Coach -
Every Sunday, Game Planning Tips brings you ideas from coaches who are doing it at the highest level — insights you can apply to your own preparation as you build your plan for the week ahead.
This edition focuses on how movement, mindset, and structure create clarity across all three phases of the game:
- Using shifts and motions to control the defense
- Building a third-down mindset rooted in anticipation and teaching
- Coaching kickoff coverage through time, space, and accountability
Catch Last Week's Game Planning Tips here.
Let’s dive in.
Offense – Utilizing Shifts and Motions to Benefit Your Offense
Mark Carney | Head Coach, Kent State University
For Coach Carney, shifts and motions are more than window dressing — they’re how an offense controls the game.
Special note: Congratulations to Coach Mac! He just had the interim tag reomved and is now the Head Coach of Kent State University!
His system categorizes movement by who moves and when, using pre- and post-formation adjustments to dictate matchups, expose coverage, and control tempo.
- Shifts: rebuild the formation before the snap.
- Motions: adjust the picture without resetting.
- Purpose: uncover disguise, manipulate leverage, and give the quarterback clarity.
“We don’t move just to move. Every shift or motion has intent — it helps the quarterback and it helps the offense.”
👉 [Watch the Clip]
Defense – Building a 3rd Down Mindset and Process for Defensive Success
Adam Fuller | Safeties Coach, San Diego Chargers
Third down is where defenses define who they are. Coach Fuller’s approach begins with communication — teaching defenders to understand the mindset before the call.
He categorizes every third-down scenario so players know what to expect before the snap:
- Sheriff (1–6 yards): run/pass balanced – anticipate quick game.
- Marshal (7–10 yards): route combos, zone beaters.
- Deputy (11+ yards): deep drops, contain and finish.
Each category has its own coaching points, language, and film-study process that helps players react with clarity instead of hesitation.
“We don’t start with the call. We start with the mindset. Then the call fits into that framework.”
👉 [Watch the Clip]
Special Teams – Coaching Kickoff Coverage Through Time and Space
Jake Schoonover | Special Teams Coordinator, Ole Miss
For Coach Schoonover, kickoff coverage is the first play of defense — and it’s coached with the same precision.
He teaches coverage through time and space, training players to understand their lane relationships and how to compress the field in phases.
Three Coverage Zones:
- Speed Zone: kickoff to the 30 – accelerate and maintain spacing.
- Combat Zone: 30 to 20 – take contact head-on, no drifting.
- Finish Zone: inside the 20 – swarm and finish tackles.
“Kickoff is courage and accountability in motion. When you understand time and space, you play faster — and you finish.”
👉 [Watch the Clip]
Closing Thought
From scripting offense to teaching situational defense to refining special teams detail, the best coaches create clarity before the whistle blows.
Clarity builds confidence.
Confidence builds speed.
Speed wins games.
Keep refining your process this week.
– Coach Grabowski
🏆 Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation
Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation supports pediatric brain tumor research and families affected by cancerthrough football.
Since its founding, LFG has raised over $2 million through clinics and community events led by coaches nationwide.
Join the mission or register for this year’s coaching clinic series at 👉 laurensfirstandgoal.org
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