Coaching Football Special Teams

Image : http://www.flickr.com

I called a friend of mine who is the Head Coach at a Big East Football team and we talked about how his football team coaches special teams., these are some of the comments made during that interview.

One of the first things they try to do is to let the kids know there are areas where we can achieve certain goals on special teams. Clearly the skilled players want to be on the special teams. They want to touch the football. But the question is how do you draw the interest of the other players on the special team who do not get to touch the football? How do you keep the left tackle on the extra point team interested? We came up with an award for the special team player of the year based on a point system. We went out and got the largest trophy we could find. It is about three-feet high. We wanted to get the biggest and gaudiest trophy we could find. We wanted our players to see the trophy every day. The trophy cost us about $100. The bang for our bucks came from the fact that we saw our kids change their attitude on how they could win the special teams player of the year. If you are going to emphasize something you must give the players a carrot, and we did that with the trophy.

In our team room we have three distinctive goals and the goals are displayed on banners. The banners are 12-feet wide by eight-feet tall. They are prominent in our team room. When you walk into our team room it is unmistakable that we have special team goals, offensive team goals, and defensive team goals.

Let me go over our special team goals

Win

Better than average field position after kickoff than opponent

Better net punt average than opponent

Score or set up a score

Give the offense the ball at least one time on the plus -50-yard line

Never give the opponent the ball on our side of the 50-yard line

Perfect execution on holds, snaps, and ball security

Have at least one game breaker - score, block a punt, block a kick, recover an onside kick, cause a turnover, recover a turnover, down a punt inside the 10-yard line, 60 yards of field position change

No penalties

Win the hidden-yardage game - kickoff - kickoff return - punt - punt return

First is to win. That is our first goal. The reason we try to stay away from numbers on the net punt average is the fact there are so many obstacles that may not allow us to achieve these goals.

If we get someone who kicks the ball in the end zone or there is a penalty after the kick, it can eschew the numbers relative to better kickoffs for the opponents. What we want is the average. The same thing is true with having a better punt return average than our opponents.

If you break down the film, you will find the special teams set up a lot of your scores. And a lot of the times the coaches do not even talk about that point. You do not build the creditability into your special teams. You tend to lose it in its perspective.

We want to give the ball to our offense at least one time on the plus 50-yard line.

There are several ways to make this happen. It could be by a punt, pressure, or on any of our kickoffs. We want our kids to understand what we want in this respect.

When we had all of the numbers as goals, such as getting the ball on the 25-yard line, or return the ball 25 yards, they do not remember those things.

On the other hand, we do not want to give our opponent the ball on our side of the ball.

We want to have perfect execution on all special team plays.

We want to have at least one game breaker.

The one point here that we think is big is to down a punt inside he 10-yard line. To us, that is a game breaker. If you do the job on defense you will probably set up a score or get into a potential scoring situation.

All of these are great goals. But the one goal that we work on more than any other is the last goal: win the hidden yardage game.

Let me categorize hidden yardage. Here we are talking about the kickoff, kickoff returns, punts, and punt returns.

We use the 25-yard line on kickoff returns and 35-yards net on punts and calculate the yards. Let me give you an example. If we have a team that kicks the ball out of the end zone on us, it means we would start the ball in play from the 20-yard line. This means we are at a minus 5 yards in hidden yards against our opponents. Conversely, if we had a kickoff that we returned to the 50-yard line, we would have a plus 25 yards on the hidden yardage.

We do the same thing on punts. We use 35 as the magic number.

If we had a punt that netted 50 yards, we would be plus 15 yards in the hidden yardage.

If you keep track of these hidden yards, you will find they make a difference in winning and losing.

Those numbers are going to come back to you better than some of the other numbers you may throw at your players when you put up your goals. You want to make sure when the players leave the meeting that they know what hidden yardage is. If you can get your players to understand hidden yardage, you are going to win a lot of battles.

We want to put some competitive goals into the special teams, so we came up with a point production chart.

On the chart we have team points and individual points. We feel it is important if you are on a particular team to have a chance to get points on the special teams.

Our long snapper came within four points of winning the award this year. Our left guard was in the top three for the special team award. So we have team points that we give out for punt and extra point as well as individual points. If you do not do this the skilled players will run away with the award.

