tackling Circuits○ Our program will put an extreme emphasis on safe, effective tackling progressions

that will begin on day one of preseason practice. Our tackling progression will focus on taking the head out of tackling utilizing a shoulder leverage style approach. Our tackling progressions can be taught without pads; therefore, we will begin them dur-ing the acclimatization period where just helmets or helmets/shoulder pads are worn.

■ Hawk/Hawk Roll/Profile Tackle Progression■ Open Field/Angle Tackling Circuits■ Pursuit Tackling■ Compression Tackling■ Turnover Creation and Scoring Circuits

● Defensive Run Game○ Inside Run Sessions

■ These sessions will be utilized to center our attention on the opponents inside run game. Most teams that we will play center their offense around run plays that are inside the tackle box. We will spend a great deal of time working on defending the run plays of our opponents. During these segments, the defensive backs will get in extra defensive back drill work and/or run fit work specifically with their defensive backs coach. What priority the DB’s have will be left up to the DB coach with direction from the head coach.

○ Outside Run Sessions■ We will funnel our attention at times on an opponent’s outside run schemes if

we see fit depending on the opponent. We would typically bring in our safe-ties during this segment as our safeties play a vital role in run support on the edge. Cornerbacks will also be added in typically to get live work at shedding stalk blocks and also run fill in certain formations.

○ Short Yardage Sessions■ Short yardage situations are events in our practices. These segments will be

highly physical and competitive. We will always pride ourselves in being able to stop opponents in situations that really matter.

● Defensive Pass Game○ Defensive 7 on 7

■ These segments are used to ensure our LB’s/DB’s understand their keys and reads in the passing game. We will run our opponents’ pass plays at our defense during this segment to ensure that our defense understands the concepts that they will be facing on Friday nights.

○ Defensive 11 on 11 passing■ These segments will be used as needed to implement any stunts/blitzes that

we are incorporating. We will also utilize 11 on 11 passing segments if we play teams that run a lot of screens, draws, and RPO’s. This will be a “as needed” type segment.

● Team Offense○ Our offensive team segment is where we will put everything together and run our

most important offensive plays against our opponents’ defense. After breaking down the plays in the run game and pass game segments, we can really delve deep into situational football.



■ Mondays - 1st Down/Scouting Report● We will run plays during this segment that are our 1st down plays for

Friday nights. 1st downs typically mean that the playbook is entirely open so the focus will be ensuring our offense understands the defen-sive scheme we will be seeing this week.

■ Tuesdays - 2nd/3rd and Medium/Long● On Tuesdays, the focus will be primarily medium/long play calls. This

allows us to simulate real game situations in practice with the play-ers in order for them to understand the proper route depth and adds a competitive aspect to the team session. We will set up cones to signify the first down marker for all plays.

■ Wednesday - “Top 10”/Short Yardage● Wednesdays are when we dial everything in and simulate the game

that is approaching. During the team session, we will run our best plays (top 10) for the week that we have to be able to run successfully to win the game. We will then finish the offensive practice with a short yardage segment in order to ensure we are fully prepared to execute when facing short yardage and goalline situations.

■ Thursday - “Top 10” Script + Added Reps● Every week we will have a “top 10” script of plays that are our best

plays heading into the week. We will utilize these top 10 as the first 10 plays we run from scrimmage. From a coaching perspective, we will line up in our essential formations in order to get a look at how the defense will line up against us. From a player perspective, we want our kids to be as confident as possible with the plays we are going to depend on. We will also utilize team on Thursdays to get in extra reps on plays that need the extra time.

● We will also perform our “up tempo drill” on Thursdays as well. This drill will serve two purposes: practicing a 2 minute drill in a crunch situation and getting extra work at our “speedball” and “turbo” tempos. Offense will take the ball on air at our 20 yard line and have 2 minutes to score a touchdown (not defended). Coaches will serve as referees, spotting the ball and starting the clock. All the calls and signals will come from the sideline.

■ “Spicing Up” the Team Offensive Segment● At the coaching staff’s discretion, we may break the mold at any point

during an offensive practice and implement competition/scenario type segments. This can be used to break out of a bad practice or gener-ate some excitement during practice.

● “Shark” Offense○ This segment will replicate a game situation that it is 1st and

10 from our opponents 40 yard line. This is the area of the field that is considered four down territory. When we smell blood, we want to finish a drive just as a shark would do in water. Once the offense scores a touchdown, everyone will celebrate the victory.



● “Speedball” Offense○ We will bring the sophomore defense up to go against the

varsity offense as well as have a varsity scout team defense ready to go. The two defenses will be set-up 30 yards apart from each other. The offense will run a play against the scout team defense, then run down to the sophomore defense and run a play against them. The coaches will be doing their in-struction on the fly and the offense will be instructed to get on the ball and get lined up as quickly as possible getting the sig-nals from the sidelines. The scout team defense will be lined up in the opposing team’s defense while the sophomore team will align in our defense. This not only gives our offense reps against the scout team, but also forces them to make on the fly adjustments when playing against different style defensive fronts and coverages.

● Team Defense○ Team defensive segments are all about dialing in our alignments, assignments, and

then making the tackle. All defensive plays will end with the proper player in position to make the tackle on the first whistle, then the other 10 players are required to run to the football where there will be a second whistle. We will eat, sleep, and breathe “eleven men to the football” mentality.

■ Mondays - Alignment/Scouting Reports● Mondays will be primarily to ensure we align properly to the forma-

tions we will be facing on Friday nights. We will also use Mondays to go over the opponent’s’ plays in a walk through type manner.

■ Tuesdays - “Thud” Speed● Tuesdays are designed to fit up all plays to ensure the proper player

is in position to make the play on every given play. All plays will be stopped once the ball carrier is wrapped up and then a second whistle will be given for the rest of the team to get to the ball carrier.

■ Wednesdays - “Full Go” Speed● Wednesdays are the only days of the week that we will go full go dur-

ing any practice segment. All run, pass, and individual times will not be full go during the week. Full go means tackle to ground. There will still be a second whistle for the entire defense to get to the football.

■ Thursdays - “Perfect”● Thursdays we will put everything together and perfect our game plan

that has been implemented through the week. The opponent’s best plays will be ran and any final preparations will be discussed, imple-mented, and taught.

■ “Spicing Up” the Defensive Segments● Just as with the offensive segments, at any point during the defensive

portion of the practice we can add in competition based drills to spice up practice.



● “3 and Out”○ We want to overemphasize the importance of getting off of the

field defensively. We give the scout team three downs to get a first down against our defense. If the scout team gets a first down, they are rewarded while the defense has to perform 10 hit-its. If the defense stops the scout team, the defense gets out of conditioning. If the scout team gets more than three first downs in a segment, the defense loses their “blue shirts” if they have already been rewarded them. The “blue shirts” are given to the scout team members.

● Defensive “Speedball”○ The sophomore offense will be brought up to run plays against

the varsity defense, running our offense. The scout team will also run plays at the defense, they will run our opponent’s offensive sets. A play is ran with the sophomores, then the defense has to run 30 yards to get lined up against the scout team and as soon as they are lined up the ball is snapped. This forces the coaches to coach on the fly and the kids to get aligned quickly and under fatigue. This simulates a game like scenario, forces our defense to adjust to different offensive sets quickly, and allows the sophomore offense to get work in against better competition.

● Special Teams○ We will practice special teams every single day of practice. Early in the year, the fo-

cus will be to get our punters, kickers, and long snappers fundamental work on their specific jobs. We will also incorporate special teams circuits and drills to prepare our players to excel in the special teams facet of the game. The preseason circuits will also be used to identify who will be our difference makers in the special teams facet.

■ Preseason Circuits● Kick Off Drills

○ Splitting double teams○ Shedding blocks○ Open Field Tackling○ Compression Tackling○ Lane adjustments

● Punt Return/Block Drills○ Punt blocking technique○ Open Field Stalk Blocking○ Return Releases○ Shield techniques○ 2 on 2 blocking○ 5 on 5 blocking

● Kick Off Return Drills○ Open Field Stalk Blocking○ 3 on 3 blocking



● Punt Drills○ Rail (block and release)○ 2 on 2 blocking○ 5 on 5 blocking○ Open Field Tackling○ Shedding Blocks○ Compression Tackling

● Extra Point○ Step and Punches○ Outside Rail blocking

■ In-season Work● During the season, we will have designated segments and days for

the special teams units. Special teams at the fresh/soph and varsity levels will be adjacent to each other. For example, when the varsity is practicing punt, the fresh/soph team will be practicing punt return/block. This allows for both units to get live work against an opponent.

● Monday○ Extra Point/Field Goal

● Tuesday○ Segment 1 - Punt○ Segment 2 - Kick Off Return

● Wednesday○ Segment 1 - Kick Off○ Segment 2 - Punt Return/Block

● Thursday○ Run through all special teams units



PRACTICE PLANS

Preseason – Practice 1 & 2, August 7th-8th (Helmets Only - Restricted) Time Length Segment3:00-3:15 15 min Team Meeting3:15-3:25 10 min Offensive Formation W-T3:25-3:35 10 min Offensive Team Install W-T3:35-3:45 10 min Defensive Formation Recognition W-T3:45-3:55 10 min Defensive Team Install W-T3:55-4:00 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up4:00-4:05 5 min Offensive TTO4:05-4:15 10 min Indy Offense – Skill Work4:15-4:25 10 min Indy Offense – Scheme Specific4:25-4:35 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:35-4:45 10 min Offensive Run Game4:45-4:50 5 min Team Offense4:50-5:00 10 min Special Teams5:00-5:10 10 min Tackling Circuit5:10-5:20 10 min Indy Defense – Skill Work5:20-5:30 10 min Indy Defense – Scheme Specific5:30-5:40 10 min Team Defense Formations5:40-5:55 15 min Conditioning



Preseason – Practices 3-5, August 9th-11th (Helmet and Shoulder Pads - Restricted) Time Length Segment3:00-3:15 15 min Team Meeting3:15-3:25 10 min Offensive Formation W-T3:25-3:35 10 min Team Offense Install W-T3:35-3:45 10 min Defensive Formation W-T3:45-3:55 10 min Team Defense Install W-T3:55-4:00 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up4:00-4:05 5 min Offensive TTO4:05-4:15 10 min Indy Offense4:15-4:25 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:25-4:35 10 min Offensive Run Game4:35-4:45 10 min Team Offense4:40-4:50 10 min Special Teams4:50-5:00 10 min Tackling Circuit5:00-5:05 5 min Defensive TTO5:05-5:15 10 min Indy Defense5:15-5:25 10 min Defensive Run/Pass Game5:25-5:40 15 min Team Defense5:40-5:55 15 min Conditioning



Pre-Season Practices 6 (August 12th), 7 (August 14th), & 9 (August 16th) (Full Pads - Unre-stricted) Time Length Segment3:00-3:15 15 min Team Meeting3:15-3:25 10 min Pre-Practice3:25-3:30 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up3:30-3:40 10 min Special Teams 13:40-3:45 5 min Offensive TTO3:45-3:55 10 min Indy Offense3:55-4:05 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:05-4:15 10 min Offensive Run Game4:15-4:25 10 min Team Offense4:25-4:35 10 min Special Teams 24:35-4:50 15 min Team Tackling4:50-4:55 5 min Defensive TTO4:55-5:05 10 min Indy Defense5:05-5:15 10 min Defensive Pass Game5:15-5:25 10 min Defensive Run Game5:25-5:40 15 min Team Defense5:40-5:50 10 min 3 on 2 Team Competition



Pre-Season Practices 8 (August 15th), 10 (August 17th), & 12 (August 19th) (Full Pads - Re-stricted) Time Length Segment3:00-3:15 15 min Team Meeting3:15-3:25 15 min Offensive Install W-T3:25-3:35 10 min Defensive Run Game Install

W-T3:35-3:45 10 min Defensive Pass Game Install

W-T3:45-4:00 15 min Pre-Practice4:00-4:05 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up4:05-4:15 10 min Special Teams 14:15-4:20 5 min Offensive TTO4:20-4:30 10 min Indy Offense4:30-4:40 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:40-4:50 10 min Offensive Run Game4:50-5:00 10 min Team Offense5:00-5:10 10 min Special Teams 25:10-5:15 5 min Defensive TTO5:15-5:25 10 min Tackling Circuit5:25-5:35 10 min Indy Defense5:35-5:50 15 min Team Defense5:50-6:00 10 min Conditioning



