Quarterbacks' five-step drop is similar to the three-step drop but does have two extra steps and offers more options. The five-step drop is used for slower developing plays, with the receivers running deeper routes. Routes requiring the quarterback to take a five-step drop, giving the play time to develop. The advantage is he can throw a hit and throw or a hitch and throw pass. This article will focus on the quarterback footwork and the two passing techniques and a training drill for the quarterbacks five-step drop.
The Steps
Step 1: Your first step is taken with the same foot as your passing hand side. You want this step to be explosive and long as you pull back from center. To ensure and explosive first step and long stride you want to transfer about 70% of your weight to the opposite foot.
Step 2: This is a simple cross over step, you can back peddle but it is harder to get that forward momentum at the end of your five-step drop. The best footwork is the cross over.
Step 3: This is another straight back step with the throwing hand leg.
Step 4: This is the second and final crossover footwork in the 5 step drop.
Step 5: This is the plant step with the foot on the passing hand side.
As you are dropping back, keep your eyes straight ahead reading the defense. Watch for your receivers with your peripheral vision or on crossing routes as they come into view.
Remember, while you are reading the defense, the D-backs are trying to read your eyes.
Also while you are setting up looking for the open man, keep your feet moving so you are not caught flat footed. It is easier to set with moving feet and deliver a crisp pass.
Hit & Throw Technique
The hit and throw technique is a quickly delivered pass.
If you see your receiver coming open as you drop back, set your plant foot, aiming at your target. Pushing off your back foot follow through and deliver the ball.
Hitch & Throw Technique
The hitch and throw technique adds another step to your footwork. As you drop back and plant your back foot setting up, you roll your weight forward to the front foot and take a small hitch step before delivering the ball. This added hitch step will give you increased velocity and distance for the longer passes.
Training Drill
This drill will increase leg strength and add explosiveness to your five-step drop. You use a bungee cord attached to a snuggly worn waist belt.
As you drop back from the center you want your training partner to pull on the cord giving you resistance that will make your steps harder to take and build that strength in the legs and buttocks needed for your drops.
Once you have completed the five step drop, with the training partner pulling on the cord, do the side to side training steps, practice setting up. This will give you the strength and power you need for explosive steps and sharp passes.
In conclusion you now know the quarterback footwork, two passing techniques and a training drill to have an effective five-step drop.
See our selection football training videos and see our list of quarterback footwork training videos.
Visit us at Quarterback Training and see our entire list of quarterback training equipment and training videos for quarterbacks
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Cornerbacks How To Read Three Step Drops
As a cornerback you are lined up with the receivers and need to cover the receiver while trying to read the offensive play. It is important that you be able to read the drops a quarterback uses. To know what direction the play is going. If it is a three-step drop that means shorter routes, faster plays and you need to react faster. This article will discuss how to cover the receiver and read the quarterback to tell if it's a three-step drop.
As a cornerback you line up across from the receiver but your eyes are in the quarterback while you watch the receiver with your peripheral vision.
When the ball is snapped you want to back peddle keeping the receiver in front of you while you are watching the quarterback. If he takes a three-step drop you want to shorten your steps, so you can react to the receiver and the ball.
The three-step drop means shorter faster developing plays. The pass will usually be a quick hitter timing route.
As you back peddle and you see the three-step drop, shorten your steps so you can better cover the receiver pivoting in what direction he goes.
Usually the receiver will break to his inside allowing you to cheat up on the route. Keep your eyes on the quarterback as you break in and the receiver in your peripheral vision, allowing you to read the quarterbacks eyes and possibly break ion the ball for a pick.
In conclusion reading the quarterback for a three-step drop is easy, keep your eyes on the quarterback, and the receiver in you peripheral vision, using short back peddling steps so that you can cover the receiver no matter which way he breaks and have a shot at breaking up the pass or getting the interception, reading the three-step drop.
See our Defensive Back Training Vidoes
As a cornerback you line up across from the receiver but your eyes are in the quarterback while you watch the receiver with your peripheral vision.
When the ball is snapped you want to back peddle keeping the receiver in front of you while you are watching the quarterback. If he takes a three-step drop you want to shorten your steps, so you can react to the receiver and the ball.
The three-step drop means shorter faster developing plays. The pass will usually be a quick hitter timing route.
As you back peddle and you see the three-step drop, shorten your steps so you can better cover the receiver pivoting in what direction he goes.
Usually the receiver will break to his inside allowing you to cheat up on the route. Keep your eyes on the quarterback as you break in and the receiver in your peripheral vision, allowing you to read the quarterbacks eyes and possibly break ion the ball for a pick.
In conclusion reading the quarterback for a three-step drop is easy, keep your eyes on the quarterback, and the receiver in you peripheral vision, using short back peddling steps so that you can cover the receiver no matter which way he breaks and have a shot at breaking up the pass or getting the interception, reading the three-step drop.
See our Defensive Back Training Vidoes
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Quarterback Three-Step Drops
The quarterback three-step drops are for quick hitting pass plays. These plays are usually high percentage plays that are commonly called timing routes. Using a quick three-step drop; quarterbacks deliver the ball quickly in what is also called a hit and throw technique. The Pass patterns are short and usually the receiver is open only for a instance or two. The quarterback must take his drop quickly and efficiently, delivering the ball on the final step of the quarterback three-step drop.
***3-Step Drop****
A. Your first step is a large step with your lead foot. The lead foot being the same side foot as your throwing arm.
B. Your second step is a crossover step with the foot opposite your passing arm.
C. Your final and third step should place you around 5 yards deep, away from the linemen blocking.
The third step is your plant step, as you land on the plant foot, most of your weight should be on your plant foot. Your body should leaning some what forward towards your target. Now you are ready to throw the pass.
As you drop back, you want to be bringing the ball up with both hands to protect that ball and get your arm cocked and ready to deliver the pass. At the same time your eyes should be forward, looking over the field reading the defense and looking for your open target.
You want to practice this drill around 10 times daily and make sure you avoid any forward steps. The success of the three-step drop is quickness followed with decisive action of getting the pass off.
There are quarterback football training videos available on the three-step drop.
Three-Step Drop Training Videos
For a complete list of all our quarterback training aids and training videos visit us at QuarterBacks
***3-Step Drop****
A. Your first step is a large step with your lead foot. The lead foot being the same side foot as your throwing arm.
B. Your second step is a crossover step with the foot opposite your passing arm.
C. Your final and third step should place you around 5 yards deep, away from the linemen blocking.
The third step is your plant step, as you land on the plant foot, most of your weight should be on your plant foot. Your body should leaning some what forward towards your target. Now you are ready to throw the pass.
As you drop back, you want to be bringing the ball up with both hands to protect that ball and get your arm cocked and ready to deliver the pass. At the same time your eyes should be forward, looking over the field reading the defense and looking for your open target.
You want to practice this drill around 10 times daily and make sure you avoid any forward steps. The success of the three-step drop is quickness followed with decisive action of getting the pass off.
There are quarterback football training videos available on the three-step drop.
Three-Step Drop Training Videos
For a complete list of all our quarterback training aids and training videos visit us at QuarterBacks
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Football Speed Training | Acceleration
Football speed training is taking on more important role in football training; speed has become King in football. Speed training has become just as important as the weight lifting programs. Coaches and players alike recognize they need power to be faster and the need to incorporate football speed training in their football training regimens, whether it is in season or off season, football speed training has taken on a more significant role and part of that role includes acceleration
Coaches are recognizing offensive and defensive lineman need speed acceleration to explode on the LOS. Running backs need to accelerate to hit the holes and receivers to get that step on the defensive backs. Flat out speed is good, colleges are looking for the players that can accelerate to top speed the quickest. This article will focus only on the acceleration aspects of football speed training.
Successful speed training for football must include exercises that will focus on the fast twitch muscles. Fast twitch muscles determine your speed and reaction time. Most speed training programs overlook this facet of speed training, focusing on strength and power.
***Fast Twitch Muscles***
Fast twitch muscles are the muscle fibers responsible for speed and quickness and should be trained separately from the muscles you train for strength and power.
An example of fast twitch muscles is the thigh flexor muscles. Frequently this muscle group is overlooked in most football sped training programs. Yet the faster you can raise your thighs upward and forward, the quicker your muscles react and the faster you accelerate, hitting the open hole, getting that step, speeding past a defensive back or just exhibiting break-away speed from would be tacklers.
***Exercising Fast Twitch Muscles***
How do you effectively speed train fast twitch muscles? Isometrics combined with resistance training.
Yes isometrics, they focus strictly on one specific muscle group. Resistance training gives them the strength needed for explosive reaction acceleration, whether you are a ball carrier looking for that break-away speed or a lineman needing to move quickly side to side.
The resistance phase of the isometrics is applied using resistance bands, flexing the fast twitch muscle fibers. Isometric resistance training develops important muscle memory for that explosive quickness, as you condition your muscles for speed you will be training the muscle nuero pathways which creates muscle memory.
In conclusion adding isometric resistance training allows you to focus on your fast twitch muscles for your football speed training. This will increase both your speed and reaction time. Fast twitch muscles train faster then the slow twitch muscles that build strength and power. When you are looking at sped training programs, make sure they include working the fast twitch muscles for your football speed training.
Coaches are recognizing offensive and defensive lineman need speed acceleration to explode on the LOS. Running backs need to accelerate to hit the holes and receivers to get that step on the defensive backs. Flat out speed is good, colleges are looking for the players that can accelerate to top speed the quickest. This article will focus only on the acceleration aspects of football speed training.
Successful speed training for football must include exercises that will focus on the fast twitch muscles. Fast twitch muscles determine your speed and reaction time. Most speed training programs overlook this facet of speed training, focusing on strength and power.
***Fast Twitch Muscles***
Fast twitch muscles are the muscle fibers responsible for speed and quickness and should be trained separately from the muscles you train for strength and power.
An example of fast twitch muscles is the thigh flexor muscles. Frequently this muscle group is overlooked in most football sped training programs. Yet the faster you can raise your thighs upward and forward, the quicker your muscles react and the faster you accelerate, hitting the open hole, getting that step, speeding past a defensive back or just exhibiting break-away speed from would be tacklers.
***Exercising Fast Twitch Muscles***
How do you effectively speed train fast twitch muscles? Isometrics combined with resistance training.
Yes isometrics, they focus strictly on one specific muscle group. Resistance training gives them the strength needed for explosive reaction acceleration, whether you are a ball carrier looking for that break-away speed or a lineman needing to move quickly side to side.
The resistance phase of the isometrics is applied using resistance bands, flexing the fast twitch muscle fibers. Isometric resistance training develops important muscle memory for that explosive quickness, as you condition your muscles for speed you will be training the muscle nuero pathways which creates muscle memory.
In conclusion adding isometric resistance training allows you to focus on your fast twitch muscles for your football speed training. This will increase both your speed and reaction time. Fast twitch muscles train faster then the slow twitch muscles that build strength and power. When you are looking at sped training programs, make sure they include working the fast twitch muscles for your football speed training.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Quarterback Stance Training
Good quarterbacking starts with a good quarterback stance. Being comfortable and having good balance in your stance can make the difference in a play starting off smooth or being blown up. This article will focus on the basic steps you need for quarterback stance training.
After you break the huddle and approach the LOS and center, plant your feet shoulder width apart, feet pointing straight ahead. The equal weight distribution will give you the proper balance you need under center.
You want your head up giving you a clear field of vision. Have your eyes looking straight ahead, looking over the defensive scheme so you can read the play called by the defense.
As you settle into your quarterback stance, you want your shoulders slightly in front of your hips for comfort and balance. Remember once you take the snap, you will need to explode away from the center.
Extending your arms toward the center, place your hands under center. Have your hands one on top of the other the passing hand on top. Palms open, your fingers spread, have the middle finger lined up with the center’s inseam.
Keeping yourself comfortable and well balanced, arch your back and be slightly bent at the waist.
The knees should be slightly bent in your stance. This will allow you to easily receive the ball and pull away from the center. Slightly bent knees will help you quickly explode out of your stance, avoiding foot entanglement with the center or other linemen.
In conclusion you want to be comfortable and well balanced under center. Practice the steps listed in the article, they are the basics you need to practice for quarterback stance training.
Visit us at http://scoretouchdowns.com/qb_videos.html and see our complete selection of quarterback training videos.
Se our complete line of quarterback training equipment at http://scoretouchdowns.com/quarterback_training_aids.html Use this link http://scoretouchdowns.com/pro1364193.html and see the 47 second video for PassBack Football
After you break the huddle and approach the LOS and center, plant your feet shoulder width apart, feet pointing straight ahead. The equal weight distribution will give you the proper balance you need under center.
You want your head up giving you a clear field of vision. Have your eyes looking straight ahead, looking over the defensive scheme so you can read the play called by the defense.
As you settle into your quarterback stance, you want your shoulders slightly in front of your hips for comfort and balance. Remember once you take the snap, you will need to explode away from the center.
Extending your arms toward the center, place your hands under center. Have your hands one on top of the other the passing hand on top. Palms open, your fingers spread, have the middle finger lined up with the center’s inseam.
Keeping yourself comfortable and well balanced, arch your back and be slightly bent at the waist.
The knees should be slightly bent in your stance. This will allow you to easily receive the ball and pull away from the center. Slightly bent knees will help you quickly explode out of your stance, avoiding foot entanglement with the center or other linemen.
In conclusion you want to be comfortable and well balanced under center. Practice the steps listed in the article, they are the basics you need to practice for quarterback stance training.
Visit us at http://scoretouchdowns.com/qb_videos.html and see our complete selection of quarterback training videos.
Se our complete line of quarterback training equipment at http://scoretouchdowns.com/quarterback_training_aids.html Use this link http://scoretouchdowns.com/pro1364193.html and see the 47 second video for PassBack Football
Saturday, January 24, 2009
How To Be A Football Long Snapper
Being a long snapper in football is a very over looked, yet important position in the game. Long snappers are not noticed unless they make a mistake, and just like a kicker or punter if they make a mistake. it is a glaring one. Like snapping the ball, dribbling back to the holder or punter, or worse flying over his head. Either way the job of the long snapper can impact the game. He must get the ball back quickly and accurately or create dire consequences. The focus of this article will be the basics you need to become a good long snapper.
***Stance***
Foot placement, when you are standing over the ball place your feet shoulder width apart plus six inches. Make sure your feet are pointed straight ahead to ensure the proper balance.
As you bend over to grip the ball you may adjust the width of your feet for purposes of comfort.
***Snapping Stance***
Now that you are in your stance you are ready to get into snapping position. You want the ball about one yard in front of you. As you come forward to grip the ball, you want your weight to transfer to the balls of your feet.
Bending your knees slightly, you are ready to come forward, bend at the waist extending your arms forward 90 to 95 % to grip the ball. Make sure your back is flat, feet firmly planted and that you are not leaning to far forward. Balance is critical and must be maintained before and after the snap. You need good balance to snap the ball and to explode off the LOS after the snap to fulfill your blocking duties.
***Gripping the Football***
Snap Hand Position
Think of the long snap as backward pass, gripping the football in the similar fashion of a quarterback. Place your forefinger and middle finger more towards the end of the ball and your thumb on the underside opposite your middle finger. These are considered your “touch fingers” and the ball should roll off them as you hike the ball.
***Guide Hand***
Your guide hand is exactly what the name implies. It is the hand you use to guide the ball back to the recipient.
You want the football resting on the finger pads of your guide hand with your finger pointing away from you and towards the tip of the football. The finger pads are the area of the finger between the finger tips and your first joint.
It is important only this area of the guide hand touch the ball. Neither hand should have the palm in contact with the football.
***Snapping the Football***
Now you are ready to snap the ball. With your guide hand on top and your snapping hand under the ball, you hike the ball using both arms, pulling back with equal force. As you pull the ball back, roll the ball of the finger tips of the snapping hand. Remember this is really a backward pass. Ball spin, accuracy and sped are important.
With your guide hand on top of the ball as you pull back, you snap both wrists towards your fore arms; this creates the velocity needed to get the ball back fast. Remember there are defensive rushers dedicated to trying to block the punt or kick.
*** The Finish***
Now that you have snapped the ball, both palms should finish open and upwards and your fingers pointing towards the punter/kicker.
In conclusion start with a good balanced stance, moving forward to grip the ball, make sure your snapping hand holds the ball similar to how a quarterback does. Griping the ball with your guide hand gives you the aim you need to snap the ball to the recipient.
There are several DVDS about long snapping, this article gives you the basics of how to become a football long snapper.
Please use thie link Long Snappers and see our selection of long snapper DVDS at the botom of the page.
***Stance***
Foot placement, when you are standing over the ball place your feet shoulder width apart plus six inches. Make sure your feet are pointed straight ahead to ensure the proper balance.
As you bend over to grip the ball you may adjust the width of your feet for purposes of comfort.
***Snapping Stance***
Now that you are in your stance you are ready to get into snapping position. You want the ball about one yard in front of you. As you come forward to grip the ball, you want your weight to transfer to the balls of your feet.
Bending your knees slightly, you are ready to come forward, bend at the waist extending your arms forward 90 to 95 % to grip the ball. Make sure your back is flat, feet firmly planted and that you are not leaning to far forward. Balance is critical and must be maintained before and after the snap. You need good balance to snap the ball and to explode off the LOS after the snap to fulfill your blocking duties.
***Gripping the Football***
Snap Hand Position
Think of the long snap as backward pass, gripping the football in the similar fashion of a quarterback. Place your forefinger and middle finger more towards the end of the ball and your thumb on the underside opposite your middle finger. These are considered your “touch fingers” and the ball should roll off them as you hike the ball.
***Guide Hand***
Your guide hand is exactly what the name implies. It is the hand you use to guide the ball back to the recipient.
You want the football resting on the finger pads of your guide hand with your finger pointing away from you and towards the tip of the football. The finger pads are the area of the finger between the finger tips and your first joint.
It is important only this area of the guide hand touch the ball. Neither hand should have the palm in contact with the football.
***Snapping the Football***
Now you are ready to snap the ball. With your guide hand on top and your snapping hand under the ball, you hike the ball using both arms, pulling back with equal force. As you pull the ball back, roll the ball of the finger tips of the snapping hand. Remember this is really a backward pass. Ball spin, accuracy and sped are important.
With your guide hand on top of the ball as you pull back, you snap both wrists towards your fore arms; this creates the velocity needed to get the ball back fast. Remember there are defensive rushers dedicated to trying to block the punt or kick.
*** The Finish***
Now that you have snapped the ball, both palms should finish open and upwards and your fingers pointing towards the punter/kicker.
In conclusion start with a good balanced stance, moving forward to grip the ball, make sure your snapping hand holds the ball similar to how a quarterback does. Griping the ball with your guide hand gives you the aim you need to snap the ball to the recipient.
There are several DVDS about long snapping, this article gives you the basics of how to become a football long snapper.
Please use thie link Long Snappers and see our selection of long snapper DVDS at the botom of the page.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
How To Punt The Football
Punting is a very important part of the game. Punters like kickers are the most closely scrutinized players on the field. Unlike the other players who can jump off sides, start to early, the punter doesn’t get a second chance unless the defense has a penalty. Each punting situation is different. You need to know how to punt the football for each set of circumstances. Do you punt away, quick kick or employ a rugby style kick. Regardless you punters have to get it right the first time. This article will give you the basics of how to punt the football.
Preparing to punt
Preparing to punt starts with your stance. Balance in your stance is vital, have your legs about shoulder width apart and your kicking foot about a half foot width behind your non punting foot.
Your body is squared with line of scrimmage and your arms bent in an L shape with your hands in front of you.
How to receive the snap
With your body squared to the line and hands in front, you are ready to receive the snap. Your eyes must be focused on the long snapper and the ball. Eying the defense and trying to read the rush can cause a muffed snap reception and put your team in a big hole.
Steps
As the ball is snapped, watch the ball all the way into your hands. The punting side hand should be on the end of the ball closes to your body.
While you position the ball in your hands, laces up, take a half step with your kicking foot full step with your non punting leg. This will build up the momentum for punting the ball. Your head is down looking at the ball, watching as your punting leg comes up meeting the ball and you kick through the ball.
Different types of punts
Field position or a hard rush can require you to use a different style punt.
Pooch Punt
This style of punt is designed to get a lot of air under the ball. You will sacrifice distance for height. To get air under your punt, hold the tip of the ball slightly up and the punt the ball. The more the tip is pointed up, the more air you get under the ball.
Rugby Kick
The Rugby Kick can be used to avoid a hard rush or to get a lot of roll on the ball.
Executing the Rugby Kick is taking one step back with your punting foot, and then a side a step, the follow up step is with your kicking foot kicking through the ball. Rugby Kicks don’t produce a lot of height, are difficult to get a good run back on and should give you a lot of role.
Quick Kick
This punt is used when the snap is slow getting back and or the rush won’t allow for a Rugby Kick.
The quick kick is taking one step with the non punting leg and then bringing the kicking leg up, foot meeting the ball with the follow through. You won’t get as much height or distance on the ball, but it is better than having your punt blocked or being sacked with the ball.
Wide Snaps
If you get a wide snap, side step to the ball keeping your eyes on the ball and body squared to the line of scrimmage. A cross over step can cost you time or have you tripping over your own feet.
Over the head snaps
If the ball is snapped over your head, turn to the backside and pursue the ball. The backside is the opposite side of your kicking leg. As you come up behind the ball scooping it up you will have your kicking leg on the outside and in position to make the punt.
In conclusion these are the basics of punting. Becoming a successful punter takes more than just knowing how to punt the football.
See our full selection of punting videos in the punters section
Preparing to punt
Preparing to punt starts with your stance. Balance in your stance is vital, have your legs about shoulder width apart and your kicking foot about a half foot width behind your non punting foot.
Your body is squared with line of scrimmage and your arms bent in an L shape with your hands in front of you.
How to receive the snap
With your body squared to the line and hands in front, you are ready to receive the snap. Your eyes must be focused on the long snapper and the ball. Eying the defense and trying to read the rush can cause a muffed snap reception and put your team in a big hole.
Steps
As the ball is snapped, watch the ball all the way into your hands. The punting side hand should be on the end of the ball closes to your body.
While you position the ball in your hands, laces up, take a half step with your kicking foot full step with your non punting leg. This will build up the momentum for punting the ball. Your head is down looking at the ball, watching as your punting leg comes up meeting the ball and you kick through the ball.
Different types of punts
Field position or a hard rush can require you to use a different style punt.
Pooch Punt
This style of punt is designed to get a lot of air under the ball. You will sacrifice distance for height. To get air under your punt, hold the tip of the ball slightly up and the punt the ball. The more the tip is pointed up, the more air you get under the ball.
Rugby Kick
The Rugby Kick can be used to avoid a hard rush or to get a lot of roll on the ball.
Executing the Rugby Kick is taking one step back with your punting foot, and then a side a step, the follow up step is with your kicking foot kicking through the ball. Rugby Kicks don’t produce a lot of height, are difficult to get a good run back on and should give you a lot of role.
Quick Kick
This punt is used when the snap is slow getting back and or the rush won’t allow for a Rugby Kick.
The quick kick is taking one step with the non punting leg and then bringing the kicking leg up, foot meeting the ball with the follow through. You won’t get as much height or distance on the ball, but it is better than having your punt blocked or being sacked with the ball.
Wide Snaps
If you get a wide snap, side step to the ball keeping your eyes on the ball and body squared to the line of scrimmage. A cross over step can cost you time or have you tripping over your own feet.
Over the head snaps
If the ball is snapped over your head, turn to the backside and pursue the ball. The backside is the opposite side of your kicking leg. As you come up behind the ball scooping it up you will have your kicking leg on the outside and in position to make the punt.
In conclusion these are the basics of punting. Becoming a successful punter takes more than just knowing how to punt the football.
See our full selection of punting videos in the punters section
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
How To Be A Drop Back Passer
Quarterback drops are the number of steps you take back from the line of scrimmage as a drop back passer before you set up in the pocket to throw the pass. Each of your passing plays will require you to make different drops. As a drop back passer you want to ensure you take the correct number of drop steps for the timing between you and your receivers. To execute the both long and short passing plays, you must take the right number of drop steps to have a successful drop back passing game.
The drop back passing techniques is the three-step drop back, five-step drop back and the seven-step drop back. Using the three-step drop for the quick hitter passes the five-step for the medium to long ball and the seven-step for long passes are the drop back passing skills you will need to develop.
Each of the three drops use basically the same footwork, the three-step has you taking one long stride starting with the foot on your passing arm side, followed by two shorter quick steps. The second step being a cross over with the opposite foot and the final step is your plant step, setting you up to throw the pass. You will use the three-step for quick short timing patterns.
