Football Plays and Drills Extras

Now that the NFL draft is over, many teams will already be bringing in their new rookies for mini-camps.

It's true that there's no such thing as an off-season in the NFL anymore and that has definitely added to the appeal of the league to many fans.

A generation ago, you basically forgot about the NFL from February to June. When training camp and the pre-season games got close, you began getting excited again. The pre-season magazines came out and you started getting caught up on what teams had done in the offseason.

Today, with the Internet and the NFL Network, many fans keep up on what's going on everyday!

And so that brings us to the mini-camps. Many teams start their camps this coming weekend, while many others begin the following weekend.

This gives the coaching staffs an opportunity to see what they have in their new rookies from the draft and any free agent pickups they took advantage of after the draft.

It also gives the fans a chance to get a glimpse of those guys they expect to "save" their teams, such as Brady Quinn in Cleveland or JaMarcus Russell in Oakland.

Click below for a schedule of the upcoming NFL Mini-Camps.

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May 2, 2007 14:30 - Releasing Keyshawn Johnson a Curious Move by Panthers

The Carolina Panthers released wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson yesterday and we find it a bit odd.

Yes, we know that Carolina drafted USC receiver Dwayne Jarrett in last weekend's NFL draft, but they just got done paying Johnson a $3 million roster bonus.

Why release him now?

We all know the track record for first year wide receivers in the NFL. Many of them struggle before breaking out in their second year.

Johnson could have (and sounded excited about doing so at the draft) mentored Jarrett and made his transition easier. They're both similar players in size and ability.

Then, next year, the Panthers could have gotten rid of Johnson.
We're saying here that Johnson gets picked up by another team and has another one of his solid (if unspectacular) seasons (he had 70 catches for 815 yards and four touchdowns last year).

One of the names already being thrown around is the Oakland Raiders. That would be interesting - Keyshawn is from California, has two kids in the area, and the Raiders just moved the sulty Randy Moss off the team.

How does JaMarcus Russell to Keyshawn Johnson and Jerry Porter sound as Johnson helps mentor a rookie QB rather than a rookie receiver?

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May 3, 2007 15:31 - Defensive Line Drill: Rapid Fire

Objective - To give pass rushers opportunity to practice multiple pass rush techniques in quick succession.

Action - Separate your defensive linemen into two groups. Form two single file lines with three players (these players act as the offensive linemen) in each line. The lines should be about 3 yards apart.

The first 2 players to act as the pass rushers line up facing the first "offensive lineman" in his line.

On the coach's whistle the defenders will perform a pass rush technique on the first player, move past him to the second player, and perform another technique. He does the same to the third player, then sprints to a cone set up about 3 yards behind and in the middle of the two single file lines.

Coaching Details - Make sure defenders are using the proper technique in their pass rush moves.

May 4, 2007 15:58 - Anthony Gonzalez Great Pick by Colts

Remember when Peyton Manning threw 49 touchdowns in 2004?

While the drafting of wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez in the first round of last weekend's NFL draft didn't get much attention, it could make the Indianapolis Colts offense even more potent in 2007.

As Colts GM Bill Polian said, "The last time we had that kind of threat from the slot was when Brandon Stokley was healthy in 2004. That was the year Peyton Manning threw 49 touchdown passes."

Many people don't realize how important a quality slot receiver is to go along with your wideouts (such as the Colts' Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne), but Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz said...

"A great slot receiver can put incredible pressure on safeties. If your slot receiver is good, you can control coverages, particularly against the Cover 2 teams. The slot receiver can move that middle safety on a Cover 3. If you can move that safety, you open up things on the outside."

So while everyone (us included) is raving about what the New England Patriots have done this offseason to improve their offense, the Colts are keeping up.

The big question is how the Colts defense will be able to stop the Patriots offense as they've lost another linebacker and both starting cornerbacks this offseason.

Looks like the Patriots/Colts matchup next fall will be a shootout. Remember, the Pats got their own slot guy when they traded for ex-Miami Dolphin Wes Welker two months ago.

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May 5, 2007 19:10 - Tight End Drill: Release Drill

Objective - Teach proper release for tight ends.

Action - Place two bags about three yards apart on the line of scrimmage.

The tight end positions himself between the two bags with a defender lined up across from him. Coach should tell the defender which type of technique to play and the tight end which route to run.

On the coach's signal, the tight end makes an escape move and releases out into the route.

Make sure all tight ends get enough reps and that the drill is run with an outside and inside release.

Coaching Details - Make sure tight ends are in the correct stance before the snap.

