Coach -

Zach Riempa is the Offensive Coordinator for Alma College's. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game, Coach Riempa has been instrumental in shaping the offensive strategies that have led Alma College to a 20-game regular season winning streak and a #11 finish in D3 Football in 2023.

Zach Riempa joined Alma College with a robust coaching and player development background. His innovative approach to offense and keen strategic insights have not only enhanced the team's performance but have also made him a respected figure in D3 football. Under his leadership, Alma College's offense has seen significant improvements in both efficiency and effectiveness, consistently outperforming its competition.

Today we take a look at his use of Tempo.

Playing Fast Tempo: Insights from Zach Piepma

In recent years, the adoption of a fast tempo in football has gained popularity for its strategic advantages and ability to transform an offense. Zach Riepma, a coach who has successfully implemented this approach, shares his insights and experiences playing fast-tempo football. His reflections offer valuable lessons for coaches looking to maximize their team's performance through speed and efficiency.

The Shift to Tempo

Two years ago, Riepma and his team significantly shifted to playing fast tempo. This decision was rooted in the need for change after a disappointing 2021 season. The team had been operating with various plays and formations that needed to translate better onto the field. Recognizing this, the coaching staff simplified their playbook and committed to a fast-tempo approach. The results were immediate and impactful, as Riepma notes, "I don't think it's a coincidence that it coincides with some of the success that we have."​

Aggressiveness and Control

One of the primary reasons Riepma advocates for a fast tempo is its inherent aggressiveness. By dictating the pace, the offense can take control of the game and force the defense to react. This shift from a reactionary to an assertive mindset is crucial. Riepma explains, "From a tempo standpoint, it allows us to say, this is what we're going to do. We're going to do it really fast, be really aggressive with it, and take some of the reactionary or secondary thinking out of it."

This aggressive approach is not just about speed but also about maintaining relentless pressure on the defense. By continually pushing the pace, the offense can keep the defense on its heels, leading to more scoring opportunities and creating mismatches that can be exploited.

Simplicity and Execution

Another key benefit of fast tempo is its forced simplicity to the offense. By reducing the number of plays and focusing on core concepts, the coaching staff can ensure that players fully understand their roles and can execute them quickly and efficiently. Riepma highlights that this simplification also extends to communication, with streamlined terminology that everyone on the team understands.

This simplicity is twofold: it helps the offense operate more smoothly and forces the defense to simplify their schemes. As Riepma notes, "Because of the rate of speed at which we go at, defenses have to be very calculated when they blitz us...they have to incorporate a piece of playing at a speed faster than they're probably used to."​

Increased Opportunities

Playing fast tempo naturally leads to more offensive plays per game. This increase in volume provides more opportunities to score and can wear down defenses throughout a game. Riepma explains, "More plays increase our chance to score...Tired defenses also lead to unsound defenses and mental mistakes." A fast-tempo offense can turn small gains into big plays and keep the pressure on the opposing team by capitalizing on these opportunities.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of fast tempo are significant, Riepma also acknowledges the challenges that come with it. The increased pace can lead to greater defensive exposure, as the defense will be on the field more often. Additionally, maintaining a high tempo can be demanding on the players, requiring excellent conditioning and depth to sustain performance throughout the game.

Benefits to the Play Caller

Riepma explains the Rhythm and Next Play mentality that are beneficial to the play caller and the team in this video:

Video: Rhythm and Next Play

Adopting a fast tempo in football can be a game-changer for teams looking to gain a competitive edge. Zach Riepma's experience demonstrates how a commitment to speed, simplicity, and aggressiveness can transform an offense and lead to tremendous success on the field. By understanding the benefits and addressing the challenges, coaches can effectively implement a fast-tempo strategy to enhance their team's performance.

The pace of play can certainly be debated from multiple perspectives. Coach Riempa’s insight is helpful if you choose to go fast and assert your aggressiveness.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski