Planning for a Game
Planning for any phase of football is important, but planning for a
particular game is vitally important. I tell my players our staff will
study, prepare and plan one hour for every minute the players are on the
practice field. Then we actually spend this much time in our practice and
game preparation. The typical fan has little conception of the amount of
time we spend planning for a single football game.
OUT-OF-SEASON PLANNING
Our planning commences in early summer when I assign each assistant coach
to a particular game opponent for the coming season. If we do not have as
many coaches as we have football games, several assistants will have to
double up and prepare for two opponents.
Each coach will secure as many movies as possible on his particular
opponent and break-down the films. He also familiarizes himself with the
returning personnel, and studies each player’s characteristics, strengths
and weaknesses. The coach will observe the returning quarterback’s
movements in particular, looking for tip-offs. Does he look at his
receiver all the way downfield? Does he have a favorite pass route? Does
he have a favorite receiver? Does he favor action or drop back passes?
Does he like to operate to his left or right? Such information, along
with additional scouting information, helps us get a “book” on the
quarterback.
It is important to know the opposition’s strongest and weakest positions
on offense and defense. The coach looks at the films, and attempts to
get as much reliable and valid information as possible from them. Then
when the coach (scout) sees his opposition in the fall he will do a
better job of scouting them because he is familiar with the offense,
defense, and the returning personnel.
IN-SEASON PLANNING
During the season we like to see an opponent play at least three times.
We feel we can do a better job of planning after we have a fairly clear
understanding of what our opponents are likely to do. We want to have a
fairly definite idea of what our opposition will do offensively in the
following situations:
1. First down and 10 yards to go.
2. Second down and long yardage.
3. Second down and short yardage.
4. Third down and long yardage.
5. Third down and short yardage.
6. Fourth down and short yardage.
7. Unusual and special situations.
Conversely, we want to find out what our opposition will do defensively
versus the above situations.
In order to give you a run-down of our procedures, let’s consider a
typical week preceding Saturday’s game.
_Sunday’s Schedule_
The coaching staff will meet together early Sunday morning and go over
the film of Saturday’s game. While the assistant coaches are studying and
grading the film, I will meet with the assistant coach who scouted the
team we will be playing this coming Saturday. In addition to receiving a
thorough scouting report from him, I want his recommendations offensively
and defensively of what we should do against the opponent. The scout will
then complete his report as he will present it to the squad members on
Monday night.
In the meantime the other assistant coaches have completed their grading
of the film, and then we discuss personnel. As the result of game
performance, we commence to make plans as to the personnel we will be
using in the upcoming game.
_Monday’s Schedule_
On Monday morning the scout will give his report to our entire staff. He
then answers questions relating to the opponent we will be playing on
Saturday. After we have fully discussed the opposition from every aspect,
our defensive coaches will have a separate meeting and make plans to set
up the defenses which they would like to use. The offensive coaches have
a similar meeting, and map out their strategy versus all of the various
defenses the opposition has used in various situations. We recognize the
fact that some plays are good only against certain defenses and not all
plays are successful against all defenses. Therefore, we try to limit our
offense to the best possible plays against our opposition’s anticipated
defenses. Of course, we must have a valid, reliable, comprehensive
scouting report in order to make our plans. We also understand and
recognize the fact that some teams will change practically their entire
offensive system from game to game. However, this gives such teams only
one week to perfect a new “favorite” series, and this is almost an
impossible feat.
All of our coaches will meet together again around 10:30 A.M., with the
defensive coaches making their recommendations for Saturday’s opponent.
The strategy is discussed at length before a decision is reached. Let me
digress for just a second to say that once we have made our decisions,
we will stick with them tenaciously for fear of confusing our players by
changing defenses later in the week.
The procedure is repeated again, this time with the offensive coaches.
All coaches, regardless of position or whether they specialize in offense
or defense, will enter the discussion. We have found following such a
procedure helps us do a better job of coaching, and some of our best
suggestions relating to offense have come from our defensive coaches, and
vice versa, defensive suggestions have come from the offensive coaches.
We are always open to suggestions!
After we have made our plans, we can then make out our work schedule
for Monday afternoon. Although I usually make out the remainder of
the schedule for the week each night after practice, you can see the
necessity of waiting until Monday in order to make out the day’s work
schedule.
After lunch we will have a short squad meeting. First, we go over last
Saturday’s game discussing both the good and bad points. Then we will
inform the squad of our plans for this coming Saturday’s game, and change
assignments, make adjustments, etc., at this time.
The boys who do not have late afternoon classes meet at 3:30 P.M., and
we go over last week’s game movie. Each coach will sit with the players
whom he has graded and discuss their performance in the film. If time
permits, we like to have the ends and backs meet in one group and the
interior linemen in another group for separate viewings of the film. We
feel such a practice is highly desirable and eliminates the confusion
that generally occurs when all of the players view the game film at the
same time.
On Monday and Friday our regular practice commences at 5:30 P.M.,
since our boys take their laboratory classes on these two days. It is
impossible to set up a practice schedule if key personnel are absent due
to late labs every day of the week.
The boys who played in Saturday’s game will be out in sweat clothes for
approximately 45-50 minutes. They will stretch and loosen up, before we
spend most of the time learning and rehearsing the defenses they will
be using for this coming Saturday’s opponent. Our procedure is to have
the “red shirts” come out of the huddle and line up in the different
offensive formations we expect to face, and our defense will adjust
accordingly. For the last 15 minutes of the session a scrub team will run
the opposition’s favorite plays about half speed so the regulars will
have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the offense. Then the
boys in sweat clothes take several short sprints and we send them to the
showers.
The boys who did not play in last Saturday’s game have a good workout
emphasizing and practicing fundamentals. At times we terminate Monday’s
practice session with a short scrimmage against the freshman squad.
After a late dinner on Monday night, we have another squad meeting where
the scout will give a complete oral report to the players on our upcoming
opponent. He will discuss personnel, favorite plays, passes, defenses,
kicking game, and any additional pertinent information relating to the
opposition. He then hands out a comprehensive typed scout report to the
squad members. Frankly, I do not believe a boy can do an intelligent job
of playing without studying his scouting report.
_Tuesday’s Schedule_
We will have a staff meeting early on Tuesday morning in order to set
up the practice schedule for the afternoon. A typical Tuesday practice
session will last approximately one hour and 35 minutes, plus the last
period which does not have a specific time limit for the reasons I
explained previously.
Our schedule is generally set up so that the first five minutes the
linemen will be firing out and hitting the big sled or seven dummies, and
the backs will be having a fumble drill or working on stance and starts.
Our exercises and agility drills precede this drill for the linemen and
backs.
The second period will usually be 20 minutes in duration, which will vary
from week to week according to our needs. A typical period will have our
first team secondary working on pass defense against a scrub team who
will be throwing the opponent’s passes. At the same time, in another
area we will have our first and second team guards and tackles working
on defensive techniques. Our backs will be divided into two groups. One
group will work on our polish drill, and the other on the secondary
drill. Our third and fourth lines will be working as teams on blocking.
At the termination of the previously mentioned 20 minute period, we
exchange the backs and linemen, and the coaches repeat the drills again
with their new groups.
Our next period will be working on individual techniques by positions
for approximately 15 minutes’ duration. During this time our coaches
generally work on weaknesses or correct errors which they observed
in last Saturday’s game film. Or they will work by positions on
recommendations which were made at Monday’s coaches’ meeting.
Our team drills and “team learning” are next on Tuesday’s practice
schedule. The first and third teams will work on our offense for
Saturday’s game. The first team will run about three plays to one
compared to the third team. During this time the second team will work on
defense against the scrub team, which will be running the opposition’s
plays and passes. At the termination of 20-25 minutes the first and
second teams will change around, with the first team working on defense,
and the second and third teams working on offense. This period continues
for 20-25 minutes.
The first and second teams will work on the kicking game next. As I
stated previously, we use our kicking game as a conditioner and at the
same time doing something functional with respect to perfecting our
protection and coverage. When they do it properly, normally this phase
of the practice schedule lasts 10-12 minutes. If not executed to our
satisfaction, the period is longer in duration. While the first two units
are working on their kicking game, the third team will usually be working
on their defensive play. After completing their 20 minutes’ defensive
drill, they must have their kicking game practice.
After we have set up Tuesday afternoon’s schedule we will amend offensive
and defensive plans if necessary. We generally spend the remainder of
Tuesday morning evaluating player personnel.
After lunch we will have a short squad meeting for about 15-20 minutes if
we have amended our offensive or defensive plans or if we are going to
make any changes of any nature involving the offense or defense.
Some time after lunch and before our specialists take the field at
3:10, with our regular scheduled practice commencing at 3:30 P.M., our
defensive coach will meet with our defensive signal callers and our
offensive coach will meet with our quarterbacks, and go over defensive
and offensive plans and strategy, respectively.
After practice we will have a brief staff meeting again and we will
review our entire practice schedule. At this time I want my assistant
coaches to make recommendations for the next day as I want to work on the
schedule at night for the following day. I discussed our procedures in
Chapter 3.
_Wednesday’s Schedule_
The procedure is the same as previously—staff meeting and set up the
afternoon’s practice schedule, which will be about one hour and 30
minutes, excluding the last drill which is not timed.
After setting up the exercises and the agility drills, we will have
our linemen firing out, the same as on Tuesday, and the backs will be
polishing plays.
The next 25 minute period will be first team on defense against the scrub
team, and they will practice defense over the field. The scrub team will
run the opposition’s plays and tendencies, and the defense is full speed
with the exception of tackling the ball carrier. During this time, on
another field our second and third teams will be running our offense
versus the opposition’s defenses.
During the next period the first and second teams will exchange and
repeat the same drills listed above.
The next period will usually be 20 minutes’ duration with the third team
working on defense over the field, and the first and second teams working
on special situations such as quick kicks, passes, etc.
The next period will be devoted to our kicking game. We also usually have
a few goal line drives on Wednesday.
Our Wednesday’s practice schedule will vary more than the other days
because we spend about 20 minutes on group drills and about six minutes
full speed on goal line defense, and phases of this nature.
After Wednesday’s schedule is completed and out of the way, the staff
will usually go to the projection room and view films of this week’s
opponent.
After lunch we will again have a short meeting and inform the squad of
any changes we have made or plan on making. We will also discuss the
previous day’s practice.
The defensive signal callers and the quarterbacks will meet separately
with their respective coaches for about 20 minutes, which is our usual
procedure daily during the football season.
After Wednesday evening’s dinner we have a squad meeting and go over the
film of the opponent we will be playing on Saturday.
_Thursday’s Schedule_
Thursday morning we will again have an early staff meeting and we set up
the afternoon practice schedule first.
After five minutes of firing out for the linemen as units, and the backs
working on stance and starts or a quick fumble drill, we will have three
25 minute periods where we will stress learning and perfection more than
body contact.
We will have three different groups working at the same time. The first
unit will be working on offense versus the opposition’s defenses, over
the field. The second unit will be working on their defenses versus the
opposition’s offense, being run by the scrubs over the field. The purpose
of this is to check our defensive signal caller to see that he is calling
the correct defense in various sections of the field. In a third area we
will have the third team working on all phases of the kicking game, such
as quick kicks, spread punt, punt returns, on-side kick, etc.
At the termination of the 25 minute period, the teams will change. The
first unit will go to the defensive drill; the second unit to the kicking
drill; and the third unit will go to offense.
When the second 25 minute period has terminated, we will change for the
third period. Following such a procedure gives each unit 25 minutes of
offense, of defense, and on the kicking game. Then we send the players
to the showers because we do not want them to leave their game on the
practice field and be tired on Saturday.
After Thursday’s schedule is set, the staff will spend the remainder
of the morning discussing the progress which has been made to date in
preparation for our forthcoming opponent. We also discuss personnel at
this time.
After lunch we will have a very short meeting, merely taking time to
discuss or review our defensive game plans. Our defensive signal callers
and quarterbacks will meet as usual, as I mentioned previously. Our
regular practice session will commence at 3:30 P.M.
The coaches meet after practice, as is our usual procedure. We do not
meet with the squad on Thursday evening after dinner, however.
_Friday’s Schedule_
Since Friday’s practice schedule will not be longer than 30 minutes’
duration, we do not have to spend much time in setting it up. We will
work as a group and have a short, snappy workout in sweat clothes, going
over all of the situations that are likely to occur during the game.
After we rehearse kick-offs, returns, on-side kicks, and a couple of goal
line drives, we send the boys in. As I stated previously, due to Friday
afternoon labs, our practice session will commence at 5:30 P.M.
A typical Friday evening dinner menu, if we are playing on Saturday
afternoon, would be as follows:
Tomato soup
Fruit cocktail cup
14 ounce choice sirloin strip, medium well done
One-half baked potato mashed, topped with American cheese
Green beans
Assorted bread (but no hard French bread)
One pint of milk or iced tea
Vanilla ice cream, one dip.
After dinner we will go to a movie as a group or we go some place where
we will all be together. At 10 P.M. the team will return from the movie
to the dormitory or hotel where they are staying. Lights will go out and
players will be in bed by 10:20 P.M. the night before a game.
_Saturday’s Schedule_
On Saturday morning the football managers will telephone the players in
their rooms at 8:30 A.M. The boys who want coffee or juice will be served
at 9 A.M. The pre-game meal will be served at 10 A.M., and will consist
of the following:
11-12 ounce choice sirloin strip, well done
Green peas
Dry toast, two slices (no butter)
Honey
Hot tea (no cream).
We will have a squad meeting at 10:30 A.M., and leave for the stadium at
12:10 P.M., preparing to meet our opposition at 2 P.M. During the squad
meeting we will go over all tricky situations that might arise during the
game. After the meeting the defensive and offensive coaches will meet
with the signal callers and quarterbacks respectively, and review our
final game plans.
After we arrive at the stadium, we send our passers out to warm up
about 31 minutes before game time, and the backs and ends will come out
about 26 minutes before game time. Our linemen start warming up about
30 minutes before the game. As 2 P.M. approaches, we always feel we
are ready and we have done the very best we can to get ready for our
particular opponent.
I failed to mention a procedure we follow which we think is highly
desirable. During the week of the game, the assistant coach who scouted
Saturday’s opponent lives in the football dormitory with the players.
