Getting Ready for The Rematch

The Lightning striking against us

OK. Well, we've had plenty of time to regroup after getting beat by the Lightning in week 2 of the season and now my team is ready for the rematch that will really be a gauge for us.  I know my team is way better than just a 1-2 team, especially since we didn't allow a TD in that first game.  All I know is that I have been really behind in my blogging but not in my planning.  

I am really hoping that tomorrow the weather will be as nice as it has been today.  My coaches have been working very hard on teaching more fundamentals of defense and making sure that our defensive backs can match the defensive line's aggressiveness.  I found myself watching practice from a different point of view.  I was actually scouting the other teams around me to see if I could pick up drills or tips on how to make our team better.  Something that I found was that several teams were working on passing.  This is ironic since I was told that "passing is too difficult to do at this level".  I didn't believe it then and I still don't believe it now.  

My team's offense is really coming together. I feel that they know the plays, their assignments and how to execute them correctly without me having to remind them about every little detail.  This is important because it is my experience that kids can't handle THAT many details all at once.  I always tell them to work on 1 thing at a time; 1 skill per week.  Quarterbacks - learn to lead your team and make that other team fear you.  Defensive Line - Make them fear you every play by constantly being in their face. Defensive Backs- DON'T GET BEAT OUTSIDE.  Coaches - Make sure the kids have fun and learn something.

We are playing the late game tomorrow so I will be scheming and thinking about ways to catch the other team off guard all day long until we get out on the field.  I just want to make sure that we play our game and do what we do best...  Play like a Champion.  I am going to close with this simplest little aspect of practice that has made me most proud the last 2 weeks... When the team breaks the huddle; they are loud and together.  That's one of the most important building blocks of any team. Working Together!

-Coach

1st day of practice is in the books!

(My Son working with the Defensive Coach)

OK - 1st day of practice is now in the books and I am happy with the overall results!  I didn't have all my players there or even both of my coaches but we were able to work on some basic drills, introduce ourselves and I even had one player "high-step" into the end zone!!! (it was immediately followed by 10 push-ups)  But I did give him props for his enthusiasm.  We have 16 days till the first game of the season and that means 2 more full practices.  I think we'll be fine.  Next practice is going to be much more structured & play specific. 

I have at least 2 kids that have never played in an organized football league but you wouldn't know it by the way they practiced their little hearts out last night.  I think the best part was that one of them came up to me and said that "That was so much fun!!" with the biggest smile on his face.  That made me smile & I knew it was going to be a good season. 

Now, if you've followed me before you already know that I LOVE trick plays.  Will I run one or two this season? SURE!!! Why not?! I mean I have to keep the other coaches guessing, right!!!??

Overall, I feel like this is going to be a great season and that my "Super Seniors", Team name:  AFTERSHOCK is going to be a success! More to come ASAP!