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The Play Off Push - Learning from Small School Practice Structure

Oct 10, 2024 3:33 pm

Coach -

Our CoachesClinic Team of the Week is Tantall High School in Delaware.

Regardless of the division, winning with a small roster is always a challenge. It forces you to look at how you do everything, especially in regard to practice.

In 2023, Brandon Ireton, the head coach at Tatnall HS in Delaware, led the Hornets to a 12-1 record and their first state championship in 2023, and they did it with 26 varsity players on the roster.

The Hornets are off to a 5-0 start in 2024, and are outsourcing their opponents 169-41.

QB Quinn DeViere has 537 yards passing and 7TDs in a run heavy shotgun wing-t offense. The ground attack is led by Gino Greer with 383 yards and 3TDs, and RJ Moore with 266 yards and 5 TDs.

On defense, which is allowing just 8.2 points per game, Jack Homer leads the way with 42 tackles and 6 sacks.

Learning from the Small School Approach

As we head to the playoffs, what could spell disaster is the loss of a key player. Learning from the approach that Coach Ireton takes at a small school that cannot to lose a single player on their roster can prove useful in the late season.

With only 26 players on the roster, Ireton faced the challenge of managing limited resources while maximizing performance and player safety.

To reduce the risk of injury, Ireton minimized full-contact drills during practice, using controlled hitting in specific situations like ball security, blocking, and tackling drills.

Limited Live Hitting

His team only engaged in live hitting once all season, yet they excelled both offensively and defensively. They gave up only 76 points in 13 games, secured six shutouts, and rushed for over 3,300 yards. This success, he believes, was due in part to a structured practice approach that emphasized controlled reps, technique, and player development.

Managing Practice Time

Ireton also emphasized smart practice management by reducing practice times and incorporating lifting sessions twice a week. He balanced physical preparation with mental growth by integrating film study, classroom time, and player development. Every player, regardless of skill level, received consistent reps, which ensured that even backup players were game-ready when needed.

Reps for Everyone

By scripting every play during practice and emphasizing repetition and teaching, Ireton eliminated the thinking process on the field, allowing for smoother in-game adjustments. His focus on technique, repetition, and efficient use of time enabled his team to stay fresh throughout the season, leading to success despite the small roster size.

Video: Adjusting Practice