We Begin Again

Here we go again with another try at this blog thing. Last attempt did not work out. The idea here is that we have a forum where we can exchange information on coaching, training and sports. We had a message board a couple years ago, but it got hacked and attacked, so we had to take it down. We invite you to take part and be a regular contributor and post up your thoughts, help other guys out who have questions, share your wisdom from years of coaching.

So, here we go! How about those Beavers of OR State defeating USC! Certainly exciting. Did you notice them using EQualizer Flea Motion for their blocking scheme? Impressed the announcers. Also, did you notice that OSU was running "opposite the slant" of the defensive line?

Did you catch our quote of the day RE the win:

The Be An 11! Quote of the Day 09.26.08

Catch the Fever Be An 11! BELIEVER!

Don’t let the odds scare you from even trying.

Howard Schultz

Beavers are Believers

Question of the Day?
Be bold and mighty forces will come to you aid;

Do you Believe that?

This is one of the things we would do when facing old 52 defenses that like to slant their line. Being a fullback oriented offense, it was easy to teach the FB to bend opposite the slant (and block) of the O-lineman at the POA. For example, works really well against a slanting NG. Snap the ball, NG slants one way or the other, center just keeps pushing the NG in the direction he wants to go. FB steps directly toward the center, reads his block, and bends opposite the slant. Other offensive linemen execute 'cutoff' blocks to screen their assigned defenders off the ball carrier. Runner breaks the line and is into the secondary. Defenders are trying to play catch up to the ball carrier, they're out of position which results in lots of attempts at arm tackles.

We teach the FB the same techniques of running on the dive as well. We just read the block of the IOT. It is just that the defense does not slant very often. Executing this way is a reason our fullbacks averaged 8+ yards a carry every season.

One thing that made it better last night is the cutting ability of the running back. Not only did he bend opposite, he had the ability to stop on a dime, and literally jump to the open running lane and accelerate to gain more yardage. Interesting game to watch.

On another note . . . today my wife and I attend our grandson Keeghan's padded football practice for the first time. Jacquie and I were cracking up at what was going on out there on the field. Keeghan is a 9 year old playing on an 11 year old team because of his size: 5.3, 125#. We thought he might not keep up with the older boys, but he held his own.

We get to see a game tomorrow . . . should be interesting.

RF