Drop back passing in the five-step drop is very much like the three-step drop, the difference being your footwork requires 5 steps. Take three long backward strides, and like in the three-step, you are crossing over on the second back step. The first three steps are followed by two quick steps, the last step being your plant step to deliver the throw. The five-step uses more time allowing the receivers to run their medium and longer routes.
Seven-step drop back passing follows the same pattern as the three-step and five-step drops. You take your first backward step using the same foot as your passing arm, taking 5 long backward steps, crossing over on the second and fourth steps, followed by 2 shorter quick steps, the last one being your plant step. You will be using the seven-step for the long passes, the seven steps giving you and your receivers the timing needed for that longer routes.
In conclusion, being a drop back passer requires you know the footwork for each of the three drop back patterns your offensive scheme requires. Each footwork drill is similar and used for different passing patterns. The three-step drop for short timing patterns, the five-step for medium and longer passing routes and the seven-step drop back for the long passing patterns.
For DVDS on how to be a drop back passer, see the footwork section on our quarterback page at http://scoretouchdowns.com/quarterbacks.html
Visit http://www.scoretouchdowns.com for explosive football training videos and football training aids
The drop back passing techniques is the three-step drop back, five-step drop back and the seven-step drop back. Using the three-step drop for the quick hitter passes the five-step for the medium to long ball and the seven-step for long passes are the drop back passing skills you will need to develop.
Each of the three drops use basically the same footwork, the three-step has you taking one long stride starting with the foot on your passing arm side, followed by two shorter quick steps. The second step being a cross over with the opposite foot and the final step is your plant step, setting you up to throw the pass. You will use the three-step for quick short timing patterns.
Drop back passing in the five-step drop is very much like the three-step drop, the difference being your footwork requires 5 steps. Take three long backward strides, and like in the three-step, you are crossing over on the second back step. The first three steps are followed by two quick steps, the last step being your plant step to deliver the throw. The five-step uses more time allowing the receivers to run their medium and longer routes.
Seven-step drop back passing follows the same pattern as the three-step and five-step drops. You take your first backward step using the same foot as your passing arm, taking 5 long backward steps, crossing over on the second and fourth steps, followed by 2 shorter quick steps, the last one being your plant step. You will be using the seven-step for the long passes, the seven steps giving you and your receivers the timing needed for that longer routes.
In conclusion, being a drop back passer requires you know the footwork for each of the three drop back patterns your offensive scheme requires. Each footwork drill is similar and used for different passing patterns. The three-step drop for short timing patterns, the five-step for medium and longer passing routes and the seven-step drop back for the long passing patterns.
For DVDS on how to be a drop back passer, see the footwork section on our quarterback page at http://scoretouchdowns.com/quarterbacks.html
Visit http://www.scoretouchdowns.com for explosive football training videos and football training aids
Dropback Passers :The Hitch & Throw and the Hit & Throw
Matching the depth and route each receiver runs, as the quarterback, you must know immediately at the end of your drop, whether to throw a hit and throw or use a hitch step and deliver that pass as a hitch and go. You should be able to execute both the hit and throw or the hitch and throw, matching them to the timing of the pass routes called.
Every time you use the three-step drop you want to use the hit and throw, since these plays are short quick hitter routes where your timing with the receivers is critical to the plays success. Both passing techniques may be applied to the five-step drop, depending on the depth of the routes called and the timing needed to throw the pass. You will only use the hitch and throw in your seven-step drop. Your backward momentum is too fast to employ the hit and throw.
At the end of any of your straight back drops, you may have to throw the ball with out any extra steps because the timing of the receiver’s routes dictates a quick delivery. This technique is known as the hit and throw, because as soon as you take your last drop step, you want to roll forward off your back foot with out resetting, stepping forward in the direction of your target to throw the ball on time.
Some routes are slower developing plays, allowing you to employ the hitch and throw technique. In this scenario, the last step of your drop, plant your back foot and roll your weight forward to regain your balance. Then skip forward with your back foot before stepping into the direction of your target and throwing the ball.
In conclusion when you are doing straight drop backs, timing between you and the receiver is critical, for the quick hitters, use the three-step drop with the hit and throw. While in your medium range routes, using the five-step drop you may have the option of both techniques, the hit and throw or the hitch and throw. While the deeper routes require the seven-step drop and the hitch and throw technique.
Every time you use the three-step drop you want to use the hit and throw, since these plays are short quick hitter routes where your timing with the receivers is critical to the plays success. Both passing techniques may be applied to the five-step drop, depending on the depth of the routes called and the timing needed to throw the pass. You will only use the hitch and throw in your seven-step drop. Your backward momentum is too fast to employ the hit and throw.
At the end of any of your straight back drops, you may have to throw the ball with out any extra steps because the timing of the receiver’s routes dictates a quick delivery. This technique is known as the hit and throw, because as soon as you take your last drop step, you want to roll forward off your back foot with out resetting, stepping forward in the direction of your target to throw the ball on time.
Some routes are slower developing plays, allowing you to employ the hitch and throw technique. In this scenario, the last step of your drop, plant your back foot and roll your weight forward to regain your balance. Then skip forward with your back foot before stepping into the direction of your target and throwing the ball.
In conclusion when you are doing straight drop backs, timing between you and the receiver is critical, for the quick hitters, use the three-step drop with the hit and throw. While in your medium range routes, using the five-step drop you may have the option of both techniques, the hit and throw or the hitch and throw. While the deeper routes require the seven-step drop and the hitch and throw technique.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Are Todays Pro Football Players Over Paid Brats
Today bad behaviour by some of the pro football players begs that question. Are they over paid brats? Adding his name to the list of players acting out is Arizona Cardinal receiver Anquan Boldin.
During Sunday's champion ship game with the Philadelphia Eagles, Boldin was seen having a heated sideline argument with The Cards offensive coordinator.
There is nothing wrong with having arguments with coaches, and sometimes they do have to take place during the game.
However at the time of this argument the Cards had a comfortable lead over the Eagles and were trying to win their first championship since 1947.
Sixty one years since their last title. Their first Super Bowl ever and Boldin wants to argue over his not being in the game.
Reminds me of another super star receiver that has bounced from the 49's to the Eagles and now wears the hat of a Cowboy.
Each of them are crying they are not getting the ball enough, not enough playing time. Its all about them.
for some reason these guys think the team is just their supporting cast and the object of the game it to make them look good.
Those are the overpaid brats, some like T. O will be remembered and not well. After Boldin's career ends he will soon be forgotten, the limelight going to the next super star.
Its too bad that temper tantrums like Boldins cast a shadow on the game and the team.
Why cant he and others like him understand, its team first. Boldin was being kept out for a reason. The Cards had a nice lead, they win, they go to the Super Bowl. It only makes sense the stars sit down and avoid injury so they can help the team in the big game. it is just good coaching.
For those of you that can remember Jerry Rice, or Lynn Swan, can you see them having a hissy fit for being pulled from a game in hand? Can you picture either of the Manning brothers being upset being pulled from a game in hand, so they are safe from injury for a Super Bowl?
Boldin more than most should know this first hand after he worked so hard to come back from an early season injury.
After the Cards won, the field is covered in confetti, players are living the moment on the field and Boldin has already bolted from the locker room, prompting CBS commentator Mike Freeman to use disparaging words to describe Mr. Boldin.
Dam shame, he gets to go to the Super Bowl and instead of enjoying the moment, sharing the joy with his team and fans, he continues his hissy fit and leaves.
Boldin should call up former Cowboy and Cardinal great Emmitt Smith and take some lessons in humility and gratitude. Smith knew what it took to a champion, hard work and team first. Emmitt has always been thought a class act on and off the field.
Grow up Mr Boldin you are going to the Super Bowl, be grateful, it was your coaches and team that got you there. Right now you sound like an over paid pro football player brat.
During Sunday's champion ship game with the Philadelphia Eagles, Boldin was seen having a heated sideline argument with The Cards offensive coordinator.
There is nothing wrong with having arguments with coaches, and sometimes they do have to take place during the game.
However at the time of this argument the Cards had a comfortable lead over the Eagles and were trying to win their first championship since 1947.
Sixty one years since their last title. Their first Super Bowl ever and Boldin wants to argue over his not being in the game.
Reminds me of another super star receiver that has bounced from the 49's to the Eagles and now wears the hat of a Cowboy.
Each of them are crying they are not getting the ball enough, not enough playing time. Its all about them.
for some reason these guys think the team is just their supporting cast and the object of the game it to make them look good.