In Season – Monday (Game Plan Install Day) Time Length Segment3:30-4:00 30 min Team Meeting4:00-4:10 10 min Dynamic Warm-Up4:10-4:15 5 min Offensive TTO4:15-4:30 15 min Indy Offense4:30-4:45 15 min Team Offense Install4:45-4:55 10 min Special Teams4:55-5:00 5 min Defensive TTO5:00-5:15 15 min Indy Defense5:15-5:30 15 min Team Defense5:30-5:40 10 min Conditioning

In Season – Tuesday (“Thud” Day) Time Length Segment3:20-3:30 10 min Pre-Practice3:30-3:35 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up3:35-3:50 15 min Special Teams 13:50-3:55 5 min Offensive TTO3:55-4:05 10 min Indy Offense4:05-4:15 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:15-4:25 10 min Offensive Run Game4:25-4:35 10 min Team Offense4:35-4:50 15 min Special Teams 24:50-5:00 10 min Tackling Circuit5:00-5:10 10 min Indy Defense5:10-5:20 10 min Defensive Pass Game5:20-5:30 10 min Defensive Run Game5:30-5:40 10 min Team Defense



In Season – Wednesday (“Full Go” Day) Time Length Segment3:20-3:30 10 min Pre-Practice3:30-3:35 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up3:35-3:45 10 min Special Teams 13:45-3:50 5 min Offensive TTO3:50-4:00 10 min Indy Offense4:00-4:10 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:10-4:20 10 min Offensive Run Game4:20-4:30 10 min Team Offense4:30-4:40 10 min Special Teams 24:40-4:50 10 min Tackling Circuit4:50-5:00 10 min Indy Defense5:00-5:10 10 min Defensive Pass Game5:10-5:20 10 min Defensive Run Game5:20-5:30 10 min Team Defense5:30-5:40 10 min Conditioning

In Season – Thursday (Final Walk Through) Time Length Segment3:20-3:30 10 min Pre-Practice3:30-3:35 10 min Dynamic Warm-Up3:35-4:00 25 min Special Teams4:00-4:05 5 min Offensive TTO4:05-4:15 10 min Indy Offense4:15-4:30 15 min Team Offense4:30-4:35 5 min Defensive TTO4:35-4:45 10 min Indy Defense4:45-5:00 15 min Team Defense5:00-5:45 45 min Team Meeting



In Season – Game Night (Preparation) Time Length SegmentHalftime (Soph)

10 min Pre-Practice

0:00-0:10 10 min Dynamic Warm-Up0:10-0:20 10 min Indy Offense0:20-0:35 15 min Team Offense0:35-0:45 10 min Indy Defense0:45-1:00 15 min Team Defense

TAKE THE FIELD0:00-3:00 3 min Offensive TTO3:00-7:00 4 min Indy Offense7:00-11:00 4 min Indy Defense11:00-15:00 4 min Team Defense15:00-19:00 4 min Team Offense

WIN Playoffs – Monday (Game Plan Install Day) Time Length Segment3:30-4:00 30 min Team Meeting4:00-4:10 10 min Dynamic Warm-Up4:10-4:15 5 min Offensive TTO4:15-4:30 15 min Indy Offense4:30-4:45 15 min Team Offense Install4:45-4:55 10 min Special Teams4:55-5:00 5 min Defensive TTO5:00-5:15 15 min Indy Defense5:15-5:30 15 min Team Defense5:30-5:40 10 min Conditioning



Playoffs – Tuesday (“Thud” Day) Time Length Segment3:20-3:30 10 min Pre-Practice3:30-3:35 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up3:35-3:50 15 min Special Teams 13:50-3:55 5 min Offensive TTO3:55-4:05 10 min Indy Offense4:05-4:15 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:15-4:25 10 min Offensive Run Game4:25-4:35 10 min Team Offense4:35-4:50 15 min Special Teams 24:50-5:00 10 min Tackling Circuit5:00-5:10 10 min Indy Defense5:10-5:20 10 min Defensive Pass Game5:20-5:30 10 min Defensive Run Game5:30-5:40 10 min Team Defense

Playoffs – Wednesday (“Full Go” Day) Time Length Segment3:20-3:30 10 min Pre-Practice3:30-3:35 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up3:35-3:45 10 min Special Teams 13:45-3:50 5 min Offensive TTO3:50-4:00 10 min Indy Offense4:00-4:10 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:10-4:20 10 min Offensive Run Game4:20-4:30 10 min Team Offense4:30-4:40 10 min Special Teams 24:40-4:50 10 min Tackling Circuit4:50-5:00 10 min Indy Defense5:00-5:10 10 min Defensive Pass Game5:10-5:20 10 min Defensive Run Game5:20-5:30 10 min Team Defense5:30-5:40 10 min Conditioning



Playoffs – Thursday (Correct, Revise, Correct - “Thud”)

Time Length Segment3:20-3:30 10 min Pre-Practice3:30-3:35 5 min Dynamic Warm-Up3:35-3:50 15 min Special Teams 13:50-3:55 5 min Offensive TTO3:55-4:05 10 min Indy Offense4:05-4:15 10 min Offensive 7 on 7/Pass Pro4:15-4:25 10 min Offensive Run Game4:25-4:35 10 min Team Offense4:35-4:50 15 min Special Teams 24:50-5:00 10 min Tackling Circuit5:00-5:10 10 min Indy Defense5:10-5:20 10 min Defensive Pass Game5:20-5:30 10 min Defensive Run Game5:30-5:40 10 min Team Defense

Playoffs - Friday (Final Walk Through) Time Length Segment3:20-3:30 10 min Pre-Practice3:30-3:35 10 min Dynamic Warm-Up3:35-4:00 25 min Special Teams4:00-4:05 5 min Offensive TTO4:05-4:15 10 min Indy Offense4:15-4:30 15 min Team Offense4:30-4:35 5 min Defensive TTO4:35-4:45 10 min Indy Defense4:45-5:00 15 min Team Defense5:00-5:45 45 min Team Meeting



Playoffs – Saturday, Game Day (Preparation) Time Length Segment0:00-0:10 10 min Pre-Practice0:10-0:20 10 min Dynamic Warm-Up0:20-0:30 10 min Indy Offense0:30-0:45 15 min Team Offense0:45-0:55 10 min Indy Defense0:55-1:10 15 min Team Defense

TAKE THE FIELD0:00-3:00 3 min Offensive TTO3:00-7:00 4 min Indy Offense7:00-11:00

4 min Indy Defense

11:00-15:00

4 min Team Defense

15:00-19:00

4 min Team Offense

WIN


Section 6: Offensive PhilosophyOur offense will be centered around a spread, no huddle, power running game. I am a firm believer in when kids are confident in their assignments, they play fast. When a foot-ball team plays fast, they put themselves in a tremendous position to win. To achieve this confidence in our players, our system will be extremely simple to install and learn. We would rather run a few plays really well than run a bunch of plays mediocre. Although our offensive scheme is extremely simple, it will appear to be extremely complex and difficult to prepare for. Our offense will force defenses to cover the field from sideline to sideline both out of shotgun and under center sets. Defenses that have weaknesses will be exploited due to our sideline to sideline approach. Every defender on the field will have to be able to tackle well. We will constantly put defenders in conflict forcing them to take away one thing while giving us another.

Important Offensive Concepts:

Get Our Playmakers the Ball in Space• Schemes rarely win football games, players win football games; therefore, we want to get

our playmakers as many opportunities as possible to make big plays. Our offense will consistently put our playmakers in one-on-one tackling situations that they will win more times than not. We also believe in making these opportunities open field situations in order to increase our chances of breaking tackles and forcing defenses to tackle in space. Our offense will destroy undisciplined teams as well as poor tackling teams.

Establish Balance• We will utilize multiple formations and sets to keep the defense on their heels; however,

creating a balance within the offense between run and pass is crucial to the success of our offense. We may run the ball much more than we pass, but our pass game will be extremely effective and dangerous to the point that defenses will have to consistently respect our pass-ing game which will open up holes for our running game. We will also utilize RPO’s (run-pass options) in order to take what the defense gives us. Some games this may mean we pass the ball more than others while other games we may run the ball a significant amount. We will take what the defense gives us due to the fact that we don’t believe a defense can consistently take away both. Our passing game will consist of RPO’s, play action passes, screens, and a quick passing game that is easy to protect and encompasses simple reads for the quarterback. By avoiding long developing plays and complex schemes, this increas-es our efficiency in the passing game allowing for the optimal balance in our offense.

The Ability to Accommodate• Our offense is extremely versatile and can be adapted to any personnel. Coaching at a

public league school, your strengths and weaknesses rarely are the same from year to year. Our offense will be easily adaptable to whatever type of personnel we have in our program. We will also have the capability to run sets out of the shotgun, under center, and in a “wild-cat” type set. Weather can certainly play a role in football games and we do not want to get into a situation that we cannot run our offense because we cannot take a shotgun snap be-cause of rain or wind. To combat this, our offense is designed to be ran out of the shotgun or under center with equal effectiveness. We will also incorporate a “wildcat” type set that we call our “blue” set. This set puts our I-back at the quarterback position in order to spread

Section 6: Offensive Philosophy


defenses out even more than our normal sets while allowing us to still have our power run game inside. This also serves the purpose of allowing us to be able to run our quarterback run plays without having a running quarterback which adds to the versatility of the offense. This also adds another element for defenses to prepare for.

Take Care of the Football• We will be extremely diligent with taking care of the football. Nothing can be more of an

equalizer in a football game than losing a turnover battle. This will be done by practicing ball security drills, but also from a scheme standpoint ensuring that we put our players in good positions to not make mistakes. Our passing game is centered around being a quick read system that ensures that a quarterback does not have to sit in the pocket for too long and knows where the ball needs to be delivered. This enhances our ability to take care of the football.

PlaywithTempo• We are a no huddle offense that wants to constantly put pressure on the defense. Playing

up tempo prevents massive communication and play call changes from the defensive side-line giving the offense an advantage when they get defenses in a set that is not conducive to stop the offensive set. We will run three different tempos. The most common tempo is our “regular” tempo where our offense gets up to the line of scrimmage but does not get set until the play call is made from the sideline. This tempo will be where we stay for the majority of the game. Our “fast” tempo will consist of no formation change from the previous play, but a different play call will come in from the sideline. We will utilize this tempo if we find a flaw in the defense and when we want to keep them in this set while having the right match ups that we want. Our “speedball” tempo is when we will run the exact same play we ran the play before. The goal of this tempo is to get the ball snapped as quickly as possible. We will typically run this tempo after a big play. In this tempo, we do have the ability to flip the play by calling out “Xerox” which simply means to flip the play that was called last and run it again. We will be careful on how we use the “fast” and “speedball” tempos as we will have kids going both ways and we do not want to inhibit unnecessary fatigue that could lead to lack of performance in other facets of the game.



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Black Flip Right

1

“1” Back – Quarterback• Our offense will cater to the type of quarterback that we have. Ideally, we would like a quar-

terback that can run and throw effectively. Ultimately, we are looking for a quarterback who takes care of the football, can make quick decisions, and is a leader.

“2” Back – Slot Back/Receiver• Our “2 back” is our athlete that we want to get the ball in their hands in space. We also will

treat this player as a receiver so they have to be able to catch the ball and run routes effec-tively.

“3” Back – I Back• Our “3 back” is what would be referred to as the I back in a traditional I formation offense.

The 3 back is the athlete that can run inside or outside the tackle box. This is also our ath-lete that we want to touch the ball 15-20 times a game.

“4” Back – Superback• This is the most versatile position on the field. This position is part running back, part full-

back, part TE, and part pulling guard. This athlete needs to be able to fit a lot of different functions; however, we can adjust our offense to the strengths and weaknesses of the player in this position.

“8” and “9” Receivers – Wide Receivers• Our wide receivers are interchangeable within our offense. We keep our receivers on the

same side of the field unless we are in special unbalanced formations. Our receivers have to be effective blockers while running tremendous routes.

Guards• Our guards will be our smaller, agile lineman. We want guards that have the athleticism to

get out and pull inside and outside the tackle box. The guards also have to be capable of base blocking larger defensive lineman.

Tackles and Center• We want bigger body athletes at these positions due to the demands of these positions. Our

OT’s and C’s are asked to base and down block almost exclusively so putting our bigger bodied athletes here is essential.

OFFENSIVE PERSONNEL



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Black Wing Right

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28

Black Flip Left

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Red Stack Right

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Blue Doubles Left

9

4

328

Red Lion Far

1 1

1

1

1

Formation Calls

First word symbolizes what type of formation:Black: Signi�es the snap will be taken under center.Red: Signi�es a shotgun formation.Blue: Is our wildcat style formation where our “3” back lines up at the QB position and our QB lines up wide.

Second word signi�es the type of formation and alignment.

Third word signi�es the strength of the formation and what side of QB the RB will align.

FORMATION EXAMPLES



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Black Slant Left 13

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Red Slant Left 17

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

“10’S” RUN BLOCKING SCHEME - ISO PACKAGE

Our 10’s run game is centered around no pulling action and solid blocking up front. We will utilize this blocking scheme when we play against defenses that like to stunt and blitz. The advantage here is to block everything solid where there are no gap holes up front and then lead up through the open hole to the call (evens to the right, odds to left). We will sometimes gain an advantage through formations that could potentially leave defenses not gap sound, meaning they will leave a gap open to cover our spread formation, which we will have an automatic check to our 10-11 run play that is simply turn in-turn out.

Play Call Description10-11 Turn-In/Turn Out12-13 Lead (with superback + 2 back if applicable)14-15 Wrap16-17 Kick (superback)18-19 Jet



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Black Wing Left 226

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Red Slant Right 20

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

“20’S” RUN BLOCKING SCHEME - BUCK SWEEP PACKAGE

Our buck sweep package pulls both guards to the play call. We have an inside buck sweep that we kick the first guy head up or outside last down man on line of scrimmage and we have an outside buck sweep that both guards pull around to play call. The superback aligns to the outside hip of the tackle in any “20” calls instead of inside hip on all other calls.

Play Call Description20-21 Inside Buck Sweep22-2324-2526-27 Outside Buck Sweep28-29



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Black Wing Right 30

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Red Stack Left 34

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

“30’S” RUN BLOCKING SCHEME - POWER PACKAGE

Our power package involves pulling backside guard and superback to the play call. We can run this two different ways, “power” involves first through kicking last man head up or outside last down man on the line of scrimmage and second through leads up through the hole. “Super” leads both the backside guard and superback up through the hole with a turn in/turn out at the play call. Counter footwork will be utilized if the play call is to the same side as the back receiving the ball.

Play Call Description30-31 Power32-3334-35 OG/Superback Wrap (Super)36-3738-39



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Red Ram Near 45

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Black Flex Left 43

1

1

2 2B

5 5

C

BC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

“40’S” RUN BLOCKING SCHEME - TRAP PACKAGE

Our trap package consists of backside guard pulling to play side. This is our most versatile package that can be run out of any formation in our play book. Schemes include an inside and outside trap, a wrap scheme, belly, and buck sweep with only the back side guard.

Play Call Description40-41 Inside Trap42-43 Outside Trap44-45 Guard Wrap46-47 Belly48-49 Single Guard Buck Sweep



9

4

328

Red Flex Right 118

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Black Flip Left 131

11

2 2B

5 5

C

BC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

LIGHTNING MOTION/BACKFIELD ACTION

Our lightning motion refers to the backfield action where we will motion our slot back into the back-field, which also creates a specific backfield action. Lightning refers to the slot back getting an outside ball fake (or receiving the ball) first, then the running back ball fake will be second. These backfield actions can also be tagged when slot back (2 back) is in the backfield. The slot back is always the Lightning motion player. To signify this motion/backfield motion, a “1” will be attached to the play call.

Examples:

Play Call Description118 Lightning motion, Jet Sweep right131 Lightning motion, power left112 Lightning motion, lead right



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Black Flex Left 242

9

4

328

Red Flex Right 236

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

TORNADO MOTION/BACKFIELD ACTION

Our tornado motion refers to the backfield action where the slot back motions into the backfield in more of a looping action. The play fake is given to the running back first (or the running back is given the ball) and then the fake (or the ball) is given to the motion back. To signify this motion/backfield motion, a “2” will be attached to the play call.

Examples:

Play Call Description242 Tornado motion, outside trap right236 Tornado motion, buck sweep right221 Tornado motion, power left



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Black Slant Left 384

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Red Stick Left 337

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

THUNDER MOTION

Our thunder motion only refers to superback formations. The superback aligns to the formation call and “thunder” means he is to motion across the formation before the snap. We will utilize this mo-tion on both run plays and pass plays. To signify this motion, a “3” will be attached to the play call.

Examples:

Play Call Description384 Thunder motion, Dig Route combo right337 Thunder motion, Buck Sweep left316 Thunder motion, Kick Right



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Red Stick Right 414 Florida

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Red Slant Left 430 Texas

1 1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

RPO SCHEMES

RPO (run-pass option) schemes will be a big part of what we do. We want to force defenses to cover as much of the field as we can. We want to force defenders to make a decision to cover something and make it impossible for them to cover everything. The defender with the red rect-angle around it is what we call the “conflict” player. Our quarterback will read the designated conflict player (always a linebacker, sometimes outside and sometimes inside backer) and will hand it off if the linebacker plays the pass, then will pass it if the linebacker plays the run. We can tag any of our run plays with a RPO tag. To signify a RPO, a “4” will be attached to the play call. We can also tag a motion to RPO’s, MOTION NUMBER ALWAYS IS SIGNALED FIRST. RPO’s are strictly a shot-gun scheme; however, we can run the RPO pass schemes as a play action with a different tag. We tag RPO’s with colleges that have the names of their respective states. When the RPO is designed to go left, it will be the school name, if the call is to the right, the call will be their mascot.The one exception “Tulsa”, is an exception due to it being a screen concept.

