The first thing you must always remember is execution is everything and the only way to be able to execute is through quality repetitions. You must rep plays and techniques to be able to execute them during intense competition. The more you rep plays and techniques the better you become at them.

The next thing to remember is to pick core plays to be the hub of your offense that are good against everything – I call these plays “cure-alls”. These are your bread and butter plays that you can run vs. any defense in any situation. The best cure-all plays are those that are “reactive” in other words they react to the defense after the snap. So you don’t have to worry about the defense stuffing that play and your answer coming in a new play. A cure-all play will react to the defense and have a built in answer for whatever the defense does. The Gun Triple is a cure-all play – we can run it vs. any defense and to any shade. The under center triple was a check to the one technique but was close to a cure-all. The Lombardi Sweep was a cure- all play because the ball carrier would read the blocks of his blockers and “run to daylight”. The Hal Mumme/ Mike Leach “mesh route” is a cure-all pass pattern because it is good vs. any coverage or blitz.

An “answer play” is only effective if the defense does a specific thing. For example our Half Reverse Play is only good if the defense over-pursues to stop the Gun Triple. If the defense stays home then Half Reverse is a dead play but if they are not over-pursuing then there is no reason to call Half Reverse. We only practice answer plays against the reaction we expect.

Cure-All plays take lots of reps and lots of teaching so you have to limit the number of Cure –All plays in your playbook. You simply will run out of practice time if you try to install too many cure-all plays. The Gun Triple was our Cure All run and got the bulk of our practice time.

Limit the number of new techniques you must teach for your answer plays. Your answer plays can’t involve a lot of new techniques because you won’t have time to get enough reps to make them effective. Half Reverse involves one new technique in the whole play, so it is very cost efficient. The more you can use the same techniques for multiple plays the more efficient your practice will be and the more effective your plays will be. For example we use basically Gun Triple Blocking on our Double Options but either block the Hand Off Key or pitch off the Hand Off Key. The only new technique is blocking the HOK.

Maximize the ways you run your Cure-All plays. Use multiple formations to gain numbers advantages and mismatches. Remember you don’t have to execute a formation. Use a variety of motion to get a jump on the defense. Use counter or whirley motion to exploit a defense trying to move on your motion. Motion doesn’t add to the techniques you have to rep but it gives you another way of maximizing your cure-all plays.

Use the same cure-all philosophy in the passing game. The fewer routes your Quarterback must be able to throw the more effective he will be. We have a handful of cure-all patterns that we use against all defenses. We always include an answer for blitz and an escape. So the pass reacts after the ball is snapped. The success of the Run and Shoot was based on the patterns changing after the snap. We have a few different ways our passes change after the snap: our quick game can convert to a sprint out or our dropback pass can turn into a QB draw. These concepts make our passing game very reactive.

To maximize our effectiveness, we use the same patterns and concepts in our dropback game as well as our play action passes. These passes are good vs. anything but they must be repped vs. everything. The number concepts must be limited to have effective execution.

By making your Offense Reactive, you remove the pressure of being able to predict what defense your opponent is going to play against your team. You don’t have to rely on scouting reports. I always felt scouting reports were only good for evaluating personnel. Because your opponent played a certain front vs. a Wing T or Flexbone team doesn’t mean they will play that defense against your team. So your offense must be able to react to all defenses. Having a Reactive Offense also eliminates the need for you to be a great play caller because the plays that you call are going to be effective against whatever the defense does. You don’t have to predict what a defense is going to do, you eliminate the guessing game. If you see the defense is being unsound then you pull out one of your answer plays to exploit that very specific weakness. For example if the MLB is racing to the perimeter on every play a simple Zone Dive will go for big yardage, or it the Hand Off Key is trying to sit and read then blocking him on Double Option or QB ISO will be very effective (Hard to read; easy to block and easy to read; hard to block).

So in conclusion, regardless of what offensive system you run, make sure you have cure-all plays as the hub of your offense and then add an answer play to exploit a defensive adjustment to stop the cure-all. One answer is enough,” too many answers to a problem equals no answer and one problem”. You must be able to execute your answer play to exploit the defensive weakness.

I have witnessed many coaches go to an option style attack when they have a running QB or an Air Raid or Run and Shoot Offense when they have an exceptional passer. I’ve also seen coaches try to install a Wing T playbook because they did not have a talented quarterback. Some of these coaches have actually had some success with this method. However, the problem is they never accumulate “banked reps” which is the key to building skill.

So even though adapting to your Quarterback is very important, the rest of the unit will suffer by going from a Flexbone Offense to an Air Raid Offense and vice-versa because all the reps your offense had at the previous offense are now thrown out of the window and you are starting at square one all over again.

OK so what is the answer? Do you keep slinging the ball around the field with a Quarterback who couldn’t hit the ocean from a boat? Do you just insist on scheme over ability? How do you adapt and adjust to maximize the ability of all your players?

The way to have the ability to adapt and adjust is to have a flexible offense. This is one of the reasons I am such a big believer in The Triple Gun Offense. The Triple Gun Offense can adapt to any style of Quarterback. My first year at The University of Charleston I inherited a big, strong Quarterback that never ran the option in his life. He was a dropback QB. He wasn’t a great runner but he was smart. UC had won only a total of five games total in the previous two years. We adapted the Gun Triple emphasizing the give and the pitch and we threw the ball more frequently using our quick game almost as a run. UC went 8-3 in our first year, the biggest turnaround in conference history without an option quarterback. Our Quarterback had a great year and set several school passing records. The ability to have a comprehensive passing attack while being able to run the option from the shotgun makes it simple to adapt your style of attack regardless of your personnel.
After two years our starting QB was a 5’7’’ quick running quarterback. We adapted our offense to fit his talents without changing the rest offensive unit’s skill set or techniques. So everyone benefitted from “banked reps” and our offense continued to grow and become more productive. The 5’7” QB set the conference Pass Efficiency record twice the second time an astonishing 189. He also accounted for 89 touchdowns in his 3 years as a starting Quarterback.

My last year we had a true freshman burst on the scene and we gradually brought him along and he started the last three games of the season. In one game he came off the bench in the second quarter while we were trailing 14-0 and he led us to a 44-34 victory. In that game he became the first player in conference history to rush and throw for over 200 yards in the same game. How did he develop so fast? We did what he could do while working on the other aspects of his game. We used his strengths and compensated for his weaknesses. We stayed away from complicated audible packages and simplified his triple reads. The passing game was also trimmed to use a handful of concepts that he was comfortable with and we emphasized his escapes if he was in doubt. Ball security is always the first priority (see meaningful stats).

As you can see the exact same offense was successful with three very distinct types of quarterbacks that created three different styles of the same offense. So even though we adapted to the quarterback’s abilities all the rest of the offensive unit kept using the same techniques and continued to benefit from their “banked reps”.
The difference between the Triple Gun and other system offenses like the pure Flex-bone or the Air Raid & Run & Shoot is it is Multi-dimensional thus it’s a more flexible attack that can adapt to the personnel. If you’re running The Air Raid Offense and don’t have a passing QB – you better have a great punter. If you’re running the Flex-bone and your QB is not a good runner, you are also in some trouble. The same is true if your QB goes down with an injury. It’s easier to have a capable back- up with the Triple Gun because you can use the part of the menu best suited for that particular QB.

Another advantage of being a Multi-dimensional offense is it gives you the ability to exploit a weakness. A team may have a Cornerback playing with 2 broken legs but if you can’t throw the ball, it doesn’t matter. Or a team may be a terrible run defense but if you have zip for a running attack no one will ever know. A weakness is only a weakness if you can exploit it.

Our menu includes six main areas:

1. The hub of the offense is the Gun Triple – based on your QB’s run ability you can adapt the reads (keep unless or pitch unless). This play is a complete run game in itself thus giving you more time to develop your pass game.
2. The Quick Game – it doesn’t take Joe Montana to throw a hitch route. The Quick game is a great compliment to the Gun Triple and spreads a defense..
3. The Power Game – QB ISO and base give. (See the article updating the ISO http://tonydemeo.com/articles/updating-the-isolation-play/ )
4. The Play Action Pass Game – another obvious compliment to the Gun Triple. This can be devastating with a talented passer but any QB can be an effective passer throwing to wide open receivers.
5. The Counter & Jet Sweep Game – the Jet Sweep is a great way to get outside without using your QB. The Half Reverse exploits an aggressive defense without using the QB to get outside.
6. The Dropback Game – you need this part of the Offense even if you don’t have a talented passer. Having the “QB Draw Escape” is a great weapon for a running QB.

This simple six prong attack builds flexibility in your offense while developing consistency. You get all the benefit of banked reps while having the capability to adapting the offense to the skills of your quarterback.