Teach players to perfect the art of releasing into the route without getting knocked out of the release zone. Use different defensive alignments, such as outside and inside shade, head up, etc.

May 6, 2007 08:44 - Steve Smith Hopes New Offense the Right One for Panthers

"All the new wrinkles, they're interesting. If you want to compare it, it's like sitting in coach and then moving up to first class.''

That's what Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith said yesterday regarding the new offense being installed by new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson.

In the new offense, Smith will be put in motion more often in an attempt to get him more productive.

After a fantastic 2005 season in which he made 103 catches for 1,563 yards and 12 touchdown, 2006 was marred by injuries and less impressive numbers for Smith (83 catches, 1,163 yards, 8 touchdowns).

While those are good numbers for most NFL wide receivers, more is expected out of Smith.

That's partly why former offensive coordinator Dan Henning was let go and Davidson brought in.

Time will tell if this new offensive philosophy will help get Smith back on track and help elevate Jake Delhomme's game to where it was when the Panthers went to the Super Bowl.

If not, Carolina fans better hope the theory that all David Carr needs is talent around him to be successful is the correct one.

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May 7, 2007 07:08 - The Running Game

When coaching football, which type of running attack do you want to employ?

• Power Football
• Finesse Football
• Quickness Football

Part of your decision will be made based on your type of players as well as your own football coaching philosophy. Here's a very quick breakdown of the three styles...

Power Running Attack
The theory and philosophy here is to use double-team blocks in order to overwhelm the defense with more players than they can block at the point of attack. You can utilize your offensive linemen for the double-teams or bring in your fullback to help; or both.

Many power plays use a double-team block by the linemen on the defensive tackle or end as the fullback comes through to seal off the playside linebacker for the tailback.

Additionally, using a power formation with a tight end as well as three backs, you now can hit the point of attack with two separate double-team blocks to get your running back into the second and third tiers of the defense.

Finesse Running Attack
This type of running attack uses deception. "Read" plays such as counters, traps, and reverses are used to fool the defense.

Quickness Running Attack
The idea here is to hit the point of attack before the defensive players have a chance to react properly. If you can get the ball carrier into the line of scrimmage, many quick-hitting plays can go for nice gains.

Examples of plays you can run for quickness are the quarterback sneak, the halfback dive, and the fullback buck.

May 9, 2007 21:35 - The Old Tennessee Wing Power Offense

One of the oldest power running game attacks is the old Tennessee sing-wing attack, used many, many decades ago.

The play series used most often with this attack was the off-tackle play.

This was a play where the strong end and wingback double-teamed the defensive tackle, while the blocking back and fullback tandem blocked the defensive end.

The tailback helped fool the defensive end by faking a wide end-around run, then cutting back behind the tandem block.

A fullback buck was used often for a power play inside.

A simple play, the linemen pushed ahead in a shoulder-to-shoulder wedge and the fullback looked for the hole.

One problem with the Tennessee wing was that the plays were slow in hitting the hole. Today's faster defensive players would attack the holes too quickly.

Additionally, the Tennessee wing needed a great triple-threat player who could withstand great punishment to play tailback. Without this type of player, it was tough to run this series of plays.

May 10, 2007 22:43 - The Quickness Running Game

In the quickness game, rather than using power blocking such as the wedge, one-on-one blocks are predominant.

Because the backs are hitting the hole very quickly, blockers don't need to sustain their blocks for very long to be effective.

In an I-formation, the fullback is in good position for a quick-hitting play. Two basic I-formation fullback plays are the fullback counter trap and the fullback buck, both straight up the middle.

Another effective quick play from the I-formation is the pitchout from the QB to a wide set halfback, especially if the defensive end is crashing inside.

In a T-formation offensive set, the fullback buck is once again effective. Additionally, the halfback dive works well (with the halfback lined up behind the guard/tackle gap).

May 12, 2007 08:55 - The Finesse Running Game

Even if you run predominantly a power running attack or rely more on the quick-hitting plays, you should have a few finesse plays in your arsenal.

These are the types of plays that involve misdirection, and therefore, can cause defenders to hesitate on that play as well as keep 'em guessing the rest of the game.

One type of finesse play that can be quite effective when called at the right time is a reverse.

You can get creative with reverses.

You can run a reverse with the wingback, receiver, or tight end being the ball carrier.

A reverse can come all the way across the formation or even end up as an inside run, such as an inside reverse to a tight end.

Another play series you can run with misdirection is a trap play, commonly called the "counter trey" today.

Common misdirection plays are the tailback counter (from an I-formation), a cross buck, and a counter trey in the one-back set.

