Saturday, February 28, 2009

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Trick Shift Play Backfires in Big Time College Football

Many youth football coaches are "football junkies". We like watching pro or college football. Sometimes we even see things that we think we can use for our own youth football teams. Often times this is how youth coaches come up with trick plays.

College Bowl Game SNAFU

One trick play used in this Bowl season was during the Sugar Bowl, Alabama versus Utah. Utah faced a 4th Down and short near midfield.

Utah decided to "go" for it with a play that is designed to draw the defense off-sides. This was a pretty safe and savy strategy, you are either going to get 5 free yards and a first down or you are going to take a delay of game penalty and punt on 4th down. Punting from the 45 instead of the 50 even gives your punter more room to pin Bama deep inside it's 20 yard line. No matter how the play turned out, the Utes will have improved thier situation.

I'm not sure why more teams don't try this very safe tactic which often yields teams a free first down with zero risk, even at the college level. Utah started out with it's offensive linemen in very wide splits and in two-point stances and Quarterback under center. After the players had been set for at least a second, Utah then moved in unison, with the offensive linemen moving inward together to narrow the splits and the Quarterback backpedalling to a shotgun formation.

The Ruling

While the play did result in Bama jumping off-sides, the Utes were called for a 5 yard penalty for "illegally simulating the start of the play" a 5 yard penalty. The officials got it right on this one. While you can try to get teams to jump off-sides via varying cadence, players can not shift quickly in such a manner that simulates the start of a play.

We use a very legal "no play" in these situations with great success. We usually run it 2-5 times a game to get teams to jump at significant times during a game, when we want to call timeout or even when we just want teams to stop jumping or anticipating our snap count. Our success rate of getting teams to jump offsides over the last 11 seasons has always been between 70%-90%. It is a great but under used strategy in youth football.

The rule invoked in the Utah-Alabama game is why many teams that shift, do so slowly and deliberately. That is why teams that run Jet Sweep type motion plays often have their motion man take a slow deliberate drop step before he starts his full speed motion towards the quarterback.

Here is a clip of the Utah-Alabama play in action: www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB5yNZVYV3U

What Does This Mean for Youth Football Teams?

The moral of the story is, this is a great strategy and a perfect situation to run a play like this, however it was just poor play designing on the part of Utah. This coach should have known better. Now you know better, don't make the same mistake Utah did. Of course let's give Utah a break over the "body of work", they played a very brilliant and inspired game.

Dave Cisar-

With over 15 years of hands-on experience as a youth coach, Dave has developed a detailed systematic approach to developing youth players and teams. His personal teams to using this system to date have won 94% of their games in 5 Different Leagues.

To Sign up for his free tips newsletter or to see his 325 free tips go to: Football Plays

A Video Taste of Dave's teams:

Youth Football

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Friday, February 27, 2009

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You might disagree, but hear me out on this... as an ex-college football player and currently as a strength coach, I have found the utilization and teaching of Olympic lifts to be tedious, inefficient and down-right boring.

As a college athlete I hardly found the patience to learn the correct lifting technique for the power clean. Although I held the St. John's University power clean record my freshman season, muscling 335 lbs. (152 kg) off the platform - my technique was completely flawed and the attempt looked more like an Axle C&P in Strongman than the smooth pull of an Olympic Weightlifter.

After undergrad I studied Exercise Science at the graduate level. The director of the Masters program was an avid Olympic Weightlifting coach and ex-competitor. He spent hours with the students teaching us the finer points and intricacies of how to perform a proper Clean & Jerk. Once we were proficient enough at performing these lifts we were granted permission to then coach the university's athletes on how to use these lifts to better their sports performance.

I remember the very first day that I was given the "OK" to start coaching the athletes; I was assigned to the football team. Since I had been a former college football player myself, I felt that I would instantly be greeted with fellowship and amity. This was NOT the case! In fact, there were a few of the kids who hated the fact that I was there. I sensed their apprehension in allowing me to coach them, and they especially hated it when I taught them how to Olympic lift.

As it happened, many of the more "meat head-ish" type football players confided in me that they wanted to, "lift heavier weights and stop wasting time with this BS." It turned out, it was during the off-season prior to my debut that these athletes were first exposed to the technicalities of OL. It was also the first time that they were coached in the weight room by graduate students instead of their sports coach. They have previously been using a power lifting model that yielded great size and strength gains.

I do believe that including power cleans and other Olympic lifts into a Strength and Conditioning Program for football players is beneficial. But, I also believe that - the less an athlete has to "think" about a movement, the more ATTITUDE he can bring to its accomplishment. Also, I am a big advocate for saving time. I hate nothing more than "getting things RIGHT before getting them going". It is a personal philosophy of mine that 'success is more a product of attitude... than of technique' (granted, that you're not taking foolish risks and causing injury).

Consider for a moment - when you are coaching a player on the Kick-Off Team do you tell him...

"Look Johnny, you've gotta sprint down there with your elbows at a 90 degree angle, your jaw relaxed, hands in a loose fist and be sure to breathe through pursed lips. Now, when you get to the first blocker take a short inhalation and hold your breath, brace your abdominals and furrow your brow and your dip your hips, lower your shoulder and explode though him by extending your ankles, knees and hips in a simultaneous manner."

If this sounds crazy to you, consider that this is the way that Olympic lifts are typically taught. Instead of letting the athlete "do his thing", we spend hours 'breaking down' and analyzing the movement for them. These valuable hours spent "teaching" could very well be used for building real strength and speed in a timely fashion.

In the same manner that you coach your athletes to go "balls to the wall" on the football field, you can coach them to go "balls to the wall" in the weight room as well. Also, besides getting bigger, faster and stronger by training like a maniac, these kids will then bring this type of ATTITUDE to the field more often. Like they say, "you play the way you practice."

Training in the weight room should be just as intense and as fun as training on the field. When athletes learn to "attack" an exercise in the gym like they attack a tackling dummy, they will develop size, strength, speed and, ATTITUDE faster than ever before. Also, for weight training to become a REAL part of your schools program, you've got to promote it as a benefit of being on the team, not just a necessity. I remember looking at a few small colleges when I graduated high school and one of the most important questions I asked was, "what kind of strength and conditioning program do you have?"

So, what the heck do you do if Olympic Lifts are not working?

Train like the World's Strongest Men! Not only are Strongmen great examples of brute strength, they are also well conditioned, and possess great speed and power. Strongman exercises build functional strength, speed, power and most importantly ATTITUDE! Besides the performance benefits of flipping tires and loading sandbags, Strongman training is FUN and easy to teach.

In Part 2 I will give you my list of the best Strongman Exercises for building explosive strength, speed , size and attitude.

Who the heck is Elliott Hulse?

I am a Certified Strength And Conditioning Specialist and owner of Strength Camp, a Sports Performance service in St. Petersburg Florida. I train athletes to get incredibly strong and lightening fast in a "warehouse gym" with about $1000 worth of equipment.

Lean more about me plus my Top 10 Gym Exercises For Explosive Football Speed: http://www.FootballStrengthProgram.com

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Thursday, February 26, 2009

Brett Favre Green Bay Packers White Youth / Kids NFL Football Jersey

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There are many reasons why young students dream of joining the football varsity team. One is because they love the sport and dream of playing for the National Football League someday. Others find it as a tool to enhance their self-esteem. While there are those, who want to keep the family pride alive.

Whatever reason you have, remember that it is not easy. Trying out for the football team is not a wall in the park. There is more to it than training hard as well. The challenge does not end after you make the team. You have to be careful while being aggressive. In addition to that, you have to focus on important things too.

Getting Started

It is different when you are one of the audiences, cheering for a team. You are not wearing the NFL helmet to protect your head during the tackle. You wear it in support of the team you are rooting for. If you want to be part of the team, make sure you wear the right gear for the team.

Unlike basketball, you wear more than just the uniforms, socks, and appropriate shoes. In football, you will need pads, under armor, athletic tape, cleats, gloves, helmets, and face masks. Wearing the complete protective gear will help you walk out of the playing field unharmed. You have to wear them even if you are just practicing with teammates. Keep in mind that you do not want to miss a game because of an injury during a practice game.

Additional Preparations

You should also do additional preparations. Trainings and practices will help enhance your abilities. However, you have to watch out for your health as well. You need loads of carbohydrates before every game. You need it to keep you energized. Eating well is important but you should also consider the time. You cannot eat and play. You should be able to include that in your schedule.

It is also important that you be fit physically. Exercise is very important. You have to pump up your blood and stretch your muscles before you get physical with your teammates. It is important to pay attention to what your coach tells you. If he asks you to run, run. He surely knows better than most of the players do.

Before playing

When headed for a game, you have to be ready. It is important that you reach the venue early. This will give you chance to warm up better. Organize your things and wear the necessary pads. Do not forget to have your ankles taped as well.

See to it that you wear the needed gear. The pros never forget their NFL helmets and you should not too.

If you want to join the National Football League someday, you have to start living the life of a football player today. Manage your time well. You have to achieve balance between school and the sport. You have to be up for the challenge as well. You need to have time for home works, practices, family, friends, and food. For a student, that is not easy to manage.

Coach John Rockwell is a huge football fan. He has written many articles related to NFL Helmets. Other articles Coach John has written are related to sports equipment and collectibles such as College Helmets. Coach John resides in Texas with this wife and three children.

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Monday, February 23, 2009

OSU, Pitt carrying similar rsums.(Football College)(Sun Bowl matchup features ex-NFL coaches and a pair of young star running backs): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on December 11, 2008. The length of the article is 1096 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: OSU, Pitt carrying similar rsums.(Football College)(Sun Bowl matchup features ex-NFL coaches and a pair of young star running backs)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: December 11, 2008
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: C15

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning


So where to start?

Just follow these five steps and you're on your way.

1. This may seem obvious, but how about watching some games? Maybe you have already, maybe not. The more you watch, the more information you'll absorb. When watching a game on TV, pay close attention to what the commentators are saying. If you don't understand something (and chances are you won't if you're just starting out), jot it down. Then look it up on the internet; or in books, etc. Believe me, you won't have any problems finding information on football.

2. Ask questions - to someone who already knows football. It can be a friend, a spouse, a family member, etc. It doesn't matter. One word of advice: DO NOT ask someone a question when the game is going on. You will soon find out that when a seasoned veteran is watching a game, (s)he is in a "zone" and can't be bothered. Wait until the game is over.

3. Read, read, read. There is a TON of information on football everywhere; on the internet, in newspapers, books, magazines, etc.

4. Form a "Support Group" and watch the games together. Beginner only, of course. Bounce ideas off each another; ask each other questions, etc. Remember, there is safety in numbers.

5. Most of all, be patient! It isn't going to happen overnight. Like anything else, it takes time, but in the end, it will all be worth it.

Learning football is like doing a jigsaw puzzle. It's just a matter of putting all the pieces together. If you need assistance, please visit learnprofootball.com

Howard A Becker

http://www.learnprofootball.com

info@learnprofootball.com

http://www.everyonelovesfootball.blogspot.com/

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Sunday, February 22, 2009

Chiefs Report 1998 Football Guide (Only newspaper devoted exclusiely to KC Chiefs and NFL)

Chiefs 'D' - Back on the attack in '98'Air-Marty' - Vertical game gets green light this seasonRosterScheduleStatisticsMuch more...


