Coach Anderson's Philosophy

Don’t Worry About Being the Chief, Be the Best Indian in the Tribe

In 1996, I can remember sitting in the High School Library where I worked with my eyes fixated on a 13 inch computer screen trying to find information on coaching football. Back then Toby’s was one of the few sites that presented information on coaching in a clear but easily accessible manner. This is one of the ideas behind the Internet, to present a broad range of information that is free to anyone who can gain access to it. I am not a creative person. I have not invented anything new in the game of football. I have built my offensive line philosophy on ideas from a multitude of great coaches, and even some not so great coaches. To tell the truth I am a guy who typed a notebook full of notes from clinics, books, tapes, interviews, and experiences. At the time I thought the best way to share ideas with other coaches was to place it on the web.

There are no secrets in football. Everything comes full circle in this game. The X’s and O’s are important, but are basically the same everywhere. The only differences among coaches is how well they are able to teach their players. The learning process should never end. Young coaches often make the mistake of thinking that they know all there is to know about coaching their position. The more you know the better prepared you, your staff, and your players will be.   Clinics, books, tapes, and the Internet are all great ways to refresh your knowledge and your love of the game.

I am not a head coach, and because of this I have about one third of the stress in my life that a head coach has, and for that I am lucky. Assistant Coaching puts me in the position to give attention to the little details, which should not be the head coach’s responsibility. Like the quote says at the top you should try be the best Indian in the tribe. A good coach always works to make his or her program the best it can be. Strive to find your programs weaknesses and your individual weaknesses to make them your strengths. Is it your special teams or academics that could use improvement? How about film breakdown and equipment? Always remember to prepare for the task before you volunteer for it. Do not be afraid to get your hands dirty this is football!   I have worked under some great head coaches including; John Parchman, Midland Lee High School and USA Today 1999 Coach of the Year; Charlie Linn, Evangel University; and David Large 1999 Missouri 2A Coach of the Year. All of these coaches were great assistant coaches first.

I do not have an offensive or defensive philosophy. Instead I have a coaching philosophy. This is a philosophy that defines who I am as a coach and how I approach my relationship with my players. I have always tried to measure myself as a coach against the standards I set for my players. I never demand they do anything that I can not or have not done myself. I never demand their respect. By this I mean I will show respect long before I expect to receive it. If you are going to demand respect you better return it. Believe in your players. Believe in their individual goals. Remember to treat the players the way in which you would like to be treated. Do not criticize your players they are the only ones you have. Lastly, I try to tell myself “think players, not plays”.

Submitted by: Coach Matt Anderson


The Pass Route Tree

The Pass Route Tree illustrates the basic pass routes run by eligible receivers.

As a rule odd numbered pass routes are run to the inside portion of the field, even numbered routes to the outside. Basic patterns are to the left in the diagram, specialty routes to the right. Pass routes can be called by number or by name.

In a passing play like the 838 Deep Cross, the numbers specify that the outside receiver run a #8 patter, the man next inside him a #3 pattern, the next receiver another #8 pattern. Of course, patterns can be modified. For example the Float is merely a soft, dragging slant pattern. The out and up is a combination of a five yard out pattern and the Fly pattern.

The pass routes or patterns depicted here are numbered as follows.
#0=The Zero or Curl Pass.
#1=5 yard Cross or In.
#2=5 yard Out or Sideline.
#3=10 yard Cross.
#4=10 yard Out.
#5=10 yard Hook or Stop (In).
#6=10 yard Hook (Outside).
#7=Post.
#8=Post Corner.
#9=Fly or Go.

I personally do not favor pass route numbers higher than one digit as this hampers many play calling techniques. Other pass routes can be specified by letters of the alphabet or by name, as in the Flag, Fade, Slant, Float, and the Out and Up. Many coaches use what I call the Banana route where a pattern such as the Post is rounded or bowed in shape.

Submitted by: Coach Hutchison



Quarterback Ball Handling

1. Grip Drop Drill: (one minute)
  a) Hold ball at waist level with one hand
  b) Bring ball up 6 to 8 inches.
  c) Let go of ball completely, then regrip it.
  d) Don’t slap at ball, but squeeze it.
  e) Alternate right and left hand.
  f) Increase speed as you get better.

2. Grip Lock Drill: (one minute)
  a) Hold ball at chest level with two hands.
  b) Let go with the left and swing the ball to the right.
  c) Turn palm out with thumb facing down.
  d) Lock elbow at full extension
  e) Bring ball back to starting position.
  f) Exchange ball from left hand as fast a possible.
  g) Do the same with left arm.
  h) Increase speed as you get better.

3. Globetrottering: (one minute)
  a) Hold ball in front of body with two hands.
  b) Pass ball behind back.
  c) Pass ball between legs.
  d) Change directions.
  e) This develops sense of touch.
  f) Increases speed as you get better.

4. Combination: (on minute)
  a) Combine the above three drills.
  b) Increase speed as you get better.

5. Ball Isometric:
  a) Grip ball as tightly as possible for 10 seconds.
  b) Alternate right and left hand.
  c) Repeat four times.

Submitted by: Toby



The Ideal Quarterback

Football coaches teach their quarterbacks to take a short 6" step with the hand-off side foot. This keeps the quarterback from pulling away from the center before the snap has actually been completed. Quarterbacks are team leaders who always skillfully move the team up the field, confidently controls the exchange from center, cleanly offers the ball to the Running Backs, demonstrates consistent throwing mechanics, sets up to throw with their feet directly under their hips, throws to a spot on the field--not to a receiver, and readily distinguishes between Man-To-Man and Zone Defenses.

The goal in the Quarterback "Stance" is comfort.
Head - the head is straight up...
Eyes - focused straight ahead...
Shoulders - slightly in front of the hips...
Arms - extended forward under the center's backside...
Hand - placed on top of each other with the palms in, throwing hand on top, fingers spread with the middle finger placed on the center's pant seam. Pressing the hands into the center's backside is the signal the Quarterback is comfortable and ready for the exchange...
Back - arched... Waist - slightly bent...
Knees - comfortably flexed to the point that the ball can easily be exchanged with the center. In practice without a center, use a 45 degree bend...
Feet - shoulder width apart, toes pointing straight ahead.

Drills for a Quarterback include drills designed to improve hand to eye coordination and ball handling. Everything from dropping the football then catching it in midair to hitting a fixed object from predetermined distances are effective. Drills to strengthen the fingers, hands, and wrists are as important as arm strength.

Submitted by: Coach Hutchison



Quarterback Passing Skills

1. Two Knee Drill: ( 20 passes)
The purpose is to warm up the arm and, at the same time, teach concentration on target and ball release. Pair off about ten yards apart directly in line with each another, kneeling on both knees. Receiver will hold both hands up, giving the QB a target to throw to. Don’t throw hard and concentrate on target.

2. One Knee Drill: (20 passes)
Put your knee on the throwing side down. Place the ball on the ground, grip it with just the throwing hand, lift it up with one hand, cock it high with two hands, and throw it to partner. Exaggerate follow through, pick up grass. Use the arm only and lead with elbow. Helps to develop stronger are and wrist snap. Switch the down knee for variation.

3. Feet Parallel Drill: (20 passes)
Purpose is to warm up the arm, and at the same time, and at the same time, teach concentration on target and passing technique. Pair off about 12 yards apart directly in line with each other. Increase the distance as you warm up. Don’t exceed 20 yards and do not take a step with your foot. Helps to develop stronger arm.

4. Opposite Foot Drill: (20 passes)
Right hander with right foot forward in heel to toe relationship. Basic warm up and to teach how to throw off the wrong foot. Simulates throwing off wrong foot while scrambling or sprinting out. Point the toe in the direction of the throw. To throw with body, must rotate hips. If thrown with correct motion, you will be forced forward on the ball of your right foot and weight will follow through.

5. Normal Foot Follow Through Drill: (20 passes)
Same as above except step with correct foot. Right hander step with left foot. Point the toe in the direction of the throw. Throw and follow through. When throwing at release of ball, turn hand to outside and palm down. This motion assures tip of ball will be up for soft pass. Over-emphasize the follow through until it becomes an automatic part of throwing motion.

6. Circle Toss: (3 minutes)
Run in a circle playing catch and reverse the action. Release the ball quickly. Square the shoulders and hips to target. As a variation, one man can stand still and the others run around him. Change direction and switch positions.

7. Down the Line: (200 yards)
Run the length of the field and back playing catch. Keep 10 yards apart. Release the ball quickly. Square the shoulders and hips to the target. Work to increase speed.

8. Sprint Out Drill: (20 passes)
Sprint right and left. Throw to other QB or target. Release the ball quickly. Square the shoulders and hips to target. Practice throwback pass also. Get a depth of 6-7 yards.

9. Set Up Drill: (20 passes)
Concentrate on speed on getting back. Get depth, step up and throw to a target. Start at 20 yards and work to 40 with lowest possible trajectory. Throw hard and soft. Use centers if possible. May time drops.

10. Individual Pass Routes Drill:
In addition to working on the passing drills that have been mentioned, it would obviously be to your advantage to throw to an end or a back running any of our individual pass routes. You should work the most on the routes that are the most difficult for you to hit constantly.

The drills and program presented are not extensive or long, but rather are realistic in time required to practice and equipment needed to complete. The strength of this program is that it is simple and easy to complete.

If what is presented is practiced diligently, consistently, and without change, and correctly then we can expect you to improve your techniques of quarterbacking, especially in the area of the drop back, the set-up, and the delivery of the ball in passing.

There are many drills that could be used that are not included here. Take a few drills at each workout period and work on these that best suit you and your abilities. We believe that these are good drills and accomplish much of what we want. Taking everything into consideration, drills are fine, but we still must practice most those things we will be doing in the actual game. Think- work hard- make every effort to be the best QB by working constantly to improve all your skills.

