The Football Coaching Podcast with Joe Daniel

Combo blocking is the key to your Zone run game, and maybe your gap scheme too. They could be the most important blocks your offensive line will make all year. But, the most important part of any system needs to be coached the hardest.

On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss what combo blocks are, why we use them, and how to coach them to ensure they are executed correctly on game day.

The playoffs are a magical time for football coaches, players, and teams. But, they do not come without their own hurdles. It’s always great to coach the extra games, but you’ll find there’s a little more to it than your regular game week.

On this episode Joe Daniel and Daniel Chamberlain breakdown the advantages and disadvantages to playing a new or unknown opponent, as well as some things you can do to better prepare for the game.

Bracket coverages are an advanced way to help lock down, or eliminate the threat of, a star WR. You can also use it to cover a bunched group of WRs.

On this episode Joe and Daniel talk all things double coverage, what it is, why you need to carry it, and how to best utilize it in your base defenses.

Shifts and Motions, also known as “Window Dressing,” are growing exponentially in High School football. Not only are they growing in frequency, but in complexity as well. Throwing shifts and motions into an already efficient offense can lead to explosive results!

On this episode Joe and Daniel are discussing what shifts and motions are, why they use them in their offenses, and how they gameplan to make use of shifts and motions.

What is a Turnover Culture?

• Nick Saban put it best, “The ball, the ball, the ball!” Defenses must get the ball back for the offense
• If you’re thriving in turnover culture, your players are constantly thinking about getting the ball out.
• Most HS teams struggle to emphasize it

Why is it hard to commit to in High School?

• We’re usually having to focus on more basic principles, such as alignment or run fits.
• Facing multiple offensive schemes at the High School level means we’re constantly having to coach the basics and struggle to move on to more advanced philosophies

How can we use this mindset in our system?

• Develop drills that highlight a fundamental of defense, such as tackling, and then add a ball security piece to the end of it.
• Practice ball security/strip drills every week.
• Keep your defensive scheme simple so you can move on to more advanced tactics.

Every coach identifies the games on their schedule each year that are winnable, and those that just aren’t. We often have that game on the schedule that if we found a way to win, would be considered an upset. But, what is the magic behind the upset, and how can we get there?

On this episode, Joe and Daniel discuss what makes up an upset, why it’s so important for your program, and how to approach the big game weeks.

There are MANY situations that play out during a football game. It’s hard to pinpoint any one that’s the MOST or LEAST important. But, without a doubt, playing defense in the Red Zone is very important. 

On this episode Joe and Daniel discuss the importance of Red Zone Defense, why we’re forced to make changes to our base defense in the Red Zone, and how you can scheme those changes up for your next game.

Playcalling has changed drastically over the years. From running a WR in to communicate each play, to signals, radio comms, and poster boards. We all do things a little differently.

On this episode, Joe and Daniel are talking with innovator and Head Football Coach Thad Wells to discuss his “Rooski” play calling system. Listen to find out how the Rooski system can give you an edge by simplifying football for your players.

Throughout our careers, we have both stumbled upon greater understandings of the game of football, the schemes that fit into it, and the path of being a coach. We call these our “Aha Moments.”

On this episode, Joe and Daniel talk about their individual “Aha Moments” on Offense, Defense, and in regards to the total program.