Maximizing Special Teams Strategy in Coaching

This episode of the Coaching 101 podcast, hosted by Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson, delves into the nuances of coaching special teams in football. They address the recent tornado devastation in Sulphur, OK, expressing condolences before transitioning into a comprehensive discussion on special teams. Emphasizing the importance of special teams, they explore strategies for organizing and prioritizing special teams practice, the decision-making process in coaching, and the effective utilization of drills. Additionally, they share insights on adapting special teams' strategies to available resources, such as personnel and time, and highlight the importance of knowing detailed rules relevant to special teams. The episode also integrates discussions on resources and tools available to coaches, including books and websites, to further their understanding and effectiveness in coaching special teams, all while advocating for its essential role in winning football games.

00:00 Welcome to Coaching 101
01:27 Diving Into Football
02:30 Special Teams Strategy: Coaching Decisions and Practice Insights
03:00 Maximizing Practice Time and Special Teams Efficiency
03:34 Exploring Unique Coaching Philosophies and Their Impact
04:09 Simplifying Football: Resources and Strategies for Coaches
08:13 Special Teams Organization: A Deep Dive into Strategy and Execution
22:07 Demystifying the Role of Special Teams Coordinators
22:49 The Importance of Special Teams in Practice
25:33 Prioritizing Special Teams: Strategy and Time Allocation
29:16 Innovative Practice Techniques for Special Teams
33:37 Drills and Situational Awareness in Special Teams
40:21 Coaching Philosophy: Focusing on What Matters
42:48 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Acknowledgments

• In this episode of the Coaching 101 podcast, Coach Chambo and Coach Kenny Simpson delve into the concept of using 'tags' in coaching to simplify complex plays and strategies for players. The conversation highlights how tags can make a big impact by slightly altering plays, without overcomplicating the learning process for athletes. The discussion covers both offensive and defensive plays, stressing the importance of adapting coaching methods to the players' abilities and keeping the strategy simple yet effective. The episode also emphasizes that successful coaching is not about the quantity of knowledge a coach possesses but about what they can effectively impart to their athletes. Additionally, it touches on the importance of strategic adjustments in coaching, the role of different positions in a team, and how to leverage tags for creating versatile and dynamic game plans.
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• 00:00 Welcome to Coaching 101: Meet the Coaches
• 00:14 Life as a Coach: Allergies, Family, and Military Service
• 00:30 The Journey of Parenting and Coaching
• 00:51 Navigating Life's Milestones and the Empty Nest Syndrome
• 03:31 The Essence of Coaching: Simplifying Complexity
• 16:02 Deep Dive into Offensive Strategies and Tagging
• 24:07 The Art of Simplification in Coaching
• 26:41 Mastering Football Formations: The Art of Tagging
• 27:32 Shifting Dynamics: Utilizing Motions and Shifts in Gameplay
• 28:40 Innovative Play Design: Exploring the Versatility of the H Back
• 31:31 Defensive Strategies: Tags and Adjustments
• 38:40 Simplifying Complexity: Coaching Philosophy on Tags
• 45:44 Coaching Wisdom: What Not to Do

This comprehensive episode of the Coaching 101 podcast, hosted by Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson, features an insightful discussion Coach Morgan Cruz on the multifaceted challenges of high school football coaching, development, and recruitment. The conversation highlights the importance of spring football, strategies for player development, and the crucial role of high school coaches in navigating the recruiting process to maximize athletes' potential. Coach Cruz shares his experience in running back coaching, emphasizing the need for effective drills, skills evaluation, and the pivotal role of communication and networking. The episode also addresses the importance of leveraging social media, creating highlight tapes, and fostering transparent relationships between coaches, athletes, and parents to secure promising college opportunities. A special note underscores the value of high school coaches' efforts in the recruiting landscape, inviting open communication and offering resources for coaching insights through the 'Coaching 101 Podcast,' while encouraging perseverance among listeners.

00:00 Welcome to the Coaching 101 Podcast

00:14 Spring Ball Insights and Personal Updates from Coach Simpson

00:57 The Challenges and Strategies of Spring Football

03:44 Coach Morgan Cruz's Football Journey and Philosophy

10:21 The Art of Selecting and Coaching Running Backs

26:30 Drill Selection and Techniques for Running Backs

28:43 Unlocking Running Back Potential: Drills and Techniques

28:59 Evolving Practice Drills: Maximizing Efficiency

29:51 Pass Protection: A Critical Skill for Running Backs

31:00 Adapting Drills for Specific Needs and Progression

32:06 The Importance of Ball Security in Every Drill

39:10 Scheme-Specific Drills: Zone vs. Gap

45:19 Recruiting Insights: Getting Athletes Noticed

57:43 The Role of Relationships in Recruiting and Coaching

• Social Media
  • Morgan Cruce:
    • @coachcruce
  • Daniel
    • @CoachChamboOK
    • [email protected]
  • Kenny
    • @FBCoachSimpson
    • [email protected]
  • Podcast
    • @Coaching101Pod

In this episode of the 'Coaching 101' podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discuss strategies and insights for spring football installations and seven on seven (7v7) tournaments. Daniel shares his experience as a National Guard member and new offensive coordinator, while Kenny, with his extensive coaching background, provides advice on installing core plays and concepts for both offensive and defensive coordinators. They emphasize the importance of limiting the playbook to manageable core concepts that can be expanded upon, rather than overwhelming players with too many plays. Additionally, they cover the significance of teaching football fundamentals over scheme complexity and discuss the value of seven on seven tournaments as tools for practice and competition. The conversation also includes tips on fundraising and resources for coaches, plus advice on teaching football concepts more effectively.

00:00 Welcome to the Coaching 101 Podcast
00:17 A Busy Weekend and Upcoming Plans
01:07 Diving Into Spring Install and Seven on Seven Strategies
01:55 Simplifying Football: Tips and Tools
03:14 Early Season Install Strategies for New and Experienced Coaches
04:27 Building a Playbook: Core Plays and Installation Plans
10:01 Teaching and Adapting: The Art of Football Coaching
22:39 Seven on Seven: Preparing for the Season
22:56 Maximizing Seven on Seven: Strategies and Mindsets
23:45 The Value of Competition and Diverse Sports Participation
24:36 Seven on Seven: Goals, Playbooks, and Practical Advice
26:09 Tactical Play and Coaching Philosophy in Seven on Seven
27:50 Effective Practice and Playbook Management
36:12 Coaching Wisdom: Teaching Concepts Over Specific Plays
39:29 Closing Thoughts and Resources for Coaches

In this insightful coaching podcast, hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson share their expertise on the diverse challenges and responsibilities of coaching, from fostering team unity and personal growth to handling non-cooperative team members and administrative obstacles. They discuss the importance of Easter and uncommercialized holidays in promoting family bonding and personal reflection, and the journey from assistant to head coach, facing the complexities of adult management, decision-making, and diversity. The conversation covers the effective strategies for ensuring coaching staff alignment with team goals, the significance of removing discordant elements, and the necessity of adhering to personal coaching principles despite external pressures. Additionally, the hosts talk about navigating the difficulties presented by uncooperative athletes and the intricacies of interacting with administrative bodies to ensure program compatibility and preemptive problem-solving. The podcast concludes by inviting guest appearances and mentions of sponsors, making it a comprehensive guide for coaches navigating their careers.

00:00 Welcome to the Coaching One on One Podcast: Easter Reflections and Unashamed Faith
01:31 Navigating the Challenges of Coaching: From Sticky Situations to Career Defining Moments
03:42 Unlocking the Secrets to Simplifying Football for Your Team
06:39 The Journey from Assistant to Head Coach: Skills, Decisions, and Diversity
21:47 Tackling Talent Deficiencies and Maximizing Player Effort
42:24 Addressing Parental Issues in Coaching
42:38 Understanding the Unique Backgrounds of Young Athletes
43:38 Navigating the Complex World of Parental Involvement in Sports
44:38 Strategies for Building Positive Relationships with Parents
47:11 Dealing with Different Types of Parents: From Supportive to Neglectful
49:23 The Impact of Family Situations on Athletes' Success
52:39 Creating a Supportive Environment for Athletes Without Parental Support
53:45 Managing Team Dynamics and Making Tough Decisions
56:36 Navigating the Challenges of Coaching: From Scheme to Administration
01:06:14 Building a Successful Coaching Career: Lessons and Strategies
01:16:45 Final Thoughts: Staying True to Your Coaching Philosophy

In this episode of the Coaching 101 podcast, Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson dive into the nitty-gritty of defensive football strategies, specifically focusing on the 4-2-5 defensive formation. Joined by first-year head coach Brady Bradbury, they discuss the evolution of Bradbury's coaching career, transitioning from player to coach, and his recent shift to embracing the 4-2-5 defense at his school. The discussion further delves into the simplicity and flexibility of the 4-2-5 system, comparing it with the 3-4 and 4-3 schemes, and how it allows for easier adjustment to multiple offensive formations while keeping defensive principles straightforward. The episode emphasizes the importance of adapting coaching strategies to the team's available personnel and keeping coaching methods simple for effective teaching and execution.

