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Great game planning balances structure with adaptability. This week’s coaches — Ian Shoemaker (Grand Valley State), Dante Bartee (Oregon), and Garrett Clawson (Michigan) — share practical insights on how offensive formation choices, defensive identity, and punt return discipline shape winning football.

Offense: Stress the Defense with Formation in the Boundary

Video: FIB

Ian Shoemaker, offensive coordinator at Grand Valley State, explains how formation in the boundary (FIB) creates immediate stress points for a defense. By forcing adjustments, an offense can manipulate matchups and dictate structure.

“Put the three-by-one in the boundary and see what that field overhang is going to do.”

Tips from Shoemaker:

• Use FIB to test whether defenses move their nickel or adjust with linebackers/safeties.
• Identify mismatches when lighter defenders get forced into the box.
• Pair FIB with motion to expose whether the defense can handle rapid adjustments.
• Apply FIB concepts not just from spread looks but also from two-by-two sets with tight ends.

Defense: Define Who You Are and Who You’re Not

Video: Who We Are/Who We Are Not

Dante Bartee, analyst at Oregon, stresses that defensive standards must go beyond scheme. He uses “Who We Are/Who We’re Not” tapes to show effort, physicality, and accountability.

“It wasn’t schematic errors — it was effort, shots on the ball, getting knocked back. Those hidden details set the standard.”

Tips from Bartee:

• Create clear examples for players: what matches the standard and what does not.
• Highlight effort-based plays, not just scheme execution.
• Push good players harder — they need reminders not to lose the intangibles that got them there.
• Keep expectations measurable and confront lapses directly.

Special Teams: Punt Return Discipline and Pressure

Video: Punt Return Strategy

Garrett Clawson, special teams analyst at Michigan, keeps punt return simple but demanding: get the ball back. That requires fundamentals, awareness, and constant pressure.

“Our punt return goal is get the ball back. It’s as simple as it sounds, but it takes discipline every snap.”

Tips from Clawson:

• Train return units to avoid penalties that negate big plays.
• Use “deer in the headlights” alerts to call out potential fakes and prevent surprises.
• Emphasize securing the ball first, then flipping field position with consistent 10-yard returns.
• Pressure every punt attempt — even from safe looks — to create urgency and mistakes.

Plan to Win

Shoemaker’s FIB planning stresses defenses structurally. Bartee’s “Who We Are/Who We’re Not” reinforces accountability on defense. Clawson’s punt return discipline eliminates mistakes and flips field position.

Together, they remind us that game planning isn’t just about schemes — it’s about identity, execution, and details that decide games.

Good luck this week. Find the Winning Edge!

Coach Grabowski