From 7:30-10:00 P.M. nightly, when we do not have squad meetings, he will
show films of the opposition in the dormitory. He will answer questions
and give the players any information they are seeking on our opposition.
We find our players do a better job when they understand _why_ we ask
them to do something. On the field many times we do not have the time
to explain _why_. The assistant in the dormitory does have the time to
explain _why_ and as a result the players do a more intelligent and
better job of playing.
GRADING THE GAME FILM
Grading the game film is a very definite part of our planning. If we do
not know who is doing what during a game, we can’t do an intelligent job
of planning and coaching. I am sold on our grading system, and we feel
that through the study of films we can determine who to play, and also
who _not_ to play, in critical situations. Knowing this information in
advance has won a number of football games for us.
Our procedure for grading films is for one coach to take one position
and grade every player in that position offensively and defensively. It
is possible for a player to get one of three possible scores, plus (+),
minus (-), or ungradable (U), on each play. Our criteria is as follows:
_Plus_ (+)—If the boy carries out his assignment and gets his job done
properly, his coach will give him a plus. His technique of execution
might not be the way he was taught, but we are concerned with the fact
either he did or did not do his job.
_Minus_ (-)—If the player failed to carry out his assignment and/or his
man “whipped” him, then he is graded minus (for the particular play).
_Ungradable_ (_U_)—If a player is not shown in the picture or he does not
have the opportunity to help out on the play, he is ungradable and would
receive (U). An example would be the defensive right end when the play
goes away from him and in all probability he will not have an opportunity
to take part in the play.
After getting a grade for each play, like symbols are added together,
and the total number of offensive (or defensive) plays participated in
to determine percentages. Divide the sum total of plus and minus signs
into the total number of plus signs in order to arrive at the percentage
of plays that got the job done. We have found that a player must grade
at least 61% on offense and on defense in order to be a winning football
player.
We grade the offense and defense separately. If a player consistently
makes a good grade on defense and a poor grade on offense, we know either
we have to play him only on defense or we must give him more offensive
work.
We have several other expressions, which we have borrowed from baseball
terminology, that we use in our grading system. They are as follows:
_RBI_—Stands for runs batted in, and means something extra good, such as
intercepting a pass, causing or recovering a fumble, blocking a punt,
throwing a key block—a real clutch play. These are what we call the “big
plays” and they are the ones that win the tough games for you. If your
team does not make many big plays, you will not win many tough games.
We place a great deal of emphasis on the big play. Frankly, we would
rather have a boy make three or four RBI’s, even though his grade is only
50-55%, rather than have a boy get 65-68% and never make any big plays.
_Errors_—If a player busts an assignment, gets a penalty, misses a tackle
in open field, permits a receiver to get behind him, fumbles the ball, or
commits some act of a similar negative nature, we consider this bad and
he is given an error. A player who consistently makes two or three errors
per game simply cannot play for us. His play will cost you more ball
games than you will ever win with him. Consequently, we watch the errors
column very closely when we are grading film.
CONCLUSION
Coaching football is a race against time. Time lost on the practice field
can never be regained. We attempt to utilize every minute possible in
preparing for our opponents and our practice sessions.
CHAPTER 11
Our Drills
There are many good football drills. Since we place a great deal of
emphasis on defensive football, it is only natural our drills for the
most part emphasize individual and team defensive techniques.
DRILLS FOR THE SECONDARY
The following drills are used to teach individual and team techniques for
the defensive secondary:
_Defensive Cuts Drill_ (6-8 men):
With a defensive man standing in a good football position, the coach will
move the ball back and forth, and the player will plant, pivot to the
inside and sprint in the direction the coach is pointing the football. He
will then throw the football and the defensive man will sprint to catch
it. The Defensive Cuts Drill is illustrated in Figure 120.
[Illustration: FIGURE 120]
_Intercept Drill_ (8-10 men):
Eight or 10 secondary men will line up behind each other. One player at
a time will run toward the coach who will throw the football directly at
the player, or to either side of him. The defensive man should intercept
the pass, as illustrated in Figure 121.
[Illustration: FIGURE 121]
_Tip Drill_ (8-10 men):
Following the same line up and procedure described previously for the
Intercept Drill, instead of the player catching the football he tips it
back to another player who is training him, who intercepts the pass. The
Tip Drill is illustrated in Figure 122.
[Illustration: FIGURE 122]
_Running the Line Drill_ (6-8 men):
A defensive man will line up straddling a line about 35 yards long,
facing the coach. On a command from the coach, the player will start
backwards using a cross-over step but keeping his eyes and head on the
coach. He will try to change direction as many times as possible, always
using a cross-over step, keeping his eye on the coach (passer), as he
zigzags properly from one side to the other down the 35-yard line.
(Running the Line Drill is not illustrated by diagram.)
_Covering Third-and-Fourths Drill_ (2 complete defensive secondaries):
The entire secondary can be set up in a 4-spoke or 5-spoke defense,
as illustrated in Figure 123. A coach, simulating a passer, will stand
facing the unit. He will simulate either an action pass or a drop back
pass, and the men must react properly to the simulated backfield action.
When the ball is thrown, all defenders must sprint for it. The ball is
placed on either hash mark and in the middle of the field and a full
offensive backfield may or may not be used to establish flow for the
defensive secondary’s proper reaction.
[Illustration: FIGURE 123]
_Dog Fight Drill_ (For defensive halfbacks and corner men) (6-8 men):
Place a defensive halfback or corner man in his regular position. A pass
receiver runs a direct route in front of the defensive man’s regular
position. A coach or passer throws the ball, and we want the defender to
play full speed through the receiver for the football, as illustrated
in Figure 124. It is merely one-on-one and gives both the receiver and
defender practice fighting for the ball.
[Illustration: FIGURE 124]
_Dog Fight Drill for Safety Man_ (8 men):
We put a safety man in the middle of the field and receivers on each hash
mark. On a signal from the coach, the receivers start down the field and
the passer drops back with the football. The safety man must stay in the
middle of the field as he gets depth in order to be in a position to
cover both receivers. When the ball is thrown, the safety man sprints
full speed for the interception, as illustrated in Figure 125.
[Illustration: FIGURE 125]
_Outside Drill_ (15-25 men):
We set up a skeleton offensive unit of ends, center and a complete
backfield versus the defensive ends and secondary, as illustrated in
Figure 126. The offense works full speed running its outside plays and
passes, and the defense is drilled in stopping the wide attack.
_Big Tip Drill_ (2 complete secondaries):
The entire defensive perimeter is used in our Big Tip Drill, illustrated
in Figure 127. A coach will establish flow by running to his left or
right simulating backfield action, and the defense must react and rotate
accordingly. The coach will then pass the ball, simulating an action
pass, and the defender nearest to intercept the ball will yell an oral
signal indicating he is going to tip it. The other defenders get in a
good football position, and look for the tip. As the first man tips the
ball, the defender nearest to it will intercept it and return the pass.
The others will head downfield as blockers.
[Illustration: FIGURE 126]
[Illustration: FIGURE 127]
_Tackling Drill in the Secondary_ (8-10 men):
Figure 128 illustrates a drill which we use on the sideline, teaching
our backs to utilize the sideline properly as the “twelfth man.” The
dots represent shirts which are placed six yards from the sideline. The
defensive tackler (T) gets in a good football position, which I have
described previously, and makes the ball carrier come to him. The ball
carrier may take any course or use any individual tactic he wishes to
evade the tackler, as long as he stays inside of the six-yard area. We do
not want the tackler to meet the ball carrier head on, but we want him
to approach his man from an angle, keeping leverage on the ball carrier
in order to force him out of bounds. The tackler should keep his head in
front of the ball carrier, and should try to butt the football with his
helmet.
[Illustration: FIGURE 128]
DRILLS FOR THE DEFENSIVE ENDS
The following drills are used to teach individual and team techniques for
the defensive ends:
_Peel-Off Drill_ (10-12 men):
Figure 129 illustrates a good drill to teach reaction and to protect his
area, which we use for our defensive ends. The end assumes his normal
defensive position. The first backfield blocker attempts to block the
end, then the second, and finally the third blocker. As soon as the first
man leaves, the second starts, and then the third blocker leaves, giving
the defensive end experience in playing one blocker at a time but in
rapid succession.
[Illustration: FIGURE 129]
_“Reading” Drills_ (8-12 men):
Figure 130 illustrates a “Reading” Drill which we use for our defensive
ends. The end has to play properly the block of the offensive end,
pulling guard, on-side halfback and/or the fullback. These are the
situations he will face in a game. This drill teaches quick reaction and
play recognition for the defensive ends.
[Illustration: FIGURE 130]
_All Secondary Drills_:
Since we consider our ends as part of our defensive secondary, as I
explained previously, they will take part in all of the drills explained
and illustrated in Figures 120-128, if feasible.
DRILLS FOR THE DEFENSIVE INTERIOR LINEMEN
The following drills are used to teach individual and team techniques to
the interior linemen:
_Butt Ball Drill_ (8-10 men):
An offensive man is given a football and told to run a straight line
laterally back and forth, carrying the ball on the side he is moving
toward. The defensive man must be in a good football position moving back
and forth with the offensive man, butting the football with his forehead.
He bounces back and forth and keeps butting the football trying to knock
it out of the ball carrier’s arm. The tackler’s head should be up and his
back straight. (The Butt Ball Drill is not illustrated by diagram.)
_4-on-1 Drill_ (6-8 men):
Figure 131 illustrates four offensive blockers playing one defensive
man. The coach stands behind the defensive player, and indicates by hand
signal the starting count and the blocking assignments of the offensive
men. The defensive man must react to the various blocks—double team,
wedge, trap, etc., and fights pressure.
[Illustration: FIGURE 131]
_A & M Wave Drill_ (9-12 men):
On a signal, the offensive men will uncoil on the defensive men,
illustrated in Figure 132. The defenders must control the blockers with
their hands and forearms, locate the ball and pursue in the direction the
coach points or runs with the football.
[Illustration: FIGURE 132]
_3-on-3 Drill_ (16-24 men):
The offense runs a hand-off to the right or left halfback, or to the
fullback. The coach, standing behind the defensive team, indicates which
back will carry the football. The defensive man varies his techniques
from head on, inside, outside or linebacker. If the play is in one
defensive man’s area, he must whip his blocker and make the play. The
other two defenders take proper pursuit angles on the ball carrier. The
drill is full speed both ways, and we do not want the men stopping until
they hear a whistle. Figure 133 illustrates our alignment for the 3-on-3
drill.
[Illustration: FIGURE 133]
_Middle Drill_ (14-25 men):
The middle drill is similar to the previous drill, only the interior
linemen are used offensively and defensively, as illustrated in Figure
134. The defensive alignments are changed around and the offense runs all
situations. At times we use the down marker and chains simulating down
and distance when doing this drill.
[Illustration: FIGURE 134]
_7-Man Spin-Out Drill_ (8-12 men):
Figure 135 illustrates a player moving from a good defensive position
hitting the sled, spinning out, and hitting every other pad on the
machine. If moving to the right, we want the players to hit the sled with
the right shoulder, keep a tight arc, spin out correctly, and deliver a
good blow to the alternate pad. We drill the players right and left as we
want to give them practice spinning out both ways.
[Illustration: FIGURE 135]
_Circle Drill_ (5-7 men):
One player gets in the middle of a circle about five yards in diameter
in a good football position. On a signal from the coach the middle man
starts moving his feet, body crouched, pivoting slowly. The coach will
call out a boy’s name who is on the outside of the circle, who will rush
in facing the defender and deliver a shoulder blow. The defender should
step with the foot closest to the rusher and deliver a forearm shiver
or shoulder blow to the man. He should play only two or three men, and
then get out of the circle, permitting another of the men to move to the
middle. Figure 136 illustrates our circle drill.
[Illustration: FIGURE 136]
_Leverage Drill_ (8-12 men):
Figure 137 illustrates our Leverage Drill and we have two groups going
at the same time in opposite directions. Four blockers are lined up one
behind the other, with the defensive man lined up on the outside shoulder
of the blocker facing him. On a command by the coach, the defender must
play the first blocker with a shiver and the other blockers one at a time
with the forearms, shoulders and hands as he retreats and reacts, not
permitting himself to be hooked from the outside and blocked in.
[Illustration: FIGURE 137]
_Explode Drill_ (9 men):
The offensive men will line up with their inside knee on the ground,
and the defensive man in the gap between the two offensive men, as
illustrated in Figure 138. The defensive player will explode and uncoil
on his count with his tail down, head up, and feet moving after bringing
them up under him after his initial contact. The coach will give him a
hand signal, and the defensive man must spin out properly, ending up in
a good football position. It is important for the defensive man to get
under the offensive men on his initial charge. We also let the blockers
go full speed and teach the defensive man to react from a two-on-one
block.
[Illustration: FIGURE 138]
_Defensive Reaction Drill_ (14-18 men):
With the interior linemen from tackle to tackle, we place defensive men
head on the center and tackles, as illustrated in Figure 139. A coach
will stand behind the defensive men, facing the offensive men, and
give hand signals indicating starting count and blocking patterns. The
defensive men must react and pursue the football properly.
[Illustration: FIGURE 139]
_Alabama Wave Drill_ (8-12 men):
Four men line up facing a coach, in a good football position, feet
moving as illustrated in Figure 140. The coach points to his right and
the players using a cross-over step must react in that direction. He
then points in another direction and the players stop, plant and start
in this direction as quickly as possible. The drill is not only a good
conditioner, but teaches quickness, too.
[Illustration: FIGURE 140]
_Rushing the Passer Drill_ (12-16 men):
Using the two-man Crowther sled, two defenders explode into the machine
with a good hard blow on the snap of the football, spin out laterally,
and rush the passer playing through two blockers (X), as indicated in
Figure 141. The defensive men must hit with the inside shoulder before
spinning out to play through the blockers at the side and rear of the
sled.
[Illustration: FIGURE 141]
_Gauntlet Drill_ (10-12 men):
We are primarily concerned with the tacklers in this drill. Two rows of
jerseys five yards apart is the area the ball carrier (X) is permitted
to run with the football. The tacklers (T) are five yards apart one
behind the other. The ball carrier tries to get by the tackler, and the
coach is checking on the latter’s football position—bend at the knees,
back straight, hit on the rise, and follow-through. If the coach stands
behind the ball carrier, he will be in the best position to observe the
tacklers, making certain they do not close their eyes on contact, etc.
Figure 142 illustrates our Gauntlet Drill.
[Illustration: FIGURE 142]
_Defensive Bucker_ (4-6 men):
The individual Bucker Drill, not illustrated by diagram, is used when we
work in small groups. It teaches the correct form for delivering a blow
with the hands, shoulders or forearms. A coach or manager moves the ball
to simulate the start of a play, and the defensive man reacts and moves
quickly on the sight of the ball.
DRILLS FOR THE LINEBACKERS
The following drills are used to teach individual and team techniques to
our linebackers:
_All Secondary Drills_:
Since our linebackers are a part of our defensive secondary, every drill
relating to pass defense mentioned and illustrated previously, are also
used for our linebackers.
_Eye-Opener Drill_ (8-12 men):
Figure 143 illustrates four large dummies, a line of ball carriers (O)
and a line of tacklers (X). The ball carrier either fakes at one hole and
goes through the next one, or goes through the first hole trying to beat
the tackler. The linebacker tries to keep leverage on the ball carrier,
trying to meet him in the hole. The tackler must be careful he does not
over-run the ball carrier.
[Illustration: FIGURE 143]
_Eye-Closer Drill_ (12-15 men):
Figure 144 illustrates our Eye-Closer Drill with the offense running
its middle attack and the linebackers in particular reacting to every
situation they are likely to encounter in a game.
[Illustration: FIGURE 144]
The linebackers also take part in the following drills which I have
discussed and illustrated previously:
1. Defensive Bucker Drill.
2. Gauntlet Drill.
3. Middle Drill.
4. Pursuit Drill.
5. Wave Drill.
6. Peel-Off Drill.
DEFENSIVE DRILLS FOR THE TEAM
When we have defensive drills for our entire team, it is usually
three-quarters full speed, or as we commonly refer to it, full speed
except for tackling.
We also have drills in which our linemen run half-speed and the defensive
secondary, full speed. At times one side of the line will be full speed
and the other half-speed. The offense is operating full speed and does
not know which side of the defensive line is full speed and which side is
half-speed.
Our game condition scrimmages are about the only time our entire
defensive unit will play full speed, with the exception of full speed
goal line defensive scrimmages occasionally. We learn and rehearse our
defenses as a team, but seldom scrimmage full speed as a team.
CONCLUSION
We think our drills are functional in nature, and this is why we use
them. I cannot see the value of employing drills which are not functional
and which do not adhere to the individual and team techniques we will use
in a game. We want to drill and rehearse the players in practice the way
we want them to perform in a game.
CHAPTER 12
Those Who Stay Will Be Champions
Quitting comes easy for many people. Many do not want to pay the price
to be a winner. It requires little effort to be a loser—and anyone who
tries can be most successful. The “solid citizens” who finish my “course”
will be better men as a result of having stuck it out. The boy who sets
his mind to do what is required of him in order to be a winner is not
only the type of boy we are looking for, but he will get the most from
the program. Those who stay will be champions and will become winners not
only on the football field but in life itself.
Walter D. Wintle’s poem about a person’s state of mind has a great deal
of meaning to it. We have the poem posted in various places throughout
our building so our boys can read it from time to time. The poem is as
follows:
_It’s All in a State of Mind_
If you think you are beaten, you are;
If you think you dare not, you won’t;
If you like to win, but don’t think you can,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost;
For out in the world you’ll find
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in a state of mind.
For many a game is lost
Ere even a play is run,
And many a coward fails
Ere even his work is begun.
Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small and you’ll fall behind;
Think that you _can_ and you _will_;
It’s all in a state of mind.
If you think you are out-classed, you are;
You’ve got to think high to rise;
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the fellow who thinks he can.
We must inspire our boys to the degree they think and know they are
capable of doing what it takes to win. Teaching the boys how to
accomplish this is extremely gratifying and one of the rewards of
coaching.
From time to time I have been asked, “Coach, what has been your greatest
thrill as a football coach?” Trying to single out the “greatest thrill,”
or even one of my greatest thrills as a coach, is very difficult for me
to do. The game of football has been thoroughly rewarding to me.
I recall one thrill in particular, the day our 1956 team at Texas A & M
defeated the University of Texas, 34-21, in Austin. You like to win ’em
all, but the real thrill is the story behind this particular game.
It actually started in the spring of 1954 when I first went to Texas A
& M. The Aggies had not won the Southwest Conference Championship in 15
years. We hoped to remedy this situation in time, so we commenced our
building program that spring.
In the fall we took our players to Junction, a small place in South
Texas, for pre-season training. The work was hard and the weather was
hot, and many boys dropped by the wayside. Many did not want to pay the
price to be a winner.
That fall I imagine those who had not remained for early season practice
felt they had made a wise decision since we won only one football game.
Those who stayed, although beaten in every game except one, seemed more
determined than ever to prove their point. They fought their hearts out
in every game and although beaten they won the admiration and respect of
everyone for their courage. While it was disappointing to lose, I felt
deep down in my heart if those boys stayed, they would be champions by
the time they were seniors.
The following year we had a good team, but we lost the final game of the
season to the University of Texas, and with it we lost the Conference
Championship. So close, yet so far was the elusive championship and a
victory over Texas.
From the beginning of the 1956 season the determination of the senior
group was evident. Consequently we went into the final game of the season
with Texas in Austin, undefeated. There was more to it than just a mere
football game. The Aggies had not beaten the University of Texas in
Austin for a period of 33 years. In fact they had never beaten Texas in
Memorial Stadium, the site of the 1956 battle.
The afternoon of November 29, 1956 could mean a great deal to this group
of boys who started setting their sights at Junction in 1954. The public
was aware of the fact these boys could win the Southwest Conference
Championship, have an undefeated season, and break the “jinx” at Memorial
Stadium. They probably were not aware the stakes were higher. These
boys had a chance to prove to themselves that they were men; they could
and would do what it takes, no matter how tough it may be, to become
champions.
The greatest thrill was not in the final score, 34-21. The thrill was
watching those boys work, grow, develop and rise from a season in 1954
where they won only one game to an undefeated season in 1956. These boys
paid the price to become champions. They were champs then, and they will
always be champions, because they know, understand, and are willing to
do what they must do to be successful. The boys who started at Junction
as sophomores are as follows: Don Watson, Lloyd Hale, Jack Pardee, Gene
Stallings, Bob Keith, Dennis Goehring, Dee Powell and Bobby Lockett. As
for the boys who dropped out because the going was too tough, who can
remember their names?
... For out in the world you’ll find
Success begins with a fellow’s will;
It’s all in a state of mind....
Index
A & M wave drill, 222-223
Action pass:
coverage of, 75-77
from broken backfield, 78-79
from flanker set, 4-spoke coverage versus, 96-97
from floater set, 4-spoke coverage versus, 98-99
4-spoke pass defense against, 92-93
Africa, 16
Against the grain, 143
Aggies, 232, 233
Agility drills, 209
Alabama wave drill, 226-227
Ant plan, 16-17
Assistant coach, 203, 204, 212
group work, 21
responsibility, 22
specialist, 21-22
type of man, 18-20
Automatics, 151-152
faking, 152
Backs:
flanked out, defense adjustments versus, 56-57
in victory defense, 47
Bad play, 141
Ball carrying techniques, 155-157
mental attitude and, 157
open field running, 156-157
Baltimore Colts, 3
Baseball terminology, 214
Berry, Ray, 3
Best defensive player, in victory defense, 47-48
“Big plays,” 214
Big tip drill, 218-219
Blocked kicks, 114, 115
Blocking techniques, 157-166
blocking linebackers, 159-160
crack back block, 164-165
downfield, 160-161
drive block, 157-158
junction block, 165
pass protection, 163-164
post-lead block, 161-162
reverse shoulder block, 158-159
roll block, 165-166
trap block, 162-163
Box defense, 143, 190
Bucker drill, 228
Butt ball drill, 222
Butt block, 120
Center, 114
extra point and field goal blocking rules, 137
in goal line defense, 49-50
offensive stance for, 145
in quick kick formation, 125
spread punt blocking rules, 119
Champions, 231-234
Chop block, 143
Church, 20
Circle drill, 224-225
Clemson College, 16
Climb block, 143
Club, 142-143
Coach:
assistant (_see_ Assistant coach)
backfield, 187, 195-196
dedication, 10
defensive, 21-22, 208, 212
head (_see_ Head coach)
high school, 22
long term contract, 9-10
mental toughness, 10
necessity of a plan, 11
offensive, 21-22, 205, 208, 212
qualifications, 10
quarterback, 194
staff, 11
and winning team, 9-11
Coaching:
division of duties, 21-23
over-coaching kickers, 112
rewards of, 232
teaching and, 23
(_see also_ Planning for a game)
Color, 143
Conerly, Charlie, 2
Corner man:
defensive stance, 43
left, defensive:
4-spoke pass defense versus action pass, 93
from flanker set, 96-97
from floater set, 99
4-spoke pass coverage versus straight drop back pass, 91
from flanker set, 95
from floater set, 98
4-spoke pass defense versus roll-out pass, 95
right, defensive:
4-spoke pass defense versus action pass, 92
from flanker set, 97
from floater set, 99
4-spoke pass coverage versus straight drop back pass, 91
from flanker set, 96
from floater set, 97-98
4-spoke pass defense versus roll-out pass, 94
Cotton Bowl, 3
Courage, example of, 4-7
Covered, 142
Covering third-and-fourths drill, 216-217
Crack back, 143
Crack back block, 164-165
Cross-body block, 120
Crow, John, 141
Cutchin, Phil, 195
Cut off, 142
Dedication:
coach, 10
players, 12
Defenders, pass defense by, 85
Defense, 24-61
axioms, 27
errors, 26
gang tackling, 28
goal line, 48-51
importance of belief in, 61
limiting offense, 26
numbering system, 28-34
advantages of, 34
objectives, 24-27
offensive-minded, 25
pass (_see_ Pass defense)
personal challenge, 26-27
philosophy of, 26
reaction football, 26
scoring, 25, 26
signal callers, 33, 34
6-2 alignment, 53-56
split-T, 51-55
stance, 41-43
surprise, 44-46
team proposition, 27-28
techniques, playing of, 34-41
versus backs and ends flanked, 56-57
versus single wing offense, 57-61
versus unbalanced line, 56
victory, 46-48
Defensive alignment:
attacking, 171
even, 190
numbering, 166-171
odd, 190
Defensive bucker drill, 228, 230
Defensive coach, 21-22, 208, 212
Defensive cuts drill, 215
Defensive ends, drills for, 220-221
Defensive football (_see_ Defense)
Defensive interior linemen, drills for, 222-228
Defensive reaction drill, 226
Defensive secondary:
drills for, 215-220
stunting in, 105-110
Desire to excel, 13
Dietzel, Paul, 2
Dog fight, 25
Dog fight drill, 217
for safety man, 218
Downfield blocking, 160-161
Drills, 215-230
for defensive ends, 220-221
for defensive interior linemen, 222-228
defensive, for team, 230
functional, 230
for linebackers, 228-230
for secondary, 215-220
(_see also under_ Name of Drill)
Drive block, 143, 157-158
Drive man, 143
Eagle, 144
“Easy” touchdown, 24, 25, 27, 61
8-man front, 143
recognizing and attacking, 190-192
8 technique, 40
Ends:
blocking rules:
extra point and field goal, 137-138
spread punt, 119
tight punt formation, 123
defense versus single wing offense, 58
defensive stance, 42
in 5-spoke defense, 70
flanked out, defense adjustments versus, 56-57
goal line defense, 49
left, in punt return, 127-128
left, defensive:
coverage of action pass from broken backfield, 78
coverage of straight drop back pass, 75
from broken backfield, 78
pass defense by, 81-82
in quick kick formation, 125
right, in punt return, 128
right, defensive:
coverage of action pass, 76
from broken backfield, 79
coverage of straight drop back pass, 75
from broken backfield, 77
6-2 alignment, 53-54
in split-T defense, 52
in victory defense, 47
Errors, 24, 26
Even defense, 143
Explode drills, 225-226
Extra-point, blocking rules, 137-138
Eye-closer drill, 229
Eye-opener drill, 229
Far back, 142
Field goal:
blocking rules, 137-138
defending against attempt, 139
Field position, 187-190
Fighting spirit, 186
Fill, 143
Films, of game, 203, 204, 206, 212
grading, 213-214
First down zone, 189
5-spoke defense, 31, 32, 33, 66-73
(_see also_ 5-spoke pass defense)
5-spoke pass defense:
advantages of, 85-86
dividing the areas, 71-73
principle of, 87
5 technique, 38
Flanker set:
4-spoke coverage versus straight drop back pass from, 95-96
4-spoke coverage versus action pass from, 96-97
Flare, 143
Flooding an area, 179-181
Flow, 142
Football:
American way of life, 3-4
intrinsic values of, 4-7
winning, theory of, 8-17
Four Horsemen, 1
4-on-1 drill, 222
4-spoke defense, 30-31
(_see also_ 4-spoke pass defense)
4-spoke pass defense:
advantages of, 87-89
alignment, 89-90
in 40 series, 99
principle of, 87
versus action pass, 92-93
from flanker set, 96-97
from floater set, 98-99
versus flanker set, 95-97
versus floater set, 97-99
versus roll-out pass, 93-95
versus straight drop back pass, 90-92
from floater set, 97-98
4 technique, 35, 37
Free wheeling zone, 189
Fullback:
in goal line defense, 50-51
offensive stance for, 146
in quick kick formation, 125
Fumbling, 27, 28
Gain, Bob, 112
“Gangster,” 108-109
Gang tackling, 28
Gap, 143
Gap 8 alignment, 32
Gauntlet drill, 227-228, 230
Gilmer, Harry, 2
Gipp, George, 3
Goal line defense, 48-51
challenge of, 48
Goehring, Dennis, 233
Going wide, 171-174
change-off for blockers, 174
quarterback option, 172-173
run-pass option, 172
three-way option, 173-174
Grange, Red, 1
Groin block, 143
Guards:
blocking rules:
for extra point and field goal, 137-138
for spread punt, 119
defense versus single wing offense, 58
defensive stance, 42
goal line defense, 49
middle:
in punt return, 127
in split-T defense, 52
in quick kick formation, 125
right, in punt return, 128
6-2 alignment, 53
versus single wing offense, 59
Gut zone, 189
Hale, Lloyd, 233
Halfbacks:
defensive, pass defense by, 83-84
defensive stance, 43
in 5-spoke defense, 70
left:
4-spoke coverage versus action pass from floater set, 99
in goal line defense, 51
in quick kick formation, 125-126
left, defensive:
coverage of action pass, 76
from broken backfield, 79
coverage of straight drop back pass, 75
from broken backfield, 77
4-spoke pass defense versus action pass, 93
from flanker set, 97
4-spoke pass defense versus roll-out pass, 94
4-spoke pass coverage versus straight drop back pass, 91
from flanker set, 95-96
from floater set, 98
offensive stance for, 146
in punt return, 128
right:
4-spoke coverage versus action pass from floater set, 99
in goal line defense, 50-51
in quick kick formation, 125
right, defensive:
coverage of action pass, 76
from broken backfield, 79
coverage of straight drop back pass, 75
from broken backfield, 77
4-spoke pass defense versus action pass, 91-92
from flanker set, 97
4-spoke pass defense versus roll-out pass, 94
4-spoke pass coverage versus straight drop back pass, 91
from floater set, 96, 98
6-2 alignment, 54
in victory defense, 47
Head coach, 18, 23
delegation of responsibility, 22, 23
example, 19
group work, 21
(_see also_ Coach)
Head on, 144
Henderson, Gene, 114
High school coach, plan for, 22
Holder, in extra point and field goal attempt, 138
Howard, Frank, 16
Huddle, offensive, 152-153
Ice, 143
Inspiration, 232
Intercept drill, 215-216
Intercepting passes, 27, 62, 66, 105
“It’s All in a State of Mind,” 231-232
Junction block, 165
Keith, Bob, 233
Kicker:
blocking rules for tight punt formation, 124
over-coaching, 112
in quick kick formation, 125-126
Kicking, in defensive football, 24-25
Kicking game techniques, 111-139
extra point blocking rules, 137-138
field goal attempt:
blocking rules, 137
defense against, 139
kick-off, and its coverage, 130-137
kick-off return, 132-134
on side (short) kick, 134-136
defending against, 136-137
place kicking formation, 138
punting, 111-116
punt return, 126-130
quick kick formation, 124-126
spread punt formation, 116-122, 126
tight punt formation, 122-124
Kick-off, 27, 130-137
coverage, 130
types, 130-132
Kick-off return, 27, 132-134
middle, 133
right, 132
L.B., 142
LeBaron, Eddie, 2
Left end (_see under_ Ends)
Left halfback (_see under_ Halfbacks)
Left tackle (_see under_ Tackles)
Leverage drill, 225
Lewis, Tommy, 3
“Lightning,” 109-110
Linebackers:
blocking by offense, 159-160
defensive:
4-spoke defense versus action pass, 93
4-spoke pass coverage versus straight drop back pass, 91-92
pass defense by, 182-183
defensive stance, 42-43
drills for, 228-230
in 5-spoke defense, 70
4-spoke coverage versus straight drop back pass from flanker set, 96
inside, in goal line defense, 50-51
left, in punt return, 128
left, defensive:
coverage of action pass, 76-77
from broken backfield, 78-79
coverage of straight drop back pass, 75
from broken backfield, 78
middle:
in goal line defense, 49-50
defense versus single wing offense, 58
outside, in goal line defense, 51
right, in punt return, 128
right, defensive:
coverage of action pass, 76
from broken backfield, 79
coverage of straight drop back pass, 75
from broken backfield, 77
6-2 alignment, 54
in split-T defense, 52
strong side, defense versus single wing offense, 59
in victory defense, 47
weak side, defense versus single wing offense, 58
Linemen:
blocking techniques, 157
defensive interior, drills for, 222-228
interior, blocking rules for tight punt formation, 122
middle, in victory defense, 47
offensive stance for, 144-145
spread punt blocking principle for, 119
warm up time, 212
Line splits, 146-150
basic rules, 147-150
pre-shift position, 147
Lipscomb, Gene “Big Daddy,” 2
Lockett, Bobby, 234
Long term contract, value of, 9-10
L.O.S., 142
McKenzie, Jim, 26
Man on L.O.S., 142
Meals, pre-game, 211, 212
Michigan State University, 113
Middle drill, 223-224, 230
M.L.B., 142
Moore, “Scrappy,” 117
Morale:
coaching squad, 21
for defense, 25, 26
squad, 21
team, 186
Motion, 143
“Must” zone, 188-189
Nagurski, Bronco, 2
Near back, 142
New York Giants, 2, 15
9-man front, 143
recognizing and attacking, 192-194
9 technique, 41
Notre Dame University, 3
N/T, 142
Numbering system for defense, 28-34
advantages of, 34
O’Brien, Davy, 2
Odd defense, 143
Off-back, 142
Offense:
advantages over defense, 150
assignment football, 26
main requirements of, 140
mistakes, 25
objective, 140
primary principles of, 140
sound, 141-142
Offensive coach, 21-22, 205, 208, 212
Offensive football (_see_ Offense)
Offensive-minded defense, 25
Offensive passing game techniques, 176-185
passer, 176-179
pass receiving, 183-185
pass routes, 179-182
Offensive running game, 140-175
attacking defensive alignment, 171
ball carrying techniques, 155-157
basic principles of, 140
blocking techniques, 157-166
going wide, 171-174
huddle, 152-153
line splits, 146-150
numbering defensive alignments, 166-171
quarterback’s techniques, 153-155
requirements of, 140
snap count, 150-152
stance, 144-146
terminology, 142-144
Off-side, 142
On-back, 142
One-six formation, 121
1 technique, 35-36
On linebacker, 143
On-side, 142
On-side (short) kick, 134-136
defending against, 136-137
Organization, in building winning team, 15-17
Osborne, Roddie, 141
O technique, 35
“Out-mean,” 13, 17
Outside drill, 218
Over, 142
Owens, Jim, 2
Pardee, Jack, 6, 57, 141, 233
Parella, Babe, 114
Parilli, Vito “Babe,” 176
Pass coverage, 73-81
of action pass, 75-77
from broken backfield, 78-79
of end out, 79
of flanked back and split end out to opposite sides, 80-81
of straight drop back pass, 74-75
from broken backfield, 77-78
zone coverage, 74
Pass cuts, 181-182
Pass defense, 62-110
coaching point, 62
5-spoke, or 3-deep, 66-73
advantages of, 85-86
4-spoke pass defense, 87-89 (_see also_ 4-spoke pass defense)
individual effort in, 62
objectives, 62-66
pass coverage, 73-81 (_see also_ Pass coverage)
phases:
covering areas, 63, 66
holding up the receivers, 63, 64-65
rushing the passer, 63-64
by positions, 81-85