May 13, 2007 09:14 - Proprioceptive Training

One of the main components of proprioception is your kinesthetic sense. That is your ability to sense where your body is in space. But that’s only one component unless your sport happens to involve standing or lying in space.

You must also be able to sense and control your body’s movements.

Balance is also a key element to proprioception. You will not perform your sport very well if you fall down all the time. Balance is also a key to generating power.

The benefits of proprioceptive training to the healthy athlete are many. With increased balance athletes are less prone to injury. Athletes may also become quicker - in athletic terms this mean they can change direction faster.

Proprioceptive training helps them make more precise movements with less effort.

So, the benefits break down to safer, more efficient, quicker, and more precise movement. What athlete wouldn’t want that?

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May 15, 2007 23:03 - Receiver Fundamentals

A good passing game makes a huge difference in your ability to win games. Granted, at the youth football level, running attacks dominate. But there are still situations where a pass is needed: third and long, last two minutes of the half, etc.

Players - Don't you want to master your wide receiver fundamentals and become the one who can break the game wide open? You need to learn these football fundamentals first, then practice the heck out of them.

Coaches - We know you want to teach your players how to develop their wide receiver skills and help them enjoy success. Teach them to understand these fundamentals and they'll be on their way!

Wide Receiver Fundamentals

Getting Off the Line

You can't let the defender knock you off your route before it ever gets started. The idea is to get past the defender and not let him push you parallel along the line of scrimmage. You need to learn how to burst off the line and use a fake to get behind the corner.

One fake to use is the "head bob"...

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May 17, 2007 23:19 - RB Fundamentals

The running back fundamentals you must master include running with both power and finesse, catching passes out of the backfield and blocking.

Players - You must dedicate yourself to developing your running back skills. Put the time in on the practice field and watch the difference it makes during games as you begin to dominate.

Coaches - Understand the football fundamentals of running the ball. Then put your players into the best position for success where they can utilize their talent to the fullest.

Put the following running back fundamentals to good use.

Stance

The stance a running back uses will be dictated by the type of formation and individual ability.

If lateral movement is needed, as well as the ability to "see" the defense well, a two-point stance is good. You can stand almost upright or be in a semi-crouch when utilizing a two-point stance. In the semi-crouch, you'll be able to move forward more quickly as well as make good lateral movements...

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May 21, 2007 17:55 - Quarterback Fundamentals

The quarterback is the focal point of the offense.

Quarterbacking is a skill. And just like any skill, whether or not you become better or worse depends on whether or not you're practicing the correct quarterback techniques and fundamentals.

You must have a deep desire and willingness to learn.

Do you want to be great bad enough that you're willing to listen to constructive criticism from your coaches?

Are you willing to take time to really understand the correct techniques for playing the QB position consistently?

Drop-Back
You can use a crossover or backpedal drop-back technique.

For the crossover drop, make your first step out with the passing side foot, then crossover with the opposite leg. Continue this until you reach your set-up area. The crossover will get you to your passing spot more quickly than the backpedal but you do lose sight of backside defenders.

For the backpedal drop, step back with the passing side foot by using your toes to push off. You won't get to the set-up area as quickly, but you will gain vision of the entire field.

To be well-rounded, develop both of these football fundamental types.

For more quarterback fundamentals, click link below...

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May 24, 2007 18:14 - Getting to the Next Level

The offense included Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Tommy Maddox who went against a defense consisting of Joey Porter, James Farrior, and Kendrell Bell.

The opposing sides lined up against each other, the referee blew his whistle to start the play clock, Tommy Maddox called out the cadence, then the ball was snapped... from that instant, the phrase "The Next Level" was defined for me.

To me "The Next Level" is not a title you gain, e.g. Professional Football Player; it's more a state of mind, an attitude and way of thinking when competing.

Therefore, I have come up with three characteristics that I believe all athletes must posses in order to achieve "The Next Level".

• Play, Practice and Think with 100% Effort
• Be Able to "Flip the Switch" Once the Whistle Blows
• Dominate...

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May 25, 2007 12:20 - Football Kicking Tips

Every successfull coach will place a premium on special teams and the kicking game.

How many games have been lost because the extra point couldn't be converted and now you're stuck going for two everytime?

Football kicking skills are vital to the success of your team.

Use the following kicking tips to develop your teams's football kicking skills and improve your ability to score more points in the red zone.

1) The bottom of your shoe should be about parallel to the field as you hit the football.

2) The ball doesn't go through by accident. It takes consistent practice.

3) Kicking with the side of your foot as opposed to the "straight on" method will make you more accurate...

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