Those are the overpaid brats, some like T. O will be remembered and not well. After Boldin's career ends he will soon be forgotten, the limelight going to the next super star.
Its too bad that temper tantrums like Boldins cast a shadow on the game and the team.
Why cant he and others like him understand, its team first. Boldin was being kept out for a reason. The Cards had a nice lead, they win, they go to the Super Bowl. It only makes sense the stars sit down and avoid injury so they can help the team in the big game. it is just good coaching.
For those of you that can remember Jerry Rice, or Lynn Swan, can you see them having a hissy fit for being pulled from a game in hand? Can you picture either of the Manning brothers being upset being pulled from a game in hand, so they are safe from injury for a Super Bowl?
Boldin more than most should know this first hand after he worked so hard to come back from an early season injury.
After the Cards won, the field is covered in confetti, players are living the moment on the field and Boldin has already bolted from the locker room, prompting CBS commentator Mike Freeman to use disparaging words to describe Mr. Boldin.
Dam shame, he gets to go to the Super Bowl and instead of enjoying the moment, sharing the joy with his team and fans, he continues his hissy fit and leaves.
Boldin should call up former Cowboy and Cardinal great Emmitt Smith and take some lessons in humility and gratitude. Smith knew what it took to a champion, hard work and team first. Emmitt has always been thought a class act on and off the field.
Grow up Mr Boldin you are going to the Super Bowl, be grateful, it was your coaches and team that got you there. Right now you sound like an over paid pro football player brat.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
How to Disguise Your Defense Using the 3-5-3
Are opponents reading your defense?
As a defense, your job is to stop their reads while distracting the offense before and after the snap.
The 3-5-3 Defense uses a lot movement making it perfect for disguising your defense point of attack. Movement after the snap from the 3 down linemen and prior to the snap, movement from the linebackers and safeties.
We will start with the basics of the 3-5-3, the Base Front using 3 down linemen.
Two ends and nose guard are the down linemen, the nose guard lining up directly over center and the ends line up directly over the offensive tackles.
The front three alignment is always the same, preventing the offense from getting a read how you will rush the quarterback or which gaps you will fill on short yardage situations.
Your corners are lined up outside the receivers, shoulders at a 45 degree angle towards the quarterback while the safeties and outside linebackers are directly behind the defensive ends, also at a 45 degree angle towards the QB, making it a stacked defense.
A stacked defense is very difficult to scheme for and to read, use it to your advantage. Quarterbacks will have a difficult time reading your defensive strategies before and after the snap.
Having your linebackers and safeties constantly moving in and out on the line of scrimmage disguises the defense more. The offense wont know if you are blitzing stunting or what coverages they are facing.
From the Base front you can rush 8 drop 8 go into a zone of man to man coverage and the offense wont have the slightest clue what your defense is throwing at them.
Using the 3-5-3 defense with its 4 fronts disguises your defense and is limited to only your imagination
Visit http://scoretouchdowns.com/football_3_5_3_defense.html see our complete list of 3-5-3 defense training videos.
As a defense, your job is to stop their reads while distracting the offense before and after the snap.
The 3-5-3 Defense uses a lot movement making it perfect for disguising your defense point of attack. Movement after the snap from the 3 down linemen and prior to the snap, movement from the linebackers and safeties.
We will start with the basics of the 3-5-3, the Base Front using 3 down linemen.
Two ends and nose guard are the down linemen, the nose guard lining up directly over center and the ends line up directly over the offensive tackles.
The front three alignment is always the same, preventing the offense from getting a read how you will rush the quarterback or which gaps you will fill on short yardage situations.
Your corners are lined up outside the receivers, shoulders at a 45 degree angle towards the quarterback while the safeties and outside linebackers are directly behind the defensive ends, also at a 45 degree angle towards the QB, making it a stacked defense.
A stacked defense is very difficult to scheme for and to read, use it to your advantage. Quarterbacks will have a difficult time reading your defensive strategies before and after the snap.
Having your linebackers and safeties constantly moving in and out on the line of scrimmage disguises the defense more. The offense wont know if you are blitzing stunting or what coverages they are facing.
From the Base front you can rush 8 drop 8 go into a zone of man to man coverage and the offense wont have the slightest clue what your defense is throwing at them.
Using the 3-5-3 defense with its 4 fronts disguises your defense and is limited to only your imagination
Visit http://scoretouchdowns.com/football_3_5_3_defense.html see our complete list of 3-5-3 defense training videos.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
How to Throw the Football
How to throw the football is easy to learn. You start with your grip. How you hold the football determines if you throw nice tight spirals or wobbling ducks. Next is your throwing stance, it affects your accuracy. Your delivery, release and follow through come from your passing stance. Now you are ready to practice how to throw the football.
Your Grip
While you are dropping back to your throwing stance, look down field to find your open man. Now that you have identified your target, don't hesitate, get into passing stance. Have your forward shoulder pointing at your target. Now this is important, the center of the arch of your plant foot should be lined up with your receiver.
Your Delivery
Now that you are in your throwing stance, bring your throwing arm up and back. Use both hands, releasing your non throwing hand about chin high. (Remember those pass rushers that want to separate you from the ball.)
Bring your throwing arm back, elbow bent, and cock your arm. Extend your free arm forward for balance and your hand pointing at the receiver. Your weight will transfer to your plant foot and your ready to make your delivery.
Pushing off your back foot, bring your front foot forward stepping into the throw. Bring your throwing arm forward delivering the ball. You will feel your weight transfer to your forward foot during your throwing motion.
Your Release
Snap your throwing arm forward releasing the ball just above your ear. When you are releasing the ball snap your wrist and fingers for additional velocity.
While you are bringing your arm forward, bring the hip forward, transferring your weight from your plant foot to the forward foot. This helps you put your weight into the throw.
Avoid throwing a wounded duck pass. Bring the heat, snapping your hip into the pass at the point of release puts speed, power and distance into your pass.
Your Follow Through
Now you have released the ball snapping your fingers rolling the ball off the index finger, giving you that nice tight spiral. You want to bring put your shoulder into the pass bring the plant foot forward. Completing your throw, your passing hand will come down to the opposite hip.
Warm Up
Many of you might think ball speed comes from arm strength; arm strength comes from legs and hips. Warm up and loosen those hips.
Stand with your shoulder facing the target, the ball seated on the top of the numbers. Using a short stroke use the front foot step into the throw and toss the ball towards your target following through with the throwing hand coming to the opposite hip, finishing with your weight on the front foot.
Next standing with your hips forward, rotate your throwing arm back, keep the hips facing forward, your other shoulder will be pointing at the target, throw a few balls.
The last on you do to really get the hips loose, stand opposite your throwing motion. Making you really rotate the throwing arm around to get the opposite shoulder facing the target. Throwing the ball using the hip to generate the velocity.
In conclusion do your pre-practice warm ups, practice your grip, delivery, release and follow through because now......you know how to throw the football.
Your Grip
You want your fingers on the laces of the ball. Be sure there is daylight between the ball and the web of your hand. If there isn't you are chocking the ball. that leads to throwing wobbling ducks.
As you drop back to your stance, you want to protect the ball by securing it with both hands. Remember there are rushers that want to strip you of the ball making them a hero and you the goat. Two hands on the ball as you drop back.
While you are dropping back to your throwing stance, look down field to find your open man. Now that you have identified your target, don't hesitate, get into passing stance. Have your forward shoulder pointing at your target. Now this is important, the center of the arch of your plant foot should be lined up with your receiver.
Your Delivery
Now that you are in your throwing stance, bring your throwing arm up and back. Use both hands, releasing your non throwing hand about chin high. (Remember those pass rushers that want to separate you from the ball.)
Bring your throwing arm back, elbow bent, and cock your arm. Extend your free arm forward for balance and your hand pointing at the receiver. Your weight will transfer to your plant foot and your ready to make your delivery.
Pushing off your back foot, bring your front foot forward stepping into the throw. Bring your throwing arm forward delivering the ball. You will feel your weight transfer to your forward foot during your throwing motion.
Your Release
Snap your throwing arm forward releasing the ball just above your ear. When you are releasing the ball snap your wrist and fingers for additional velocity.
While you are bringing your arm forward, bring the hip forward, transferring your weight from your plant foot to the forward foot. This helps you put your weight into the throw.
Avoid throwing a wounded duck pass. Bring the heat, snapping your hip into the pass at the point of release puts speed, power and distance into your pass.
Your Follow Through
Now you have released the ball snapping your fingers rolling the ball off the index finger, giving you that nice tight spiral. You want to bring put your shoulder into the pass bring the plant foot forward. Completing your throw, your passing hand will come down to the opposite hip.
Warm Up
Many of you might think ball speed comes from arm strength; arm strength comes from legs and hips. Warm up and loosen those hips.
Stand with your shoulder facing the target, the ball seated on the top of the numbers. Using a short stroke use the front foot step into the throw and toss the ball towards your target following through with the throwing hand coming to the opposite hip, finishing with your weight on the front foot.
Next standing with your hips forward, rotate your throwing arm back, keep the hips facing forward, your other shoulder will be pointing at the target, throw a few balls.
The last on you do to really get the hips loose, stand opposite your throwing motion. Making you really rotate the throwing arm around to get the opposite shoulder facing the target. Throwing the ball using the hip to generate the velocity.
In conclusion do your pre-practice warm ups, practice your grip, delivery, release and follow through because now......you know how to throw the football.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Basics of the 3-5-3 Football Training Video: Product Review
Basics of the 3-5-3 is football training video made by Coach Bert Williams, head coach of the Georgia Military College.
During the first two seasons Georgia Military used the 3-5-3 Defense they compiled a record of 21-1. Played in two national championship games, winning one and producing 8 All-Americans.
2001 was a perfect season, winning the NJCAA national title and producing the NJCAA Defensive Player of the year.
Coach Williams made this DVD in 2004, it runs 53 minutes and is still considered by many, the gold standard for football training videos teaching the basics of the 3-5-3 Defense.
Well produced, this DVD's sound and video are both clear, meeting the quality standards for the industry.
Bert Williams explains to you the basics of the 3-5-3 Defense in easy to understand laymans terms, using both chalk board diagrams and actual game film clips to illustrate his points.
Coach Williams goes into depth explaining the 4 fronts used in the 3-5-3 Defense, beginning with a easy to follow diagram of the Base Front.
He pays alot of attention to detail diagramming how each defender must line up and why. Listing the front 3 as down rushers, he explains to you detail which hand the ends use as the down hand and the reasons why.
Coach Williams takes you through the first alignment, The Base he uses the chalk board and more actual game footage to demonstrate for you, the variations you need to use the other 3 fronts. The Solid, the under and the Tuff Fronts.
During this process of going through the 4 fronts, Williams shows you disguise the stunts, blitzes and defensive coverages that you can use with each front, whether its man to man or zone coverage.
In conclusion, Basics of the 3-5-3 is a well made football training DVD. It is easy to follow and illustrates its points very clearly. Whether you are a player or coach this DVD will give you a better understanding how to play The 3-5-3 Defense.
Visit us our 3-5-3 Defense page and see our full line of the 3-5-3 Defense training videos
Copy Right by Andrew Berkey January 15, 2009
During the first two seasons Georgia Military used the 3-5-3 Defense they compiled a record of 21-1. Played in two national championship games, winning one and producing 8 All-Americans.
2001 was a perfect season, winning the NJCAA national title and producing the NJCAA Defensive Player of the year.
Coach Williams made this DVD in 2004, it runs 53 minutes and is still considered by many, the gold standard for football training videos teaching the basics of the 3-5-3 Defense.
Well produced, this DVD's sound and video are both clear, meeting the quality standards for the industry.
Bert Williams explains to you the basics of the 3-5-3 Defense in easy to understand laymans terms, using both chalk board diagrams and actual game film clips to illustrate his points.
Coach Williams goes into depth explaining the 4 fronts used in the 3-5-3 Defense, beginning with a easy to follow diagram of the Base Front.
He pays alot of attention to detail diagramming how each defender must line up and why. Listing the front 3 as down rushers, he explains to you detail which hand the ends use as the down hand and the reasons why.
Coach Williams takes you through the first alignment, The Base he uses the chalk board and more actual game footage to demonstrate for you, the variations you need to use the other 3 fronts. The Solid, the under and the Tuff Fronts.
During this process of going through the 4 fronts, Williams shows you disguise the stunts, blitzes and defensive coverages that you can use with each front, whether its man to man or zone coverage.
In conclusion, Basics of the 3-5-3 is a well made football training DVD. It is easy to follow and illustrates its points very clearly. Whether you are a player or coach this DVD will give you a better understanding how to play The 3-5-3 Defense.
Visit us our 3-5-3 Defense page and see our full line of the 3-5-3 Defense training videos
Copy Right by Andrew Berkey January 15, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Basics Of The 3-5-3 Defense
The 3-5-3 Defense gives you a very powerful defensive scheme. Offering you 4 different defensive fronts you will find it effective against any offense you face, whether it’s the Triple Option or the very popular Spread Offense.
In the first two seasons the Georgia Military College switched to the 3-5-3 Defense, they had tremendous success, producing 8 All-American Defensive players and playing in two NJCAA national title games.
In 2001, Georgia Military had a prefect season, producing the Defensive Player of the Year. While winning the NJCAA Championship, they held their opponents to a NJCAA record setting 61.7 yards per game.
We will start with the alignments and position names.
Corner..........................................................Corner
In the first two seasons the Georgia Military College switched to the 3-5-3 Defense, they had tremendous success, producing 8 All-American Defensive players and playing in two NJCAA national title games.
In 2001, Georgia Military had a prefect season, producing the Defensive Player of the Year. While winning the NJCAA Championship, they held their opponents to a NJCAA record setting 61.7 yards per game.
We will start with the alignments and position names.
... End...............Nose Guard...............End
Corner..........................................................Corner
...Left Dawg.....................................Right Dawg
...Left Bat...............Mike..................Right Bat
........................Free Safety
The diagram above is the 3-5-3 Defense alignment in The Basic Front, featuring 3 down rushers.
1. The Nose Guard lines up square with the center, either hand is down.
2. Ends line up square with the tackles, inside hand down, keeping the outside arm free.
3. The Dawgs {safeties) line up 3x3 behind the ends,
4. The Bats (linebackers) line up behind the ends, 5 yards deep, with their noses off the ends outside hip.
5. The Mike Backer lines up 5 yards deep directly behind the Nose Guard.
6. The Free Safety lines up about 10 back behind the Nose Guard.
2. Ends line up square with the tackles, inside hand down, keeping the outside arm free.
3. The Dawgs {safeties) line up 3x3 behind the ends,
4. The Bats (linebackers) line up behind the ends, 5 yards deep, with their noses off the ends outside hip.
5. The Mike Backer lines up 5 yards deep directly behind the Nose Guard.
6. The Free Safety lines up about 10 back behind the Nose Guard.
Disguising the Point of Attack
The 3-5-3 Defense requires a lot of movement. Disguising the point of attack begins with your player alignment.
Your 2 ends are lined up directly in-front of the tackles and the Nose Guard over the center. This prevents the quarterback from getting a read if your point of attack is a straight ahead, strong side or weak side rush.
Have your ends place the inside hand as the down hand. You want the outside hand free whether he is going inside or out.
Ends using the same down hand every play prevents the tackles from reading your angle of attack.
Having the Mike, Dawgs and Bats lining up behind the ends and Nose Guard prevents the quarterback from reading your defensive back strategies.
The Basics 3-5-3 Defense gives you 4 different defensive fronts and alignments you can use to attack the offense and keep them on their heels.
Each of the four fronts and alignments gives you the ability to do zone or man to man coverage. You can run a cover 1 or a cover 3 defensive schemes, run stunts and blitzes.
If you are using or thinking of using the 3-5-3 Defense, there are many fine 3-5-3 Defense training videos on the market and it all starts with using the basics 4 fronts.
1. The Basic Front
2.The Solid Front
3. TheUnder Front
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Is The BCS Fair part 2
BCS Busters came to pass when in 2004 The BCS was threatened with an anti trust law suit.
The first BCS Buster was The Utah Utes, winner of this years Sugar Bowl and winner of the 2004 Fiesta Bowl.
Since that time, the BCS has set a higher standard for the mid-majors, they must nationally ranked in the top 12. Which usually means they must be undefeated.
While other teams from BCS Conferences can get in with two or more losses because they are automatic qualifiers.
This season, there were 3 mid majors ranked in the top 12 and yet only one team was taken while teams with lower rankings were included through at large berths, such as Ohio State in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl.
In my mind this still violates both anti trust laws and what sports is all about, sportsmanship.
Proving the talent gap is closing between BCS teams and the non BCS teams is the current record. Mid-majors lead the series 3 to 1. Rendering moot the argument the "little guys" just can't hand with the "big boys".
Millions are at stake, as the BCS said, it is not their role to be fair, just to try and match #1 against #2. Even at this mission, it appears they fail, just ask this seasons Texas Longhorns.
Is a 16 team playoff a viable answer, probably not. Again its the money, cities make too much money from the bowls and a 16 team tournament would damage the current bowls.
What is the solution, I am not sure, but the BCS better find an equitable solution that is fair to the mid majors and football fans across the nation.
BCS greed is what fuels the current system, it is broken, they need to fix it.....before Congress does.
The first BCS Buster was The Utah Utes, winner of this years Sugar Bowl and winner of the 2004 Fiesta Bowl.
Since that time, the BCS has set a higher standard for the mid-majors, they must nationally ranked in the top 12. Which usually means they must be undefeated.
While other teams from BCS Conferences can get in with two or more losses because they are automatic qualifiers.
This season, there were 3 mid majors ranked in the top 12 and yet only one team was taken while teams with lower rankings were included through at large berths, such as Ohio State in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl.
In my mind this still violates both anti trust laws and what sports is all about, sportsmanship.
Proving the talent gap is closing between BCS teams and the non BCS teams is the current record. Mid-majors lead the series 3 to 1. Rendering moot the argument the "little guys" just can't hand with the "big boys".
Millions are at stake, as the BCS said, it is not their role to be fair, just to try and match #1 against #2. Even at this mission, it appears they fail, just ask this seasons Texas Longhorns.
Is a 16 team playoff a viable answer, probably not. Again its the money, cities make too much money from the bowls and a 16 team tournament would damage the current bowls.
What is the solution, I am not sure, but the BCS better find an equitable solution that is fair to the mid majors and football fans across the nation.
BCS greed is what fuels the current system, it is broken, they need to fix it.....before Congress does.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Is The BCS Fair part 1
The title to this article asks, is the BCS Fair? The answer is no, they are not fair nor do they have any intentions of being fair.
As you read down through this article you will see the BCS- mid majors history that will bear that statement out.
The Sugar Bowl has put more egg on the face of the BCS.
Prior to the match up between Alabama and Utah the pundits and BCS supporters had the annual debate, does a mid major football program belong in a BCS Bowl.
Barry Switzer and his pack said no, they just are not good enough. Followed up with the traditional rhetoric, who did they play?
Utah as did Boise State before them, proved the pundits and BCS wrong.
The Utes manhandled The Crimson Tide from the opening kickoff to the final gun. Alabama was no match for The Utah Utes.
Bama had been ranked #1 in the nation for 5 weeks before falling to Florida. Their stingy defense allowed just 16 points per game. Utah hung 21 points on The Tide in the first quarter.
So much for the argument Utah was not good enough and could not hang with Bama.
The argument, who did they play is meaningless, Utah played and defeated everyone on their schedule. That included and Big 10's Michigan and two highly nationaly ranked conference mates, BYU and TCU.
The problem is, its not about who is good enough to be in the BCS Bowls, it's about money and the 6 BCS Conferences want it all to themselves.
In 2004 both Boise State and the Utah Utes were undefeated mid major teams, both were highly ranked, yet the BCS said they were not good enough and did not want to see either team humiliated playing in a BCS Bowl. Translation its our money and we are not sharing.
How ever when some one in Utah filed suit and Congress told the BCS fix it or they would, the clouds parted, rays of light poured forth bathing the BCS in wisdom.
They elected to put Utah into the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, declaring each year they would accept a mid major that had to be ranked in the nations top 12.
Since then there have been 4 BCS Busters in their games. Each season as the mid majors do better, the debate of do they or don't they belong starts again.
This season the debate has reached a new high with 3 mid majors ranked in the top 12 and above BCS teams like Ohio State, and Cincinnati, only Utah was selected.
Adding new fire to the debate was Boise State beating heavily favored Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl Jan.1,2007.
The Boise State Broncos not only won a come from behind game, they gave what is considered by many as the best bowl game finish in history, winning on a two conversion in overtime and finishing with a perfect record.
That started the new heated debate, should Boise with its perfect record been allowed to play for the National Title.
Utah destroying Alabama in this years Sugar Bowl has rekindled that debate. Prior to losing to Florida, Bama had been ranked #1 for 5 weeks, Florida has moved on to tonight's NC game.
In fairness to the BCS, they have stated in this most recent round of controversy, their goal is only to try to match up #1 vs #2 to determine a collegiate national champion. Yet tonight, Utah, the only undefeated team in college football will sit home and watch the game on tv. Just like Boise State did in 2007, when Florida played Ohio State in the 2007 NC Fiesta Bowl.
The BCS has said it is not their stated goal to put by virtue of national ranking the best teams in the remaining BCS Bowls as evidenced by taking Ohio State as an at large team over #9 Boise State or getting #11 TCU into a BCS Bowl.
As you read down through this article you will see the BCS- mid majors history that will bear that statement out.
The Sugar Bowl has put more egg on the face of the BCS.
Prior to the match up between Alabama and Utah the pundits and BCS supporters had the annual debate, does a mid major football program belong in a BCS Bowl.
Barry Switzer and his pack said no, they just are not good enough. Followed up with the traditional rhetoric, who did they play?
Utah as did Boise State before them, proved the pundits and BCS wrong.
The Utes manhandled The Crimson Tide from the opening kickoff to the final gun. Alabama was no match for The Utah Utes.
Bama had been ranked #1 in the nation for 5 weeks before falling to Florida. Their stingy defense allowed just 16 points per game. Utah hung 21 points on The Tide in the first quarter.
So much for the argument Utah was not good enough and could not hang with Bama.
The argument, who did they play is meaningless, Utah played and defeated everyone on their schedule. That included and Big 10's Michigan and two highly nationaly ranked conference mates, BYU and TCU.
The problem is, its not about who is good enough to be in the BCS Bowls, it's about money and the 6 BCS Conferences want it all to themselves.
In 2004 both Boise State and the Utah Utes were undefeated mid major teams, both were highly ranked, yet the BCS said they were not good enough and did not want to see either team humiliated playing in a BCS Bowl. Translation its our money and we are not sharing.
How ever when some one in Utah filed suit and Congress told the BCS fix it or they would, the clouds parted, rays of light poured forth bathing the BCS in wisdom.
They elected to put Utah into the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, declaring each year they would accept a mid major that had to be ranked in the nations top 12.
Since then there have been 4 BCS Busters in their games. Each season as the mid majors do better, the debate of do they or don't they belong starts again.
This season the debate has reached a new high with 3 mid majors ranked in the top 12 and above BCS teams like Ohio State, and Cincinnati, only Utah was selected.
Adding new fire to the debate was Boise State beating heavily favored Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl Jan.1,2007.
The Boise State Broncos not only won a come from behind game, they gave what is considered by many as the best bowl game finish in history, winning on a two conversion in overtime and finishing with a perfect record.
That started the new heated debate, should Boise with its perfect record been allowed to play for the National Title.
Utah destroying Alabama in this years Sugar Bowl has rekindled that debate. Prior to losing to Florida, Bama had been ranked #1 for 5 weeks, Florida has moved on to tonight's NC game.
In fairness to the BCS, they have stated in this most recent round of controversy, their goal is only to try to match up #1 vs #2 to determine a collegiate national champion. Yet tonight, Utah, the only undefeated team in college football will sit home and watch the game on tv. Just like Boise State did in 2007, when Florida played Ohio State in the 2007 NC Fiesta Bowl.
The BCS has said it is not their stated goal to put by virtue of national ranking the best teams in the remaining BCS Bowls as evidenced by taking Ohio State as an at large team over #9 Boise State or getting #11 TCU into a BCS Bowl.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Great Catch | The Coaching Clinic You Wear
Receivers, Great Catch is the coaching clinic you wear, this football training aid will help you make catches like the pros.
Great Catch is a revolutionary receivers training aid, designed to give you those " soft hands" every receiver needs.
Soft hands are the trade mark of every great receiver.What makes soft hands? The ability to catch the football the right way every time.
The proper way for receivers to catch the ball is with the finger tips. As the ball comes in, you want to catch the ball with your finger tips, drawing the ball in to your body. There should be space between the web of the hand and the ball.
