Practice Tempos

I'd second that opinion. We get far more out of attending college spring practices than clinics, because it's far more hands on. It's the best thing you can do to learn about how to coach the game.

Just been reading Coaching Beyond the X's and O's. Bobby Bowden talked about 3 speeds he uses. Full - used rarely except during a scrimmage, used extensively in goal line work. Thud - Full speed to the back, collision with the upper body only, no wrapping up. The other one I think he called zing, which is full speed to the ball and angle off and past before impact.

Not so sure I like the idea of thud without wrapping arms, I suppose at FSU it doesn't result in bad habits but with younger kids I can just see 'em plowin' into a guy and having him bounce right into a big gainer come game time. I've had satisfactory results having them hit high and wrap, no hitting the ground. FWIW.

That's the way to go, Lochness! IMO. I like to use the bowing ball and bowling pin analogy: What goes flying when the MOVING BALL hits the STATIONARY PIN? The pin of course, while the ball continues on it's normal path. I tell them you be the ball, not the pin! Don't stand around, keep moving at top speed. Another thing I have always used is that if the players go 100% during practice, the need for gassers reduces drastically! They love that. We just finished our 17th week of off season workouts that consist of cardiovascular enhancement , weight training, HARD CONDITIONING, and class room sessions twice a week. Get them in shape and don't allow them to get out of it! It isn't a guarantee that they won't get nicked, but if they do it does guarantee they will come back a lot quicker.

Coach Easton