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Strategic planning for youth footballGary McCulleyThe Football Academy1What coaches should be thinking and planning during Spring, Summer, Fall, and WinterCoaching MaterialsALL MATERIALS MENTIONED IN THIS PRESENTATION ARE AVAILABLE FOR FREE @ www.thefootballacademy-llc.comClick on youth coaching material link forThis presentationPractice plan templatesGame day plan templatesSub package templatesBusiness Card TemplatesSample playbooksIntroductory Letter to Parents and PlayersExample Team Rules, Expectations, and ConsequencesAnd other materials for youth coaches2AgendaIntroductions What is the GFA Coaching Committee and why are we here?Youth Football Strategic PlanningSpring SummerFallRegular SeasonPlayoffs / Post SeasonWinter3IntroductionsWho are we? GFA Coaching CommitteeRob Michael CoordinatorJim WeybrechtTerry MahanHoward McMurphyGary McCulleyWhat are we doing? Recruit, interview, assist, and mentor GFA coachesWhy are we doing this? To optimize the overall quality of the program and to prepare kids for High School Football4Advanced PlanningWhy do it?Success thrives with advanced planningPrepare to be successfulAvoid crisis management later onBrian Kelly exampleCoach Kelly plans the entire year - to the minuteIncluding walking to practice field, using the restroom, etc.Plan your work, work your planEverything should have a purposeDont do something just becausePractice like you want to playHuddle dynamicsConditioning vs 2 minute drill

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Spring PlanningJan May6Spring (Jan May)Jan - March: Prepare for Head Coach interviewsMarch - May: HC candidates to be interviewedMarch -June: Head Coaches selectedOnce selected as a head coachHead Coach to interview, select, propose and agree on roles and responsibilities for assistant coaches and business manager(s) see next slideEntire staff to discuss and agree upon philosophies (offensive, defensive, who will coach coachs sons, etc.)Decide on how to get offensive plays in the gameWristband, hand signals, messengers, etc. buy earlyHC should arrange pre-season scrimmages for mid to late August vs. quality opponents (suggest picking last years champion and/or runners up ideally 2 scrimmages before the regular season starts this will be the forcing function to get your team prepared for the regular season)

7Select / Recruit AssistantsBest if done early, prior to registration(March-April)Clearly establish responsibilitiesOffense, defense, play calling, special teams, etc.Establish team rules togetherEstablish team philosophySelect / Recruit AssistantsEstablish/Discuss Offense and DefenseSuggestionsPick an offense and defense that plays to your players strengthsDifficult to do prior to being assigned a teamTalk with High School coaches in the areaPick an offense that kids will see when they attend high schoolIf most of the kids on your team will attend WFHSE.g. Talk with Coach Campbell - Implement Blackhawk offense/defense (adjust for youth kids)9

Offensive Play Call FormatWhen selecting an offense, select an offense that kids can easily and quickly learn play call should speak to every positionExample Pass Play: PRO - FLANK LAKE VEGASPRO: Back formation: Tells Running backs where to line upFLANK: Receiver Formation: Tells Receivers (X, Y, Z) where to line upLAKE: O-line Pass Protection Scheme: Tells Offensive Lineman which protectionVEGAS: Route Package: tells Receivers which routes to runExample Run Play: GUN FLANKER 26 POWERGUN: Back formation: Tells Running backs where to line upFLANKER: Receiver Formation: Tells Receivers (X, Y, Z) where to line up26 POWER: TELLS BACKS/RECIVERS/O-LINE WHERE BALL IS GOING AND WHATAT TO DO

10PRO - FLANK LAKE - VEGASXTGCGTYZQBLOSVegas Route PackageX and Z run 5 yard postsY runs 2 yard arrowInstruction: 3 step drop - QB reads SS - He cant be two places at onceIf SS goes with Y, hit ZIF SS goes with Z, hit YMust be bang-bang ball needs to be airborne in less than 3 sec.32BMFSCBSS11ExampleSpring: Jan May (cont.)Get to know Players (March-July)Stay within the rules (i.e. draft, boundaries, etc.)Attend baseball, basketball games, other football leaguesDo not over promise / over commitAll players will be evaluated fairly no favoritesEveryone plays, but the best players play the mostOnce parents begin coming to youMy son plays QB Ive watched you coach QBs and I want him to play on your teamThats great he will be given every chance to play QB, just like the other 2 QBs that played for us last year.

12Summer PlanningThis is the most active planning phase: May Late July13Summer: May - JulyPlan/Hold Informal working sessions with previous & prospective players to go over offense and defensive concepts, formations, QB/WR/RB timing, etc.Advise players of summer football camps that are offered in the areaYouth Speed camps / strength / conditioning offered by High Schools in the areaPremier Camp and Combine weeks of 6/11 and 6/18 (M thru Thurs.)Passing leaguesASU/UA camp(s)Be an ambassador of the GFA where appropriateTalk to parents, potential playersBusiness cards? (see thefootballacademy-llc.com)14Example June Schedule15

ExampleMay-July (continued)Begin preparing introductory packet that will be sent to the team (once team is finalized)Items to includeTentative practice August practice schedule (including 2 scrimmages vs. quality opponents, once scheduled)Tentative regular season practice schedule (M-W-F, or Tu-Th-F, or Tu-Th, etc.)Fundraising commitmentsPoker night, t-shirts, etc.Team rules and expectationConsequences if rules are brokenPlaybooks (if appropriate)

16Dates to Remember3/24/12: Future Pro Camp @ Mountain Pointe High School3/27/12: CHS night camps (every Tuesday thru May 1st)5/11/12: TFA Youth Camp 6p-9:30p @ WFHS (TBD)6/5-6/8: ASU Youth camp6/11 6/21: TFA Premier Camp and Combine @ Gilbert High (TBD)Mon thru Thurs over two weeksCombine: speed, agility, player evaluations7/28/12: Saturday:Team Fundraiser: Poker Night @ HC house7/30/12 Monday: First Day of AYF Practice helmets only8/2/12Thursday: Thurs: shells8/6/12Monday: full pads - no contact8/7/12Tuesdayfull pads - live on dummies8/8/12Wednesdayfull pads, full contact17

May July (cont.)Formalize month of August schedule this is important significant potential to get ahead of the curve if you plan ahead and plan smartThink through Pre-season Practice Milestones1st Day of practice have a very crisp practice plan for this day: start slow, dont try and install your entire offense on this day go slow, explain your offensive and defensive philosophies, start with the basics, etc.1st Day of pads - Think through 1st day of pads have a very crisp practice plan for this day: start slow, work up to full speed contact keep distances close18May July (cont.)Think Through Pre-season August milestones (cont.)Get tough practice to determine what you have: Have a signature get tough drillOklahoma drills3 cone drillEtc.typically late in the 1st week of pads or early in the 2nd - this may vary team to team head coach should know team and know when to have this keep it close1st ScrimmagePlan on having at least 50% of your 1st game offense and 75% of your 1st game defense installed by the time you have your first scrimmage2nd ScrimmageUsually the last week of August Suggest scheduling on a Thursday before 1st game week, give the team Friday off. Plan to have the majority of your offense and defense installed at this point.

19These are the forcing functions to get your team prepared Importance of Down DaysPlan down days after the 2nd or 3rd week of full padsExamplesschedule a walk through in shellshold barbecue and/or hold dodge ball game in lieu of practice, etc. even consider canceling practice if team needs a break

20Example August Schedule21

ExampleBuy Equipment EarlyFootball Equipment hits stores in May/JuneWristbands for QBWater bottlesPadsEtc.22Late JulyOnce assigned a team, Send introductory email to team with packet info described previouslyIdeal if you schedule informal ice breaker for team, (e.g. barbecue, dodge ball at Freestone Rec center, etc.) work with Team Mom(s)Decide on any apparel preferences so parents can buy before sold outSeek Uniformity in Game and Practice UniformsBlack socks, mid calf?23Once players are assigned to you (continued)Once players are assigned to youSend letters addressed to players and parentsSet expectationsEncourage summer football camp/summer league/summer conditioning (attend if possible take notes)Passing leaguesImplement passing gameEncourage Development campsEncourage College campsASU, UA, NAUEncourage High School Camp attendanceSend out playbook? send electronically to players if possible (once registered see example next slide)

24PRO - FLANK LAKE - VEGASXTGCGTYZQBLOSVegasX and Z run 5 yard postsY runs 2 yard arrowInstruction: 3 step drop - QB reads SS - He cant be two places at onceIf SS goes with Y, hit ZIF SS goes with Z, hit YMust be bang-bang ball needs to be airborne in less than 3 sec.32BMFSCBSS25ExampleOnce Team Has Been Selected (cont.)FundraisingHold fundraising even once team has been selected but prior to first gameEveryone hates fundraising try and have funSuggestionsHave it the Saturday night before practice beginsParents only no football talkPoker night, etc.Parents onlyGreat way to meet the parents in non-football environmentFood/drink/pokerBowling

26Late July, Early August Pre-Season PracticeAlways Prepare and have well defined practice plansHave a lesson plan for each and every practicePrepare practice plans the weekend beforePlan down to the minute, but allow for flexibilityOK to deviate from practice plan, but have to have one to startEarly season practice will look different than late season / playoff practice plan appropriatelyBe organized have a strategy for each opponent

27First Week of PracticeGet to know / Assess the team (pre-season, if possible)Be honest and impartialHave a tryout day if requiredUse measurables to help40 yd dash, pro agility, catching, throwing, hitting", previous tackle historyKeep a record (for parents..)

28Role of HCLead Assistants by exampleCoach the coaches if warrantedEstablish Offense and Defense (with staff input)Be the interface to parents and leagueBe a good steward with equipmentSpokesperson for fund raisingSet expectations earlySettle disputesLead by example be selfless, own your mistakes, and move on

29Role of HC (continued)Not a dictatorship, but HC has final sayValue everyones opinion, say thanks allotSet good behavior examples (especially when things go bad in a game)Solicit their staff input let them do their jobAlways set a good exampleDont lose control maintain composure, alwaysNO CURSING IN FRONT OF THE KIDS (tough to do)30Avoid Parent Issues by setting expectationsSet clear expectations from the startFund raisingPlayer evaluationsPlaying TimeBe honest regarding their sonsTalentWork ethicAttitude.All of which will give a good indication of playing timeOpen Line of communicationIf there is a problem, come talk to me lets work it out31HCs relationship with kidsPlan, plan, plan kids can recognize when you know what your are doing compared to faking itEarn their trust, win their heartsKeep it positive, upbeat, up tempoHave well defined practice plansNo standing around in practice (2 drills vs. 1 drill once technique is established max reps)Coach by the Golden RuleBe honest and fair, in all circumstancesHave patience, especially with low/medium talent kidsDo not favor, over coach, etc., your own kid(s)Give written tests extend learning time see next slide32Example Test Problem33

ExampleRegular Season34Game Week PreparationSundayWATCH GAME FILM FROM SATURDAY IF YOU HAVE IT EVALAUATE THE GOOD/BAD/UGLY

WATCH UPCOMING OPPONENTS FILM (IF YOU HAVE ACCESS)

IDENTIFY OPPONENTS DEFENSIVE FRONTS/SECONDARY

PUT TOGETHER YOUR GAME PLAN BASED ON IDENTIFIED OPPONENT WEAKNESSES AND YOUR TEAMS STRENGTHSCreate NEW PLAY/GADGET, if desired

Game Week PreparationOffensive Practice PlanPRE PRACTICE-SKILL (PASS GAME): 15 minutesGROUP FUNDAMENTALS: 20 MINUTESPASS GAME FUNDAMENTALS: 20 MINUTES OL PASS PRO FRONTSSKILL ROUTESIMPORTANT: SCRIPT PLAYS (WRIST BAND FOR QB)9 0N 9 INSIDE RUN VS ALL FRONTS (NO WRS-CORNERS/CARDS): 10 MINUTES/12 PLAYS 9 ON 9 OUTSIDE RUN VS ALL FRONTS (NO WRS- CORNERS/CARDS): 10) MINUTES/12 PLAYS11 ON 11 PASS (BLITZ/CARDS): 15 MINUTES/ 12 PLAYSSee next slides for example level of detail

Sample Offensive Practice PlanTIMEPERIODACTIVITY NOTES6:15 6:30 (15)Pre-practiceSkill playersO-lineQB-Receivers: formations from the huddleO-Line: practice handwork and footworkQBs/receivers: huddle break (flanker, flank, slotter, slot, x-flanker, x-flank, spread)O-Line: work on river, lake, L step, Power L step vs. air6:30-6:45 (15)Warm-upsDynamic and static stretchorganized, upbeat & efficient6:45-7:10 (20)Fundamentals break into 3 groupsO-LineBacksReceiversStance, footwork, handworkTiming, handoff, ball securityStalk block, hand drills, routesEmphasize proper techniqueEmphasize proper depth & exch.Emphasize blocking & catching7:10-7:15 (5)Water break7:15-7:30 (15)Inside Running Game

PLAY CALLFLANKER 26 POWER (20) NEAR FLANKER - 36 POWER (26) SLOT - 26 POWER (4) SLOTTER - 24 BLAST(5) FLANK - 22 ISO (6) XFLANKER 25 COUNTER(15) FLANKER 22 ISO (7) FLANK 23 ISO (8) NEAR FLANKER - 36 POWER (26) SLOT - 26 POWER(4) FLANKER 22 ISO(7) FLANK 23 ISO (8) DF183524128312Run inside running plays that you plan on running vs. this weeks opponent DEFENSIVE FORMATIONSRun vs. opponent defensive sets Emphasize O-line assignments vs. even and odd fronts (center covered and un covered : 40 fronts and 50 fronts)Sample Offensive Practice Plan (cont.)TIMEPERIODACTIVITY NOTES7:30 7:35water7:35-7:50 (15)Outside Run Game

PLAY CALLFLANKER 28 PITCH (8)FLANK 29 PITCH (7) SLOT 28 PITCH (2) SLOTTER 29 PITCH (1) DEALER 28 PITCH (10) DEAL 29 PITCH (11) FLANKER 28 PITCH (8) FLANK 29 PITCH (7) SLOT 28 PITCH (2) SLOTTER 29 PITCH (1) DEALER 28 PITCH (10) DEAL 29 PITCH (11) DF123456123456WORK OUTSIDE PLAYS THAT YOU PLAN ON RUNNING VS UPCOMING OPPONENT DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS

RUN VS ODD/EVEN FRONTS OF YOUR OPPONENT.Sample Offensive Practice Plan (cont.)TIMEPERIODACTIVITY NOTES7:50-8:10 (20)

Pass GamePLAY CALLX FLANKER FIRE RIVER CUT (22) X FLANK FLASH LAKE CUT (21) SLOTTER RIVER VEGAS (24) PRO SLOT LAKE VEGAS (23) DEALER RIVER VEGAS (30) DEAL LAKE VEGAS (31) FAR FLANK 34 PWR PASS (13) SLOTTER 24 LAKE Y CK ME (19) SPREAD FLANK RIVER WHEEL (31) FLANKER FIRE RIVER CUT (22) X FLANK FLASH LAKE CUT (21) SLOTTER RIVER VEGAS (24) PRO SLOT LAKE VEGAS (23) DEALER RIVER VEGAS (30) DEAL LAKE VEGAS (31) FAR FLANK 34 PWR PASS (13) SLOTTER 24 LAKE Y CK ME (19) SPREAD FLANK RIVER WHEEL (31) DF876510111269876510111269

Run plays that you plan on running in the game vs. opponents Defensive Formations

8:10-8:25 (15)SPECIAL TEAMPUNT TEAMPUNT TEAM OR KICKOFF TEAM8:25-8:35 (10)CONDITIONINGFOOTBALL RELATEDEX..NO HUDDLE OFFENSE;PUNT COVERAGEEND

Game Week PreparationFriday Practice Plan Suggestions (if scheduled)SCRIPT FIRST 10 PLAYS FORMATIONS/RUN GAME/PASS GAMELETS YOU SEE HOW DEFENSE ADJUST TO YOUR FORMATIONS WITH FRONTS & SECONDARYAfter 10 plays, call plays based on what the defense is showingThink at least 1 play aheadQUICKLY THINK ABOUT:DEFENSE, DOWN, DISTANCE, & FIELD POSITIONGET PLAY INTO QB QUICKLYGIVE HIM ENOUGH TIME TO CALMLY CALL THE PLAY TWICE IN HUDDLETHINK ABOUT THE NEXT PLAYIF THIS PLAY IS SUCCESSFUL, WHAT SHOULD WE CALL NEXTIF THIS PLAY IS UNSUCCESSFUL, WHAT SHOULD WE CALL NEXTGame Day Ideas/Strategies41Game DaysHave a game day schedule minute by minute, just like in practice. You dont want to be late or in a hurry before a game (warm-ups, offense, defense, specials, sub packages, etc.)

