Coach

There definitely were some shake-ups in college football this past weekend, and certainly, there is plenty to learn from. Whether it’s using the game conditions to your advantage, or finding ways to keep players engaged, finding the edge now will help your team keep playing when it is win-or-go-home time.

Here are three tips to keep your team moving forward.,

#1) Stop the run

It was raining sideways at some points at Ryan Field this past Saturday, so throwing the ball deep wasn’t a thought on anyone’s mind, not even the prolific Ohio State offense, but stopping the run was certainly a priority, and the Northwestern Wildcats stood their ground for most of the game behind a stout defensive line. Coach Marty Long builds it all around being detailed and specific about the fundamentals. He shares the progression here (click on image for video):

Video: Run Game Fundamentals and Get Off

#2)Don’t forget the power of video even late season

As you get deeper into the season, don’t discount the value of showing great performance on video. What was certainly a motivator early season can still make an impact now late in the season. Josh Christian-Young, OLB Coach for Tulane incorporates this into his coaching. He explains how he uses video every day here (click on image for video):  

Video: Practice Organization

Tulane is having an outstanding year on defense at #11 Scoring16.89 points per game, #16 in total yards at 308 ypg, and #17 Passing Yards Allowed at 180.3 ypg.  

#3) If your season is over - there’s still work to be done

USFL Michigan Panther’s defensive coordinator Dan Carrel knows that you have to continuously be learning in order to improve and that includes after the season as well.  He explains what a postseason self-scout should address here (click on image for video):

Video: What should self-scout address?

Whether it’s continuing a late-season run or doing the work so that next year you are driving deep into the playoffs, there’s always plenty to learn in this game.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski