One week from today Boise State and the Virginia Tech Hokies tee it up in the much anticipated season opener at the FedEx Stadium in Washington DC. Both teams are ranked in the top 10. In the Coaches Poll BSU is #5 and VT is #6.
Both schools are known for their offense and both have good quarterbacks at the helm, Kellen Moore guiding Boise State and T.T. or Tyrod Taylor leads the Hokies. Where the biggest difference lies is in the running backs. Boise State returns all of their backs, J.D. Harper returning after a season ending injury in the third game of the season. He brings power and speed to the table, he can get to the corners and also does well as a north south power runner. Doug Martin who converted from the defense to replace Harper is a strong kid and gives the Broncos a much needed inside running attack. Jeremy Avery is the speed merchant if he makes it to the corner, watch out he can and does go all the way.
Virginia Tech may be featuring the best tandem of running backs in the schools history. Number 32 Jr Darren Evans and a 1,000 yard rusher. His freshman year he carried the ball 287 times for over 1,200 yards averaging over 4 yards per carry and 11 scores. He is also part of the good hands people as a receiver he had 17 receptions averaging over 6 yards per catch.
His running mate is just sophomore coming off a stellar freshman season. Ryan Williams #34 had an even stronger freshman year running the ball than did Evans. On 293 carries he collected 21 touchdowns averaging over 5 yards per carry for a total of 1,655 yards.
Add to the mix a new freshman that VT thinks might be better than Williams and Evans and you can see why I have to say the running game edge goes to VT. With Taylor`s ability to scramble and the way he runs Boise State will have its hands full.
Both teams have excellent wide receivers but here I give the edge to Boise State. Titus Young and Pettis are two of the best in the country. Titus is the speed merchant big play guy and Pettis is such a leaper that if the ball is thrown in his area, he will come down with it.
Both teams have a good defense and in Foster VT has one of the best DC's in the business. Boise State only lost one key player on defense, Kyle Wilson who is now with the Jets. They have their entire defensive line back and are making some adjustments at linebacker. Their safeties and corners make it tough to throw on them. VT is replacing several key players on defense. I have to give the edge to Boise State on defense.
What Virginia Tech has to do to win the game.
1, Run the ball and keep the offense in short yardage situations.
2. Wear down the Bronco defensive line.
3. Throw long and short passes to keep the defense honest.
What Boise State must do to win the game.
1. The defense has to give Boise good field position.
2. Slow down the running game.
3. Force two or more turnovers and force VT into three and outs.
In short Boise State's defense must beat Virginia Techs offense. Either way this game goes, it will be a good one, but I expect regardless of the two high powered offenses, it will be a low scoring affair. I think the under will be less than 40 points.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Adults Masquerading as Kids to play Football
Adults masquerading as kids to play football, whats up with that? I know it sounds hard to believe that full grown men would want to pretend they are still teenagers and play football, but it is happening.
The Associated Press, Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times reports the latest impostor is a 21 year old man by the name of Julious Threatts. It appears Mr. Threatts registered to play for the 13-14 year old Town N Country Packers of Tampa, Florida. Threatts pictured below, registered for his new team on August 21st and played the same day.
Threatts, who has a criminal record for burglary used a forged birth certificate using the name Chad Jordan. This is not Threatts first time doing this. During the prior two seasons he has played on two different teams using aliases.
Threatts might have gotten away with this like he did the last two years but like all crooks, he thought he was smarter than anyone else and got greedy. He tried to enroll at the Webb Middle School in Hillsborough (Fla.) last Tuesday. He claimed his parents were dead, his paperwork left questions, while he was in the superintendents office he received a phone call on his cell phone, from his mother. He has since been charged with trespassing on school property and as of this writing remains in jail.
Apparently this is not an isolated instance and there are documented cases of other imposters in other sports and schools across the country.
Personally I dont get it, what do they gain by doing this and how do the football leagues stop it?
The Associated Press, Tampa Tribune and the St. Petersburg Times reports the latest impostor is a 21 year old man by the name of Julious Threatts. It appears Mr. Threatts registered to play for the 13-14 year old Town N Country Packers of Tampa, Florida. Threatts pictured below, registered for his new team on August 21st and played the same day.
Threatts might have gotten away with this like he did the last two years but like all crooks, he thought he was smarter than anyone else and got greedy. He tried to enroll at the Webb Middle School in Hillsborough (Fla.) last Tuesday. He claimed his parents were dead, his paperwork left questions, while he was in the superintendents office he received a phone call on his cell phone, from his mother. He has since been charged with trespassing on school property and as of this writing remains in jail.
Apparently this is not an isolated instance and there are documented cases of other imposters in other sports and schools across the country.
Personally I dont get it, what do they gain by doing this and how do the football leagues stop it?
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Pistol Offense: More Effective than The Shot Gun Offense?
The Pistol Offense is another variation of the Spread Offense with an old style running attack and is a hybrid of the Shot Gun and Single Back formations
It was invented in 2004 by Nevada Wolf Pack head coach Chris Ault and his OC Chris Klenakis. They say their inspiration came from the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers who ran the option from a Spread Offense.
Beginning with the base alignment, this article will focus on the advantages this offensive formation offers over the more traditional Shotgun formation.
The eleven personnel group is its basic package which is the quarterback one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers. The advantage this package brings is that over thirty formations can be run from the eleven personnel group.
Starting with the line, the linemen have splits between two and two and half feet. The strong side or right side of the line has a tight end while the weak side or left side wide receiver will line up about 12 yards off the tackle. A yard or two off the inside shoulder of the weak side wide out is and about a yard off the line of scrimmage is another wide out. On the strong side about one yard off the line and about ten yards away from the tight end is another wide receiver.
Unlike the Shot Gun where the quarterback lines up seven or more yards deep, in the Pistol Offense the quarterback lines up three to five yards behind center with the running back a yard or so behind him. This keeps the quarterback close enough to the line that he can still get his defensive reads and still see how the routes are developing.
Another advantages are the ball gets to the QB more quickly and because of the offensive line spreads and positioning of the running back it makes it more difficult for the defensive line to read what direction the play is going or if it is a run or pass. With the hand offs closer to the line of scrimmage the Pistol formation produces a more productive running game, while retaining pass efficiency.
Pro teams currently using some form of this offensive strategy include the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. College teams that have said they will include the Pistol Offense in their arsenal this 2010 season include Arkansas, Portland State and UCLA. Last years National Champions the Alabama Crimson Tide implemented it in 2009.
In conclusion why the Pistol Offense is more effective than the Shot Gun is because of the alignment, from where the quarterback is lined up he can still read the defense but it is more difficult for the defensive line to read play direction. This enhances the running game and is ideal for the short passing game. The Play Action Pass has proven to be an exceptional weapon from this formation.
For Coaching Videos on this explosive offense: Pistol Offense
Check out these coaching videos: Pistol Spread Option Offense
It was invented in 2004 by Nevada Wolf Pack head coach Chris Ault and his OC Chris Klenakis. They say their inspiration came from the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers who ran the option from a Spread Offense.
Beginning with the base alignment, this article will focus on the advantages this offensive formation offers over the more traditional Shotgun formation.
The eleven personnel group is its basic package which is the quarterback one running back, one tight end and three wide receivers. The advantage this package brings is that over thirty formations can be run from the eleven personnel group.
Starting with the line, the linemen have splits between two and two and half feet. The strong side or right side of the line has a tight end while the weak side or left side wide receiver will line up about 12 yards off the tackle. A yard or two off the inside shoulder of the weak side wide out is and about a yard off the line of scrimmage is another wide out. On the strong side about one yard off the line and about ten yards away from the tight end is another wide receiver.
Unlike the Shot Gun where the quarterback lines up seven or more yards deep, in the Pistol Offense the quarterback lines up three to five yards behind center with the running back a yard or so behind him. This keeps the quarterback close enough to the line that he can still get his defensive reads and still see how the routes are developing.
Another advantages are the ball gets to the QB more quickly and because of the offensive line spreads and positioning of the running back it makes it more difficult for the defensive line to read what direction the play is going or if it is a run or pass. With the hand offs closer to the line of scrimmage the Pistol formation produces a more productive running game, while retaining pass efficiency.
Pro teams currently using some form of this offensive strategy include the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots. College teams that have said they will include the Pistol Offense in their arsenal this 2010 season include Arkansas, Portland State and UCLA. Last years National Champions the Alabama Crimson Tide implemented it in 2009.
In conclusion why the Pistol Offense is more effective than the Shot Gun is because of the alignment, from where the quarterback is lined up he can still read the defense but it is more difficult for the defensive line to read play direction. This enhances the running game and is ideal for the short passing game. The Play Action Pass has proven to be an exceptional weapon from this formation.
For Coaching Videos on this explosive offense: Pistol Offense
Check out these coaching videos: Pistol Spread Option Offense
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
What Was He Thinking?
Yes it is time for another What Was He Thinking installment. This airhead hails from the Oregon State Beavers Football Team. Got wonder is there something in the water over there in Oregon.
The featured idiot is Oregon State`s Tyler Thomas. According to Cliff Kirkpatrick an OSU sports writer, Thomas who is a red shirt freshman lineman was arrested around 5am Sunday morning on second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree criminal trespass and resisting arrest, according to Corvallis Police. He wasn’t cited for minor in possession, but alcohol was involved.
This is not Mr. Thomas`s first brush with the law since attending OSU. Earlier in the spring he was in involved with under age drinking at a party and capped off that day with attempting to be served in a bar while using fake id.
However this time around he is facing more serious charges that make one ask the question, McFly is anyone home?
Police confirm a woman called them early Sunday morning alleging there was a intruder in her home.When the police arrived at the residence they found a naked and what appeared to be an intoxicated Tyler Thomas in the home. Several times the ordered Thomas to lay down on the ground, he refused but did assume a three point stance before lunging at the officers who in returned tazed him into submission.
Beaver Coach Riley responded quickly by removing Thomas from the team.
What the heck was this kid thinking?
The featured idiot is Oregon State`s Tyler Thomas. According to Cliff Kirkpatrick an OSU sports writer, Thomas who is a red shirt freshman lineman was arrested around 5am Sunday morning on second-degree criminal mischief, first-degree criminal trespass and resisting arrest, according to Corvallis Police. He wasn’t cited for minor in possession, but alcohol was involved.
This is not Mr. Thomas`s first brush with the law since attending OSU. Earlier in the spring he was in involved with under age drinking at a party and capped off that day with attempting to be served in a bar while using fake id.
However this time around he is facing more serious charges that make one ask the question, McFly is anyone home?
Police confirm a woman called them early Sunday morning alleging there was a intruder in her home.When the police arrived at the residence they found a naked and what appeared to be an intoxicated Tyler Thomas in the home. Several times the ordered Thomas to lay down on the ground, he refused but did assume a three point stance before lunging at the officers who in returned tazed him into submission.
Beaver Coach Riley responded quickly by removing Thomas from the team.
What the heck was this kid thinking?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Boo Hoo BYU
Poor BYU got caught with its pants down and now they are sniveling and whining they did not get their way. Boohoo BYU.
By now it is pretty much common knowledge that BYU wants to go independent and tried to lay the ground work to achieve their goal. In the process the would have damaged the Mountain West Conference of which they were one of the founding schools.
There is nothing wrong with the Cougars wanting to go indy, its the way they did that sucked and now they are pouting because it blew up in their face. Instead of approaching their own conference and working things out, they met behind closed doors with Karl Benson the commissioner of the WAC. They entered into secret negotiations that would have benefited BYU and the WAC at the expense of the Mountain West.
What they were negotiating was for BYU to go indy in football and for the Cougs to rejoin the WAC for the rest of their sports. Part of the deal also called for between 4 to 6 football games between BYU and WAC teams.
Before the story broke, BYU was in the midst of negotiating games with Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii. To protect their interests in this secret deal BYU and WAC Commissioner Karl Benson got the remaining 8 WAC Teams to take a WAC loyalty pledge, earlier this summer Boise State accepted an invitation to join the MWC and leave the WAC in 2011. The pledge was stay in the conference for 5 years or pay a buy out penalty of $ 5 million.
Last Friday 7 of the 8 schools agreed and signed the deal. Nevada did not commit nor did they sign the deal.
Once the MWC learned of the deal, they acted quickly to protect their conference. They offered 2 WAC Teams, Fresno and Nevada MWC invites. Both schools have accepted sending BYU's deal into worthlessness and possibly being the death knell for the WAC.
Since these two schools have accepted MWC membership it has been reported that BYU is irritated with Fresno and Nevada.The Y has called both schools unethical and WAC Commissioner Benson has echoed the same sentiments.
Adding fuel to the fire is Salt Lake Tribune columnist Kurt Kragthorpe, in his Friday column he asked Cougar fans to be rude to Reno fans when they visit Provo for the game on Sept. 25. Grow up BYU and Cougar fans you tried to pull a fast one and now you blame everyone but yourselves.
Fresno and Nevada did the same thing you and Benson from the WAC did, looked out for their own best interests. They did what they thought what was best for their school. For BYU to call them unethical for not putting BYU`s interests first is hypocritical an d arrogant.
BYU you tried to burn others and singed your own hands in the process, either go independent or stay in the MWC but stop your sniveling and move on, you got what you deserved. Boohoo BYU
By now it is pretty much common knowledge that BYU wants to go independent and tried to lay the ground work to achieve their goal. In the process the would have damaged the Mountain West Conference of which they were one of the founding schools.
There is nothing wrong with the Cougars wanting to go indy, its the way they did that sucked and now they are pouting because it blew up in their face. Instead of approaching their own conference and working things out, they met behind closed doors with Karl Benson the commissioner of the WAC. They entered into secret negotiations that would have benefited BYU and the WAC at the expense of the Mountain West.
What they were negotiating was for BYU to go indy in football and for the Cougs to rejoin the WAC for the rest of their sports. Part of the deal also called for between 4 to 6 football games between BYU and WAC teams.
Before the story broke, BYU was in the midst of negotiating games with Fresno State, Nevada and Hawaii. To protect their interests in this secret deal BYU and WAC Commissioner Karl Benson got the remaining 8 WAC Teams to take a WAC loyalty pledge, earlier this summer Boise State accepted an invitation to join the MWC and leave the WAC in 2011. The pledge was stay in the conference for 5 years or pay a buy out penalty of $ 5 million.
Last Friday 7 of the 8 schools agreed and signed the deal. Nevada did not commit nor did they sign the deal.
Once the MWC learned of the deal, they acted quickly to protect their conference. They offered 2 WAC Teams, Fresno and Nevada MWC invites. Both schools have accepted sending BYU's deal into worthlessness and possibly being the death knell for the WAC.
Since these two schools have accepted MWC membership it has been reported that BYU is irritated with Fresno and Nevada.The Y has called both schools unethical and WAC Commissioner Benson has echoed the same sentiments.
Adding fuel to the fire is Salt Lake Tribune columnist Kurt Kragthorpe, in his Friday column he asked Cougar fans to be rude to Reno fans when they visit Provo for the game on Sept. 25. Grow up BYU and Cougar fans you tried to pull a fast one and now you blame everyone but yourselves.
Fresno and Nevada did the same thing you and Benson from the WAC did, looked out for their own best interests. They did what they thought what was best for their school. For BYU to call them unethical for not putting BYU`s interests first is hypocritical an d arrogant.
BYU you tried to burn others and singed your own hands in the process, either go independent or stay in the MWC but stop your sniveling and move on, you got what you deserved. Boohoo BYU
Thursday, August 19, 2010
What Was He Thinking?
Throwing the sucker punch and getting in a boxers stance does not belong in football. Yet with LaGarratte Blount it is becoming an all to familiar thing.
Last year at the Boise State - Oregon Duck season opener Blount threw the punch seen around the world. After the game was over Boise State`s Hout tapped Blount on the shoulder and asked, "hows that for a butt whupping?" This was in response to Blount`s comments made earlier in the summer. Blount sucker punched Hout then hit teammates and once inside the Duck locker room he hit a cop.
He was suspended for most the season and had to work his way back onto the team and into the line up. He said how he had learned and would keep his temper under control.
Seems he has forgotten last years lessons and promise. Already he has been talking about last years incident, claiming Hout lied when he said that was all he said. Blount now claims racial slurs were included in their exchange and now he has sucker punched one of his Tennessee Titan teammates.
First of all Blount would be better served letting last years incident die, secondly he is playing the race card when there isn't one. Lip readers verify Hout's claim as to what he said. Any one that knows Boise States coach Pete knows Pete would have thrown Hout off the team had he done what Blount claims. Pete was standing right there when this incident went down. Lastly Blount himself said last year, he did not hear what Hout said, it was the tapping on the shoulder that sent him over the edge.
Now is back to throwing punches, what the hell is this guy thinking? I am sure he has impressed the Titan coaching staff, but not in the way you would like. The man was given a second chance at Oregon and was blessed to be picked up by the Titans, time for Blount to grow up, focus on being the best player he can or punch his way into oblivion. I don`t know what his thinking is, right now it is not very smart.
Last year at the Boise State - Oregon Duck season opener Blount threw the punch seen around the world. After the game was over Boise State`s Hout tapped Blount on the shoulder and asked, "hows that for a butt whupping?" This was in response to Blount`s comments made earlier in the summer. Blount sucker punched Hout then hit teammates and once inside the Duck locker room he hit a cop.
He was suspended for most the season and had to work his way back onto the team and into the line up. He said how he had learned and would keep his temper under control.
Seems he has forgotten last years lessons and promise. Already he has been talking about last years incident, claiming Hout lied when he said that was all he said. Blount now claims racial slurs were included in their exchange and now he has sucker punched one of his Tennessee Titan teammates.
First of all Blount would be better served letting last years incident die, secondly he is playing the race card when there isn't one. Lip readers verify Hout's claim as to what he said. Any one that knows Boise States coach Pete knows Pete would have thrown Hout off the team had he done what Blount claims. Pete was standing right there when this incident went down. Lastly Blount himself said last year, he did not hear what Hout said, it was the tapping on the shoulder that sent him over the edge.
Now is back to throwing punches, what the hell is this guy thinking? I am sure he has impressed the Titan coaching staff, but not in the way you would like. The man was given a second chance at Oregon and was blessed to be picked up by the Titans, time for Blount to grow up, focus on being the best player he can or punch his way into oblivion. I don`t know what his thinking is, right now it is not very smart.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Can The WAC Conference Survive
Both Nevada Reno and Fresno State have accepted invitations to join the Mountain West Conference. When they join has not been made clear and there is the question of the supposed 5 million dollar buy out clause if a team leaves before the next 5 years.
It is still unclear if Fresno and Nevada have signed such a contract, what is clear, they are bailing on the WAC.
Which now brings the conference down to 6 members. Speculation has it that UNLV and San Diego State will leave the Mountain West for the WAC. The reasoning is that they are unhappy with the direct tv contract and lack of exposure in those large markets. ESPN does show WAC Teams, mostly Fresno, Nevada and Boise State.
Boise has been a member of the WAC since 2001 and the conference has been good for us. I hope they can find a way to survive this latest conference set back.
It is still unclear if Fresno and Nevada have signed such a contract, what is clear, they are bailing on the WAC.
Which now brings the conference down to 6 members. Speculation has it that UNLV and San Diego State will leave the Mountain West for the WAC. The reasoning is that they are unhappy with the direct tv contract and lack of exposure in those large markets. ESPN does show WAC Teams, mostly Fresno, Nevada and Boise State.
Boise has been a member of the WAC since 2001 and the conference has been good for us. I hope they can find a way to survive this latest conference set back.
The Mountain West and Wac Conference Shake Up
I thought all the conference jumping was over and looked forward to the new season starting in less than three weeks. But nooooooooooo the conference shakes ups are still happening. A major shake up is happening in both the Mountain West and WAC Conferences.
Earlier this summer, Boise State was invited to the MWC and leaving the Western Athletic Conference in the 2011 season. Things seemed fine and settled. Then the Utah Utes, one of the Mountain West`s premiere teams was invited to leave the conference and join the PAC 10, naturally they accepted, sending shock waves through the MWC.
Speculation was the TCU and Brigham Young would leave the conference. This did not happen and again the dust settled.
Today a tornado has swept through both conferences. The Mountain West first announced that BYU is exploring its football options and may go independent and have the rest of their sports reside in the WAC. The local news has confirmed BYU which is owned by the Church of Later Saints is going to go independent. Church officials are expected to make that announcement tomorrow.
How does this effect the WAC? The Mountain West has extended invitations to two of their remaining top tier teams, Fresno State, which the local news KTVB says has accepted and to The University of Nevada Reno.
If what KTVB is reporting is true, then the safety measures to stop WAC raiding have failed in part. Because of the Boise State move, The WAC installed a new buyout clause of $5 million for teams seeking greener pastures. Apparently Nevada Reno as of this writing has not made a decision.
Throwing more mud into the now murky waters is the suggestion that San Diego State and the University of Las Vegas may bolt the Mountain West Conference and move to the WAC.
Creating more confusion is speculation Boise State might want to return to the WAC, however as much as they have dominated the WAC with Fresno joining the Mountain West that might not be such a good idea.
I think the Broncos have to wait and see what Reno and TCU do. This musical chairs could be the final nail in the coffin known as the Western Athletic Conference.
Millions of dollars are at stake, ESPN could and would realistically negotiate down the 2011 tv contract with the WAC because of the Fresno, Boise State departure, should Reno leave the new top tier teams would be Hawaii and La Tech.
With BYU and Utah leaving the MWC, they take alot of subscribers to direct tv company that holds their contract. BYU averages well over 64,000 fans per home game and has them ranked 27th in the country for home game attendance.
Because Fresno has accepted the MWC invitation and I suspect Nevada will as well, that conference will be ok. For the time being they have lost any hope of becoming an automatic qualifying conference in the BCS. The WAC, if they do survive they will become a bottom tier mid-major conference.
Just when we thought that the conference swapping musical chairs was done for the year, now this, oh well now its onto football. Be sure to watch Boise State and Virginia Tech tee it up on September 6, that should be one heck of a game.
Earlier this summer, Boise State was invited to the MWC and leaving the Western Athletic Conference in the 2011 season. Things seemed fine and settled. Then the Utah Utes, one of the Mountain West`s premiere teams was invited to leave the conference and join the PAC 10, naturally they accepted, sending shock waves through the MWC.
Speculation was the TCU and Brigham Young would leave the conference. This did not happen and again the dust settled.
Today a tornado has swept through both conferences. The Mountain West first announced that BYU is exploring its football options and may go independent and have the rest of their sports reside in the WAC. The local news has confirmed BYU which is owned by the Church of Later Saints is going to go independent. Church officials are expected to make that announcement tomorrow.
How does this effect the WAC? The Mountain West has extended invitations to two of their remaining top tier teams, Fresno State, which the local news KTVB says has accepted and to The University of Nevada Reno.
If what KTVB is reporting is true, then the safety measures to stop WAC raiding have failed in part. Because of the Boise State move, The WAC installed a new buyout clause of $5 million for teams seeking greener pastures. Apparently Nevada Reno as of this writing has not made a decision.
Throwing more mud into the now murky waters is the suggestion that San Diego State and the University of Las Vegas may bolt the Mountain West Conference and move to the WAC.
Creating more confusion is speculation Boise State might want to return to the WAC, however as much as they have dominated the WAC with Fresno joining the Mountain West that might not be such a good idea.
I think the Broncos have to wait and see what Reno and TCU do. This musical chairs could be the final nail in the coffin known as the Western Athletic Conference.
Millions of dollars are at stake, ESPN could and would realistically negotiate down the 2011 tv contract with the WAC because of the Fresno, Boise State departure, should Reno leave the new top tier teams would be Hawaii and La Tech.
With BYU and Utah leaving the MWC, they take alot of subscribers to direct tv company that holds their contract. BYU averages well over 64,000 fans per home game and has them ranked 27th in the country for home game attendance.
Because Fresno has accepted the MWC invitation and I suspect Nevada will as well, that conference will be ok. For the time being they have lost any hope of becoming an automatic qualifying conference in the BCS. The WAC, if they do survive they will become a bottom tier mid-major conference.
Just when we thought that the conference swapping musical chairs was done for the year, now this, oh well now its onto football. Be sure to watch Boise State and Virginia Tech tee it up on September 6, that should be one heck of a game.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Defensive Lineman Pass Rushing Drills
How well the defensive linemen pass rush effects the outcome of the game. Three things happen on a passing play, two of them can be bad for the offense. An effective pass rush makes sure they happen, a pick, or incomplete pass because the QB was rushed so hard he wasn't able to throw the pass he wanted. In this article we will a few pass rushing drills.
Stance:
1. Have your legs shoulder width apart.
2. Have your inside foot back and your outside foot forward.
3. Balance your weight on the front foot while using the inside hand as the down hand.
Lining Up:
1. Without being off-sides, line up as close to the line of scrimmage as possible.
2. You want to be about ½ to 2 yards off the offensive tackles outside shoulder.
3. Aim your body for where you think the quarterback will be in his drop back.
Reading the Offensive Tackle:
1. Read the way the tackle attempts to block you after the ball is snapped, then determine what kind of rush move you want to make.
2. Be prepared to adjust your rush technique to his blocking, if you reach the tackle before the third step, you may have to change your pass rushing move.
Pass Rushing Drills:
1. The Speed Rush Drill:
1. Use this technique when the tackle is lined up to your inside.
2. Get in the proper stance and line up accordingly.
3. You want to explode out of your stance on the snap taking your first step with the inside leg.
4. On the third step, plant on the ball of the inside foot, lowering your body, drive the inside arm up through the tackle.
5. Pull the inside arm down, wrap the outside arm around the tackle, use the outside foot to square your hips with the quarterback. Remember what ever direction your hips face is the direction you go.
6. Alternative to wrapping the outside arm around the QB is to use both hands and force the opponents hands down.
The key to success is to always be moving towards the quarterback, make him feel the pressure.
Bull Rush Drill:
This drill is very effective when the tackle lines up directly in front of you.
1. Line up close to the line of scrimmage and get into your stance.
2. Explode of the line when the ball is snapped using the inside leg for your first step.
3. Planting the ball of the inside foot on the third step, hit the opposing player putting your helmet under his chin. Do not spear, this can lead to serious neck injuries.
4. Putting your hands on the tackles chest drive through him back to quarterback. For the best results, take short choppy steps; exert all your power driving the tackle back till you get to the quarterback.
In conclusion, you now know how to line up and the proper stance to create the most effective pass rush. The pass rushing drills listed are just a few of many ways to rush the passer. There are rushing the passer DVDs available, use the links below to see a list of our pass rush training videos.
See our Defensive Linemen Pass Rushing Drills DVDs These pass rush videos demonstrate all the drills and techniques needed to install a dominating pass rush.
Visit our Defensive Strategies for Football section and see other ways to strengthen the defense.
Stance:
1. Have your legs shoulder width apart.
2. Have your inside foot back and your outside foot forward.
3. Balance your weight on the front foot while using the inside hand as the down hand.
Lining Up:
1. Without being off-sides, line up as close to the line of scrimmage as possible.
2. You want to be about ½ to 2 yards off the offensive tackles outside shoulder.
3. Aim your body for where you think the quarterback will be in his drop back.
Reading the Offensive Tackle:
1. Read the way the tackle attempts to block you after the ball is snapped, then determine what kind of rush move you want to make.
2. Be prepared to adjust your rush technique to his blocking, if you reach the tackle before the third step, you may have to change your pass rushing move.
Pass Rushing Drills:
1. The Speed Rush Drill:
1. Use this technique when the tackle is lined up to your inside.
2. Get in the proper stance and line up accordingly.
3. You want to explode out of your stance on the snap taking your first step with the inside leg.
4. On the third step, plant on the ball of the inside foot, lowering your body, drive the inside arm up through the tackle.
5. Pull the inside arm down, wrap the outside arm around the tackle, use the outside foot to square your hips with the quarterback. Remember what ever direction your hips face is the direction you go.
6. Alternative to wrapping the outside arm around the QB is to use both hands and force the opponents hands down.
The key to success is to always be moving towards the quarterback, make him feel the pressure.
Bull Rush Drill:
This drill is very effective when the tackle lines up directly in front of you.
1. Line up close to the line of scrimmage and get into your stance.
2. Explode of the line when the ball is snapped using the inside leg for your first step.
3. Planting the ball of the inside foot on the third step, hit the opposing player putting your helmet under his chin. Do not spear, this can lead to serious neck injuries.
4. Putting your hands on the tackles chest drive through him back to quarterback. For the best results, take short choppy steps; exert all your power driving the tackle back till you get to the quarterback.
In conclusion, you now know how to line up and the proper stance to create the most effective pass rush. The pass rushing drills listed are just a few of many ways to rush the passer. There are rushing the passer DVDs available, use the links below to see a list of our pass rush training videos.
See our Defensive Linemen Pass Rushing Drills DVDs These pass rush videos demonstrate all the drills and techniques needed to install a dominating pass rush.
Visit our Defensive Strategies for Football section and see other ways to strengthen the defense.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Strength Training for Football - Core Muscle Strength Training
This article will focus on the importance of core muscle strength training and some of the exercises that will help develop those muscle groups.
The core muscles are more than just the abdominals, they are they muscles groups of the torso and trunk. It is from these muscles that the energy, power and speed flow into the extremities. The trunk and torso muscles stabilize spine, pelvis and should girdle. Which is why it is so essential athletes employ a core muscle strength training program as part of the football conditioning.
Benefits:
1. More body control and better balance
2. Better efficiency of movement
3. Power increase from the core and peripheral muscles which are the shoulders legs and arms.
4. Since the core muscles act as shock absorbers in the body, the better conditioned they are, the more the risk of injury is reduced.
Exercises:
1. The Prone Bridge:
Assuming a prone position, balance yourself on your elbows and toe tips. Doing your best to maintain a straight line from head to heels, you will be working the posterior and anterior muscles of the trunk and pelvis.
2. The Lateral Bridge:
This exercise works the abdominal obliques and the transversus abdominus. Start by lying on the left side pressing upwards with your left arm. Maintaining a straight line between your hand and foot will form a bridge, resting on the left elbow will increase the difficulty of the workout. After you have done the left side do the right.
3. The Supine Bridge:
Focusing on the gluteal muscles you want to lay flat on the floor with your hands stretched downward. Rise up so that only your feet, hands, shoulders and head are touching the ground. This exercise will give you more pelvic control.
4. The Pelvic Thrust:
This workout requires you lie flat on your back with your legs positioned at approximately a 90 degree angle. Slowly you want to lift your hips off the floor up towards the ceiling. Lower your hips back down to the floor and repeat the motion several times.
5. The Russian Twist:
1. You start by sitting on the floor having your hips and knees flexed at approximately a 90 degree angle.
2. Keep the hips from rotating with the shoulders as you swing a small dumbbell or medicine ball from left to right.
3. It is important that the arms be kept low near your thighs as you rotate the medicine ball or dumbbell from side to side.
6. The Good Morning Workout:
1. Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, you want your knees slightly bent and about a 20 degree angle.
2. Beginning Position: Your back must be straight and you grab the weight bar with an overhand grip that is should width apart.
3. Keeping the knees bent at the 20 degree angle, bend at the hips and slowly lower the bar to knee height. Gently return to the starting position and repeat the exercise.
4. It is very important to keep your back straight, all movement must come from the hips, in order to facilitate this push your fanny or gluts back as if you were sitting down. Your knees may move forward, do not let them move beyond your toes.
These are just some of the workouts you can perform for core muscle strength training for football. There are many more exercises available and there are core muscle training DVDs available. As with any workout it is advisable to do a warm up and stretching exercise before you begin a hard work out. A post work out stretching program is a good idea, this will help reduce lactate acid in the muscles and reduce muscle soreness.
Check out our Core Muscle Strength Training DVDS
Check out our Football Strength Training Equipment
copy right Andrew Berkey 8-10-10
The core muscles are more than just the abdominals, they are they muscles groups of the torso and trunk. It is from these muscles that the energy, power and speed flow into the extremities. The trunk and torso muscles stabilize spine, pelvis and should girdle. Which is why it is so essential athletes employ a core muscle strength training program as part of the football conditioning.
Benefits:
1. More body control and better balance
2. Better efficiency of movement
3. Power increase from the core and peripheral muscles which are the shoulders legs and arms.
4. Since the core muscles act as shock absorbers in the body, the better conditioned they are, the more the risk of injury is reduced.
Exercises:
1. The Prone Bridge:
Assuming a prone position, balance yourself on your elbows and toe tips. Doing your best to maintain a straight line from head to heels, you will be working the posterior and anterior muscles of the trunk and pelvis.
2. The Lateral Bridge:
This exercise works the abdominal obliques and the transversus abdominus. Start by lying on the left side pressing upwards with your left arm. Maintaining a straight line between your hand and foot will form a bridge, resting on the left elbow will increase the difficulty of the workout. After you have done the left side do the right.
3. The Supine Bridge:
Focusing on the gluteal muscles you want to lay flat on the floor with your hands stretched downward. Rise up so that only your feet, hands, shoulders and head are touching the ground. This exercise will give you more pelvic control.
4. The Pelvic Thrust:
This workout requires you lie flat on your back with your legs positioned at approximately a 90 degree angle. Slowly you want to lift your hips off the floor up towards the ceiling. Lower your hips back down to the floor and repeat the motion several times.
5. The Russian Twist:
1. You start by sitting on the floor having your hips and knees flexed at approximately a 90 degree angle.
2. Keep the hips from rotating with the shoulders as you swing a small dumbbell or medicine ball from left to right.
3. It is important that the arms be kept low near your thighs as you rotate the medicine ball or dumbbell from side to side.
6. The Good Morning Workout:
1. Standing with your feet shoulder width apart, you want your knees slightly bent and about a 20 degree angle.
2. Beginning Position: Your back must be straight and you grab the weight bar with an overhand grip that is should width apart.
3. Keeping the knees bent at the 20 degree angle, bend at the hips and slowly lower the bar to knee height. Gently return to the starting position and repeat the exercise.
4. It is very important to keep your back straight, all movement must come from the hips, in order to facilitate this push your fanny or gluts back as if you were sitting down. Your knees may move forward, do not let them move beyond your toes.
These are just some of the workouts you can perform for core muscle strength training for football. There are many more exercises available and there are core muscle training DVDs available. As with any workout it is advisable to do a warm up and stretching exercise before you begin a hard work out. A post work out stretching program is a good idea, this will help reduce lactate acid in the muscles and reduce muscle soreness.
Check out our Core Muscle Strength Training DVDS
Check out our Football Strength Training Equipment
copy right Andrew Berkey 8-10-10
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Football Stretching Exercises
There is no way to guarantee and injury free football career, however there are things players can do to reduce the chance of injury and an effective stretching program is one thing a player can do reduce injury risk and enhance the on field performance. In this article we will cover some of the stretching exercises you perform on the calves, hamstrings, quads and piriformis muscles.
Calf Stretch:
1. Stand arms length from a wall, place your hands on the wall, gently fall forward to a position you are comfortable in while stretching the calves. Hold the position for about 20 seconds then come a little more forward stretching the calves a bit more. Do this three times going for a full minute or more with each exercise.
2. Stand on a stair, feet shoulder width apart, place your feet on the step just passed the ball of the feet. Let feet gently do down, this will stretch the Achilles, center of the calves and you should feel a light stretch on the center of the ham strings. Do this three times for about a minute each time. To stretch the outside of the calves, point the feet in and for the inside turn the feet out. This is a very easy and safe way to lengthen the muscles using your natural body weight.
Hamstring Stretch:
1. Assume a standing position, then cross the right foot over the left foot. From this position slowly and gently lower your hands to the floor and your head to the right knee. Hold this position for about 10 seconds. Do this several times then cross the left foot over the right foot and repeat the procedure. This will help loosen the hamstrings and prepare you for the next hamstring stretching exercise.
2. This exercise is a bit more demanding. Sit on the floor with one leg fully extended and the other leg turned in with the foot placed against the inner thigh. Bending at the waist, slowly and gently extend your hands towards the foot of the straight leg. Bend as far as possible and hold the position for 10 seconds. Repeat this action 5 times and then switch legs.
Personal note, I use the back of a chair and place the right hand to the left leg and vice versa. This gives my back muscles a better stretch work out.
Quadriceps Stretch:
1. Use a solid stationary object such as a chair. Place one hand on the chair for balance. Using the other hand to grab the ankle of the opposite foot, pull the foot upwards towards the buttocks, stretching the quadriceps. It is important that you stand straight and keep the leg you are standing on straight. Leaning forward will reduce the effectiveness of the exercise. Hold the position for 15 seconds and repeat it with each leg 10 times.
2. More advanced athletes can use the following squad stretching technique. Place yourself on your stomach on the edge of a bench. Have the dangling leg forward with the knee bent and the leg relaxed. Using a towel wrapped around the ankle of the other leg, pull the foot forward towards the buttocks to facilitate a good stretch. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat this 10 times on each leg.
Piriformis Stretch:
The Piriformis muscle allows for lateral rotation of the hip.For players who require lateral mobility such as running backs, receivers, linebackers, corners and safeties this is a very important stretching exercise.
1. Lay flat on your back on the floor, crossing your legs the same as if you were sitting. Place both hands under the knee on the “under leg” and gently pull the leg towards your chest. As you pull, you should feel the stretching in the gluts and hips. Hold for 10 seconds do each leg about 5 times.
2. Lay flat on your back cross the right leg over the left letting the ankle rest on the knee. Place the left hand behind and under the left knee and the right hand on the right knee. As you pull the left leg up towards your chest, push against the right knee. Hold this position for about 5 seconds and do this about 5 times each leg.
Post Workout Stretching:
This is as important as warming, stretching and then working out. After you have all that, you need to cool down and end with a post workout stretch. This will keep blood flowing to the muscles and help any bruises or minor injuries heal faster as well as remove lactic acid from the muscles, reducing the chances of muscle soreness.
In conclusion your workout program is best served with a pre and post stretching program. This will add to your speed, athletic performance and help reduce the chance of injury. To give yourself the opportunity to perform your best, have better balance, quickness and speed every work out program should include focus on the core muscles. There is core muscle training DVDs available.
Core Muscle Development Training DVDs
Copy right: Andrew Berkey 8-8-10
Calf Stretch:
1. Stand arms length from a wall, place your hands on the wall, gently fall forward to a position you are comfortable in while stretching the calves. Hold the position for about 20 seconds then come a little more forward stretching the calves a bit more. Do this three times going for a full minute or more with each exercise.
2. Stand on a stair, feet shoulder width apart, place your feet on the step just passed the ball of the feet. Let feet gently do down, this will stretch the Achilles, center of the calves and you should feel a light stretch on the center of the ham strings. Do this three times for about a minute each time. To stretch the outside of the calves, point the feet in and for the inside turn the feet out. This is a very easy and safe way to lengthen the muscles using your natural body weight.
Hamstring Stretch:
1. Assume a standing position, then cross the right foot over the left foot. From this position slowly and gently lower your hands to the floor and your head to the right knee. Hold this position for about 10 seconds. Do this several times then cross the left foot over the right foot and repeat the procedure. This will help loosen the hamstrings and prepare you for the next hamstring stretching exercise.
2. This exercise is a bit more demanding. Sit on the floor with one leg fully extended and the other leg turned in with the foot placed against the inner thigh. Bending at the waist, slowly and gently extend your hands towards the foot of the straight leg. Bend as far as possible and hold the position for 10 seconds. Repeat this action 5 times and then switch legs.
Personal note, I use the back of a chair and place the right hand to the left leg and vice versa. This gives my back muscles a better stretch work out.
Quadriceps Stretch:
1. Use a solid stationary object such as a chair. Place one hand on the chair for balance. Using the other hand to grab the ankle of the opposite foot, pull the foot upwards towards the buttocks, stretching the quadriceps. It is important that you stand straight and keep the leg you are standing on straight. Leaning forward will reduce the effectiveness of the exercise. Hold the position for 15 seconds and repeat it with each leg 10 times.
2. More advanced athletes can use the following squad stretching technique. Place yourself on your stomach on the edge of a bench. Have the dangling leg forward with the knee bent and the leg relaxed. Using a towel wrapped around the ankle of the other leg, pull the foot forward towards the buttocks to facilitate a good stretch. Hold the position for 10 seconds and repeat this 10 times on each leg.
Piriformis Stretch:
The Piriformis muscle allows for lateral rotation of the hip.For players who require lateral mobility such as running backs, receivers, linebackers, corners and safeties this is a very important stretching exercise.
1. Lay flat on your back on the floor, crossing your legs the same as if you were sitting. Place both hands under the knee on the “under leg” and gently pull the leg towards your chest. As you pull, you should feel the stretching in the gluts and hips. Hold for 10 seconds do each leg about 5 times.
2. Lay flat on your back cross the right leg over the left letting the ankle rest on the knee. Place the left hand behind and under the left knee and the right hand on the right knee. As you pull the left leg up towards your chest, push against the right knee. Hold this position for about 5 seconds and do this about 5 times each leg.
Post Workout Stretching:
This is as important as warming, stretching and then working out. After you have all that, you need to cool down and end with a post workout stretch. This will keep blood flowing to the muscles and help any bruises or minor injuries heal faster as well as remove lactic acid from the muscles, reducing the chances of muscle soreness.
In conclusion your workout program is best served with a pre and post stretching program. This will add to your speed, athletic performance and help reduce the chance of injury. To give yourself the opportunity to perform your best, have better balance, quickness and speed every work out program should include focus on the core muscles. There is core muscle training DVDs available.
Core Muscle Development Training DVDs
Copy right: Andrew Berkey 8-8-10
Friday, August 6, 2010
USA Today's Top 25
USA Today has released their preseason top 25 and there are really no surprises but now the debating can begin.
1. Alabama
2.Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Boise State
6. Virginia Tech
7. TCU
8. Oklahoma
9. Nebraska
10. Iowa
These are the teams that round out the top 10. Like I said there are really no surprises based on last seasons finishes.
However as a Boise State fan it comes as a real surprise to see us in the preseason top 10. We started the new century as unknowns, on those rare occasions we were on tv and playing at home, the announcers told the audience, do not adjust your set, the color of the field is blue.
In the preseason of 2005 we got a bit of press going down to Athens and opening against Georgia, a night mare Bronco fans cannot forget. Prior to that opener, then Coach Dan Hawkins said maybe in 5 years we could play for a National Title, people were polite but did not take his comment seriously.
Thirty days from today on Sept 6 we travel again to open against a big gun team. We Play back in DC against the #6 ranked Virginia Tech Hokies.
The opener for both schools is pivotal to the season. Both being top 10 teams the winner sets their own table for a run at the BCS Title Game. Five years ago I thought Hawkins was nuts, today his forecast holds merit.
This will be the featured opening game for the 2010 college football season, one all the fans who attend and watch on tv will enjoy.
It brings to the table the vaunted offense of the Hokies also known as " Beamer Ball" a wide open style of passing and running that has left many teams decimated and wondering what happened. They also bring in one of college football's best defensive coordinators whose defenses have been called one of the stingiest in recent history.
The Broncos bring in a veteran team, they are returning 22 of 24 starters from last season and are led by Jr. Quarterback Kellen Moore who last season threw 39 touchdown passes and had only 3 picks and with an astonishing no sacks year.
Perhaps the most important missing person from last years Bronco Team is not Kyle Wilson, but Coach Wilcox the defensive coordinator. Wilcox has moved on to Tennessee, their gain and certainly our loss. This will be the first Chris Peterson team to go into battle with out Wilcox and I must admit it makes me very nervous.
I am still in awe of the defense Wilcox put on the field against TCU in last years Fiesta Bowl, so different than the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl where TCU ran over us at will.
This is the first year that a non BCS school has a run at the NC and it begins on Sept.6, 2010
For Football Training Equipment and DVDS: scoretouchdowns.comhttp://www.scoretouchdowns.com/
1. Alabama
2.Ohio State
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Boise State
6. Virginia Tech
7. TCU
8. Oklahoma
9. Nebraska
10. Iowa
These are the teams that round out the top 10. Like I said there are really no surprises based on last seasons finishes.
However as a Boise State fan it comes as a real surprise to see us in the preseason top 10. We started the new century as unknowns, on those rare occasions we were on tv and playing at home, the announcers told the audience, do not adjust your set, the color of the field is blue.
In the preseason of 2005 we got a bit of press going down to Athens and opening against Georgia, a night mare Bronco fans cannot forget. Prior to that opener, then Coach Dan Hawkins said maybe in 5 years we could play for a National Title, people were polite but did not take his comment seriously.
Thirty days from today on Sept 6 we travel again to open against a big gun team. We Play back in DC against the #6 ranked Virginia Tech Hokies.
The opener for both schools is pivotal to the season. Both being top 10 teams the winner sets their own table for a run at the BCS Title Game. Five years ago I thought Hawkins was nuts, today his forecast holds merit.
This will be the featured opening game for the 2010 college football season, one all the fans who attend and watch on tv will enjoy.
It brings to the table the vaunted offense of the Hokies also known as " Beamer Ball" a wide open style of passing and running that has left many teams decimated and wondering what happened. They also bring in one of college football's best defensive coordinators whose defenses have been called one of the stingiest in recent history.
The Broncos bring in a veteran team, they are returning 22 of 24 starters from last season and are led by Jr. Quarterback Kellen Moore who last season threw 39 touchdown passes and had only 3 picks and with an astonishing no sacks year.
Perhaps the most important missing person from last years Bronco Team is not Kyle Wilson, but Coach Wilcox the defensive coordinator. Wilcox has moved on to Tennessee, their gain and certainly our loss. This will be the first Chris Peterson team to go into battle with out Wilcox and I must admit it makes me very nervous.
I am still in awe of the defense Wilcox put on the field against TCU in last years Fiesta Bowl, so different than the 2008 Poinsettia Bowl where TCU ran over us at will.
This is the first year that a non BCS school has a run at the NC and it begins on Sept.6, 2010
For Football Training Equipment and DVDS: scoretouchdowns.comhttp://www.scoretouchdowns.com/
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