This is the "where" we go to the next level, as coaches and as a
team. Any diagrams and plays are conceptual; it’s the physical level of
play. Our intent is to disguise application and effectiveness, and teach
our children to adapt. My job is to strengthen the mind, while they have
fun physically.
So there are two perspectives. First, teaching the tried and true methods
of playing football. This is good if you only want to be a
competitor. Secondly, and most overlooked is the mental aspect of the
game. Do you or anyone else truly believe that the mind has any effect on
the outcome of the game? The achievers incorporate mental attitude as
part of the winning formula.
The main requirement that we would like our team to understand is that we have
to be flexible in how we approach our challenges. That means being able
to adapt quickly and effectively.
There are two circumstances that I can think of that will present
themselves. The first is a quick adaptation and response that takes the
opponent out of the running. The other situation requires the most
coaching. It is when the opponent scores and demoralizes the team.
What do you do? How do you respond? The answer lies in mental
fortitude, flexibility, and fundamentals.
Mental fortitude is accomplished mostly through repetition and
preparation. We repeat the desired outcomes in order to imprint an
outcome that is yet to come (manifest).
Flexibility hinges on effective communication to the players. This
assumes that the communication channels have been established in practice,
before the initial or opening game of the season.
Fundamentals allow the weak to focus on a common interest. Blocking is
blocking, tackling is tackling. Do you block the wrong person or in the
wrong direction? Do you make the tackle when it’s you and the runner?
Outside of whatever preparations are made to mitigate these problems, the
best response lies in the ability to adapt.
A change in coverage, called in from the sideline must be followed to the
"T" by the players on the field. This only comes from the
players experience at practice. Without this, winning is only a
hope.
Players can and will adjust and adapt if we introduce the basics, then explain
the changes and allow them to demonstrate it during practice.
Call it magic, science or art; it is a step beyond the average. If this
sounds "out there", don't be surprised. As a team, we are not
obsessed with winning or exceptional performance, but as coaches we provide the
optimal situation, under which our teams will function at their maximum
potential. A combination of practice, flexibility, concern, preparation
and attention to detail.
Defense has to adjust to offense; it’s the age old challenge. Offense
must take the initiative and demoralize the opposing defense before they can
effectively respond. Only if that is the conscious intention or desire of
the experienced coach.
Many teams and coaches have no intimate knowledge of football at this level.
They teach, show, direct, and execute out of muscle memory. That is not
sufficient to defeat superior competitors.
At the DCSC level we run the risk of settling for the low hanging fruit.
To become superior, it only takes the combined master
mind, several coaches linked and focused on the same goal.
Each one brings a determination and focus that "should" overlap the
weaknesses of the other coaches. Together, a combined effort by any
measure will surpass the minuscule attempt of a broken or singularly focused
coaching staff.
Defense wins games, offense must score, but I believe defense can out score
offense. What a problem! When Defense does respond by stopping the
offense, without scoring, it is a minor loss. Now they must rely on the
offense, this is a weakness. Have you ever seen what happens when the
offense cannot do what the defense expects in a game? It's ugly.
Now you have a non scoring offense, and a pissed off defense. Hopefully
they (offense) will score themselves.
Consider this, when defense scores everyone takes a sigh of relief.
Why? Because the job of the offense just got easier. We all know
that this is a position full of risk. An undisciplined offense will
realize that they can rely on the defense to protect the lead. A true
disaster in the making, for all the obvious reasons.
This is the true "inside" game on the field. You will never get
anyone on the sidelines to admit it though. The initial manifestation is
the defensive player that intercepts, recovers, or denies a first down.
These are seen as defensive plays but are truly
offensive attacks. Teach the defense to act as an offense and the job
offense must do is much easier. Teach the offense to add to the defensive
scores and you win. You win in big numbers.
So, how do I get my team to step up? One way is in setting the
expectation level. For starters, I expect defense to score. The End
should be in the backfield, causing the Quarterback
to fumble, with the Guard Tackle or Linebacker
picking up the ball and scoring. Yes I have taught this as a play.
The two ends are a sub team on the defensive line. The quarterback can
only focus on one at a time.
If it’s in the air it belongs to the RAVENS. We own the space. Our
opponents intrude. They must pay to play in our space, payment is loss of
possession at a minimum.
You don't have to understand this yet, but you will see it soon. Remember
I told you.