PRACTICE POLICIES

1. Stick to the schedule, do not improvise.
2. Always be on the practice field ten or fifteen minutes early. “
3. Always dress in the proper practice attire. Have a whistle with you.
4. Praise players as well as criticizing. An ounce of encouragement is worth a pound of correction.
5. Coach on the run, if you must talk to players, have a group meeting after practice. Players should always be moving, never let players stand around.
6. You get what you demand – demand hustle, discipline, and effort. Demand attention to detail.
7. Helmets stay on, with chin straps buckled, for the entire practice (except water breaks).
8. If you feel your group needs water during an individual period – feel free to send them. However, check to see that there is not another group already there.
9. Never get into a debate with a player during practice. Tell him you’ll see him after practice.
10. Hustle is habit-forming, and enthusiasm is contagious.
a. Lead by example
b. Be enthusiastic and always hustle.
11. Always give your drills names so that players can line up easily.
a. Keep drill names short and snappy.
b. Drills should come directly from our drill book.
12. During intra-team drills or scrimmages:
a. Encourage both sides of the ball – don’t create offense/defense hate.
b. Script all scrimmages except goal line.
c. Always blow a quick whistle.
d. Never allow a cheap shot to go unnoticed.
e. Always call out down and distance.
f. Don’t slow down scrimmage to talk to group – substitute for a player and talk to him alone.
g. Make sure the scrimmage covers all you want to see, the script should be all-encompassing.
h. Always call out play number on script
13. Always work with players during stretches or calls – there are no rest periods during practice.
14. At the end of practice when Coach DeMeo calls the team together – do not talk to any players. Hustle them in to meet with Tony. After break, then you can meet with players.
15. When meeting another group (skeleton, scrimmages, etc.) always hustle as quickly as possible to the other group.
16. Following practice it is imperative that you visit the locker room every day. If you have been on a player make sure you see him after practice to offer some encouragement.
17. Time or lack of time is the biggest opponent we have. We must master our use of time. The more efficiently and effectively we use our practice time, the more effective our team will perform.

a. Pay strict attention to detail, take care of the little things and the big things take care of themselves.
b. Fail to plan, plan to fail.
c. Discipline breeds consistency and consistency is the father of success.
d. Execution is the result of quality repetition.
e. Enthusiastic practices lead to enthusiastic games.
f. Teams play as they practice.

These are some ideas we stress so we can we can be prepared to have a great practice. There is NEVER an excuse for a bad practice.

To make sure every practice is productive it is important that everyone knows the objectives of each phase of the practice and the tempo of that period. For example there may be an install period where the tempo is a little slower, but in the same practice you might have a goal line period where the tempo is intense. When we are installing we use this sequence:
1. Video
2. Chalk
3. Video
4. Walk Through
5. Individual Skills & Techniques
6. Group Drill
7. Scrimmage

The players must be taught HOW to practice before they can really grow as an individual and then as a team. The following are additional practice tips:

1. Teach players how to practice.
a. Tempo, maximum effort, awareness, reps, positive attitude, attention to details, etc. Every day we must get better
2. Pre – Practice Meetings – discuss upcoming practice – use video 1st then chalk. Don’t fall in love with the sound of your voice. Be specific & to the point.
3. Walk Thru – script carefully, good for blitz pick up, corrections, blocking adjustments & special plays.
4. Pre – Practice – review unique technique, anything that gets neglected.
5. Individual Periods – Rep technique, use specific drill progressions for each technique. Refer to your technique chart prior to practice.
6. Group Periods – use to coordinate timing, skills or reads (play cycles, air-raid, read drills)
7. Team Periods – use to practice critical situations
a. Field Zones: coming out, goal line, red zone.
b. Down ‘n’ distance – 3rd & short, 3rd & medium, 3rd & long, 4th & short – move the chains.
c. Time Management – Clutch Offense, Victory Offense, Last play.
8. Special Periods –
a. Packs & checks (Thurs. & Fri.)
b. Gadgets & screens (Mon. & Thurs.)
c. Overtime period (Thurs)
d. Tempo Control (Mon. & Thurs.)
9. Be Demanding – “You get what you demand” What’s important? Demand it. Demand : (1) Effort (2) Attention to details (3) Awareness (4) Focus (5) Positive Attitude.
10. Enthusiasm is contagious. Lead By Deed. Be the example.
11. Players learn by doing not listening – get mega reps – done correctly. Reps with awareness leads to intuition & instinct. Know the Law of Accumulation.
12. Encourage as well as correct – Praise Pays if it is specific & sincere.
13. Criticize the performance not the performer. Be positive in correction.
14. Have a technique chart with each technique listed & scheduled in the direct proportion of its use or difficulty.
15. Never let an error go uncorrected.
16. Coach players about tempo – getting in & out of the huddle, make hustle a habit.
17. Coach players to “Chase the Ball”.
18. Remind players that “Hard Work Works.”
19. Unity starts with uniform – To be #1 we must be 1 Everone dresses the same.
20. Always end practice on a positive note & always visit the locker room after practice. See any player you got on in practice.

We want our players to also take responsibility for having a great practice. We grade our practices by using the Four Aces which I have previously outlined. Always make sure the players are clear on your expectations of them.

What I Expect from Players at Practice
1. To be Well Rested and Enthusiastic about Practice
2. To be Alert, Listen Aggressively and Absorb Information both in Meetings and on the Practice Field
3. To know all Your Assignments
4. To have a Positive Mental Attitude
5. To Respect all Associated with the Football Program: Teammates, Coaches, Trainers, Bus Drivers, etc.
6. To be Coachable and to never be Defensive. Accept Criticism as a Coach trying to Help you
7. To play Hard and Work Hard. Make every Rep Count – Quality Reps lead to Quality Performers. Hard Work Works!
8. The Make Everyone on the Team better, starting with yourself. Push Yourself out of Your Comfort Zone
9. To Always Look Out for the Well Being of a Teammate – No Cheap Shots or Unnecessary Kill Shots
10. To know the Difference from being Hurt and being Injured
11. To Hustle at All Times – Between Drills, to a Water Break – AT ALL TIMES. “Hustle Always Get Rewarded”
12. To Make a Positive Contribution in the Locker Room – We want Winners and will Never Tolerate Whiners
13. To Put Your Autograph on every Practice – Form Good Habits
14. To do all you can to be all you can be.
15. To be about Excellence

The players have to be coachable, but they have to know that you care about them and want to make them a better player. Remember a coach is first and foremost a teacher and your classroom is the practice field. If you take care of business on the practice field; the games take care of themselves.

However this was not the play of choice for the “have not” football team. To make the old Tailback ISO work, you had to be more physical than your opponent. When these power teams met equally talented teams the ISO got stuffed.

Gerry DiNardo had success with this play out of the I-Bone in conjunction with the Option. DiNardo came up with the saying “Easy to read, hard to block. Hard to read, easy to block” DiNardo and I have had discussions about the need for a downhill running play to compliment the triple option. Coach DiNardo felt it was especially important with the Gun Triple.

Many under center Triple Option teams run the QB ISO as a complement to the triple option. They refer to it as a QB Follow play, because the QB fakes to the fullback and the follows him through the hole. This is very effective because it doesn’t LOOK like ISO, hence it is not defended as an ISO play. This has become Georgia Tech’s most frequently called short yardage play.

The QB ISO from the Triple Gun takes the ISO to a completely new level. First of all it gives us a downhill play. This adds to our offense:

1. Defeats a sit and read hand off key. ( hard to read, easy to block)
2. Takes the read out of the play.
3. It takes advantage of LBs running to the perimeter.
4. It’s great in short yardage.
5. We use it with both Triple Motion and Jet Motion.
6. It’s a great goal line play or coming out play
7. It’s a great victory offense play.

The Triple Gun QB ISO has been a great fit with the Gun Triple and the Jet Sweep. So it gives us a power play and a counter play all in one. The advantage is that we don’t see the hard LB fill that plagued the old I ISO teams. There are many advantages to running the QB ISO from the Gun.

1. The use of motion and the threat of Triple & Jet Sweep gets the LBs going east/west while the ball carrier is going north/south.
2. The ISO can be run to the motion or away from it. Multiple plays in one.
3. It can be run from all our formations – even empty.
4. It can be run with all our motions
5. We can run it to the 3 technique or the 1 technique.
6. Flash is part of the play if the “D” crowds the box.
7. It is great against a sit and read hand off key.
8. In the Gun the QB can cutback vs. overly aggressive LBs. So the QB has the ability to read the blocks and make an intelligent cut. This can’t be done with the QB follow play.
9. The QB ISO from the Triple Gun combines the qualities of the I TB ISO, The I-Bone ISO and the Flex-Bone QB follow play all in one play.

THE QB ISO ASSIGNMENTS

1. Off-side WR – check Flash if 8 between the slots. If not – normal triple rules ( cut off)
2. Play-side WR – normal Triple Rules
3. Play side Slot – OLB – If in Twins stalk man on. We like to use twins alignment to spread the front. VS. goal line block man on.
4. Off side slot either Jet or Triple motion. If jet make a good fake – if triple motion keep pitch relationship in the vent the ball bounces outside.
5. The TB has play-side LB
6. O. Line – ISO RULES – if covered block man on. If uncovered block down & combo to back – side LB. (see diagrams). If there is a TE – he blocks man on.
7. QB – fakes the play called then runs to daylight. VS. a 2 LB set he must always be aware of the cut back. Always ID the front.

The QB ISO play has been a very productive play for The Gun Triple. It is a low cost, low risk – high production play. The wrinkles to it are endless and also low cost. The QB ISO is very formation friendly which allows you to dress up the pig in a lot of different ways. Take a look at some of the videos & diagrams.

1. BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: LSU vs ‘Bama – LSU is #1 unless the Tide blows them out. Two great coaches who understand the game. Defense & ball security are the 2 most important factors in football. If either team can score 25 points they will win. Scoring a non- offensive TD will be huge. I think LSU’s ability to run the option will off- set Trent Richardson. Also LSU has a greater ability to score non- offensive TDs. which is a big factor. For Nick Saban to prevail he must run Trent Richardson effectively & win the special team game. He can’t allow LSU to score more than 16 points.
2. Orange Bowl- WVU – Clemson – two young coaches and two erratic teams. Holgorson’s “Air Raid” offense will struggle because of Clemson’s D.Line. They will put heat on Geno Smith. WVU only scored 2 offensive TDs vs USF & struggled vs Pitt. Clemson has dynamic skill & will test WVU’s “D”. For WVU to win they must protect the QB & get the ball to Baily & Austin.
3. The Rose Bowl – Oregon vs Wisconsin – A great match up. Wisconsin has the perfect offense to beat the Ducks because they can run the ball & SLOW THE HIGH TEMPO Ducks’ game down. Wisconsin must keep it to an 8 possession game. However The Badger “D” is suspect & Chip Kelly’s “O” will score & score. Chip would like it to be a 16 possession game. The key is Oregon’s “D” – if they can stuff the Badgers to some 3 & outs The Ducks will out score the Badgers. The 1^st quarter is important for Wisc. They must get an early lead & let the clock bleed.
4. Cotton Bowl – K-State vs Arkansas – anytime you can watch a Bill Snyder team play you’ll learn something. Add Bobby Petrino and you have another great coaching matchup. The Wildcats must, absolutely must, keep the game to 8 possessions. They don’t have the fire power to run with the Hogs. Petrino must turn it in to a shoot- out. It’s going to take a perfect game by The Cats to upset the Hogs.
5. The Fiesta Bowl – Stanford vs Okie State – The Cowpokes should be playing LSU but the BCS can be BS sometimes. If the Pokes are not into the game, they’ll lose. If they are out to prove they deserved a shot – it will be a very entertaining game. Two high –powered offensive attacks. If you like offense this is your game. Andrew Luck is the best player on the field & his running & scrambling ability will cause OSU’s “D” lots of problems just like Iowa St’s QB did in their only loss. The Pokes’ “D” has no trouble vs a Landry Jones type but a scrambler gives them bad Luck. Stanford doesn’t want a shoot-out like they had with Oregon – they have to play at their pace 10-12 possessions with great ball security & productive Red Zone opportunities.
6. Capitol One Bowl – Nebraska vs So. Carolina – The Ol’ Ball Coach vs Bo Pelini. Interesting game Taylor Martinez is the key to the Husker “O” but The Cocks’ “D” is one of the best in the country. What’s interesting is watching Spurrior re-invent his “O” to fit his QB. Fortunately they don’t have to score much to win. I don’t see the Huskers scoring more than 16 points so their “D” must be super.
7. The Sun Bowl – Ga. Tech vs Utah – Paul Johnson is always fun to watch, an outstanding option coach. However Utah has extra time to scheme against the spread option which gives them a little edge. If The Techsters’ O. Line can win the line of scrimmage & Al Groh can keep Utah to less than 24 points – Paul Johnson will have a very sunny day.
8. The Liberty Bowl –Vandy vs Cincy – Two of the best & brightest young coaches in the game. James Franklin vs Butch Jones. Franklin has The “Dores making a rare bowl appearance & wants to make the most of it. The Vandy ”O” has emerged as a powerful run game led by Zak Stacey, who set the Vanderbilt season rushing mark, coupled with a productive pass attack. Their Zone Blitz defense has been outstanding all year long. Butch Jones boasts The Big Least’s “O” player of the year at TB but their starting QB is out. The ‘Dores playing the tougher competition in the SEC gives them the edge.
9. Chick-Fil –A Bowl – UVA. vs Auburn – SEC teams do very well vs ACC teams. Mike London has done a great job at UVA but they will struggle on “O” vs Auburn. Fortunately, Jimmy Reid’s “D” will stifle Malzahn’s “O” so The Cavs will be in the game.
10. The Military Bowl- Air Force vs Toledo - Troy Calhoun does a great job of using multiple options. So I enjoy watching The Falcons offense. AFA has not had a great year but they are a very fun team to watch.

These are the top bowls that I want to see but I‘ll try to watch all the bowls and will give you my thoughts on the College football section of my forum. If you think I’ve missed a good bowl matchup post it on my forum. Enjoy the games.

• Blocking angles for the wide receivers to crack inside linebackers or strong safeties
• Bringing Corners in so you can circle the defense. If you come; they will come in. If you widen out; they will widen out.
• Creating a new pitch key by cracking the normal pitch key. For example if you crack the strong safety in an 8 man front; the pitch key is now the corner. How much practice time do you think coaches devote to teaching their corners to be a pitch key?
• Creates natural rubs in the passing game. We never teach picks because they are illegal; however, it’s OK to rub against your own man to create a natural obstacle for a defender.
• By widening and tightening your wide outs splits, your opponent has one more thing to prepare for.
• Compressed sets create a different look to our basic option attack and our quick game.
• This fits with our philosophy of a “few plays run many ways”. You have to execute plays, formations is just lining up.

The number of compressed sets you can use our endless. You are only limited by your imagination. However I would suggest a couple of specific reasons for getting into a particular set. What do you want from this set? Can I run the Gun Triple from it? What is my sequence of plays for this game from it? For example you may use an unbalanced compressed set and run Gun Triple, Play Action Pass and the Jet Sweep & QB ISO from it for this week. The next week you may do the same sequence from an Empty compressed set. Remember your playlist for each game must be small enough to practice daily.

View the larger version

Our 2X2 Compressed Package is named after playing cards. For the sake of this article we are going to stick with these basic sets. The first set is a compressed look to both sides – “Jack” – we use this to run the Gun Triple or Double Option to either side with a crack possibility. The second set is compressed to the boundary but normal splits to the field – “Queen” – we can crack to one side but still have the stalk/arc look to the field. The third set is compressed to the field and normal to the boundary – “King”. We now have all our normal looks to the boundary but great crack possibilities to the field.

We add a little spice to all our sets not just compressed sets by adding the term “Wide” that tells the boundary slot to replace the Wide Receiver to that side except stay off the line of scrimmage. So for example one of my favorite set is “Wide Jack” – this compresses both wide outs but the boundary slot splits out like a flanker. This set enables us to throw the hitch to our slot (another way to get him the ball in space) and with motion bring him back into the backfield to be a pitchman.

The ability to crack on the option (double or triple) gives you some variety in the perimeter and causes the corner to play pitch. That is one more technique for the defense to learn in a week.

We use compressed sets to create easier throws for our QB. Besides creating natural rubs in the passing game; compressing the formation makes it easier to throw the corner route to the field. We also use compressed sets to create the spacing concept that has been popularized by many spread teams.

So in conclusion adding compressed sets to your menu takes very little teaching but adds a lot to your production.

This season has many interesting teams to follow. I am looking forward to seeing the offensive developments in the world of college football. The following are some teams to take a look at:

1. Oregon – Chip Kelly has a great offensive mind and has some great players to execute his offense. Darron Thomas pulls the trigger on the most explosive “O” in the game and LaMichael James may be the best TB in the land. Their big showdown will be vs. Stanford and Andrew Luck. But Chip’s Shotgun Option “O” is one to watch. Kelly will run multiple options & mid-lines while still having an outstanding pass game. Toss in the Hi-Speed pace & you’ve got a great package.
2. Air Force- I always enjoy Troy Calhoun’s potent Option Offense. Calhoun has done a great job of combining the Gun Option with the traditional under center option. This combo gives the opposing defenses a lot to prepare for in three days. Calhoun has one of the best option QBs in the land to run the show in Tim Jefferson. Navy is a big game for the Falcons.
3. Florida State- Jimbo Fisher has brought the ‘Noles back to power. E.J. Manuel is a top flight QB and the FSU Offense really came on in 2010. Ricky Trickett is an unsung hero in this tale. Trick is one of the best O.Line coaches in the business and holds the key to the FSU machine.
4. Georgia Tech – Paul Johnson is arguably the best option coach in the business but has a big challenge ahead. Johnson must have a higher level of performance at the QB spot. Tevin Washington must step up or out. If Washington doesn’t get the job done, Paul may have to go with a Frosh. I also look for Johnson to throw the ball more frequently to avoid 9 man fronts.
5. Nebraska – Bo Pelini really has things rolling in Nebraska. The Huskers play GREAT defense so they are always in the game. Taylor Martinez is an outstanding running QB and will develop into a more efficient passer. The advantage of a great defense is that you never have to score a lot to win. The Huskers play Wisconsin & Ohio State on successive weekends and therein lies tale.
6. Navy – Coach Ken has done a great job building on Paul Johnson’s success with the Midshipmen. He has established himself as an outstanding option coach in his own right. His biggest challenge will be to replace Ricky Dobbs at QB. The key to an option attack is the trigger – you can have all the pieces but without the QB it will be a long year. Air Force will be a huge test for Coach Ken’s Middies.
7. Army – The Black Knights have made great progress under Rich Ellerson. But until they beat Navy the turnaround won’t be complete. Ellerson has brought in his own version of the option and got Army into a bowl in only his second year.
8. Nevada – Chris Ault’s Pistol Offense has been on target ever since its inception. It has elements of the option, but it is a downhill power offense at its core. Ault also gets huge plays from the play action pass. But make no mistake The Pistol is not some gimmicky offense; it is rooted in sound hard-nosed fundamentals. On September 10^th they go against Oregon, and this will be a benchmark game for The Wolfpack.
9. Ohio U. – Always a big frank Solich fan. His offense is always evolving and is incorporating some of Chris Ault’s Pistol Offense. The big game for The Bobcats is vs Temple.

There are some coaches taking over programs that will really make things interesting:

1. UCONN- Paul Pasqualoni takes over the UCONN program with his old sidekick George DeLeone. This spells trouble for Rutgers and Syracuse because these guys owned New Jersey and New York recruiting when they were at Syracuse.
2. West Virginia – Dana Holgorsen is the new coach for the Mountaineers in an unbelievable soap opera worthy of an episode on “Jersey Shore”. Holgorsen will open things up with a great bunch of skilled athletes, but he better not underestimate his gunfight with Doc Holliday’s Marshall Outfit. A key game.
3. Minnesota – There is no better football coach in the country than Jerry Kill. A bold statement but one everyone will agree with after he gets things rolling in Minnesota. Kill is a fundamentalist who has risen through the ranks by teaching the fundamentals of the game. Don’t expect a lot of flash & dash – just a very well coached football team.
4. Vanderbilt – The Commodores have a new guy calling the shots – former Maryland OC James Franklin. Franklin is one of the best recruiters in college football and will give Vandy a chance to be competitive in the SEC. He’ll need a couple of good classes, but look for the Commodores to make some noise in the SEC.

Some other teams worth noting for 2011:

1. Mississippi State – Dan Mullen did a miraculous job for the Bulldogs. After 2 solid seasons culminating with a thrashing of the Michigan Wolverines, Mullen has got Bulldog fans excited. Mullen’s innovative offense gives MSU a chance against powerful SEC defenses. Mullen controls the ball, limits possessions and is in every game. Chris Relf pulls the trigger on “O” & at 6’4” & 240 he’s a load to tackle.
2. Wyoming – Two seasons ago Dave Christensen had an unbelievable turnaround year at Wyoming. Another innovator on offense, look for the Cowboys to bounce back into a bowl game in 2011.
3. Notre Dame – Brian Kelly has ND on the fast track back to the football elite. They have made great strides in a short period of time. This should come as no surprise; Kelly did it at Grand Valley, Central Michigan, and Cincy prior to coming to south Bend. The Irish have a favorable schedule for a big year.

There are many other great teams to watch. I always enjoy watching Nick Saban’s Defense and, of course, you have to love JoPa & the Lions of PSU. But college football is a treasure and must be kept safe from the outside forces that try to corrupt it.

I also would like high school coaches to report in with their score in the High School section of the Forum. I know Bob Bridge’s squad from Indiana had an impressive win in their opener. Bob said the Gun Triple was their big weapon in rushing for 313 yards in their 35-12 win. So please report your results – we are all interested.

College guys report your results in the College Football section of the Forum.

Also if anyone wants to suggest a team to watch, use that College Football Forum.

Good Luck to all and go have a great season.

Start early
Vince Lombardi said, “To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is to be forgotten.” His words ring true for the college process, particularly for student athletes. College coaches are restricted from contacting players outside of NCAA regulated periods, however, students can put themselves on a coach’s radar in advance of the official recruitment period. Check college websites for “Prospective Student Athlete” forms to indicate your interest in pursuing an athletic career at a specific institution.

Grades count, even freshman year grades
Even the most esteemed college bound athlete needs to demonstrate solid academic performance. Grades from ninth grade to eleventh grade are used to compute a student’s NCAA core academic grade point average. Students broaden athletic opportunities by consistently working hard in classroom.

Take the test, early
Standardized tests (either SAT or ACT) are a chief component for attaining academic NCAA eligibility. High school juniors should plan to take the SAT and ACT for the first time in December or January of junior year. Academic eligibility can be achieved prior to the start of a student’s senior year. Early academic clearance enables college coaches to focus on your athletic performance. In addition, familiarity breeds success: taking standardized tests multiple times offers the best opportunity for a solid score.

Consider all options
Only 2% of high school students earn a college athletic scholarship, though far greater numbers play sports in college. Keep an open mind about pursuing athletics in college. Division III institutions don’t award athletic scholarships, but offer students competitive athletic opportunities balanced with strong academic programs.

Select classes carefully
All students who play sports and have even the slightest interest in college athletics should select courses carefully beginning freshman year. While your school may count “History of Jazz” for graduation, the credits may not count when the NCAA computes your core academic GPA. Visit egligibitycenter.org to determine if you are enrolled in NCAA approved classes.

Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse
At the conclusion of your junior year, register with the NCAA Clearinghouse at eligibilitycenter.org. There are four components to completing this registration: submit the online questionnaire, provide payment (fee waivers may be available), submit an official transcript through your high school, and submit official SAT or ACT scores. When all components are received, the NCAA will evaluate you for eligibility.

Offensively, your whole offense should be installed in your first 3 days and from then on, it should be about mastery. Make sure you get as many quality reps as possible. To get quality reps your players must be totally engaged in practice. Keep practice tempo high and use your off the field time to review practice and make corrections.

Get as many people video-taping as possible and study your practice tape carefully.

