The Number One resource For Football Coaches http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 Breaking BarriersA member of my extended family plays in a spring football league. Not casual, pick-up, touch football, but the real thing. Full equipment, full contact, real stadiums, NFL rules, professional refs, teams in cities across America. Like a lot of spring pro leagues before it, this league tries to take advantage of football’s popularity by giving fans a quality, on-the-field product to fill the void between the Super Bowl and the start of the fall football season.There are big plays and big hits. Coaches roam the sidelines and bark instructions to players. Team names are intimidat... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6050&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 The profession of strength and conditioning coaching was formally established in the United States 35 years ago with the formation of the National Strength & Conditioning Association. The aim of the NSCA was to merge science and practice to legitimize our roles and to separate us from other fitness-related “experts.” After all this time, one would expect an evolution in the quality of programming and coaching but it isn’t evident in the practices of many strength and conditioning coaches.Instead of sound programming based on exercise science and practice-proven ideas, there is a proliferat... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6051&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 I am always looking for effective drills that my receivers can use to make them better. I think it’s important to think through drills before you use them and make sure they reinforce the technique utilized in a game and the technique utilized within your offense. Your players will be able to tell you how certain drills reinforce situations that come up in a game. That’s when you know you are using the correct drills.I always try to get as much out of a drill as I can. When we are doing drills to improve catching the football, we will also put emphasis on route running. We only run the last fi... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6052&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 If you’ve spent time this off-season reviewing the latest safety rules and guidelines, working with medical professionals and athletic trainers to institute procedures for dealing with injuries, checking out the latest in innovative safety equipment and making plans to ensure proper hydration and heat stroke prevention in early season practices, then congratulations! You’ve taken the first steps to make player safety a priority for your program.Now, looking ahead to next season, it’s imperative that you have a plan to inform all your key constituencies – players, parents and administrators – w... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6053&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 As I write this column each month, I receive more and more replies from coaches at smaller schools. It’s become apparent that most of them have something in common – that the off-season presents a challenge for speed and lifting development. The problem is that athletes at these schools need to be multi-sport athletes. The bulk of the football team plays two to three sports in a small school, so it’s almost impossible to fill the rosters on other sports if they were only playing football. This crossover process is a must for every small school that I’ve encountered.How do you train as a team i... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6054&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 Last year, I wrote an article describing the ever-expanding coaching carousel that all of us in this profession encounter. The article described some of the challenges of change within the coaching profession. I received a lot of emails regarding this article. It seems that all of us in coaching are presented with change or the opportunity for change on a continual basis. Some of this change is welcomed and, unfortunately, some of it is not. Deciding to change jobs is often one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. Until recently, I did not need to tackle this challenge in a long ... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6055&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 “Live well.” The words are simple; however, what they entail for those associated with the Bishop Gorman High School football program is anything but. Serving as the mantra which internally defines Bishop Gorman football, “live well” is part of an overall philosophy which has contributed to the school capturing the last four 4A Nevada State Championships.There are six identifiable components one can link to the culture of success that is Gaels’ football. These six characteristics are citizenship, tradition, communal cohesiveness, a first-class off-season strength and conditioning program, a st... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6056&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 Spring evaluation is essential for maximizing each player’s contribution to the team.While coaches understand that player evaluation is a year-round necessity, spring is a particularly important time for returning player evaluations as your team heads into the summer pre-season lull. It’s the perfect time to size up the strengths and weaknesses of each athlete and set personal and team goals. What is the best way to evaluate a returning player? American Football Monthly asked seven high school and college head coaches. They included:Matt Kelchner Head Coach, Christopher Newport UniversityChris... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6057&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 Mastering the five points of contact will help keep your runners from fumbling dropping the ball.When teaching ball carriers about ball security, we talk about the five points of contact. The first point relates to our nickname which is the Eagles, so I use the term “Eagle Claw” for the point of the football. The second point of contact is the forearm and the third is the bicep. Both are used to secure the outside part of the ball to the middle of the body which leads to the fourth  point of contact which is the chest. The fifth point is keeping the elbow down, which raises the tip of the... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6058&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 Each defensive coverage has strengths and weaknesses and ways to attack it.You can help your quarterbacks get through problem areas by teaching them how to identify coverages. Whether it is the pre-snap read, reading on the move, or route adjustments, the quarterback’s performance is based upon his knowledge of how to identify and react to coverages.When teaching the quarterback to identify coverages, we start with the pre-snap read, which will identify the secondary’s alignment.  This will start his thought process prior to the snap. The purpose is to identify {1} the depth of the corner... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6059&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 Using the triple option with the pistol offense is a natural fit and can improve both your running and passing game.Like Army and Navy, we have been a traditional triple option team and have experienced success because our offense gave us a way to compete against superior talent. While we have had a potent rushing attack, when teams put nine or ten players in the box we didn’t have an answer. Last season, we decided to experiment and add the pistol to our offense. Adding the pistol to our offense gave us a way to make defenses more accountable for protecting the field vertically as well as hor... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6060&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 We define “Power” as a gap blocking scheme with a fullback kicking out the end man on the line of scrimmage (EMLOS), and a backside guard pulling through on the playside linebacker. This play is used on a consistent basis by our own offense and by the opponents in our conference, so we have to be sound in defending this type of physical run.Our entire philosophy on this play is to stop it from getting downhill. We want the ball carrier to go “East and West” so the gain is minimal. This allows for our team speed and pursuit to chase it down. In order to deny the ball carrier from getting downhi... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6061&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 Curtis Tsuruda has over 30 years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach. He has worked at Tulane, LSU, Hawaii and Mississippi State. Tsuruda is currently the strength and conditioning coach at East St. John High School in Reserve, Louisiana. He holds the distinction of being a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach, the highest honor in his profession and was selected in 2010 as Samson Equipment’s National High School Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. He answers your questions.What is your philosophy and schedule (days of the week) for in-season workouts and how do you u... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6062&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 The NFL High School Player Development program presented by the National Guard adds a new Lineman Challenge to complement its nationwide 7-on-7 competition.Of the dozens of 7-on-7 events that have appeared on the high school football landscape in recent years, none have been more successful than the National 7-on-7 Tournament conducted by the NFL High School Player Development program. In terms of number of participating teams, overall caliber of play and the prestige of their National Tournament, no other 7-on-7 event can match the HSPD’s annual competition.From its modest start in 2004 as an... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6063&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 With the summer approaching, it is critically important to evaluate your players’ overall conditioning. This form includes four different areas – strength, speed, endurance and agility – that detail the progress made by each player. It’s the perfect chart to keep track of overall conditioning.Download Here... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6064&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 By Hunter Sims, Offensive Coordinator Howard Payne University   With a limited staff, it is critical to have detailed responsibilities on the day after the game, during the week, and on gameday.   As a Division III college, we deal with being under-staffed year in and year out. We need to be completely organized in order to maximize our workload throughout the week. Offensively, we are allotted three full-time coaches. If we’re lucky, we will have a student assistant. Having an organized plan helps balance the work load for each coach. Each staff member needs to take ... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6065&output=article Warning: strtotime(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 35 Warning: date(): It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'America/Chicago' for 'CDT/-5.0/DST' instead in /var/www/vhosts/americanfootballmonthly.com/httpdocs/feed/index.php on line 36 What are some exercises that you have your athletes work on to improve hip, leg, and ankle flexibility when they have difficulty in doing a proper squat? Mike Williams, Head Coach, Manheim Central High School (PA).   Here are some exercises to improve doing proper squats:   * Hurdle exercises * Going rock bottom or as deep as you can go with these three squats - Snatch or overhead squats Saigon squats Front squats * Heel cord box and stretches Lighten the load and always remember, “Never sacrifice technique for weight”. ... http://www.americanfootballmonthly.com/Subaccess/articles.php?article_id=6066&output=article