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The Mental Aspect of Winning in the Trenches

by: Tim Orr
Defensive Line Coach, Florida A&M University
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All defensive line coaches have been embedded to believe that games are won and lost in the trenches. We would love to have that 6’ 8”, 290 lb. defensive end who runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and benches 500 lb. But for most of us that is not reality. As the old saying goes, “The game of football is 90% mental and 10% physical.” All coaches believe that the team that is most prepared will win the ball game. Here at Florida A&M University, we are fortunate to have a head coach, Rubin Carter, and Defensive Coordinator, Charles Huff, who emphasize the importance of covering all possible aspects of the game with our players. We feel there are five components to our “game week” mental preparation. They are 1) Scouting Report, 2) Offensive Line Evaluation Form, 3) Reminder Sheet, 4) Assignment Recognition, and 5) Skull Session.

I. SCOUTING REPORT
It all begins on Tuesday with our unit meetings. At that time scouting reports are distributed to our players – included in the scouting report is our opponent’s two-man depth chart, run/pass tendencies by down and distance, hit chart breakdown by personnel groups and formations. We define hit chart as a breakdown of play selection. Next we include blocking schemes for all run plays broken down by personnel and formation groups. Our next section is the passing routes by personnel groups and down/distance. We conclude our scouting report with a Special Plays section that includes all reverses, screens and gimmick plays.

The benefit of having a detailed scouting report allows players to key in on pre-snap reads. Before each play they should have an idea what to expect and what to do to stop it.

II. OFFENSIVE LINE EVALUATION FORM
Once our players receive their scouting report in the unit meeting, they break off into their position meetings. In this meeting each defensive lineman is given an offensive evaluation form. During the week, players are provided with player copies of opponent’s film and they usually get together as a unit on their own to evaluate their opponent. This form goes into more detail about the individual opponent they will be facing. This form helps players evaluate topics such as agility (body control), lateral quickness, strength/explosion, pass blocking, run blocking and technique evaluations.

The benefit of having them fill out his form provides them with a better opportunity to determine the strengths and weaknesses of their opponent. This will provide better knowledge of what they can do to be successful. Also, this gives them a better understanding of what they need to work on throughout the week to be prepared.

III. REMINDER SHEET
This is a one-page summary of any specific details in regards to the scheme we have implemented this week. Also included are any major tendencies that the offensive line may have. It is our defensive staff’s philosophy that there is no excuse for a player not knowing his alignment and assignment. Each alignment and assignment is written out to remind him of what is expected of him on each play.

The benefit of giving our players reminder sheets is that most people are visual learners and any opportunity to give them a visual picture of what their responsibilities are, the better prepared they will be.

IV. ASSIGNMENT RECOGNITION
Each Thursday during film session, prior to practice, our defensive linemen participate in an assignment recognition session. Before each play I will call out a defensive call and I will ask a player what play they are expecting according to down/distance and formation tendency. He is expected to answer by identifying what play he is expecting and then his alignment and assignment. As we continue through the film each player will have an opportunity to answer a question.

The benefit to this is that they will sharpen their pre-snap reads and force themselves to be more focused on the last day of practice. Also it allows time to correct any problems if a player is confused about a certain scheme.

V. SKULL SESSION
Once all the X’s and O’s have been discussed Friday night, we have a 15-20 minute skull session as a defensive line. This has proven to be a very special time for our players because they have the opportunity to open up and develop a bond that is needed to establish a cohesive unit. During this time we discuss a variety of topics other than football. Throughout the season, topics have ranged from “Who do you respect the most on the team and why?” to “How would you like to be remembered when your playing career is over?”

The benefit of these talks are that our players realize that they share a lot in common with their teammates other than football. In my opinion, if you have a common bond with someone you will tend to play harder for that person and realize that others are depending on you to perform at your highest level.

These components of mental preparation have proven to be vital to our success at Florida A&M University. Last year, due to our mental preparation, we were able to win with a last second goal line stand and with a come from behind overtime victory versus our arch rival. Last season two of our defensive linemen made first team All-Conference and one made the Honorable Mention All-American team.

It has been a pleasure to share some insight to the mental preparation of our defensive linemen. Hopefully, something has been mentioned that can be useful to your program. I feel fortunate to be part of this great profession. Thanks again for allowing me an opportunity to share some ideas to help your players reach their full potential.





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