So many times we see receivers dropping passes they should catch, frequently this happens because the receiver used the palms of his hands to catch the ball.
Using the palms of the hands is like throwing a tennis ball against a wall, it will bounce back. In this case the football bounces out of your hands..
Great Catch is two elastic bands that fits over the center of your hands, placing a miniature tennis ball is the center of the palm of your hand.
As the football comes in, you are forced to catch the ball with your fingertips.
Many receivers said at first it was ackward trying to catch the ball wearing Great Catch. However the all decided it was easy to get used to and could see improvement in their catching skills.
The way Great Catch works is it does force you to catch the ball with your fingertips. This will make your fingers stronger, each catch exercises the fingers. With stronger fingers you will catch more balls.
Receivers training with this product will have better muscle memory. The more you train with Great Catch, the more you will find it second nature to use your fingertips to catch the ball and take your game to the next level.
Use this link Great Catch, watch the training video then order Great Catch and train like the pros.
Great Catch is a revolutionary receivers training aid, designed to give you those " soft hands" every receiver needs.
Soft hands are the trade mark of every great receiver.What makes soft hands? The ability to catch the football the right way every time.
The proper way for receivers to catch the ball is with the finger tips. As the ball comes in, you want to catch the ball with your finger tips, drawing the ball in to your body. There should be space between the web of the hand and the ball.
So many times we see receivers dropping passes they should catch, frequently this happens because the receiver used the palms of his hands to catch the ball.
Using the palms of the hands is like throwing a tennis ball against a wall, it will bounce back. In this case the football bounces out of your hands..
Great Catch is two elastic bands that fits over the center of your hands, placing a miniature tennis ball is the center of the palm of your hand.
As the football comes in, you are forced to catch the ball with your fingertips.
Many receivers said at first it was ackward trying to catch the ball wearing Great Catch. However the all decided it was easy to get used to and could see improvement in their catching skills.
The way Great Catch works is it does force you to catch the ball with your fingertips. This will make your fingers stronger, each catch exercises the fingers. With stronger fingers you will catch more balls.
Receivers training with this product will have better muscle memory. The more you train with Great Catch, the more you will find it second nature to use your fingertips to catch the ball and take your game to the next level.
Use this link Great Catch, watch the training video then order Great Catch and train like the pros.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Read The Fine Print Before Accepting Athletic Scholarships
Before you accept a college athletic scholarship read the fine print. Miami Hurricane quarterback Robert Marve wishes he had.
Two years, one season and 11 starts later, Marve has told his coach he wants to transfer. to a different school.
Robert Marve is trapped, at the mercy of the University of Miami and his football coach Randy Shannon. They have the power to block him from transferring to schools not only in the ACC, Miami's conference, but to other conferences as well and have exercised their right to limit his choice of schools.
That's right, in essence Miami and Coach Randy Shannon own Robert Marve and have the right to exercise undue influence over his future in college sports and where he wants to finish is college education.
How is that you ask? Read the fine print in his scholarship.
The NCAA allows and schools can prohibit student athletes from transferring from one school to another within the same conference.
Another rule often enforced is a D-1A wanting to transfer to another D-1A school must sit out a year before joining his future team.
Iona Key is a perfect example. He was a member of the 2006 Boise State Broncos and elected to transfer to the University of Utah.
Sitting out the 2007 season, he was a member of the Utes Team that played and upset Alabama in last nights Sugar Bowl.
D1-A athletes that don't wish to sit out a season can keep their eligibility and play transferring down to a D-1AA school or lower.
We saw that with the Louisville Cardinals. They had a back up quarterback whose senior year would have seen him as back up for Brohm.
Opting to transfer to a D1-AA team he became a starter and led his new school to the D1-AA national championship.
What makes Robert Marve's situation different? The way Randy Shannon and the University of Miami are treating him.
In an article published Yahoo Sports writer Dan Wetzel on January 2, 2009, Marve claimed the University of Miami had exceeded what is the standard practice and precluded him from transferring to 27 different colleges.
Not only was he prohibited from transferring to another ACC school, they prevented Marve from playing for any or the 12 SEC schools as well as 4 other Florida schools which includes a real threat to the Miami Hurricanes, Florida International. Robert Marve and his family are Florida residents. Wetzle's article states the young man's father resides in Tampa and suffers from prostate cancer. Though this is not the stated reason for transferring, it does stand to reason Marve would want to stay in Florida, close to his father.
The national media has picked up on this story and humiliated the Miami Hurricanes and the ACC Conference.
Wetzle reports in his January 2 article that Miami has relented some what. They will now allow Marve to transfer to the SEC but exclude LSU, Florida and Tennessee, alleging the SEC schools have tampered with the athlete, a charge Marve has denied through the Associated Press.
They are standing pat on banning Marve from playing for any Florida School.
Today we see the NCAA spending millions of dollars telling the " student athlete" these schools will take these kids and mold them into adults that will can go pro in something other than sports.
The Marve treatment says different, it tells us these kids are meat on the hoof for schools to promote their athletic programs, making millions for the schools and that their sports performances are more important then their education.
It is a shame the ACC Conference, University of Miami and the NCAA have treated Robert Marve so poorly.
In conclusion, if you are a student athlete being offered a college scholarship read the fine print. have your parents and high school coach involved in your acceptance process.
Ask the tough questions, ask what happens if you decide to transfer to a different school. It is your future, make sure you know what you are getting when you accept that college scholarship.
Two years, one season and 11 starts later, Marve has told his coach he wants to transfer. to a different school.
Robert Marve is trapped, at the mercy of the University of Miami and his football coach Randy Shannon. They have the power to block him from transferring to schools not only in the ACC, Miami's conference, but to other conferences as well and have exercised their right to limit his choice of schools.
That's right, in essence Miami and Coach Randy Shannon own Robert Marve and have the right to exercise undue influence over his future in college sports and where he wants to finish is college education.
How is that you ask? Read the fine print in his scholarship.
The NCAA allows and schools can prohibit student athletes from transferring from one school to another within the same conference.
Another rule often enforced is a D-1A wanting to transfer to another D-1A school must sit out a year before joining his future team.
Iona Key is a perfect example. He was a member of the 2006 Boise State Broncos and elected to transfer to the University of Utah.
Sitting out the 2007 season, he was a member of the Utes Team that played and upset Alabama in last nights Sugar Bowl.
D1-A athletes that don't wish to sit out a season can keep their eligibility and play transferring down to a D-1AA school or lower.
We saw that with the Louisville Cardinals. They had a back up quarterback whose senior year would have seen him as back up for Brohm.
Opting to transfer to a D1-AA team he became a starter and led his new school to the D1-AA national championship.
What makes Robert Marve's situation different? The way Randy Shannon and the University of Miami are treating him.
In an article published Yahoo Sports writer Dan Wetzel on January 2, 2009, Marve claimed the University of Miami had exceeded what is the standard practice and precluded him from transferring to 27 different colleges.
Not only was he prohibited from transferring to another ACC school, they prevented Marve from playing for any or the 12 SEC schools as well as 4 other Florida schools which includes a real threat to the Miami Hurricanes, Florida International. Robert Marve and his family are Florida residents. Wetzle's article states the young man's father resides in Tampa and suffers from prostate cancer. Though this is not the stated reason for transferring, it does stand to reason Marve would want to stay in Florida, close to his father.
The national media has picked up on this story and humiliated the Miami Hurricanes and the ACC Conference.
Wetzle reports in his January 2 article that Miami has relented some what. They will now allow Marve to transfer to the SEC but exclude LSU, Florida and Tennessee, alleging the SEC schools have tampered with the athlete, a charge Marve has denied through the Associated Press.
They are standing pat on banning Marve from playing for any Florida School.
Today we see the NCAA spending millions of dollars telling the " student athlete" these schools will take these kids and mold them into adults that will can go pro in something other than sports.
The Marve treatment says different, it tells us these kids are meat on the hoof for schools to promote their athletic programs, making millions for the schools and that their sports performances are more important then their education.
It is a shame the ACC Conference, University of Miami and the NCAA have treated Robert Marve so poorly.
In conclusion, if you are a student athlete being offered a college scholarship read the fine print. have your parents and high school coach involved in your acceptance process.
Ask the tough questions, ask what happens if you decide to transfer to a different school. It is your future, make sure you know what you are getting when you accept that college scholarship.
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