TEAM POINTS - (10)

Score

Block a punt

Block a kick

Recover an onside kick

Successful fake

TEAM POINTS (3)

Stop a fake

Down a punt inside 10-yard line

TEAM POINTS (2)

Kickoff return of plus 30 yards

Punt return of plus 10 yards

INDIVIDUAL POINTS (10)

Cause a turnover

Recover a turnover

60-yard field position change

INDIVIDUAL POINTS (5)

Game winning field goal

Involved in 15 or more plays

INDIVIDUAL POINTS (3)

De-cleater

Tackle

Key block on return

Exceptional effort

4.0 hang time on kickoff or touchback

4.5 hand time on punt or 40-yards net with fair catch

INDIVIDUAL POINTS (2)

Assisted tackle

INDIVIDUAL POINT (1)

Doing your job on every play on a special team Victory award.

The coach who is responsible for that particular team grades the film. There is some flexibility in the system and we do have minus points. If you get a penalty you get minus 5 points. On any missed assignment you receive minus 5 points. The kids are going to see the chart on Sunday. That is the first thing we talk about in our team meeting.

We have the chart in our team room. You can see how we chart the players each week. On the left-hand side of the chart we have all of the players listed. We grade the film and give the players the points they earn in each area. On the left side of the chart are the team points and on the right side of the chart are the individual points. Also on the right outside of the chart we have the players' total points for the last game.

I think it is important to have this information displayed in the locker room so the kids can see how they are being graded on the special teams. We are trying to build some ownership in this team. This chart will help you build your case for special teams.

We have another chart where we keep a running total of all the games. Each week the kids can see where they rate on the chart. They can come into our meeting knowing they earned a certain number of points from the last game or knowing they lost a certain number of points. We think the chart is good because the kids can see where they stand game by game.

This system really works for us. It keeps our kids motivated each week about the ranking for winning the special teams trophy!

For more information about coaching football special teams go to the website listed below.

Related : polk audio systems Polk audio shirt football Speakers Notebook

NFL fools was a gift for fans of the NFL.

Image : http://www.flickr.com

NFL Fatheads have become the number 1 gift for fans of the National Football League. It seems like just yesterday that these fun, innovative products were introduced, but now they have become immensely popular. They aren't just for kids rooms either. They can be used in offices, game rooms, garages and nearly anywhere else. So take a look at some of the great products you can find, the cheap NFL Fatheads that are available and the benefits to owning them.

Of course the most popular NFL Fatheads are the players that are showcased. There is at least one player available from every single NFL franchise. Meanwhile the most popular franchises have upwards of a dozen players. The selection for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants is huge.

New players are always being added to the rotation of available NFL Fatheads. That's one of the really great things, that all of the big players and fresh faces are showcased. You can be sure that during the year and after the year, all of those breakout names, new rookies and more will be available.

Plus when big players switch teams you will be able to find them on their new squad as well. This season Brett Favre became the first player to ever have an NFL Fathead available from three different teams. After time spent with the Packers, Jets and now the Vikings, there are fans all over the country that have Favre on their wall in a variety of uniforms and looks!

You can find much more than just current NFL players however. You can also find cheap NFL Fatheads for retired greats and legends. Fathead has been expanding the amount of retired players they showcase, and you can now display some of the true all-time greats in the game. Whether you want to relive your early days of being a fan, or you want to instill those old school legends to the next generation, these are really great, unique gifts.

Fathead also expanded into a line of NFL furniture. You can find leather NFL Fathead chairs and recliners in several different styles. Every team has these available, and you can find some with cup holders and other amenities as well. Some are entirely black with the team logo on them, and others have colored panels showcasing the color of the team as well.

Clearly, cheap NFL Fatheads are here to stay, and it will be very interesting to see what else they come up with next. So if you don't know what to buy the NFL fan in Your life or yourself, it's free Fathead NFL Head or two after a long period of time "today and you will love the real, true, and Dick has a good head of the team and players you want.

Thanks To : Comment review amazon product polk audio systems buy window7 Car Sparepart Shop Jeans comment and review

City Failed to Reach the 4th

Manchester City failed to rise to number four while the Premier League standings, on Sunday (25 / 4). The Citizens only played a goalless draw against a strong team, Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Seizing the fourth English Premier League this season is no less exciting with the seizure of the first position. Chelsea and Manchester United took turns filling the top positions in the last three weeks this season. Fourth place or last place to get into next season's Champions League zone contested by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Manchester United's game this week to temporarily pushed into the top position after beating Spurs 3-1. The result is an opportunity for Roberto Mancini's squad to be able to shift from the safe zone Hotspur Champions League with a requirement to pick full points from Arsenal at the Emirates today

However, it seems luck has not sided with the city. The Gunners are still too strong to be conquered, let alone play at own game. Can hold 0-0 draw with Arsene Wengar team has been a fair enough result for the club, who recently was suddenly rich. Facing the team that stuck in third place this time, Man. City can not do more in the game today. Because, in the first round Carlos Teves et al. never bother goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. This situation caused most of the City players busy doing defense and difficulties to build a dangerous counter attack.