RPO Tags:

Left Right Description Conflict PlayerFlorida Gator Single Receiver slant OLBOregon Ducks Slant/Wheel Combination OLBTulsa Hurricane Quick Rocket Screen OLBTexas Longhorn Snag Route Combination ILBOklahoma Sooner Pop Pass with inside receiver ILBIllinois Illini Shovel/Bubble Combination DE to OLB



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Black Slant Left 511 Viking

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4

3 28

Red Ram Near 537 Bear

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

BOOTLEG/PLAY ACTION PACKAGE

We are firm believers that every run play you have, there should be a play action pass that accom-panies it. Our play action game consists of all RPO concepts can be tagged to just be play action passes if they are called with a “5” tag. We have three bootleg versions that we will also utilize as well. Our bootleg rules is we always want a corner route, a flat route, and a player in the window to the play call. Our bootleg package tag words are NFL teams, the city being to the left and the nick-name to the right. To signify a playaction pass, a “5” is attached to the run play.

Bootleg Tags:

Left Right DescriptionMinnesota Viking Bootleg with drag from back sideChicago Bear Trips set bootleg with dig route Green Bay Packer Traditional bootleg with drag and corner

We can also tag our RPO route combinations to a run play for just the pass action:

Left Right DescriptionFlorida Gator Single Receiver slantOregon Ducks Slant/Wheel CombinationTulsa Hurricane Quick Rocket ScreenTexas Longhorn Snag Route CombinationOklahoma Sooner Pop Pass with inside receiverIllinois Illini Shovel/Bubble Combination



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3 28

Red Ram Far 158

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Black Flip Left 53

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

SCREEN PACKAGE

Screens are the most under utilized offensive scheme in high school football. They are quick, easy and can really take advantage of overly agressive defenses. Screens also allow us to further our of-fensive goal of making defenses cover sideline to sideline. We will motion/play action fake screens to adjust eyes of the defense. Our screen package is numbered in the 50’s.

RPO Tags:

Play Call Description50-51 RB Middle Screen52-53 RB Swing Screen54-55 Inside Receiver Bubble Screen56-5758-59 Outside Receiver Rocket Screen



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Black Slant Left 60

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Red Slant Left 66

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

OPTION ROUTE PASS GAME

Our passing game will be numbered to fit certain pass protection schemes while coupling that with specific route combinations/reads for the quarterback. The 60’s passing game is our “option” route game. The pass protection scheme is sliding away from the play call. The superback or the run-ning back will be responsible for C gap on the play side. The 60’s passing game also calls for a roll to the play call from the quarterback.

Option Routes:

Play Call Description60-61 Backside Hitch with drag, flat to play call62-6364-6566-67 Option route - 8-10 yard out or vertical 68-69



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Black Slant Right 72

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Red Slant Left 79

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

ROLLOUT PASS GAME

Our 70’s pass game is our roll out package. We will slide our protection to the call and this also tells the running back that they are to seal the playside end allowing the quarterback to roll to the out-side. These pass plays are designed to be two or three man routes depending on the formation.

70’s Pass Game

Play Call Description70-71 Dig Concept72-73 Double Out Concept74-75 Double Option Route (Hitch/Vertical)76-77 Rub Concept78-79 Smash Concept



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Red Slant Right 82

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Black Slip Left 85

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1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

2 RECEIVER PASS GAME

Our 80’s package is a pocket passing game with max protection. If two backs are in the backfield, it turns into a seven man protection scheme. If there is only back in the backfield, the RB will go to the play call, sealing the pocket. The offensive line squeezes to their inside gap creating pocket. If the quarterback is under center, this is a three step passing game. If the quarterback is in shotgun, this is a catch and throw to our back pedal quick drop. The goal is to get the ball out of the quarter-back’s hands after a quick read as fast as possible.

2 Receiver Pass Game:

Play Call Description80-81 Arrow Concept82-83 Double Slant Concept84-85 Levels Concept86-87 Wheel/Dig Concept88-89 Verticals Concept



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Red Slant Right 99

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Black Slip Left 94

1

1

2 2B

5 5

CBC

B

F

BN 4

B4 D

CBC

D

F

B

SINGLE RECEIVER PASS GAME

Our 90’s pass game will be a max protection single receiver route scheme. The pass protection is exactly the same to that of the 80’s pass game. Single receiver routes will be utilized against man-to-man and when match ups are favorable for us. As like the 80’s pass game, this is a three step drop/single step drop under center and a catch and throw in the shotgun.

90’s Pass Game

Play Call Description90-91 Now Concept92-93 Slant Concept94-95 Z Route Concept96-97 Hitch Concept98-99 Fade Concept



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Black Jumbo Left 12

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Black Slip Left 112 Minnesota

1 1

2 2B

5 5

C

B

C

B

FB

N 4B

4 DCBC

D

F

B

9 43

28

1

GOALLINE/SHORT YARDAGE PACKAGE

We will take great pride in our short yardage/goalline offensive package. We can run our entire run game out of the goalline package as well as our bootleg pass game. We will also utilize a short huddle on goalline (as seen above) that will be a circle huddle about three yards behind the line of scrimmage. The goal is to break out of the huddle quickly getting aligned and snapping the ball as quickly as possible to not allow the defense to adjust to our formation. Considering this is a two tight end set when we rarely will be in TE sets in our normal offensive package, this short huddle creates an alignment/preparation advantage for our offense in these situations. We can also break out of this huddle in align in our entire offense to keep the defense guessing.

Section 7: Defensive Philosophy


Our defense is a multiple front attack that is simplistic in design, but complex in execution. Meaning that our defense is simple to install and teach as most techniques on the field do the exact same thing no matter what the offense lines up in. It is complex in execution due to the our defense reacting to what the offense is performing when the ball is snapped. We may line up our defensive end on the outside shoulder of the tackle insinuating he is re-sponsible for the “C” gap, but if the tackle blocks down, our defensive end fills the “B” gap and the linebacker becomes responsible for the “C” gap. We call this the fill and scrape scheme and our system is extremely difficult to prepare for and hardly ever truly understood in game planning. Our passing coverage is predicated off the alignment of the offense. We will run multiple coverages and even sometimes two different coverages on the separate halves of the field at the same time. This all allows us to look extremely complex while be-ing extremely simple. Our basic premise in the secondary is to keep all pass plays in front of us, NEVER allowing big plays. When a scheme is simple, the kids are confident in their responsibilities, when kids play confident, they play fast, when you play fast, you win.

Alignment• Considering we are a multiple front defense, the proper alignment is crucial to the success

of our defense. We will spend a significant amount of time in practice ensuring our kids un-derstand how to properly align and then understand their responsibilities pre-snap.

Assignment• Once we are properly aligned, we have to understand our assignment in that particular

formation. Our front seven rarely change responsibilities no matter what the formation is so this allows us to spend our practice time on perfecting their techniques and assignments. We will be extremely well schooled in how to perform our particular techniques and we will play extremely disciplined as a result.

Play Fast• You don’t have to be fast to play fast. We keep things as simple as possible so our kids can

focus on reading and reacting instead of thinking and dissecting. This allows us to flow to the football in a hurry increasing our chances of allowing offenses to create positive plays.

11 Blue Shirts to the Football• We will preach, practice, and demand that we get 11 men to the football on every play. The

more players you can get to the point of attack, the higher the likelihood you have to make the tackle at the line of scrimmage and avoid big plays. This also increases the likelihood of creating turnovers.

Tackle• We will put an extreme emphasis on tackling. We will practice a tackling progression ev-

ery day in practice. This will not only be done to ensure our kids are set-up to make great tackles in the games, but also to keep our kids safe promoting shoulder tackles and taking the head out of the game of football. I am a firm believer that head injuries in football are the direct result of the lack of fundamentals taught in practice that ultimately leads to poor tack-ling technique during games. If you cannot tackle effectively and safely, you will not wear a blue shirt.



5 53T

W

$

SMC C

F

Base vs. 2x2

Combo 1&2(Cover 4)No Flat Help

Combo 1&2(Cover 4)SLB - FlatStrength to Field

“5” Technique Defensive Ends• Our defensive ends are interchangeable, however, we will typically put our bigger bodied

defensive end to the strength and our more athletic defensive end to the weak side. Defen-sive ends are ask to maintain their gap and also fill gaps to inside when the tackle to their side blocks down. The alignment will typically be the outside shade of the tackle (5 tech-nique); however, the weak side 5 can sometimes line up in a “7” technique, which is inside shade of a TE in some instances.

“2I” Technique Defensive Tackle• This defensive tackle is a one gap, double team making tackle. This will be our biggest

body that demands a double team on every snap to keep offensive lineman off of our line-backers.

“3” Technique Defensive Tackle• Our “3” technique is our best defensive lineman. We want a three technique that can de-

mand double teams while also being able to play our fill and scrape scheme much like that of a “5” technique.

“Mike” Linebacker• Our “Mike” linebacker is our quarterback of the defense. He will make all the strength calls

and ensure everyone is aligned properly. When we are running our defense optimally, he will also lead our team in tackles as our scheme funnels everything to our linebackers. This linebacker needs to be able to run sideline to sideline while also be able to take on north/south runners and blockers within the tackle box. He is our most complete linebacker.

DEFENSIVE PERSONNEL



“Will” Linebacker• We have two inside linebackers in this system, the “will” is the more athletic of the two in

most cases. The “will” linebacker must be able to run sideline to sideline and make tackles inside the tackle box, but also be able to play in pass coverage when we are in certain for-mations and certain plays are ran. The “will” should make a tremendous amount of tackles much like the “mike”.

“Sam” Linebacker• The “sam” position is another versatile position that we are looking for an athlete to fill this

role. The sam has to be able to play the pass, primarily as a flat defender to the strength of the formation. The “sam” also is our defensive end in our “50” front that we will be in against the majority of teams that we play. He has to be strong enough to take on lead blockers and maintain his hole integrity.

Cornerbacks• We have the capability to flip our cornerbacks if we feel the need; however, we do not typi-

cally want to flip our corners to the strength of the call. The weak side cornerback plays some man to man whereas the strong side corner rarely does so we can flip our corner-backs (strong and weak) if we feel once corner is better at playing man to man than the other. Our corners also play an important part in our run game as they will be lined up on the line of scrimmage as our edge players in our “60” front. The cornerbacks run fill respon-sibilities never change as they are to never allow anyone outside of them whether they are aligned in the “60” front or in the “50” or “40” where they would be aligned out wide on a receiver.

Strong Safety• Our strong safety plays more like a free safety in conventional defenses. They are mostly

asked to play a quarter coverage where they keep everything in front of them to make plays. They are also an integral part of the run game as they are responsible for filling the “D gap” alley in run support when plays are bounced or ran to the outside of a formation to their side.

Free Safety• We call our weak side safety the free safety because this player’s responsibilities largely

depend on the formation that we are facing. He is a run first, 8th man in the box against “21” personnel groupings where there are two backs and one TE. Any 2x2 or 3x1 sets, he plays a much similar role to that of the strong safety. This safety is our best defensive back open field tackler as he plays a vital role in the run support, but also needs to have the ability to cover the pass game when the opportunity arises.



5 53T

W

$

SMC C

F

Base vs. 2x2

Combo 1&2(Cover 4)No Flat Help Combo 1&2

(Cover 4)SLB - Flat

Strength to Field

5 53T

W

$

SMC C

F

Base vs. 3x1

CB Man - inside outWLB - Back key

FS - Middle 3rdCB/SS - Combo 1&2Cover 4SLB - Flat

“BASE” DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT



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CF

50 vs. Flanker Tight

Cover 2


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CCF

50 vs. Single TE Wing T

Cover 2CB - Man on 1FS - Back Key/Flat

“50” DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT



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S M

C C

F

5 53 TW

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SMC C

F

60 vs. Double Tight Wing T

60 vs. Bone

Cover 2 Cover 2

Cover 2Cover 2

“60” DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENT



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SM C

F

Stopping Trap

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S

MC

CF

Stopping Buck Sweep

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SMC CF

Stopping Lead

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F

Stopping Outside Run

RUN FIT EXPLANATION

We run a gap integrity defense meaning that we have pre-snap designated gap assign-ments, but once the play starts the designated gap can change. In the “stopping trap” diagram, the right guard veers to the linebacker creating a void in the “A” gap. Our 3-tech-nique drives down on the vacated “A” gap getting his hands on the guard to disrupt his route. If there is a pulling guard coming at him like there is in this scheme, we utilize a “wrong arm” technique that makes it impossible for the pulling guard to kick the 3-technique as is his intent. This forces the play to bounce outside of its’ desired hole forcing the run-ning back to run laterally allowing us to get 11 men to the football. The mike linebacker reads the filled hole and re-routes to the “B” gap in order to make the play on the running back.

If we see a base blocking scheme, our defensive lineman keep their outside arm free to maintain their designated gap assignment while getting their inside hand on the lineman trying to turn them out. This allows for our linebackers to flow freely to the open gap to make the play.



5 53T

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F

2x2 = Cover 4


Combo 1&2(Cover 4)SLB - FlatStrength to Field

5 53T

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$

S

MC CF

50 vs. 21

Combo 1&2(Cover 4)Will - Key back�eld

CB - Man on 1FS - Key back�eld/-Flat

PASS COVERAGE EXPLANATION

We run multiple coverages in the secondary. Against no TE sets, we are typically in a cover 4 look or “combo” as we call it. We play quarters coverage and have flat help to the field with the sam linebacker. In single TE sets, we typically align in the same “combo” look to the strong side of the formation while on the weak side, the corner is man-to-man on the single receiver whereas the free safety keys back out of the backfield to the weak side. Our will linebacker keys the back out of the backfield to the weak side when we see single TE sets. In two TE sets, we typically play a cover 2 defensive shell that allows us to get our corners more involved in the run game while also keeping two deep safeties to guard against the pass. We also have the ability to morph any defensive front to a cover 3 look if we see teams that like to motion and play empty type sets.

Section 8: Special Teams Philosophy


I believe that when you are not as talented as the team you are playing, it is vital to find equalizers in order to compete and beat them. Creating turnovers and having effective special teams are the best equalizers that the game of football has to offer. Teams can easily take special teams for granted as the focus always seems to fall on offense and de-fense. We will have a special teams coordinator who is largely responsible for personnel, scheme, and scouting for our special teams units. This allows us to be highly organized during practices and games in the special teams facet and potentially give us the needed edge we need to win football games. Controlling field position and momentum are the bi-products of having a sound and effective special teams unit. We have three simple goals for our special teams units: make extra points, create big plays in punt return/block and kickoff return, and avoid big plays at all costs in punt and kickoff.

We will practice special teams every day in practice in two different segments in order to maximize our time. This will begin with special teams drills to hammer home the funda-mentals necessary to run our specific special teams schemes. We will then install our schemes and implement the personnel we believe deserves to be on our esteemed special teams unit. Roles on the special teams units will be earned, not given and this will be a prestigious honor to receive a role.

We will scout our special teams just like we do offenses and defenses of opponents. We will have a special teams section to our scouting report detailing opponent personnel, weaknesses, timing of long snaps, and how we plan to attack their special teams units. Our schemes could potentially change week to week in order to take advantage of weak-nesses we see in a specific unit of our opponents’ special teams.



K

L1 L2 L3 L4 L5R1R2R3R4R5

Our kickoff coverage will be centered around surrounding the kickoff returner and keeping them to the middle of the field. We will cross certain runners in order to throw off blocking schemes that an opponent may employ. Our kickoff team will be suited with our best open field tacklers and fastest players. We want players that can get down the field in a hurry and are capable of breaking down and making an open field tackle. We also are looking for athletes that can understand lane assign-ments and shed blockers.

KICKOFF SCHEME/PERSONNEL



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T TCT T

E

BB

E

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KICKOFF RETURN SCHEME/PERSONNEL

Our kickoff return team will incorporate a cross scheme. We utilize this style of blocking to de-crease the “time under block” necessary to achieve the window for our returner. This means that we would rather get a running start and deliver a single blow to runners that knocks them off their path giving us enough time to run by them. This scheme is subject to change depending on the strength and style of the kickoff team we are facing. We want physical, unselfish players on kickoff return who understand their assignments and never try to do too much.



5 5T 3M

CW S

C

$

PR

5 5T 3M

CW S

C

$

PR

PUNT RETURN/PUNT BLOCK

We will utilize both punt returns and punt blocks depending on the situation and field position. When we are returning punts, we will utilize a wall scheme that keeps the “time under block” down to a minimum allowing us to deliver single blows that give us enough time to run by the block being made. We also have a safe return where we guard against fakes and the goal with this return is to just field the punt and get the ball to the offense. We also have a punt block scheme that blocked nine punts in 2004. This scheme is versatile enough to change according to the offensive alignment and is extremely effective. We will practice punt blocking techniques in order to refrain from receiv-ing unwanted running into the kicker penalties.

Our defense will stay on the field during punt return/block. It is our belief in the punting game that the more personnel you have running on and off the field, the higher the liklihood for mistakes and penalties to ensue.



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PR

PUNT TEAM

We do not plan on having to punt very often; however, punting the football can be an incredible weapon in the equalizer field position game. We will always kick the ball to the nearest sideline with the goal being getting the ball at least 30 yards and out of bounds. If we have a really effective punter, we will potentially open this up for deeper punts; however, as a general rule we will always strive to kick the ball 30 yards and out of bounds.

We will utilize a shield punt scheme that completely protects our punter from a block attempt. Our goal is to get rid of the ball within a two second window in which this is not enough time for oncom-ing blockers to reach the punter to make a play. We will utilize wide splits to increase the route time for the oncoming blockers as well as allow us to extend our punt coverage personnel to widen our umbrella that we want to have in case the ball stays in play.

Our offense with the exception of the quarterback will make up our punt team. If our long snapper is not on the offense, we will bring him in as well.



EXTRA POINT/FIELD GOAL

We will utlize a very simple close, block down extra point team that keeps oncoming blockers from having enough time to get to the kicker. Our offensive lineman will stay low, step down, and punch in order to prevent oncoming blockers. We need 1.5 seconds to get an extra point off and we will practice ensuring we are able to protect for this amount of time.

Documents

Building a Championship Culturecoachlynchfootball.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/4/9/11490823/...Section 2: Program Vision o 13 o Staff Roles Varsity Defensive Coordinator Special Teams Coordinator