SPHE Group Final/Coach Tate

1. In this presentation you will learn some of the finer points about the game of football. This outline will provide the basics necessary to be successful as
a coach and mentor to those that play the game. You will become familiar with technical and tactical skills, strategies, teaching methods, common
errors and how to correct them, planning for practice and games, leadership, the evaluation process, and the teaching element associated with football.
These methods, strategies and lessons apply to all levels of experience and ability.

2. Every great program starts out with positive Coaching and Leadership. These two concepts can be the key
to a successful program. Coaching is the one thing that a team needs to help them build on the talents that
they already have. Leadership will allow a team to rally behind the goals of the team to fulfill a winning
season.

3. LEADERSHIP

4. LEADERSHIP
What is leadership?
Leadership-a person who guides or directs a
group.
Leadership in sports can take on many
forms, but the two most visible are the coaches
leadership skills and a players leadership skills.

5. Coaching & Leadership

6. Coaching Is Leading
• A coaches leadership qualities are another aspect of
developing a good football program besides teaching
the technical and tactical skills.
• A coach needs to lead by example, because the
players and even the community look to them for
guidance and accountability.
• A coach needs to let their players know that they are
putting the maximum amount of effort into doing
their job, so that the players will want to perform at
their best.

7. Player Leadership
LEAD BY EXAMPLE versus RAH! RAH! Types

8. Leadership Types
• Best Players-If the best players are going to be leaders, they have to show
it each and every day. This type of leader needs to prove it to the team all
the time. This type of leader is a great leader because they can teach the
other players things because their skills are generationally above the rest
of their teammates. They can help the team like a coach, as long as their
teammates are willing to listen.
• Most Respected Players-A respected leader is someone that can be a great
person or someone that everyone gets along with. This leader is a great
leader both on and off the field, and a great role model to their
teammates. This type of leader shows their teammates how to work hard
and how to make the right decisions.
• Most Vocal Leader-A a vocal leader can be good as long as they are able to
inspire and rally their teammates behind them, all the while letting their
performance on and off the field back up their talk.

9. 5 Keys to being a leader
1. Responsibility: Leaders assume the responsibility of representing
the coaching staff and their fellow teammates.
2. Morale: Leaders have insatiable morale. Morale can be heard in
the voice of a player who is determined not to give up.
3. Work Ethic: Team leader should have outstanding work ethic. The
team leader should be the first to practice in the last to leave.
4. Skill: Skill is an undeniable trait for a leader. Leaders possess both
physical and mental skill sets that teammates respect.
5. Respect: Respect must be earned. A leader should look to earn the
respect of coaches and players on the first day of practice. Respect
can sometimes take a long time to earn and just a second to lose.

10. Approaches to Coaching Football

11. Traditional Versus Games Approach
• There are two ways to approach coaching, the
traditional approach and the games approach.
• Each approach has it benefits and can be used in
combination with each other to get the most out
of your players with each practice session.
• Using both together can keep your team
interested while maximizing output in each
practice session

12. Traditional Approach
• Begins with a warm-up
period, followed by individual
drills, group drills, and ending
with a scrimmage.
• Useful for teaching your
players the technique
associated with each position
skill.
• This approach is not effective
if it is not reinforced by games
approach type practice where
less emphasis is put on
technique and more is placed
on application of the learned
skill.

13. Games Approach
• Three major components:
Shaping, focusing, and enhancing.
• Uses mini-games and scrimmages
to simulate game situations.
• Allows coaches to set up different
scenarios (goal line, red zone, two
minute drill, clock management
plays, etc.)
• Each scenario presents unique
coaching moments to stop the
play and redirect your players into
solid decision making on each
play

14. Coaching and Leadership will play a huge role in a teams season. The areas that will help a
Coach and a team build is their practice planning. Each team should have a solid plan before the
season starts to get ready. The preparation to a great season is important to condition and
teach the players.