In the second half after Emmanuel Adebayor enter The Citizen occasionally can be done to pressure Arsenal. However, the host did not loosen the attack, especially when substitute Nicklas Bendtner Theo Walcott signed. Strikes, strikes Gunners far more dangerous in front of goal City. Swift pressure to City defense. City, forcing Shay Given had to fall up to secure post.

As a result, minute-76 goalkeeper was no longer able to continue the match due to injury in his shoulder after a hard kick to block the release Abou Diaby. Gunnar Neilsen Given that replaces the task may look good with an opportunity to confront all Arsenal until the game ended.

The draw makes Manchester City remains stuck in fifth position achieve standings with one point in three games left this season. While more difficult to shake Arsenal in third place despite the Premier League title chances have been closed.

Recommend : polk audio computer speakers digital thermometer Levi @ Bestmagicprices.info

How To Become A Professional Soccer Player

So you want to be a soccer star? Well there's a few things you need to know. First, you have to have the right shoes. It is a fact that a pair of lightweight, well designed shoes can improve your performance a lot. Also, keep yourself up to date on all the latest soccer news and tips by reading hot soccer magazines. Another important thing to do is to train with players that have a high enough skill level to challenge your skills and make you improve. Good teams and clubs can be found at high schools and university and of course at the community, city or provincial level.

In order to play well, you also have to be trained in strength training and endurance training. This is why it is not a bad idea for a team to have a general fitness trainer along with the regular soccer coach. Great excercises include pushups for the chest, situps and sprinting for the abdomenal muscles, and squats for the thighs. By spending time on individual soccer skills and perfecting them, you can improve your performance during a game a lot. The diet is also very important. Keep away from too many foods that are high in sugar, eat a lot protein, and get your fruits and vegetables.

And last but not least stay focused and dedicated mentally and make sure you love the game so you can score a GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL!

Friends Link : Polk Audio RM6750 5.1 shirt football garden

I Want to Start an Auto Dealer and Car Lot Cleaning Business

If you like cars would like to start a business that has something to do with automobiles perhaps you will consider cleaning off the cars at new car lots. There are many benefits to this if you like automobiles because you will see all the latest models and wash all the nicest cars.

Perhaps you have seen mobile car wash companies at the car lots with their hoses out and high-pressure washers cleaning up all the cars? Generally these companies charge anywhere from 80 cents a car to upwards of 3 dollars depending on the number of cars on the lot and the amount of competition in the area.

To properly clean auto dealer lots you'll need a pressure washer of about 2500 PSI preferably with a Honda Motor and about 300 ft. of hose. It also makes sense to have a large water tank so you can clean the cars even when you're at the very corner of a lot where there is no water outlet.

Generally everyone in the auto dealer business talks to each other and many of the salesman will work at one car lot for a while and then go work for another car lot and this is how everyone gets to know everyone else in the business. This is of benefit to you if you run any mobile car wash specializing in cleaning dealer lots because you can use this to your advantage through asking for referrals. If you do one car lot and you do it very well the other car lots will notice that their cars are clear and they will want to hire you to keep up with the competition.

The more car lots to do right next to each other the more efficient you can operate and the lower the price you can afford charge and the more money you'll make. Cleaning car lots is not an easy business and it is a lot of hard work but there is a lot of work to be had and thus it makes a very good home business. Perhaps you'll consider this in 2006.

Related : Polk audio Tablet Nokia underwear

Youth Soccer Rules for the Beginner Coach

The Basic Rules

The following are some of the most commonly observed youth soccer rules, as dictated by the United States Youth Soccer Associations (USYSA) and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Remember that youth soccer rules can vary between leagues and age divisions, so always consult the local soccer authority for the final word on rules and regulations.

Each team is comprised of 11 players- 10 on the field and 1 in goal. According to youth soccer rules, a team is allowed a maximum of 3 substitutions during the match if it is part of an official competition. While all the players on the field must wear jerseys of the same color, the goalkeeper must wear a different colored jersey than their teammates and the referees. Most goalkeepers choose to wear a goalkeeping jersey, a pinnie or mesh training vest, or a t-shirt.

