Installing a Two Platoon System...

Coach,

I am the offensive coordinator in a two-platoon system. Also, I have coached at other schools that did not use two-platoon. The obvious advantages are reps, reps, reps. Here are some suggestions:

1. Be sure to always preach TEAM. It can be easy to sometimes "blame" the other side of the ball when things are not going well. You must sell TEAM to each player, coach, and position group. I think position coaches and coordinators set the tone here. If the offensive coordinator is complaining about the performance of the defense, the kids will follow the lead.

2. Use care when placing personnel. You really have to watch so that you do not overload one position with talent and depth while leaving another area bare. We really look hard at our backups to determine if they could be better than a starter at another position. For example, we look to see if our third best defensive tackle could perform better than our starting offensive guard. If so, we look to move the player. As a staff, we talk personnel all the time, especially in the off season.

3. The best thing we have done the past three years is to use two-way players in a limited role. For example, we have used a starting defensive lineman as our second tight end in short yardage and goalline situations. He practices primarily defense, but he learns the part of our offensive package that relates to him. We use some of our defensive backs to be occasional receivers. They may only learn two or three routes, but we use their athleticism as deep threats. Also, our receiver coach will occasionally sneak them into the game on run plays once or twice a game to break tendencies.

These are just a few ideas. I think in most cases that a two-platoon system can be helpful as long as you have the numbers to do it.