15. Season / Practice Planning

16. Season Planning
Step 1: Identify the skills that your athletes need
ID specific skills your athletes need to be successful
Step 2: Know your athletes
Know the strength, weaknesses, and abilities of your athletes
Step 3: Analyze your situation
Know the external factors that guide and limit you
Step 4: Establish priorities
Where to start and how to progress in the teaching of skills
Step 5: Select the methods for teaching
Traditional vs. Game Approach
Step 6: Plan Practices
Determine what you want to accomplish during each practice

17. Practice Planning
1. Date, time of practice and length of practice
When, where, and how long are you going for
2. Objective of practice
What are we working on today
3. Equipment needed
What items do we need to execute today’s
plan
4. Warm-up
How are the athletes going to prepare their
bodies for today’s practice

18. Practice Planning
5. Practice of previously taught skills
Go over skills that need refining
6. Teaching and practicing new skills
Introduce new tactics to get better
7. Cool down
End of practice
8. Coaches’ comments
Huddle around coaches and talk about today and
what is upcoming
9. Evaluation of practice
Sit down with other coaches and discuss how
practice went

19. Practice Planning will allow the coach to break down practices to ensure adequate practice
before the season. Each practice will be broken down to allow specific positions an allotted
time to work. Offense is an important part of the game; allowing the players the opportunity to
drive down the field towards the end zone.
The focus here is on the Quarterbacks, Offensive Line, Running Backs and Wide Receivers.

20. QUARTERBACK

21. NECESSARY SKILLS
• Weight distribution: The Quarterback must make quick and sudden movements in any direction. This is achieved by the quarterback taking a quarterback
two point stance, with his weight evenly distributed between his feet.
• Eyes: Must be up and reading the defense and not staring at his receivers. Helmet should be facing directly up and down the field until the last possible
moment before the ball is thrown.
• Center and quarterback exchange: Exchange can be a challenge for both the center and quarterback. This skill should be practiced regularly. When
performing this action the quarterback’s hands should completely be under the center’s bottom. There should be minimal separation between the
quarterbacks hands with the heels of his hands always touching. The quarterback’s passing hand should be positioned as the top hand.
• Ball security: Once the quarterback receives the ball from the center he must secure the ball by bringing the ball sharply to his midsection, on the
numbers, with both hands.
• Drop steps: Establishes proper timing between quarterback and receivers by the quarterback taking a particular number of steps back from the line of
scrimmage.
• Three step drop: One long step and two short steps, the crossover step, and a the plant step.
• Five step drop: Three long steps backward and two short steps, the crossover step and the plant step.

22. NECESSARY SKILLS
• Throwing: The quarterbacks hips and chest should face the targeted receiver. Plant the foot opposite his throwing arm and follow through with the
opposite leg. Feet should be shoulder width apart. When the throw begins the quarterback should push off his back leg and step toward the target. Once
pass has left the quarterbacks hand his arm should follow through with the plant foot and leg moving forward towards the target. Remember that a soft and
tight spiral is much more accurate and easier to catch.
• Hit and throw: The hit and throw is used at the immediate end of a three or five step drop. This is a very quick action due to the route that is run being
short. If the timing of the route is off the quarterback will use a hitch step to buy time for the receiver.
• Hitch step: provides additional time for receivers to try and get open in addition to helping the quarterback bring his body momentum forward prior to
attempting a long pass. This is done by the quarterback taking a bounce step back toward the line of scrimmage.
• Extra step: Every extra step a quarterback makes allows a defender to move approximately three yards closer to the receiver.
• Progression: Determined by the primary defender, then the secondary defender. Accomplished by scanning the playing field for open receivers in
sequence. If the defender is in the passing lane or in any way impeding the pass, quarterback checks down in his progression.
• Football knowledge: Understand the game, your opponents strengths and weaknesses as well as your own. Be able to make quick decisions.

23. COACHING QUARTERBACKS
Throwing and Footwork Five Step Drop
http://youtu.be/RYKh-4s5HfI http://youtu.be/C1--pmXE7H0
Seven Step Drop
http://youtu.be/MmhI6NNR088

26. • Drive, Reach, Cutoff, Down blocks are treated the same. The
footwork may be a little different.
• Offensive linemen and tight ends must have a good base of power to
execute a solid run block.
• Proper footwork is also key. He should take a short step toward the
defender in the direction he is going to block. The other step should
be just long enough to form a good base but not cross feet.
• Contact the defender at the point just between the two numbers on
the jersey with a good punch, followed by the nose of the helmet.
Remember to stay low as the low man always wins.
• Follow through with short, powerful steps. Fight to keep hands inside
defenders and win the battle

28. • Pass blocking is crucial to get passes off and protect the Quarterback.
• A balanced stance is key. The weight needs to be balanced on both
feet and the down hand.
• Pop and set is when the lineman comes out of the stance and pops
head and shoulders back quickly while the hands go up in a ready
position to deliver a blow. Feet need to be shoulder width apart with
a straight back.
• The lineman needs to keep his body parallel with the line of
scrimmage and never let the defender inside by staying on their inside
half. Must always keep a wide base to stay powerful.
• The punch is important. When a defender approaches, he must keep
thumbs up and deliver a blow into the defenders chest. Repeat this
step until the Quarterback has released the ball. Keep the balance.

29. Receivers and Backs
Technical Skills
Practice Drills

30. Technical Skills
• Stance and start for offense
• Ball Security
• Faking
• Catching
• Running Deep Routes
• Running Shallow and Intermediate Routes

31. Start and Stance for Offense
Players
• Stance and Start for offense is important for both receivers and backs: this
allows an advantage over defense (Remember head and eyes up! And Be
Comfortable)
– 3 point stance used by full backs
– 2 point stance used by wide receivers and tailbacks
*ALL STANCES ALLOW THE ATHLETE TO BE EXPLOSIVE*

32. Ball Security
• BALL SECURITY: Consistency, most important thing after
running back receives the ball
1. Form a Pocket on Handoffs
2. Securing The ball
3. Catching The Pitch
Keep your Eye on the Block, keep inside elbows up, two
handed ball security a must when surrounded by
defenders, squeeze against body to avoid ball being punched

33. Faking
• Initial positioning and movement
• Back Faking
1. Set defense off
2. Run hard to the line of scrimmage
3.This occupies several defenders at one time
• Receiver Faking
1.Come off the line 3 quarter speed
2.Simulate the stalk block

34. Catching
*more Receivers then Back but a skill needed for both
• Hand Positioning-
– Thumbs together for high
– Pinkies together for low and over the shoulder
• Watching the Body-Watch the ball hit your hands, know the balls
path
• Secure the ball- both points on ball covered, ball pressed against
body

35. Routes
Shallow and Intermediate Deep
• Creating Hesitation- Being able to
• Understanding Defenses- Know
change speeds, Creating Wrong Turns-
what coverage defense is playing Using jab steps, Using the weave
• Route Stem- Ability for the technique (just before closing
receiver to recognize how the gap, attack defenders shoulder on side
defense Is playing and make where run is attended, take ½ steps
adjustments receiver burst back to opposite
shoulder of defender)
• Breaking Down- Possession and
• Hand Positioning- good timing to raise
being able to get separation as a
hands so run is not slowed down
receiver
• Erasing the Cushion
Ash,2006

36. Practice Drills for Receivers
• Side to Side- Body Control
• Tap Dance- Improves Catching Ability
• Shoulder Club Release- Create Separation from defender
• Funnel drills- develop concentration
• Bag attack-Teach concentration, catching in a crowd, running after the
catch, proper ball maintenance (fumble drill also).

37. Practice Drills for Running Backs
• Strip Drill- proper ball carrying
• Pass Blocking Drill-helps practice blocking for
quarterback
• Pitch Drill- practicing catching pitch
(Patterson, 2010)

38. Everyone expects an Offense to make all the points in a game. The reality is that a Great
Offense requires a Great Defense. There are situations where the Defense will make the game
changing plays.
Here we will focus on the Defensive Line and Line Backers.