Submitted by: Toby



Running Back Techniques

Football coaches teach their running back stances so the shoulders are even with the knees. This keeps the running back from leaning forward and tipping a running play to the defense. Running Backs are explosive players who always look for holes in the defense, give a distinct pocket for the hand off, know how to avoid tacklers, blocks well on passing plays, and catch all passes thrown in their direction with their hands.

COMPLETING THE EXCHANGE
The player makes a "pocket" with the arms to receive the ball...

Top Half of the "Pocket."
Inside Elbow - even with the shoulders...
Forearm - horizontal with the ground...
Inside Hand - palm down ready to accept the point of the ball... Bottom Half of the "Pocket."
Outside Elbow - straight down from the shoulder...
Forearm - horizontal across the midsection...
Outside Hand - slightly bent with the palm up ready to accept the other end of the ball...
Fingers - pointing toward the quarterback.

Receiving the Ball.
Hands - both hands instantly secure the ball upon contact...
Eyes - focused on the hole where the play goes and the defensive reactions to the play.

Submitted by: Coach Hutchison



Pulling Drills And Quick Pops

For the Pulling Drill, you will need seven cones. Set the cones up in a normal 4-3 defense (set up whatever defense you normally see). Have the lineman start at the center position and pull to his right and left. He will need to practice kick outs on the tackle and turning up field on a linebacker. Continue down the line to guard, and finish up at tackle. A good variation to the pulling drill is to practice backside pulls as well.

Quick Pop
You need a blocking bag for this drill. As a lineman, get on your knees, directly facing the bag. Place your hands on the back, you want to be just in arms reach of the back. Then on coaches sound pop the back. Do not lunge, or leave your knees. Just pop the bag with you arms like a punch, but in pass block form.


Submitted by: Brock Hartman





The Offensive Line:

The heart and soul of any good football team is its offensive line. There's no position that requires more discipline or technique than offensive lineman. Success as an offensive football team hinges on their ability to control the line of scrimmage.

To be a good offensive line requires more than just discipline or good blocking technique, it requires pride -- pride in yourself; your group and your team. A team with pride is a hard team to beat, because they're willing to do the little things that most teams aren't willing to do.

No detail should ever be overlooked, regardless of how minute it may seem. The difference between winning and losing often lies in the failure to do the little things. Not every player can be an "All-Pro," or even starter, but everyone can hustle and hit and be a good team man.

The basic fundamentals: The little things

1. The huddle. This is where every successful play begins. Listen and try to visualize your assignment; calls if any; keep the starting count in your mind. Jog to the line of scrimmage -- never walk -- this is a positive psychological advantage over your opponent.

2. The starting counts. In order to control the line of scrimmage, it's extremely important to execute the starting count. The single greatest advantage the offensive line has over the defense is that they know when the ball will be snapped and where the play is going. You want your offensive line to explode out together -- like a well-oiled machine.

3. The pre-set. Guards and Tackles should use a pre-set upon reaching the line of scrimmage.

• Base: Shoulder-width but never wider.
  
• Feet: Toes pointing straight ahead with feet parallel to one another -- the weight is evenly distributed on the balls of both feet.
  
• Elbows and hands: Elbows resting slightly above the knees, with hands forming fists facing one another.
  
• Shoulder, back, tail: The shoulders should be square to LOS with the back flat or parallel to ground. The tail should be an extension to the back and shouldn't be in a drooping position.
  
• Head and neck: The head and neck should be an extension of the shoulders, back and tail. You want your neck to be in a semi-bowed position, not in a "bulled-neck" position that forces the tail to droop.

Offensive line drills

The little things are the basic fundamentals that pertain to offensive line play before the different techniques of blocking can be mastered, the offensive line must show tremendous discipline and take great pride in doing these little things correctly.

The fundamentals that need the constant emphasis and repetition are as follows: pre-set; stance; one-step explosion; pull technique; line up and splits; takeoff; and proper sets for pass protection. These so-called little things will not be improved by just paying lip-service to them. They need to be done as often as time will allow.

Purpose: To improve the fundamentals of offensive line play in a non-contact drill.

Equipment: Work off of lines -- back end of the end zone or a side line will be excellent -- lines will aid the players in getting into a good square-up position.

Instruction: Offensive linemen will align along the line so that they can place their hand on the line when in a three-point stance. Work the entire group at the same time so that they can get more repetition within a shorter period of time.

• Pre-set: Good base -- feet parallel, weight on balls of the feet. (Work on snapping down together to a three-point stance).
  
• Stance: Toes towards goal line -- "Z" on knee, slight stagger, weight evenly distributed on three points.
  
• One-step explosion: Ability to explode out of stance on different angles: a) straight ahead; b) angle right; c) angle left.
  
• Pull technique: Right -- whip and pivot; left -- jump turn.
  
• Line up and splits: Guards set the lineup -- align with down hand along center's belt line. Tackles -- align on up foot and down hand of the guard.

Submitted by: By Scouts, Inc. ESPN.com