All players must wear shin guards both during practice and game play that must be covered with socks. Metal cleats are not permitted during youth soccer play. Only rubber cleats in the back of the shoe will be accepted.

A soccer match lasts 90 minutes, and is played in two halves. A team scores a goal when the entire ball has traveled across the goal line between the two posts and under the crossbar.

Hands Off

Arguably the most important rule in the game of soccer is that players are not allowed to use their hands or arms (from the tips of the finger to the shoulder) to move the ball while it is in play on the field. The sole exceptions to this rule are the goalkeepers. However, a goalkeeper may not use their hands on a pass that comes from one of their own teammates.

The 3 Kicks: Goal, Corner, and Penalty

When the ball is kicked out of bounds along one of the sidelines, a player from the opposite team gets to throw the ball onto the field at the point in which it went foul. Both feet must remain on the ground when throwing the ball in from the sidelines, and the throw must be executed overhead using both hands.

If the ball crosses the end line, a corner kick or goal kick is performed. If the offensive team was the last to touch the ball before it crossed the end line, then it is kicked in from any spot inside the goalkeeper's box, hence the name goal kick. Any player may execute the goal kick, not just the goalkeeper. If it was the defensive team that kicked the ball across the end line, it is kicked back into play from the corner nearest to where it left the field.

Penalty kicks are also a big part of youth soccer. If the defending team causes a contact foul or a hand ball within the penalty area, a penalty kick will be awarded to the offensive team. The ball is placed 12 yards away from the goal in the center, which is known as the penalty spot.

The goalkeeper must keep both feet on the goal line and all players must vacate the penalty area and remain outside until the ball is kicked. If a goal is not scored and the ball bounces back onto the field, it is still considered live, thus anyone can play it.

Friends Link : polk audio computer speakers polk audio systems Jabra

What You Need to Know Before You Buy New Soccer Shoes Or Cleats

So you need some new soccer shoes? Simple, or it should be, but with so much choice which ones do you go for? Remember, you can buy a great pair of cleats without spending a fortune, but it pays to do some research first. You might think that with such a huge variety of soccer cleats on the market that it's all about fashion, and whilst that certainly plays its part, there is much more to choosing the right cleats than just going for the same make and style as your favorite player.

If you are mainly playing your soccer on soft ground you should consider shoes with screw in studs. These have the advantage of providing high levels of grip, and are longer lasting. You can easily replace the studs when they wear, and you can buy studs or blades in different lengths to suit the conditions in which you are playing. The tip of the studs is often made of metal or very durable plastic and it is actually this part which is known as the 'cleat.'

If you are playing on harder surfaces, the preferred choice of soccer shoe is the firm ground type which generally have molded studs or cleats. Unlike traditional soccer boots, these do not have removable studs or blades. They provide great grip on medium hard surfaces (dry grass, for instance) and have become increasingly popular in recent years. Most major soccer shoe manufacturers now offer firm ground cleats in various styles.

If you play on very hard or artificial surfaces (such as astroturf) you should consider hard ground soccer shoes. These are easily identified by their closely molded studs which usually cover the entire sole of the shoe. Whilst they are great for hard surfaces or for playing on astroturf, hard ground boots should be avoided if you are play on softer surfaces as they will not generally provide sufficient grip.

The upper part of modern soccer shoes can be made from various materials. Some of the more expensive shoes have leather uppers, whilst less expensive varieties may be made of synthetic materials. Leather uppers will provide great comfort and are preferred by many players who appreciate the additional 'feel' on the ball that the softer surface provides. Leather soccer shoes often take some time to 'wear in', and many players prefer them to be a slightly tighter fit when new, knowing that they will quickly become more comfortable in use. Soccer cleats with leather uppers benefit from a little additional time spent in cleaning, but you don't need to treat them with dubbin, which was the traditional way of looking after your boots. Nowadays there are many sports shoe cleaners and conditioners which are much easier to use and will keep your new soccer shoes waterproof and in great shape.

The two most important factors in buying the right soccer shoes are the sole design and stud pattern and, of course, comfort. It is important to try several pairs of cleats before making your final choice. More expensive soccer shoes will likely be made of finer materials with additional styling features and they may also be slightly more comfortable when new, but if you are on a tight budget do not always discount soccer shoes which are cheaper. Most major manufacturers such as Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Umbro and Puma produce high quality cleats to suit all pockets. Before you play or train in your new boots, try wearing them around the house for a while to speed the break in process and remember to avoid concrete or other hard surfaces to minimise the wear on the studs or blades.

Good luck in buying your new cleats!

Thanks To : shirt football Printer