41. Defensive Linemen Technical Skill
• Teach skills through traditional coaching method
• Choosing appropriate stance – three types to choose from
• Three-point stance
• Four-point stance
• Two-point stance
• Footwork for linemen
• Eliminate false steps by moving down hill and keeping majority of
weight on down hand
• Explode out of stance on movement of ball
• Stay low and drive with legs
• Tackling – only true way to stop the play
• Come to balance by shorting stride
• Square up shoulders and keep back straight
• Hit ball carrier across the bow – head across the body of ball carrier
• Wrap arms around ball carrier and drive to ground with legs

42. Keys to Defending Against the Run
• Teach these skills through games approach coaching method.
• Experienced players/team leaders should be able to recognize play
trends and make on field adjustments.
• Look for obvious signs by offensive lineman that might give away play
type, such as leaning and foot position.
• Recognize the block after the snap – drive block, reach block, double
team, down block, or pulling by lineman.
• Establish leverage – hand placement, footwork, and staying low.
• Gaining leverage neutralizes blocker rendering him ineffective and
collapses gap.

43. Defensive Linemen Tactical Skill
• Tactical skills taught through a games approach coaching method.
• Control the gap
• React to ball movement
• Slap away the offensive linemen hands – can rip or swim as well to
get by offensive linemen
• Learn strengths and weaknesses through game film –
speed, tells, quickness, and blocking ability
• Know own ability and decision making process – where to line
up, understanding blocking schemes, aggressiveness or patience
• Learn to read and react to inside, outside, draw, or option runs – look
for cues like a pulling guard leaning, always move towards the ball, don’t
over react and try and force plays.
• Finish the play – make the tackle and disrupt the offense

45. Pass Rush Technical Skills
• Teach technical skills through traditional coaching method.
• Goal is to disrupt pass play and/or sack the quarterback.
• Defensive linemen must be able to successfully complete the crucial
components of pass rushing.
• Recognize the protection – look for cues of pass blocking (linemen
leaning on the heels of their feet), know the down situation on
the field (third down and long traditional pass play), ineffective
running game.
• Staying in the lane – ends rush outside in, tackles hit their gaps
• Use rip and swimming movements to get away from blockers
• Use other moves - change up lanes (don’t always hit the same
shoulder), use push-pull move, and bull-rush

46. Pass Rush Tactical Skills
• Teach tactical skills through games approach coaching method.
• Experienced players/team leaders should be able to recognize trends
and make adjustments on the field.
• Goal is to disrupt pass play and/or sack the quarterback.
• Defensive linemen must be able to successfully recognize pass plays.
• Know defensive plays – zone or man coverage, blitz, contain
• Ends rush outside in to disrupt rolling plays and scrambling QBs
• Play action pass – play run first, watch linemen (if they stand up it
is generally a pass)
• Pursuit angles – if the pass gets off, know where it is going and
head for the ball being careful not to over pursue.

49. • Linebackers must pay attention to the Quarterback when
putting pressure on the rush
• Pressing through the line to get to the Running back the LB
must be familiar with the swim move, spill block, getting
through a blocker.
• Keeping an eye on the ball throughout the entire course of the
pressure is key.
• Attacking the ball once through the line of scrimmage will
break up the play intended by the offense and allow assistance
from teammates.
• It is key to adjust to the Quarterbacks posture in case he
changes the play to a pass.

50. • Controlling the Gap where the running back is crucial to
stopping the run.
• This is done by watching the Offensive Lineman's
stance, shoulder pad level and the lineman’s first steps.
• It is important not to get caught up in the play and over rush a
play action pass. Keeping a level head and reading the
situation all the way through, will allow the play unfold to the
Defense advantage.
• Keeping a watchful eye on the play will not allow a Linebacker
to get sucked into a fake play.
• Maintaining the right angles pursuing the running back will
enhance stopping capabilities of the defensive linebackers.

52. • Linebacker Pass Defense is crucial to stopping the short passes.
• Knowing your role in the defensive scheme can make or break
the defense. Coaches and players must be on the same page
every play.
• Linebackers must understand the coverage they are in. In the
event that the backer was supposed to rush the QB, and notices
it is a pass play they must be able to adjust. Returning to their
assignment for pass coverage.
• They then need to get to their respective zone of coverage that
they are responsible for. They should always keep their eye on
the QB, using crossover steps to get into position to defend the
pass play.
• Impeding and or disrupting the receivers route is important in
defending the pass. This can cause deep receivers to slow
down.

53. • Defenders need to level off in their zone. Meaning they need to
ensure they don’t drop back too deep. If the QB continues to
drop back the defenders will continue to drop, once the QB
stops then the defender needs to stop dropping back.
• Keeping an eye on the receivers after the drop can help the
linebackers judge the right distance.
• Two Common Errors that Linebackers do are:
1. Looking at the receivers before getting to their zone first.
Getting to their zone first then defending the pass will allow
greater advantage to the defense.
2. Defender bites on a short route ignoring the shallow route and
maintaining zone integrity, can force the QB to take the short
pass attack the short route if ball is thrown to that receiver.
• Pass Defense is key to stopping the long yardage plays.
Maintaining area of responsibility is key to defending the play.

54. If the Offense does their job and gets into the End Zone then there will be a Kickoff, and if the
Defense does their job right there will be a Punt. These are two key Special Teams formations
that will make a difference in a game.
Kickoffs follow a Touch Down and Punts follow a defensive stop. Here we will focus on these
two.

56. Technical Skills Required For Kick Off
• The kick is the most vital part of the kick off. With an arrant kick the kicking
team may give up field position.
• The first aspect the kicker must acknowledge is alignment.
• Kickers typically align themselves 8 to 12 yards from the ball and roughly 4 to 6
steps laterally, in the direction away from the kicker’s dominant foot.
• The kicker’s approach to the ball is an aspect of this play that must remain
consistent time in and time out. The slightest variation in the approach speed
may cause a player covering the kick to be called off sides.
• Upon the final steps of the approach is when a kicker must begin to determine
where they are going to plant their off foot. The location of the plant depends
on the kicker’s preference. A misstep or a slip in this step may result in a poor
quick or worse a kick that goes out of bounds.

57. • Note the placement of the
defender next to the
kicker. By remaining
slightly behind the kicker
the defender remains
within the rules.
* Also note the placement
of the kickers feet. By
placing the off foot near the
football he gains maximum
leverage.

58. TACTICAL SKILLS REQUIRED FOR KICK OFF
* Players must know the rules, all players must be behind the kicker prior to the
kick.
* Kickers must know the game plan, and which section of the field to kick
towards.
* If the kick goes out of bounds, the receiving team may elect to receive the
ball on the 30 yard line, or have the kickoff repeated, but from 5 yards
deeper.
• If the kick goes into the end zone the opposing team starts on the 20 yard line.
• The most important factor for those covering the kick is to remain in their
respective lanes.
* Upon converging to the ball, those in coverage shall breakdown and attempt to
make the tackle with proper form.

59. * Above the Minnesota Vikings
begin their kickoff in a standard
formation.
* To the left is a diagram of what
one of many lane assignments
may look like.

60. Technical Skills Required For Kick Return
• The most important part of receiving a kick off is catching the ball. There are
numerous factors to take into account when attempting to do so.
• Judging the ball is where the process begins. Players must take in several
varying factors when doing so, considering wind, rotation of the ball, and
position of the sun.
• When the ball finally reaches the player they must remember several things to
ensure a secure catch. First is keeping the elbows in, by doing so the player
prevents the ball from going all the way through.
• Next, the return man should “cushion” the kick by bending at his knees and
waist.
• Finally, the return man should look the ball all the way in and squeeze the ball
once it finally makes contact.

61. • One of the greatest
returners the game has
ever seen, Devin
Hester, demonstrates
the proper form to catch
a kick.
* Notice the bend in his
knees creating a cushion for
the ball.
* Also the elbows are in
tight against his body to
prevent the ball from going
all the way through to the
ground.

62. Attempting An Onside Kick
• As an attempt of trickery, or in a last effort to retrieve the ball with the game on
the line, teams will attempt an onside kick.
• The most crucial part of perfecting an onside kick is the kick. Having to go 10
yards before the kicking team must contact the ball, the kicker must have
perfect form.
• Kickers must position themselves closer to the ball than they would on a regular
kick off. The ball should have a slight lean towards the ground, while the laces
face the receiving team.
• Whereas on a regular kick the contact should be made at the base of the
football, on an onside attempt the contact should be made at top of the
football, driving it into the ground.
• Timing is extremely critical in this play.

63. Recovering An Onside Kick Attempt
• The number one thing players on the “Hands Team” should remember is, the ball
must travel 10 yards before the kicking team can recover it. By attempting to recover
the ball prematurely a player is simply putting his team at more risk.
• Hands teams are typically comprised of specialty players who can secure the ball
safely and quickly. Wide Receivers, Running Backs, Defensive Backs and even Tight
Ends are called upon to not only secure the ball, but also protect their player who
attempts to secure the ball.

64. • The onside kick is one of the
biggest bone crunching plays of
the game. With the game usually
at stake at this point players will
sacrifice their bodies to recover
the ball.
• Pictured right, a Philadelphia
Eagle attacks the ball at its
highest point to ensure his team
recovers the ball

65. Punt Team
PUNT TEAM

66. Punt Protection & Punt Coverage
• The primary job of the Punt Team is to make
sure the Punter has enough room and time to
punt the ball, this is called Punt Protection.
• After the ball has been kicked away
successfully, the punt team becomes a
coverage unit, known as Punt Coverage.

67. Punt Protection
• 2 types of protection
commonly used, Tight and
Spread.
• Tight Punt – all players are
lined up close together. This
formation is used to protect
against a potential block.
• Spread Punt – 2 split ends
(called bullets) align out wide
to cover punt.
• Copy and paste the link below
to view an unsuccessful punt
protection.
• http://www.youtube.com/wat
ch?v=q78vdME_hqQ

68. Coaching Punt Protection
• Defensive players are allowed to move around before
the ball is snapped, but the punt team must remain still
for a full second before the ball is snapped. Focusing on
having your players watch the ball and not the
defenders is key in order to avoid false start penalties.
• Coaches must understand protection schemes when it
comes to Punt team. Zone blocking is an all around
favorite for many teams. Players must understand their
zones of responsibility in this scheme.
• Coaches must prepare their team to ignore
twists, slants, angles and other defensive movements
and have their players focus on their zone assignment.

69. Punt Coverage
• After the punt has been
kicked away
successfully, the punt
team players become a
coverage unit.
• This unit must prevent
the other team from
scoring or gaining positive
yardage by executing a
proper punt coverage.
• Players are given lane
assignments to shorten
returners ability to return
the kick.

70. Coaching Punt Coverage
• Coaches need to have their
players recognize when the rush
threat ends so that they are not
holding blocks to long that
prevents them from covering
their lane.
• By coaching your player to plant
their feet and sink their hips, this
will prevent them from being
driven backwards into the punter.
• Coaches must teach the unit how
to fan out into coverage once the
ball has been kicked. Players must
first release on an angle towards
the sidelines then look for the
ball to adjust their lane coverage.

71. PUNT RETURN

72. Punt Return
• Another aspect of the Punt Team is the Punt
Return team.
• This team receives the ball on an opponents
4th down kick. The man purpose of this team is
to field the ball safely and to gain as many
yards as possible to put a teams offense in a
great position to score. Or they can score
themselves.

73. The Wall Return
• A commonly run play for the punt team is
called “Wall Return Right/Left”.
• A wall return is a punt return in which some
of the players on the return team peel off to
the left or right once the ball has been kicked
to provide the punt returner with a lane to
run the ball.
• Defenders must be coached to slow down
“Bullets” or return cannot be set up.
• Coaches must stress the importance for their
players to sprint down field to set up blocks.
• Coaches must teach players how to
communicate with one another during this
coverage, to let each other know who they
plan on blocking.
• Copy and paste the link below to view a wall
return left.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY34k7xIf
lM&feature=related

74. Football is a great sport to Coach and Play. It is important that the Coaching staff has a
game plan to teach the players. This is just a basic run down of what can be done to
make a program successful.
This game plan will allow a Coach to get a program up and running. Building on a
program from start to finish of a season is an important concept all Coaches should
implement.

75. Produced By:
Introduction: James Babin
Leadership: Brian Martin Coaching: Tommy Vallejos
Practice Planning: Elizabeth Stuart
Quarter Backs: James Babin Offensive Line: Brandon Paul
Running Backs & Receivers: Kenyetta Williams
Defensive Line: Jonathan Brewer Line Backers: Paul Tancredi
Kickoffs: Matt Smith Punt: McSolomon Dahn
Transitions & Conclusion: Paul Tancredi