42Game Week PreparationGAME DAYCOACHING RESPONSIBILITIESASSIGN POINT OF ATTACK RESPONSIBILITIES TO STAFFIMPORTANT: CANT HAVE ALL EYES ON THE BALL!!!!WR COACH-SECONDARYRB COACH-DEPTH OF BACKS/BLOCKING ASSIGNMENTOL COACH- DEFENSIVE FRONT/ BACKSIDEOC-POINT OF ATTACKNOTE: FIND THE FREE SAFETYHE WILL TELL YOU WHERE TO ATTACK ACCORDING TO YOUR FORMATIONS

Sub Package StrategiesYou may not have the luxury to have all the best kids on the field at the same timeRed Squad: 6 - #1s, 5 -#2sWhite Squad:5 - #1s, 6 - #2sOnce everyone has their plays:Gold Squad: 11 - #1s best players on the fieldSee www.thefootballacademy-llc.com for sub package templates

44PLAY CALLING 101HAVE ONLY 1 PLAY CALLER!!!! CANT HAVE TOO MANY CHEFS IN THE KITCHEN IF OC IS NOT THE HC, REMEMBER, YOU WORK FOR HIM

USE FORMATIONS THAT BALANCE YOU TO RUN BOTH TO AND AWAY FROM A TESLOTTER/ACE FORMATIONS: 4 PLAYS/8 FORMATIONS/MOTIONS (PITCH OUT OF FLKR & DLR)

ALWAYS ATTACK A 3 MAN SIDE OPEN SIDE LEAD/POWERYOU HAVE A NUMERICAL ADVANTAGE 4 GUYS TO BLOCK 3

HAVE A PLAY PASS FOR EACH POWER RUN PLAY (ISO/POWER/LEAD) EXAMPLESLOTTER F 24 LAKE Y CK ME

PLAY CALLING 101 (cont.)5. EARLY PASSING GAME SUCCESS OPENS UP RUNNING GAME6. CALL PLAYS THAT PUT YOUR TEAM IN POSITION TO WIN THE GAME

DP/SD/JEFF TEDFORD

7. SCRIPT 8. ID WHAT PLAYS GET YOUR OFFENSE OFF THE BALL WHEN HAVING A TOUGH TIMEEACH YEAR IS DIFFERENT9. KEEP CALLING WHAT THEY CANT DEFEND, IF YOU WANT TO WINCOULD BE A 3 PLAY GAME10. PLAY PASS ON 1ST / 2ND DOWN11. HAVE A FORCEFULL O-LINE ON 1 SIDE / 2ND UNIT ON OTHER SIDE/TOP RBS WITH BACKUPSHAVE A GO TO SIDE OF THE LINE WHEN YOU NEED TO GET 3 YARDS

GAME WEEK PLANNING SUMMARYGame week planning: Have a plan for the weekBe organized: think through every day of the weekPrepare an offensive and defensive practice planShare with assistants at least 1 day before practiceScript out first 10 plays of the game, based on tendenciesPrepare for Game DayScript out pre-game activities to the minute, just like practice never be caught off guard stay cool, calm on game day do not blow-up on game dayPlay callingOne play caller play caller should have studied opponents defensePrepare a QB wrist band and a coaches play sheetUtilize a Balanced attack/formationPractice the plays you will call in the gameAttack weaknessKnow your go to plays dont be afraid to call them consecutivelyPlayoffs / Post Season48Post Season (cont.)Eliminate plays that have not been successful, install plays that play to your strengths (not too many new plays)Playoff logisticsIf you get to travelEnlist help of parentsMay have to hold supplemental fundraiser(s) to cover costs of travelHold end of year team dinner/banquet after last gameEnlist help of parentsCharge a nominal fee to cover costsMake it nice, with structure and organization not just a Chucky Cheese partyCollared shirts, respect, well behaved49Off Season50Off Season (December-February)RestRe-assessWhat worked, what didnt?Talk to other coachesEncourage participation in other sportsJeff Tedford / Mike BellotiAttend other sporting events (win their hearts)51Dates to Remember3/24/12: Future Pro Camp @ Mountain Pointe High School3/27/12: CHS night camps (every Tuesday thru May 1st)5/11/12: TFA Youth Camp 6p-9:30p @ WFHS (TBD)6/5-6/8: ASU Youth camp6/11 6/21: TFA Premier Camp and Combine @ Gilbert High (TBD)Mon thru Thurs over two weeksCombine: speed, agility, player evaluations7/30/12 Monday: First Day of AYF Practice helmets only8/2/12Thursday: Thurs: shells8/6/12Monday: full pads - no contact8/7/12Tuesdayfull pads - live on dummies8/8/12Wednesdayfull pads, full contact52

SummaryPlan AheadSuccess is a cruel masterThink Through everything you will doDoes it prepare your team to do well?If not, eliminate itPractice like you want to playE.G. During team phase, dont walk to the huddle and tell the QB which play to call stand away from huddle and give plays like you would in the gameIf you dont know, ask!No one knows everything (Urban Meyer, Chip Kelly, etc.)The best coaches are always learning and asking53Best Wishes for a Productive Season