00:00 Welcome to the Coaching 101 Podcast

00:23 Introducing First-Year Head Coach Brady Bradbury

02:18 Coach Simpson's European Adventure with Family

05:30 Simplifying Coaching and Upcoming Projects

08:41 Diving Deep into 4-2-5 Defense Strategy

19:21 Decoding Football Strategies: The Power of Personnel and Formations

19:52 The Tactical Debate: 3-4 vs. 4-2-5 Defensive Formations

20:56 Adapting to Offensive Trends: The Return of Tight Ends and Fullbacks

23:19 Simplifying Defense: The Philosophy Behind Choosing a Formation

25:08 Handling Multiple Formations: Strategies for Defensive Flexibility

35:10 Closing Thoughts: Keeping It Simple in Coaching

To watch the video from this episode or others like it, check out the YouTube pages of Kenny and Daniel.

What is the major difference between the 4-2-5 and the 4-3 defenses?

• 4-2-5 is the old 4-4, but for most teams, the overhangs are now DB type players
• 4-3 makes adjustments with the LBs, where the 4-2-5 makes adjustments with the backend
• Strong E plays a 6 in the 4-2-5 vs a 9 in the 4-3

Why choose even front over the 3-4?

• Simplified 1-gap football
• Personnel dictated what defense to use
• Seeing a lot of 11 personnel on your schedule, you’ll be in a 4 front anyways

How do you handle multiple formations teams?

• Adjust with the back 5
• Keep the box the box

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson:

Social Media

• Brady Bradbury
  • [email protected]
• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

This episode of 'Coaching 101' podcast, hosted by Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson, focuses on the intricacies of screen plays in football, the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) on college football, and coaching strategies. The hosts share personal travel plans, and then delve into a detailed discussion about the NIL's effects on college athletics, specifically highlighting Nick Saban's critique of NIL and its influence on athletes' attitudes. The conversation transitions to a comprehensive analysis of screen plays, categorized into different types based on their execution and purpose. The hosts discuss strategies for implementing effective screens, securing successful blocking, and ensuring catch and run efficiency. Additionally, tips on teaching and executing screens, quarterback handling, and receiver tactics are covered, aiming to make screens an extension of the run game. The episode ends with lessons on forcing defenses to defend horizontally and utilizing screens to exploit this strategically.

00:00 Welcome to Coaching 101: Introductions and Spring Break Plans
00:52 Exploring Europe: A Father-Daughter Adventure
02:31 Nick Saban's Controversial Take on NIL and Its Impact
07:39 The NIL Debate: Fans, Funding, and the Future of College Football
09:12 Diving Deep into the Screen Game: Strategies and Types
19:01 Why Screens Matter: Simplifying the Game for Success
24:01 Unlocking the Mental Game: Simplifying Plays for Young Quarterbacks
25:07 Mastering Screen Plays: Techniques and Strategies
27:33 Elevating Your Game: Advanced Screen Play Tactics
37:28 Coaching Wisdom: Lessons on Offense and Defense
39:55 Maximizing Resources: Coaching Tools and Community Engagement
43:16 Closing Thoughts: The Power of Persistence in Coaching


What types of screen are there?

• Slow
• Fast/Bubble
•  RPO (divorced concepts), “pitch” part of the option
• Tunnel

Why is it important to throw screens?

• Easier to block 1 guy
• Athletes in space
• Forces to defend full field

How do you teach screens?

• Blocking - MDT
• Get 3-5 yards then dance
• Extended run game

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “not force people to defend each player/area”

Social Media

• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

This podcast episode from "Coaching 101" features hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson discussing the impact of free agency in football, strategies for high school football coaching, and the nuances of implementing effective offense through plays like the Buck Sweep. They dive into allocation of resources in a team, the importance of a strong quarterback and offensive line, and address defensive strategies to counter specific offensive plays. Kenny shares insights from his experience on offense dynamics, the flexibility of gap scheme plays, and the significance of specialization and adaptation in coaching. The episode also includes discussions on fundraising, coaching resources like the Gun-T package, and the importance of simplifying complex strategies for player and team success.