Football is a physical game but don’t leave your game in camp by over-hitting. Make sure you get 2^nd and 3^rd stringers reps. You’ll always find a surprise, you’ll keep morale high and you’ll keep your team healthy.

Make sure you give the players plenty of water breaks and keep 4 or 5 kiddie pools around the practice field. A kiddie pool is a great investment.

The following are some ideas we used in our pre-season practice approach under the new NCAA rules:

1. CONDITIONING – most important (can’t rely on practice)
   
   
   
   1. Physical – aerobic – must get running in 18 minutes per day 7 more on single days (vert-a-max, pool, etc.)
      
      
      
      1. Weight training on single days
         
      
      
   2. Mental – daily meeting covering every aspect of the program.
      
      
      
      1. Stress synergy & attitude “We not me” TEAM.- memorize “The Law of the Jungle”
         
      2. Poise & control – get over it & get on with it.
         
      3. Winning Attitude & Optimism
         
      4. Campus behavior & respect for women.
         
      
      
   3. Toughness – condition to be RELENTLESS. Chase the ball.
      
      
      
      1. 4^th Quarter is Ours mentality.
         
      2. Discipline established by consequences – reward the behavior you want.
         
      3. Build Team Esteem & Morale –“Morale is the strength of the army.” Napoleon
         
      
      
   4. Football Smarts – Learn the Game – use video tape. chalk & walk.
      
      
      
      1. Explain field position & the philosophy of each area.
         
      2. Clock Management – teach the rules of clock control & controlling the pace of each game. Clutch & victory offense
         
      3. Down & Distance – move the chains.
         
      4. Overcoming adversity (penalties, bad breaks & come from behind)
         
      5. Inspire players to be students of the game.

2. INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS – offense, defense & special teams.

1. Whole – part – whole
   
2. Less field time means you must minimize the number of techniques you teach & maximize their use.
   
3. Simplicity is very important – K.I.S.S.
   
4. Practice all special team situations (Tight Punt, Take a Safety, Little Rascals K.O.R., Fake kicks, onside situations etc) Unique situations.
   
5. Prepare 2^nd team to execute a simple game plan. (school 2^nd team Q.B.)
   1. get key back up personnel ready – have emergency plan ready.

6. Always have best players on the field.
   
7. All plays installed must compliment each other
   
8. Package plays in pre-season to minimize teaching & maximize their value. Be simple yet balanced & diverse.
   
9. Plot your additions to the offense weekly – you can’t get it all ready for game #1. Early in the season rely on your core & your star.
   
10. Run a few plays but in many ways – protect your core.
    
11. Come out of camp with a simple & balance offense that your team can execute & has a foundation you can add to. Vary formations & motions not the techniques. Only add plays that require no new techniques
    

3. SINGLE PRACTICE DAYS – Must make use time, Detailed Preparation is key

1. Must have a longer on field practice include a 15 minute half time
   
2. Practice divided into 2 one hour & 15 minute halves
   
3. No conditioning drills during practice.
   
4. Start each half with the Kicking game.
   
5. Condition – weight train & run at a time in the AM. – use pool, vert-a-max, indoor running etc – get aerobic & strength training during the AM.
   
6. WALK THROUGHS – evening walk-through is critical – must be scripted in detail & cover the next day’s installation as well as any corrections of the previous practice. Must include Blitz pick & protections review, reads, packs & checks, formations, shifts & motions. Punt Protection a must. Defensive Blitzes & Dogs – formation recognition & adjustments.
   
7. Meetings –
   
   1. Team Meeting – cover one aspect per day.
      
   2. Review practice tape – evaluate & correct

   3. Special Teams meeting every day
      
   4. Unit Meetings for installation
      
   5. Use Technology – make video playbook & audio reminders.

4. TWO PRACTICE DAYS –

1. No PM conditioning but must use 18 minutes to condition during practice.
   
2. Practice in AM & Evening if too hot (Walk – Thru in PM)
   
3. Each practice is 2 hours – including conditioning.
   
4. Plan for individual emphasis in the AM & team emphasis in the PM.
   
5. Every Special Team will be covered within the 2 practices.
   
6. Evaluate each practice prior to the next practice & make corrections
   
7. Meet t for 30 minutes prior to each practice & 15 minute walk thru before
   each practice.
   
8. 2^nd practice may be in uppers depending on the heat.
   
9. Make sure plenty of hydration before, during & after practice

Have a great pre-season, keep your squad healthy and you’ve taken a big step to a successful season. One last note – make sure you give your team enough time to get their legs back. Give them a couple of extra days off from conditioning prior to your first game. Another note, I always believed in practicing (not conditioning) in the heat to acclimatize them to the temperature they will be playing in. If you practice when it’s nice and cool , they’ll not be ready for the 1:00PM heat.

These are some ideas that worked for me over the years, good luck this season.