predetermined rotation, 99-104
principles of, 110
stunting in the defensive secondary, 105-110
versus action pass with broken backfield, 78-79
versus broken backfield, 77-78
Passer, 176-179
footwork, 178
grip, 176-177
passing principles and techniques, 178-179
release and delivery, 177-178
rushing of, 63-64
warm up time, 212
Passes (_see under_ Name)
Passing, principles and techniques, 178-179
(_see also_ Passer)
Passing game:
essentials of, 176
primary objectives, 179
(_see also_ Offensive passing game techniques)
Pass protection, 163-164
Pass receiving, 183-185
Pass routes, 179-182
flooding an area, 179-181
offensive pass cuts, 181-182
Pass rush, 64
Peel-off drill, 220-221, 230
Penalties, piling on, 28
Personal protector:
spread punt blocking rules, 119, 120
tight punt formation blocking rules, 123-124
Phillips, O. A. “Bum,” 29
Piling on, penalty for, 28
Place kick, blocking, 139
Place kicking formation, 138
Planning, 16
Planning for a game, 203-214
grading game film, 213-214
in-season planning, 204-212
out-of-season planning, 203-204
week preceding game, 204-212
Players:
dedication, 12
desire to excel, 13
leaders, 14
physical condition, 13
“solid citizens,” 10, 14, 231
traits necessary, 12
type, 11
Point of attack, 142
Position, 144
Position ball, 143
Position lateral, 142
Post-lead block, 161-162
Post man, 143
Powell, Dee, 234
Practice, 206, 207-209, 210, 211
time essential, 214
Punt (_see under_ Kicking game techniques)
Punter, 112-114
timing of, 114-116
Punting, 111-116
Punt return, 126-130
left, 126-128
middle, 128-130
Pursuer, 143
Pursuit drill, 230
Quarterback:
characteristics of, 187
faking, 155
field position, 187-190
in goal line defense, 51
greatest asset, 186
guide for, 196-202
in huddle, 152-153
making the exchange, 154-155
offensive stance for, 145-146
option, 172-173
passing, 105
playing game on blackboard, 194-196
in quick kick formation, 125
after receiving snap, 154
recognizing and attacking defenses, 190-196
stance, 153
taking snap-back, 153-154
team confidence in, 186
techniques, 153-155
tips for, 201-202
training of, 186-202
types of, 186-187
Quick kick formation, 124-126
surprise element, 126
RBI, 214
“Reading” drill, 221
Receivers, holding up, 64-65
Reverse shoulder block, 158-159
Rice Institute, 3, 5, 6, 113, 135
Right end (_see under_ Ends)
Right guard (_see under_ Guards)
Right halfback (_see under_ Halfbacks)
Right tackle (_see under_ Tackles)
“Robber,” 107-108
Robinson, Jackie, 72
Rockne, Knute, 1
Roll back, 144
Roll block, 165-166
Roll-out pass, 4-spoke pass defense against, 93-95
Rose Bowl, 1
Rotation, predetermined, 99-104
Running game (_see_ Offensive running game)
Running the line drill, 216
Run-pass option, 172
Rushing the passer drill, 227
Safety man:
defensive:
coverage of action pass, 76
from broken backfield, 79
coverage of straight drop back pass, 75
from broken backfield, 77
pass defense by, 84-85
defensive stance, 43
in 5-spoke defense, 70
in punt return, 128
6-2 alignment, 54
in victory defense, 47
Scoring, on defense, 25
Scoring zone, 189
Scout, 204, 207
(_see also_ Coaching)
Scout report, 207
Scrimmages, 230
Secondary:
alignments, 190
defensive, drills for, 215-220
6-2 alignment, 54
in split-T defense, 52-53, 54
3-deep, defense versus single wing offense, 59
Secondary rotation, defensive calls for, 100-104
Self-scoring zone, 189-190
Set, 142
“7,” 142
Seven Blocks of Granite, 1
7-man spin-out drill, 224
7 technique, 39
Shoot out, 143
Signal callers, 34, 35
in adjustments versus backs and ends flanked, 57
Signal calling, automatic versus non-automatic, 151-152
Single wing offense, defense versus, 57-61
“6,” 142
6 technique, 38-39
6-2 alignment, 53-56
versus single wing offense, 59, _Fig. 37_
Slam, 142
Snap count, 150-152
Sooners, 2, 26
Southern Methodist University, 116
Southwest Conference Championship, 232, 233
Split, 6, 32
Split-T defense, 51-55
Spread punt formation, 116-122, 126
advantages, 117
blocking rules, 118-120
coverage, 120-122
line splits, 117-118
Staff meetings, 22, 23
(_see also_ Planning for a game)
Stagg, Amos Alonzo, 2
Stallings, Gene, 6, 233
Stance:
defensive, 41-43
(_see also under_ Offensive running game)
Straight drop back pass:
coverage of, 74-75
from broken backfield, 77-78
from flanker set, 4-spoke coverage versus, 95-96
from floater set, 4-spoke coverage versus, 97-98
4-spoke pass coverage versus, 90-92
Strategy, planning of, 205
Sugar Bowl, 15, 26
“Surprise defense,” 44-46
Tackles:
defense versus single wing offense, 58
defensive stance, 42
extra point and field goal blocking rules, 137-138
goal line defense, 49
left, in punt return, 127
right, in punt return, 128
6-2 alignment, 53
in split-T defense, 52
spread punt blocking rules, 119
in victory defense, 47
Tackling drill in the secondary, 219-220
Tackling, gang, 28
Taylor, Lloyd, 6, 141
Teaching, coaching and, 23
Team:
drills, 208
defensive, 230
“learning,” 208
unity, 14
Teamwork, defense and, 27-28
Texas A & M, 29, 57, 87, 113, 114, 141, 232
1955 football team, 5-6
3-deep defense, 143
Three down zone, 189
3-on-3 drill, 223
3 technique, 36-37
Three-way option, 173-174
“Thunder,” 51, 106-107
Tight punt formation, 122-124
blocking rules for, 122-124
kicking from, 122
Time schedules, pre-game, 211-212
Timing:
centers, 114
for extra point, 138
for field goal attempt, 138
punters, 114-116
Tip drill, 216
Touchdowns:
“easy,” 24, 25, 27, 61
interceptions and, 27
Trail junction blocker, 143
Trap block, 162-163
Tulane University, 116
“Twelfth man,” 219
2-deep defense (_see_ 4-spoke pass defense)
Two-on-one block (_see_ Post-lead block)
Two-platoon football, 111
2 technique, 34, 36
Unbalanced line, defense versus, 56
Unity, feeling of, 14
University of Alabama, 87
University of Chattanooga, 117
University of Cincinnati, 136
University of Georgia, 114, 194
University of Houston, 195, 196
University of Kentucky, 14, 112, 113, 114, 116, 136, 176
University of Mississippi, 116
University of Oklahoma, 15, 26, 141
University of Tennessee, 115, 116
University of Texas, 232, 233
Up-backs:
extra point and field goal blocking rules, 137-138
spread punt blocking rules, 119-120
tight punt formation blocking rules, 123
U. S. Navy, 16
Vanderbilt University, 116
“Victory defense,” 46-48
Watson, Don, 6, 233
Wave drill, 230
Webb, Clayton, 112
Wide tackle, 32
Wilkinson, Bud, 2, 141
Winning:
intrinsic value of, 4
theory of, 8-17
Wintle, Walter D., 231
Woodard, Woody, 116
Wright, Jimmy, 6
Zone coverage, 74
Zones, 187-190