In this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I’ll talk about advantages of Press Quarters Coverage, the basics of coaching Press Quarters, and adjustments that you’ll need to be ready to make if this becomes your base coverage.
You can use press quarters coverage with any traditional defensive front. I’m focusing on the viewpoint of a 4-3 Defense, since that’s where we have used Quarters most often.
You can run this with your 3-4 Defense, 3-3-5 Defense, or your 4-2-5 Defense. If 4-2-5 Defense is your thing, I’ve got a special 3 video series that you can get instant access to right now as my special gift. Just visit http://425defense.com/podcast to sign up for that series right now.
Links
Visit and follow my Twitter Profile Page @footballinfo to vote for next week’s poll topic!
Coaches are always struggling to create an identity for your football team. We don’t need to create it though - you should be trying to develop the identity.
It’s an important distinction, and the biggest takeaway from this podcast. You need to build around the strongest positive character trait that the majority of your team possesses.
To find your football team’s identity, you need to examine the community, parents, tradition, and your current players. You also need to look at yourself and the coaches around you.
In this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, find out just what the Team Identity really means, and how you can develop one that will take your football team to the next level of success.
I’ll also share several examples of Team Identity for you to look at, to help you decide what direction your football team’s identity needs to go in.
This isn’t about X’s and O’s, but if you want to give your team’s defense a new identity, I’ve got a free gift for you. Visit http://425defense.com/podcast to get instant access to my Foundations of the 4-2-5 Defense video series.
Visit and follow my Twitter Profile Page @footballinfo to vote for next week’s poll topic!
It’s the single most searched term on Joe Daniel Football. “Linebacker Reads.”
So it’s about time we do the definitive podcast on coaching linebacker reads. Of all styles.
Because I coach them all. It’s about finding what works best for your players, in your defense. And every player is different. Heck, every game is different - but we only have an hour (well, 70 minutes).
I’ll talk about backfield keys, guard keys, and the 2-man surface read for your Inside Linebackers. What it is, and how you can read it.
No matter what defense you coach, we’re going to talk about Linebacker Reads that you can use for your football team this season.
Check out http://425defense.com/podcast to get instant access to my Foundations of the 4-2-5 Defense video series. This is my special gift to you and you can get access to these videos right now at no charge.
Visit and follow my Twitter Profile Page @footballinfo to vote for next week’s poll topic!
This week's winner on our Twitter poll @footballinfo was Defending Trips Formations. We look at multiple ways to defend 3 by 1 formations no matter what defense you're running.
In any game plan, you'll need 3 ways to defend Trips Formations. I'll give you plenty to think about.
As with any other defensive plan, it starts with deciding what the offense is using that formation for. What's their purpose?
Then you've got to make some decisions. Man or Zone? Or a combination coverage?
6 man box, or 7 man box? Or 5 man box when they're really trying to sling it all over the place?
In this episode I also mention that special gift, my 3 Video Series on Coaching Football's 4-2-5 Defense that you can get access to right now at http://425defense.com/podcast.
The Red Zone is the Scoring Zone. When you get there, you've just got to put points on the board.
And a field goal isn't good enough. No, in fact, a field goal represents a failure for the Offense in the Red Zone (still a positive for the team!).
Red Zone Offense needs to be one of your top priorities for the Offense to be successful.
In today's episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I'll tell you how to make it a priority. And a success.
In this episode...
Don't forget to VOTE in our Twitter Poll for next week's FBCP Episode Topic @footballinfo.
In this episode, I also mentioned a free gift for listeners of The Football Coaching Podcast on Coaching the 4-2-5 Defense. You can get access now at http://425defense.com/podcast.
Cornerback technique is often neglected. If you focus in on the fundamentals of the position, you can make some huge improvements with these athletes in a short period of time.
I'm breaking down the position by coverage and using the A.S.K.A. model.
A.S.K.A. is Alignment, Stance, Key and Responsibility. It tells the story for every position on your defense. It is the pre-snap checklist every defender should go over in his head before every play.
Whether you're Cover 2, Cover 3 or Quarters you'll get some great ideas from this week's Football Coaching Podcast.
Get your coaches in the right place is going to be critical to the success of your football team. This takes a lot of thought to get it right.
Every coach on your staff is at a different level. A different person. We’re not all great field generals, or great motivators. We each have strengths and weaknesses.
And of course, every coach on your staff has a different level of experience. At different positions.
Time to get it right. Listen to Episode 193 of The Football Coaching Podcast to find out how to make sure you’re using your football coaches right!
Don’t forget about my 3 video series on The Pistol Power Offense System. Those videos are my gift to you. Register and watch the first video right now at http://pistolpoweroffense.com/podcast.
The Offensive Line takes more attention to details and technique than any other position on the field with the possible exception of Quarterback. Your asking big men to do unnatural things. Players can’t just rely on their athleticism.
In today’s episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I’m going through the key blocks you will use in a Gap Blocking Scheme. That’s plays like Power, Counter, Iso and Trap.
This is a detailed look at blocking. Footwork, aiming points, and the upper body.
If you want to learn more about Offensive Line play, and every football coach should, I strongly recommend two books:
Coaching Offensive Linemen by Dave Christensen and James A. Peterson
Complete Offensive Line by Rick Trickett
I mentioned that 3 video series on The Pistol Power Offense System. The videos on Power and Counter will show you where I apply these blocks in our System. Those videos are my gift to you and you can access the first video right now at http://pistolpoweroffense.com/podcast.
It’s the longest wait in football. The time from the end of school to kick-off on Friday night. Seems to take forever.
Don’t waste that time. You can get a lot out of your pre-game routine!
This week’s Twitter Poll winner was Pre-Game Warm Up’s. From the pre-game meal to the opening kick, I’ll go in depth on how you can get your players ready to play.
How should you handle your meetings? When do you flip the switch?
And on the field, how much contact are you going to have? This is the complete guide to get your players ready to perform from the first drive through the fourth quarter (and Overtime if needed!).
I also told you about a 3 video series on The Pistol Power Offense System. Those videos are my gift to you and you can access the first video right now at http://pistolpoweroffense.com/podcast.
There’s a lot of ways to get your Offensive Formations to your players. None of them are the right way, you just need a system. One that’s consistent.
Learning football terms like formation calls is like learning a foreign language. So you can’t be too complex (I don’t know how good your kids are doing in Spanish, ours struggle).
Formations are usually called using a combination of words and numbers. But nothing is universal.
Then there’s the tags. You can get really complicated with tags.
Oh, and motions! Shifts! Trades! It’s endless.
In this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I’m going to go into all of that. A whole bunch of different ways you can align your players. And how to put it all together.
One of the formation systems I talked about in this episode is from our Pistol Power Offense System. You can get a Free 3 Video Series on one of the core schemes of that System at https://joedanielfootball.com/ppo.
Don’t forget to visit my Twitter Profile Page @footballinfo to vote for next week’s poll topic!
On this edition of The Football Coaching Podcast, it’s a deep dive into Pattern Read Coverage. What is it, and why should your team run it?
And also… why shouldn’t your team run it? We’ll talk about making the decision.
I’ll talk about the 4 Critical Keys to Coaching Pattern Read Coverage. Then we’ll dive into all of the communication your players have to learn to run a successful pattern read defense.
In this episode I mentioned quite a few resources, and they’re listed below:
Don’t overcomplicate your coaching. Keep it simple so your kids can execute. That’s what The 4-2-5 Defense System is all about.
To get access to free videos on The 4-2-5 Defense System, visit http://425defense.com/podcast.
For this week’s episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, Defensive Game Planning won the Twitter Poll! You can vote for next week’s poll topic on my Twitter feed @footballinfo.
This could probably make up a month’s worth of show topics. I decided to focus on one aspect - the scouting.
Gathering enough information to give your football team an advantage. Without going overboard. And without digging through too much information and actually falling behind.
I talk about what information the football coaches need to know. And how much of that do your players actually need?
Then we’ll talk about the Game Planning Call Sheet. If you want to go deeper on that, check my article on 24 Things You Can’t Leave Off Your Defensive Call Sheet.
For more ideas on putting your Defensive Playbook together (after all, you can’t get the call sheet right if you don’t have a foundation), download my free eBook Defensive Installation Manual here.
The most important skill for a Linebacker is learning how to defeat blocks. A Linebacker should expect to defeat a block before he makes the tackle.
It's also one of the hardest skills to get your Linebackers to execute. The natural tendency is to run around those big guys trying to push you.
I've studied a lot on coaching linebackers. The best resource I've found is Lou Tepper's Complete Linebacking book: http://amzn.to/2mXKjMp
If you haven't read it yet, you need to get it. Every football coach should check it out.
In this episode, I talk about 3 styles of block destruction. We focus on the core principles including the strong inside foot, leverage and exploding the hips through the blocker. Then you'll shed the block and go make a tackle!
You voted and this is the topic that won! Coaching Without Leadership means coaching when you don’t have those leaders on your team. The one’s that would make your life so much easier.
Here’s the real secret. You have leaders. You have leadership.
Now you have to be the coach. Develop it. And there’s a lot going on here.
For this podcast, I referenced my interview with Coach Chris Zablocki and his Pyramid of Priorities. Making good decisions is what you’re really after.
