Football 101. Michael Ashley

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      Introduction

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLJQHyH-TNc

      Football is America’s passion, it is our diversion from reality, it is the scratch that itches our urge for primal combat.

       “American football makes rugby look like a Tupperware party.” Sue Lawley

      In order to have credibility in the national conversation, you have to know the rules and where they apply. For that, you need to go back to the basics; back to where it all started - where fundamentals are taught, where the rules are enforced, where character traits are developed, where the team comes first, where the fun is, where the excitement is, where everyone has a place - you need to go back to youth football where the “How” is more important than the “What”.

      Football is more than a sport. Football is a model of long term planning and team building, of building character traits and physical fitness, of setting expectations, of communication, execution, self examination and evolution. It is a model that can be applied to any team, in any sport, at any level or just as easily to any organization, business or family.

      Here are the tools that make football great:

      Football Rules

      

      Football Rules govern our game regardless of competition level. Some rules are so important; they are elevated to Commandment status. This book contains the Coach’s Twelve Commandments and The Player’s Ten Commandments.

       Coach’s First Commandant

       Thou Shalt Build the Offensive Line First

       The offensive line is the most important element of a football team

       Player’s Fourth Commandment

       Thou Shalt Listen To and Follow Instructions

       Teams have rules for running, catching, blocking and tackling among other things. Players must listen to the way the coach wants it done and follow his instructions.

      The rules of football are written in stone and are not negotiable. They are unwavering and determine the outcome of games, teams and careers. Most of the games lost Saturdays and Sundays are because rules were broken.

      Football Players

      The hijacker

       The difference between a Football Player and an Athlete: “A Football Player is an athlete who puts the team first, an Athlete puts himself first. You can use athletes, you just can’t depend on them.”-Pops

      Football Players are a source of pride for families and their community. They need three things to have long term success:

      1. Solid fundamentals:

      2. Warrior Mentality.

      3. ”Good” character traits.

      Here is what happens when you have the total package: We had a player hurt on the second half kickoff, so we told the QB to call a few plays. He brought the team to the line and called an audible. Our system was simple but we had not used it all season. He looked for an open hole and called a 247. The last number was dead so he is calling for a 24 Ice. The 2 back through the 4 hole. Everyone gets the call and we got 10 yards. He went to the line and called another play, 8 yards.We had finished with the injured player- The QB now had no need for coaches, he is hijacking the team. He and the team were moving down the field. The defense could not stop the drive so they decide to blitz (linebackers come to the line and plug all of the holes). The QB sees everyone on the line and instead of panicking he audibles to a dump pass to the tight end (Red Jimmy). Incredible call under pressure. There was no one within 10 yards of him as he caught the pass and walked in for a TD.

      What makes this so remarkable? The QB, most of the offensive line and the tight end were all 7.

       How tough are 7 years olds?

      The same season we were having our last practice before the championship game. The offensive line came to the line. Our guard squatted like a toad with a cramp. All of a sudden a puddle started to form under him. We really did not know what to say so we let him finish. After practice we asked why he didn’t ask to go to the bathroom. He said “I didn’t want to miss practice.”

      Technically sound, dedicated warriors, with great character traits, can do anything, at any age.

       How smart are 7 year olds?

      In that championship game we were down 14-0 in the first half. Our offensive coordinator, Bill Kidwell, showed great discipline as he stuck with the game plan and the team marched down the field and scored. We got the extra point 14-7. We get the ball back and march the ball down again as the clock is running down. We scored. 14-13. For the extra point I step in and decide to use the #1 running back as the decoy and give it to the full back who is stopped on the 1 foot line. We lose.

      It was all my fault but what do anklebiters know. As we are driving home, the jeep was quiet. My 7 year old looks at me and says “Why didn’t you run Lamar on the last play?” I asked “Are you saying I blew the game!?!”. His comeback was pretty quick, “yeah you did.”

      Football Coaches

      VYI founder Tom Cooke (left) and Ruthie with their grandson RT. Pops Berry is on the right

      Kids may not remember who their math teacher was when they were 13, but they will definitely remember their football coach. Football coaches have an impact on kids that far exceeds the football field so combining character traits with football skills is job 1.

      Football coaches need to have four elements to be a success:

       Technically sound, which only comes from studying under great coaches with solid systems.

       Ability to communicate with parents, players and coaches.

       Ability to inspire and lead.

       Great work ethic.

      

      If coaches are missing one element, the season will be a struggle regardless of the record.

      How important are communications? I coached a high school team one year. I yelled at the outside linebacker to “Watch the flat”. The QB threw a pass to the flat. The linebacker was nowhere to be seen. I yelled again and the QB threw to the flat again, no linebacker. I pulled him out of the game and yelled at him for not listening and following instructions. He said: “Coach, I don’t know what the flat is”. Note to self: Before you get mad at someone for not performing a task, ask yourself: Did we tell him where the flat is?

      BTW: