Coach ,

As we did last season, we present a CoachesClinic.Com featured match-up with the spotlight on the coaches who have presented at our clinics.

We present our Week 0 Match-up of Hawaii vs. Vanderbilt.

The Game

In a game, that was lopsided to say the least last season, expect things to be more competitive this year. Hawaii was coming into a late coaching change that saw a lot of shifts in the roster and a new coaching staff coming in on the Warriors side of things. 

This was the first meeting ever between the two programs and the Commodores lead the series 1-0. Make no mistake about it this match up has the makings to be more competitive than some believe. Hawaii HC Timmy Chang has now had his staff in place and his system operating for over a year.

For two teams that finished last year below .500 they will look to kick the season off in proper fashion and work their way toward bowl status. A season ago we saw both these teams lose a combined 7 games by less than two scores. The matchup heads to Nashville this season and this will largely play into the Commodores favor. 

Regardless of what anyone says, travel has a large impact on a team and a trip across the country definitely is not the easiest thing to do in the first week of the season. 

Featured Coaches

We would like to kickoff this season and matchup by featuring courses from each coaching staff. This week we feature two Lauren's First and Goal clinics, one from each staff. 

Your featured coaches are Co-offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Ian Shoemaker of Hawaii and Vanderbilt Offensive Line Coach AJ Blazek.

Positive Response to Pressure - Rip Up

In this video, Coach Shoe explains one of their “positive response to pressure” drills which they call “Rip Up.”  This is a good drill that teaches the QB to avoid pressure by getting up into the pocket and staying on his platform for the throw. 

Video: Rip Up

Build Your Identity

At Vanderbilt, Offensive Line Coach AJ Blazek believes that it starts with building an identity.  The OL refers to themselves as “The Grease Gang.” It’s a blue collar mentality and work ethic.

He builds everything off of that theme.  In this video he explains their weekly individual work which they term “Grease Work.”

Video: Grease Work

Regardless of who you may be rooting for or whether you have a stake in this game or another HS football has started, this marks the start of CFB, and the NFL begins Sept. 7th. Good luck to you and your teams! It’s the best time of year!

Strive to Succeed!

-The CoachesClinic.com Team of Coaches Helping Coaches

More Courses from these staffs: 

Thomas Sheffield - Punt Return

Ian Shoemaker: Game Planning Formation Stressors

Justin Lustig - Building a Special Teams Culture

Special Teams Topics and Organization- Justin Lustig

AJ Blazek- Vanderbilt Pass Pro Progression

Dan Jackson - DB Techniques / Coverages to Take Away Opponents Top WR

All courses of these staffs are 33% off for this weekend