I also focus on the 5 Levels of Leadership that John Maxwell talks in this video. Maxwell’s books are a must for football coaches.
Finally, you can get instant access to Chris Zablocki’s web clinic on leadership from last year, as well as my Max Motivation for Peak Performance eCourse when you join JDFB Insiders. Click here to get all the details.
Get ready for an in-depth look at Coaching the Outside Linebackers. Or Overhang Safeties. Whatever you want to call them!
In this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I’m going through the foundations of coaching your force players in the defense.
This is mainly from the perspective of a 4-4 or 4-2-5 Defense, or a 3-5-3 or 33 Stack Defense. But you can pick up some ideas no matter what defensive system you’re running. Cover 3, Quarters, Cover 1 or Cover 2 all get discussed.
I’m going through the ASKA pre-snap progression for your players. Stolen from TCU, as so many things I talk about are.
ASKA stand for Alignment, Stance, Key, Assignment. It’s a great way to build your pre-snap checklist that your players run through.
I’ll share the how and why of everything your Outside Linebackers need to do. Include 4 different Outside Linebacker Keys for determining Run or Pass and identifying the play.
Outside Linebackers take a lot of work. This is the guy that most Offensive Coordinators will look to put in conflict. Make him wrong no matter what. This episode of The Football Coaching Podcast will help to arm you against the bad guys!
Looking for the Umbrella Principle video? Click here to watch the video. Then you can sign up to get the entire 3 video series on Coaching The 4-2-5 Defense System delivered directly to your inbox for free.
I’ve talked a lot about The Pistol Power Offense System. But I don’t know if I’ve ever talked about what it really is.
At least, not on this podcast.
The Pistol Power Offense System is just the One Back Offense. Run from Pistol… and under center, and gun. It’s just a fancy name.
What’s the One Back Offense? Pretty simple. We’ve got a feature back. Then use a hybrid H-Back to move around and set up the defense.
That hybrid guy replaces your Fullback in a Pro I Offense. He’s just more versatile. Most of the plays are the same.
Listen to this episode to hear the details of the running plays in the offensive playbook. Power, Counter, Zone, Stretch and Truck Toss.
I get into the basics of each play, along with how and why they’re packaged together. It’s a good introduction to the One Back Offense for your football team.
When you’re ready to dive all the way in, join the Pistol Power Offense System!
Size matters. Especially when you don’t have it.
Coaching with smaller players means you have to make some adjustments. Your undersized team can still have success if you don’t hit the panic button.
In today’s episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I’ll give you 8 keys to Coaching With Smaller Players.
This is probably the most common question I get asked. Or some form of it.
“My team is undersized. What should I run?”
The answer is… changing the playbook won’t change a thing. It’s how you use your scheme that will make the difference (no matter what it is).
So don’t panic about all those little guys. Listen to this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast for ideas on how to coach your smaller players.
And if you need a System - one that works no matter who you’re coaching - check out The 4-2-5 Defense System. You can get Instant Access when you sign up now!
The 4-2-5 Defense is probably my favorite defense. And what I’m best known for.
In today’s episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, we’re going to talk about the basics of this 8 man, even front defense.
This is the same as a 4-4 Defense. Or a 6-2 Defense. Numbers don’t really matter. Don’t get caught up thinking this is some ‘Spread Defense’.
We’ll go in depth on Defensive End alignment and responsibility. His technique is critical to the 4-2-5 Defense.
This defense is a balanced front. You can flip your players strong and weak, or not flip them. This is an advantage when you’re facing Hurry Up, No Huddle teams.
I’ll also talk about the variety of coverage you can run with your 4-2-5 Defense. Stay a single high safety Cover 3 or Cover 1, or get fancy. Like TCU’s Split Field Coverage.
Finally, we’ll go in depth on position personnel. Who do you need in order to run a dominating 4-2-5 Defense? I’ll give you details.
I’ve worked with over 3,000 coaches on this incredible defensive scheme. To learn all about my 4-2-5 Defense System, visit 425defense.com and get Instant Access today.
When’s the right time to start applying for jobs? That’s easy.
You can always apply for the job. The interview experience in invaluable.
But when are you ready to take a head coaching job?
“It depends.”
That’s the answer we’ve heard for years. In this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I’m going to nail down the real right time to be a new Head Coach.
Just a warning. I don’t want to be a head coach right now. I have never been a head coach. A lot of this is a little tongue-in-cheek.
But it’s what I’ve observed. What I believe. What would have to be true for me, if I were to pursue head coaching jobs.
My sources are a few head coaches I’ve worked for, and hundreds of head coaches I’ve worked with. It’s a hard job.
So… thinking about it? Or just want to reminisce about the time before you sold your soul to be a head football coach? (that’s tongue-in-cheek too!)
Listen to this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast.
In this episode, I mentioned Coach Chris Fore. He’s THE MAN when you want to put your resume together and prep for your head coaching interviews. Find him at CoachFore.org.
I also mentioned the Max Motivation for Peak Performance eCourse. This is the definitive guide to building trust with your new team, and creating the culture that all winning teams have. It’s available only by becoming a JDFB Insider Client.
Our biggest job as a coach is to develop character in our players. Best way to do that is to model it.
There’s a lot of problems in society today. We know football can help develop our young men to overcome those problems. Rise above.
And a victim mentality? That’s a big one.
It’s always someone else’s fault. “I can’t!”
Why not?
Because of this… this… this… oh the list goes on.
As a football coach, we shouldn’t have that mentality. But it creeps up for a lot of us.
I see it all the time.
Stop finding reasons you can’t. Start finding solutions. Finding answers. And then get to work.
This episode of The Football Coaching Podcast is a total rant, by the way.
By the way, JDFB Insiders is a great place to find help for your football team. 1% at a time.
Stop looking for excuses about why you can’t… sign up here for JDFB Insiders.
You work hard. Is it enough? Are you the right guy for this?
We all worry about whether or not we’ve done all we can. Done it the right way.
Your players only have a few years to play the game. That’s a lot of pressure. Not to mention pressure for the faculty, administration and community.
It’s normal to wonder... Am I a good football coach?
So I made a checklist. And you can download it from Joe Daniel Football.
At some point we all run into tough times. You ask yourself the question. Then you carry on because, well, no one else is going to do it and you love it.
That, coupled with the fact that you’re listening to this podcast, means you probably are a good football coach. But we all need a reminder.
Every coach has the question. How do we turn losers into winners?
Kids need to learn to win. Winning isn’t easy.
Sure, some wins come easy. And if you’re just better than everyone else... that’s easy.
Championship football teams win close games. Tough games.
Go back and look at nearly every undefeated team or Championship team in NCAA Football. They all have a scare somewhere on the schedule.
When your team has a winning mindset, you win those football games. When they don’t... you wilt and die.
Listen to Episode 174 of The Football Coaching Podcast for ideas on how to establish that winning mindset for your football team!
Ready to build the trust factor in your football team? Check out Max Motivation for Peak Performance, available exclusively as part of your JDFB Insider membership
It’s one of the most frustrating parts of being a football coach. The scout team.
You work to put all the opponent’s plays down on cards. You show them to a group of guys on your team... wait, these guys are all on your team?
...anyway, hold the card up. Everyone looks. They nod. They head to the line.
The ball is snapped. If the snap doesn’t get fumbled, it’s a small victory.
Then the disaster is on.
Wait, the Guard didn’t pull! We need that guy to pull!
Where’s the Tight End? There’s supposed to be a Tight End on that play! He was WHERE!?
In this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I’m sharing ideas on how to make your scout team better.
Just as an FYI, it’s not using color coded cards. I never saw more confused kids than when I did the color coded cards.
None of these are earth shattering. It’s all about building your practice from small to big, just like we teach in JDFB Insiders.
Check out this week’s episode, and start making some changes in your practice planning that will save your sanity!
Putting together your offensive game plan is critical to the success of your football team. And the most important part of that game plan is your evaluation of the defense.
What do they do best? Where are the weaknesses?
Who are the best players? The worst players?
What are their tendencies? When do they change? (you can get your tendency report faster if you let us tag your game film!)
Then you take that information and put it against your offense. What are you best at? Where are your strengths?
It’s like fitting together puzzle pieces.
This requires honest evaluation. Try to identify your bias. Try to identify the opponent’s bias.
This is the chess match that makes football great.
Check out this week’s episode of The Football Coaching Podcast for some game planning tips. And for more in depth analysis on your opponent, use the JDFB Insider membership forums to post your questions.
Lots of coaches can draw up passing routes. Trick the defense, find the holes in a zone. It’s fun stuff.
But this isn’t 7 on 7. And it ain’t Madden.
You want to throw all those fancy passing concepts? You have to protect your Quarterback.
In Episode 170 we talked about the pass protection technique that you can use. That’s independent of your pass protection scheme.
On this episode of The Football Coaching Podcast, I’m diving into the different protections schemes you can run.
Big on Big protection. Slide protection. Half-Slide protection. Turn Back protection. Sprint protection.
What does it all mean? When should you use each one? How many protections can you install for High School Football?
When you want to go more in depth on pass protection, check out Joe Daniel Football Insiders. Learn the in’s and out’s of our 5 Step Protection in the exclusive JDFB Pistol Power Offense System to give your Quarterback time to throw the football! (no matter what level you coach!).