For as long as I can remember, there's been an adjustment period for running backs as they come into the NFL. No matter how highly touted a running back prospect was, their first year was spent on the bench and in blocking situations to learn the ropes. Whether it's due to increasingly more pro-style offenses in college or simply coaches being more willing to let rookies spread their wings, there has clearly been an increase this year in rookie running back productivity. 3 rookies (Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Matt Forte) rank among the top 15 yardage leaders in the NFL, with several others Tim Hightower, Jonathan Stewart, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones) falling in shortly behind, while each showing flashes of brilliance early.

All of the above mentioned running backs are part of a 2-back tandem except for Matt Forte, and that makes Forte an intriguing prospect. As a rookie, Forte is proving a capable feature back on a team that enters its bye week tied for the division lead. Forte has received 20 or more carries in all but two of the Bears games this season, and currently ranks 4th among all running backs in the NFL with 147 carries. He came into an extremely advantageous situation in Chicago, who had recently been disillusioned by Cedric Benson's lackluster attempt at power running game. Forte has a consistent running style (he has 0 fumbles all season) that fits well into Chicago's possession-based style of offense, and he has taken full advantage of his opportunities as a rookie starter.

Steve Slayton, on the other hand, earned his touches due to injuries to Ahman Green. He wasted little time showing the Texans that was a weapon to be utilized even when Green is healthy. Nicknamed "The Slasher" for his quick cuts and slashing play-style, Slayton also has proven himself to be a capable target out of the backfield, even while the Texans have been losing games. He has scored a touchdown in all but two of the Texans games, including the games he had to split time with Green in. Slayton has all the components to be a terrific positional player as a finesse back in a two-back system, and if the Texans could find a better compliment than Green, it could be one of the most dominant backfields in the NFL.

Speaking of the most dominant backfield on the NFL, another rookie, Chris Johnson, can boast that he is a part of it. Johnson and LenDale White (the NFL's touchdown leader) have formed a tandem so potent that it has carried the Titans to an undefeated record despite the loss of Vince Young. Johnson leads all starting backs with 5.1 yards per carry, and ranks 5th with 626 yards, which would be an impressive stat-line for a feature back, let alone someone splitting time with the NFL's touchdown leader. He's even managed to find the end zone himself 5 times. Once Vince Young returns to this offense, I'm not sure they'll even bother to line up wide receivers any more - just run, run, run, run.

While the position of RB has never been an old man's game, it's never been more clear that rookies can make an impact on their teams, and some can even be the difference maker that pushes their team over the edge.

Writer and editor, Colby Brister, is a former athelete and a current sports fanatic. His love of the game of football is reflected in his words and memories of playing sports throughout Junior College with his, cousins and neighborhood friends. His favorite pastime is watching college football on TV and attending every sporting event in person every chance he gets. Colby Brister is a huge fan of the National Football League, and loves paying attention to the Rookies in the game. Check out his Authentic NFL Jerseys and read up on the National Football League here OpinoNated Sportz.

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Thursday, February 19, 2009

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Flag football drills are essential for helping players understand the fundamentals of the sport in order to prepare for their opponents in game situations. Offense drills are a wonderful way to practice plays and built a strong offense. Here are a few drills that are ideal for quarterback, running backs, and wide receivers.

Open Area:

Open area is a flag football drill for quarterbacks and wide receivers. The purpose of the drill is for a wide receiver to find an open area on the field in order to catch a pass. Like many other offensive flag football drills, this drill illustrates how quarterbacks and wide receivers communicate. The defense should focus on the hips of the ball carrier rather than the shoulders because that is where the flag is.

Setting Up the Open Area Drill:

Designate an area that is ten yards by ten yards, and then divide the players into groups of six, with five players on offense and one player on defense. Next, station four players in the four corners of the area and place a lone receiver and lone defender in the inside of the area. This drill can be used by the whole team by dividing the players into groups of six and performing the drill in separate areas. Each group needs one football.

Outline of the Open Area Drill:

The object of the open area drill is for the quarterback to pass the football around the area until he is able to find an opportunity to make a pass to the wide receiver. The length of the drill is thirty seconds, with six points being awarded for each successful reception, and three points awarded for each interception. Alternating the positions of the players enables the defender and receiver to get some rest and experience the other elements of the drill.

