Overview: It is really easy to find the best players and have the best team.

However these teams dont last. Building a program involves building people. STAGES 1) Stability = Consistency a) You cant start winning until you start losing. 2) Raised Expectations = Excellence a) In the classroom, At Practice, In the community b) When you see expectations are being met then raise them to the next level 3) Championship = Competitive Greatness in everything a) Little things (being late, walking on field, poor academics) will get you beat. You wont win a championship until you have gotten rid of all the little things that cause you to lose. Use the locker room to reinforce the rules and mission. This is where the players spend the most time.

STAFF It starts with respect. Respect the game. Respect other coaches. Respect the players. Recognize special people in the program. Trustworthy: What Im doing or showing how much I give for the program.
Selfless: There is not job too big or too small

WE thinking Along the same lines as teammatesThe staff must work together as a team

The A TEAM 1) Accountability a) The willingness of team members to remind one another when they are not living up to PERFORMANCE STANDARDS of the team. b) PEER ACCOUNTABILITY is the toughest to teach and develop 2) Appreciation a) ABILITY is God-given, BE THANKFUL b) PRAISE is Man-given, BE HUMBLE c) CONCEIT is Self-given, BE CAREFUL 3) Achievement a) Going far beyond the call of duty, doing more than what others expect b) It comes from striving and maintaining the highest standards. Looking after the smallest detail. And going the extra mile. c) Excellence means doing your best in everything in every way. Q and A session (part one) In regards to player discipline: You shouldnt need to take more time from a coach and have the player do extra running. This only makes the player and NOW the coach mad. You need to take away what they love the mostPLAYING TIME or REPS in PRACTICE!

Q and A session (part two) Q: What taking over a program, what are the first things to change? A: The three things that need to be stressed first are: 1) DISCIPLINE: Attention to Detail a) Be on time b) Proper dress c) Know your assignment 2) WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT a) The atmosphere of the locker room b) Players need to come energized 3) CONSISTENCY a) Players need to what to expect You build INTENSITY through REPETITION. You need to coach on the fly and not have a clinic on the field. Use coaching terms that are short and easy to remember.

Use film to teach players. It is easier to teach a player when they can SEE what they did wrong.

Q and A session (part three) WEEKLY PRACTICE (posted in the locker room) MONDAY MENTAL Install the game plan for the week TUESDAY INTENSITY You will get more out of player when they know what to expect every day. Be consistent. WEDNESDAY WORKING THURSDAY-PERFECT PRACTICE No thinking should be needed. Execute the plays and assignments. FRIDAY-FOCUS Locking in on the task at hand. The players should not be giddy SATURDAY-SUCCESSFUL GAME DAY SUNDAY-ASSESSMENT

Q and A session (part four) GAME by QUARTERS FIRST QUARTER START FAST: Play with Intensity and set the tone SECOND QUARTER ATTENTION to DETAIL: Dont let the game environment affect your assignment THIRD QUARTER CONTINUE FAST FOURTH QUARTER FINISH STRONG

The Pistol Offense and variations

Coach Neuheisels main reasons for going to the PISTOL OFFENSE 1. SIMPLE BLOCKING SCHEME. 2. An OPTION element can be easily added to it. 3. By placing the RB in the pistol, it eliminates the tendencies of an offset RB. General Notes You must have the ability within your offense to be able to have series/packages that can be featured on a single year to year basis regardless of injury. UCLA PISTOL BASICS QBs heels at 4 RBs heels at 7

QBs first step is to aim pelvis at read key and put ball on back hip. Basic Inside Zone blocking scheme. The read can be changed from backside DE to DL to LB. The inside zone blocking scheme is the best answer to field pressure defense. RB should stay on path of Centers midline until he is forced off that line. Base Pass protection if full slide with the Wingback coming across formation to pick up edge rusher.

B
E
SLIP

B N

A
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SLIP block provides a lead blocker for the QB

B
E
SLIP

B N

A
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SLIP block provides a lead blocker for the QB

A E
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A
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SWING REPLACES PITCH

TE HB RB #1 WR (boundary side) #2 WR (boundary side)

ZONE BLOCK Let TB cross then run flare route Zone Path Block Most Dangerous Block Most Dangerous

TE HB RB #1 WR (boundary side) #2 WR (boundary side)

PASS PROTECTION POST POWER PATH, sell fake, then PASS PROTECTION FADE WHIP

TE HB RB #1 WR (boundary side) #2 WR (boundary side)

PASS PROTECTION CORNER POWER PATH, sell fake, then PASS PROTECTION SLIP blocking path then release to FLATS WHIP

Q: How do you plan to move players around and split time between positions.? A: Notre Dame has a few players that can play multiple positions. Tight Ends playing in Wide Receiver spots Slot Receivers playing in Running Back spots Running Backs playing in Slot Receiver spots To practice each position, the coach must find balance to insure the player can fully develop at their original position. The practice script must be used to make sure that when that player is in a special position: 1.The play is designed around that player or 2. The play is directed toward the players side. Q: What is the QBs presnap read? The Safeties? A: Why look at the Safeties first? Are you making sure they both show up? Remember the Safeties are often Quarterbacks or former Quarterbackswhich means they are pretty smart. They often are in charge of making sure the proper coverage is called and the secondary is lined up correctly. This means the safeties will be the last to move to their alignment. Which means look at the safeties LAST The presnap QB read should be in this order 1. The FRONT. Thru film study, often times when a DL changes his technique, this can be an indicator that a blitz is coming. 2. The Cornerbacks. 3. The Safeties 4. Defensive body language Q: Escape drills? A: Only escape on 3 or 4 man pressure. When a team blitzes. Get rid of the ball! Dont throw the ball to the pylon, hes not on our team The QB throw should be aimed to the corner of the endzone.

Attaching a RUN PLAY to STICK

Coach Martin spoke briefly above this concept. The QB read the MIKE backer. If he sits on the STICK route, then give to RB If he reads the RUN play, then throw to STICK. The three run plays he said you could attach are 1. DRAW 2. SHOVEL 3. QB DRAW The RB is taught to delay his path then break in to receive hand off

BUBBLE PAT N GO
They were teaching Bubble technique the old waySprint three steps, look for the ball
They did add the outside blocker at times

1.DROP 2.RIGHT 3.STEP UP 4.THROW

1.DROP

2.RIGHT
3.LEFT

4. ESCAPE
5.THROW

QB Escape
They used cones for movement. Coach Kelly would shout direction. The throw finished in the pocket (LEFT DIAGRAM) and out of the pocket (RIGHT DIAGRAM).

ONE on ONEs

S
CB

Two lines that would alternate

SLOT WRs vs SAFETIES only (CORNER or OUT)
OUTSIDE WRs vs CORNERBACKS only (FADE or SLANT)

Coach Martin emphasized to WRs on FADE to HOLD your LINE, DRIFT LATE

GOAL of his CLINIC TALK: To give you something to think about, that will help you win a game. Coach Martin stressed his former defensive background numerous times. He said as a former defensive coach he hated to prepare for 1. TEAMS that used multiple FORMATIONS. 2. TEAMS that use multiple MOTIONS, SHIFTS, and TRADES So when he switched to the offensive side of the ballhe made sure that these two items were included in the offense. He stated A Punt is way better than a turnover A good thing to remember when it is 3 rd and long. When you face man coverage, throw the ball to your playmaker or to their worst defender. Its Recess 1. DONT WORRY ABOUT BALANCE a. You dont gain an advantage by being balanced (no bonus points are awarded) b. You must be able to RUN AND PASS efficiently. 2. ALLOW YOU to KEEP it SIMPLE a. Four RUNS and FOUR PASSESthis is where you start.

3. CREATE Run and PASS Looks a. Set the strength then motion. Line up in 2x2 then motion to 3x1.

5.

4. UTILIZE your PERSONNEL a. Move your best player around so the defense has to find them. 5. Make GAME PLANNING difficult for the DEFENSES. a. The defense staff will cover it even if you only run it once! 6. Create EDGES to get the ball to the perimeter a. If we move one person and they move one personwe have not lost anything! b. If we move one person and they DONT moveWe gain an ADVANTAGE. We can OUTFLANK them! 7. Create Matchups a. Using a 4x1 formation to isolate the single WR. This is better than 3x1 because it forces the defense to defend four WR side. If they dont, the offense will outnumber them somewhere else! 8. Motion to and from EMPTY (unbalanced) a. Most defenses have an automatic check for EMPTY and UNBALANCED. Some defenses with not check out of it. 9. Strength into the boundary a. Most defenses are field strength based. By putting the strength to the boundary, it forces the defense out of their comfort zone. 10. Allows you be stubborn and boring a. You can use the same concept, but because of the formation change, it looks different to the defense. 11. Attack their BAD player a. Make CBs defend the run (you every see one with 15 tackles in a game?). **The only time you see a CB make a tackle in usually in the 1st quarter. Check the statsA CB that doesnt have a pick may mean he cant judge the ball in the air. 12. Make LBs defend the pass.

TB SWING
The Swing to the Tailback is like running speed option. Use this when you dont have a running QB. TRADE TE from boundary to FIELD then release and block most dangerous. ALLEY to LB

MOTION to EMPTY
CURL FLAT CONCEPTlooks different to defense, but the same read for the QB

MOTION to 3x2 from 4x1

It is easy for the defense to line up against 3x2

TE TRIPS
Then motion for SWEEP or move the LBs and then run Inside Zone

Where the Running Back fits in Pass Protection

1. Ringo/Lucky Protection a. this is a 6 man protection b. this is man, slide c. versus 4 down d. versus 3 down 2. RB Eye Progression a. Pre-snap read i. Front Identification ii. Shell Read iii. Are there any identifiers or clues from film study iv. Where will I fit if there is pressure b. Post-snap read (this is done on the run) i. Check/Release 3. Pass Blocking Fundamentals

N
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M
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S T E

Running Back Pre-snap read Progression

1. 2. 3. INSIDE: Linebacker (M) OUTSIDE: Linebacker (S) BACKSIDE: Linebacker (N) or fourth defender weak Identify your BACKER then after the snap TRACK him If the OL picks up wrong man, the RB should make them look rightYOU PICK HIM UP

N E

S T E

Running Back Pre-snap read Progression Identify your BACKER then after the snap TRACK him

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S E

Running Back Pre-snap read Progression If the OL picks up wrong man, the RB should make them look rightYOU PICK HIM UP

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M T

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Running Back Pre-snap read Progression

Is the SAM capped by a SAFETY? Does he have BLITZ demeanor? Happy feet, active hands, forward lean, closer to LOS

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M T

Running Back Pre-snap read Progression

Front Identifiers: DL lines up in different technique Normal technique is a 5, but he lines up at a 4 technique

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M 23

Running Back Pre-snap read Progression

Front Identifiers: DL lines up in different technique Normal technique is a 3, but he lines up at a 2 technique

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S E

SLIDE start one over one man!

1. 2. 3. INSIDE: Linebacker (M) OUTSIDE: Linebacker (S) DELAY BLITZ? If you are doubt? STAY IN PROTECTION!

Where the Running Back fits in Pass Protection

3. Pass Blocking Fundamentals
Know where the QBs launch point is, The RBs butt should be the camera of the QB BASICS 1. Attack the line of scrimmage to stop their momentum, by doing this you gain an advantage to block. 2. Sink and Split inside leg, dont hit head on but on angle (which is easier to knock the LB off course) 3. Rise and strike with hands inside 4. Keep the eyes on his chin and lift. This give a visual cue and helps avoid helmet collisions. Key: If you slow them down, you have won! 5. Deliver a blow. Be violent with the explosive hands and arms. 6. Bow the back and head to eliminate being TOP HEAVY. 7. Eyes on the Belly ButtonHit and Release.

Basic Drill: Set the players only about 2 yards apart. This helps to stress proper form and avoid big collisions.

LB

RB

Philosophy/Goals We will never stop WORKING GROWING LEARNING BELIEVING in myself, my teammates, my coaches Where we are today is nothing compared to where we will be tomorrow A ND wide receiver wants to be looked at by my teammates as COMMITTED HARD NOSED PHYSICAL ONE who BRINGS his BEST EFFORT every SNAP COMPETES at EVERY OPPORTUNITY Characteristics of a Notre Dame WR a) Accountable b) Trustworthy c) Competitive d) Courageous Fundamentals a) The difference between being good and being great g) Step outside your comfort zone b) Little Things are big in the grand scheme h) Dont let them off the hook c) Learn the game d) Build pride in how you play e) Immediate impact on you and teammates f) Makes your responsibilites easier

Offensive Line is the most difficult position to play. You must combine skills, athletic ability, and strength. Try and work against other player before using pads or other equipment. The player truly can feel hand and body position better on another personnot a pad or dummy. There should be only TWO practice speeds. 1. WALK THROUGH (QUALITY) 2. FULL SPEED (QUANTITY) WHY? Because speed or speed are too hard to define.

There is no greater feeling for an offensive lineman than moving a defender from POINT A to POINT B, against his WILL. Joe Moore former Notre Dame OL coach

KEYS to BLOCKING a) EFFORT: preparation and play b) TOUGHNESS

1. 2. Drive yourself longer and harder than anyone, never give up Fight through adversity, execute when tired

c) d) e) f)

STRENGTH CONDITIONING FUNDAMENTALS: The more you master them = Better chance for success KNOWLEDGE

DRIVE BLOCKING OBJECTIVE Knock the defender off the ball and keep him from the ball General Notes When your team comes out of the lockerroom, they should have no WHAT IFS in their mind Dont OVER COACH things, SUCCESSFUL line play comes down to 1. GETTING OFF THE BALL 2. LOW PAD LEVEL 3. BEING PHYSICAL Create the mindset that we are going to move A/B/C gap in another direction

The #1 Quality for the ILB is LEADERSHIP The Defense looks like the ILB, The team looks like the DEFENSE. When making any list, you should not have more than FOUR (More is actually less) LINEBACKER MUSTS (aka foundation of fundamentals) ILB 1. Must get the defense CALLED, ALIGNED, and ADJUSTED 2. DEFEND the RUN 3. DENY VERTICAL ENTRY (DVE) OLB 1. Play the FORCE 2. Rush the PASSER 3. DENY VERTICAL ENTRY (DVE) General Notes DRILLS need to look like a game or they are just warm ups WE RUN, We dont SHUFFLE You cant win the game of INCHES by SHUFFLING

1. Get the Defense CALLED, ALIGNED, and ADJUSTED a) Communication is the responsibility of the leader b) Verbal Communication c) Non-Verbal Communication d) Be Cool e) Body Language- What are we selling?

3. DVE (Deny Vertical Entry) a) Eyes on the Key b) Roll Weight Forward c) Drive & Sprint d) Ball, Man, Ball, Man e) The QB is not throwing the ball to you f) Break Downhill or Flat g) QB might as well be shouting at you h) Wall Fits i) Vertical Fits

2. Defend the Run No Crease Defense a) KEY STEP i. Fast O/S ii. Direct I/S iii. Backside Fill iv. Fast Replace b) RUN, RUN, RUN c) Burst the Bubble i. 2 SPOT ii. Flat Angle iii. High Angle d) Violent Hands e) You Cant Hit what You cant See f) Hold your ground g) Push the Pile h) Be the BACK w/o the ball i) Pin the back hip j) Speed to Power k) Foot Acceleration l) Violent Club m) Hat UP and ACROSS

Conclusion How do you prevent a defender from over running a play? Coach the player to AIM at the INSIDE SHOULDER to OUTSIDE SHOULDER If I whip you, then I can tackle the ball carrier DEFENSE is easy, we need to work on one thing defeating blocks. OFFENSE is hard, they work on many things. PASS ZONE is not defined by SPACE but by the WR Believe what the QB tells you Float to the side the QB is looking, NOT just the middle of your ZONE> When the QBs hand comes off the ball, SPRINT to the WR PRACTICE OBSERVATIONS They started with the standard PURSUIT DRILLwith some unique aspects 1. The defense had to wait to come on to the field. The coach would wait for the unit to have the correct demeanor (FIRED UP). THEN he would yell BRING EM OUT! 2. The next unit waiting would be reminded to Get ready to answer the BELL 3. Various scout players were holding hand shields in zones. When there was a turnover, the defender would find and block them. ANGLE TACKLING 1. Coach would remind the defender 1. EYES UP 2. HEAD ACROSS 3. FIRE. After a few reps, Coach Diaco would simplify be saying HEAD ACROSS, FIRE 2. Coach Diaco repeated the phrase Take the ball away, they have NO WEAPONS

RB

RB

LB

LB

ANGLE TACKLING
1. WITH PAD and BLOCKER 1. Helps player to find the ball and be ready 2. NO BLOCKER

LB

LB

LB

LB

READ and RUN DRILL

Must RUN to the DOT According to flow of the RB the LB must Run to the DOT The FRONTSIDE ILB is just a BOMB. GET THERE FAST and BLOW SH@T UP

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CB

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