00:00 Welcome to the Coaching One on One Podcast

00:17 Diving Into Free Agency Moves and Strategies

01:03 Allocating Budgets in High School Football: A Strategic Discussion

01:51 The Importance of Quarterbacks and Offensive Lines in Winning Championships

04:32 Evaluating Defensive Strategies and the Evolution of Football Tactics

07:28 Simplifying Football: The Power of Fundamentals Over Complex Schemes

09:19 Introducing the Coach's Cap: A Game-Changer for Coaches

12:58 Breaking Down the Buck Sweep: Techniques and Variations

23:10 Navigating Team Challenges and Strategy Adjustments

23:45 The Intricacies of Running the Buck Sweep

24:47 Adapting to Defensive Fronts and Formations

30:00 Evolving Offensive Strategies Year to Year

32:43 Integrating Buck Sweep into Various Offensive Schemes

34:03 Philosophy of Specialization in Coaching

40:48 Leveraging Resources and Networking for Coaching Success

45:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Coaches

What is the Buck Sweep?

• Buck sweep vs Pin and Pull vs 
• PS Gap Down Backer
• PS G Pull Kick
• BS G Pull Wrap
• BS T Gap Hinge

Why Buck Sweep over other gap scheme plays?

• The TE/W surface lends to
• Buck sweep gave an anchor in the run game
• Blocking needs less movement, more of a cutoff block

What is the hardest look to run it on?

• Odd “under” front
  • Put DLmen in the gaps that the G’s are leaving when they pull
• Great athlete at DE and spill (wrong arm)

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “Be great at something - and good at other stuff”

Social Media

• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod

This comprehensive discussion from the Coaching 101 podcast, featuring hosts Daniel Chamberlain and Kenny Simpson and guest coach Antonio Graham, explores the intricacies of building effective defensive strategies in football. The dialogue delves into the creation of pressure packages, the importance of adaptability, and keeping defensive plays simple yet effective. Highlighting the needs for both new and veteran defensive coordinates, the conversation emphasizes understanding team strengths, opponent strategies, and balancing a base system with the ability to expand based on play. Furthermore, the talk addresses common coaching mistakes, stressing the importance of mastering fundamental skills before advancing to complex strategies. In addition to coaching insights, the episode promotes ProCom headsets and encourages listener engagement through social media, fostering a community committed to learning and improving coaching practices.

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
01:15 Guest Introduction: Antonio Graham
02:18 The Importance of Coaching Community
03:11 Antonio Graham's Coaching Journey
04:40 The Transition from Player to Coach
06:14 The Challenges and Rewards of College Coaching
09:07 The Move to High School Coaching
14:16 The Role of Verbiage in Coaching
14:34 Building a Pressure Package in Defense
18:49 The Importance of Simplicity in Coaching
21:21 The Role of Game Plan in Coaching
32:05 The Importance of Having a System in Coaching
36:50 Building a Simple System
37:07 Discussing Pressure Points
37:26 Strategies for Winning
37:51 The Importance of Movement
38:17 The Role of the Linebacker
39:19 The Art of Blitzing
40:25 The Changing Game
41:00 The Power of Turnovers
42:30 The Evolution of Defense
47:46 The Importance of Teaching Basics
50:10 The Art of Blitzing Revisited
52:07 The Importance of Adaptability
53:36 The Power of Simplicity
01:04:24 The Importance of Tackling
01:06:46 Closing Thoughts

Going 0-10 as a new head coach is the ultimate nightmare scenario, but not unheard of. The old saying, “good jobs don’t come open,” has never been truer than today. But, new HC’s have to break in somewhere. Coach Spain joins us on the show to talk about living through that nightmare scenario, and coming out the other side with a 10-0 regular season.

To watch the video from this episode or others like it, check out the Youtube pages of Kenny and Daniel.

What did you find out you didn’t know?

• X’s and O’s
• Horrible with coaches
• Discipline is an every day task, not a single motivational speech
• Learning other coaches get paid too
• Being a head coach is lonely
• Get a support system, don’t complain down the chain of command
• Scheme is 90% of your job as an assistant, but 10% as a head coach

How will you adjust moving forward?

• When building a staff; hire people first
• Coaches can handle different amounts of responsibility
• “Are you a man, or are you a boy” conversations
• Enjoy the moments

What NOT to do as a Coach

• Today’s Lesson: “You are never “ready” as a new Head Coach, so don’t let that be a barrier.”

Social Media

• Logan Spain
  • Twitter: @coachspain_dq
• Daniel
  • Twitter: @CoachChamboOK
  • Email: [email protected]
• Kenny
  • Twitter: @FBCoachSimpson
  • Email: [email protected]
• Coaching 101 Podcast
  • Twitter: @Coaching101Pod