Progression of the Open Area Drill:

As the open area drill progresses you will want to lower the drill time to twenty seconds in length. Then try adding a second defensive back to the area. If the football is intercepted, try putting the quarterback who threw the interception on defense.

Quarterback Toss Drill:

The purpose of the quarterback toss drill is to practice tossing the ball to the running back and to develop proper tosses or pitch techniques. Designate an area twenty yards by twenty yards, and divide teams into even groups. Then line up players opposite one another about five yards apart. One team is the quarterbacks and the other is running backs, and the teams will be alternating.

Outline of the Quarterback Toss Drill:

The quarterbacks will have their backs to the running backs, and the coach will yell out, "SET GO!" Each quarterback then holds the ball in front of them with knees bent and feet apart, as the running back moves right to take the pitch from the quarterback at a distance of three to six yards. Alternate running left and right. It's a good idea to have players move in slow motion the first time you do these flag football drills so they have a clear understanding of the concept.

Coach Tucker is dedicated to seeing his teams succeed in the classroom and on the football field. Visit his website for instant access to his flag football drills and practice plans:

Flag Football Drills & Practice Plans

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Tuesday, February 17, 2009

NFL-AFL Football Guide 1968




It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have a big reputation to live up to. Not only are they the oldest team in the American Football Conference, they also have the most champion wins. They've played in no less than six Super Bowls and have won the Super Bowl not once but five times! Maybe the most memorable thing about the Steelers is that they are the only team in the NFL to go from a sixth seed position to a Super Bowl win. Today, the question on every football fan's mind is, 'Will the Steelers pull off a win this time too?

Ketchup And Mustard

You can't talk about Steelers football without mentioning Heinz Field. Affectionately referred to as the 'Big Ketchup Bottle and the Mustard Palace', Heinz Field has been the home turf for the Steelers since 2001. There has always been a lot of buzz about Heinz Field, and it hasn't always been good. For instance, in 2006 the field was voted as having the worst turf according to a survey by the NFL Players Association - in fact, it has gained a reputation for having one of the most difficult kicking surfaces. However the turf has been improved since then and Green Packers rookie Mason Crosby broke the NFL record for kicking at Heinz Field.

Today, Heinz Field is home to a team that is on the rebound. It's no secret that the Steelers have been working through some rough patches. 2006 was a tough year for the team, as it struggled to improve their 11-5 record and defend their Super Bowl title. The year before had been littered with player injuries, with Steelers Superstar Ben Roethlisberger being hospitalized after a motorcycle accident. But the team have definitely made a comeback; in 2007 they were able to bring their 11-5 record up to an impressive 8-8 tie.

Tomlin - Roethlisberger Magic

If there seems to be some magic in the Steelers, it might be because of two pieces of heavy-duty arsenal that the team has. One is Coach Mike Tomlin, the first ever African-American head coach for the team. Though Tomlin has never played in the NFL, he has been one of the best defensive coaches in the league. He was the defensive coordinator for the Vikings in 2006 and they had the distinction of having the best defense against the run. Expectations are high regarding how Tomlin will lead the Steelers in future games.

The second weapon that the Steelers have is a player called Ben Roethlisberger. Often referred to as Big Ben, he was named Rookie of the Year in 2005. But he's probably best remembered for leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl win, becoming the youngest quarterback to win the Super Bowl in NFL history. Roethlisberger is getting back into gear after his 2006 accident and seems to be in top-notch comeback form. In 2007, he was also named to his first Pro Bowl.

The entire football world is expecting big things from Big Ben, Tomlin and the rest of the team. All eyes are on the Steelers to show some of their magic on the field.

Author is the webmaster for the Steelers fansite at http://www.SteelerManiacs.com where fans can blog, join discussions, play games, and much more

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