Timpanogos Timberwolves Football

Believe!

Ryan Smith

Coaching Philosophy

• Football teaches men:– Life lessons– Character– Work ethic– Accountability, responsibility, and teamwork– Leadership– Do the right thing

Developing a Winning Program: Steps for Success

• Take care of the little things– Make the big time where you are– Create a winning climate– Contribute to physically & mentally tough players– Develop enhanced team chemistry– Garnish community & school support– Ultimately HAVE A GREAT PROGRAM! Great teams

get support when they win. The support of a great program is unwavering. Everybody is fully invested!

Program vs. Team?

• Timpanogos Football will be treated as a program; not a team.

• A football program is a community that has no end-point. It will continue long after the people involved today have moved on.

Program vs. Team?

– Freshman Team: • Purpose: Players learn basic rules and strategies of football.• Emphasis: Learn basic schemes, techniques, and thinking habits.

Learn basic lifting techniques in the weight room.

– Junior Varsity Team:• Purpose: Teach players intermediate rules and strategies of

football.• Emphasis: Prepare players both mentally and physically to

contribute at the varsity level.

• Neither team focuses on winning; only on development.

Program vs. Team?

– Varsity Team:• Purpose: Teach players the advanced rules and

strategies of football.• Emphasis: Win games by fielding the best team of

players who are both mentally and physically prepared to contribute on the varsity level. Prepare potential college athletes for the next level.• Weight Room: Improve strength, agility, quickness, and

endurance to physically dominate opponents.

Program Plan

It is the job of the Head Football Coach to:– Identify program goals, objectives and strategies.– Create infrastructure.– Maintain Operations.

Program Vision and Mission Statement

Program Vision:• The Timpanogos Timberwolves Football

Program will be a top program in Utah on a yearly basis.

Mission Statement:• Excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in

the community.

Dreams vs. Expectations• Expect to start on the sophomore team because you started in

Middle School• Expect to start on the Junior Varsity because you started on the

Freshman Team.

• Expectations cause disappointment.

We want dreamers in our program. Dreams keep you focused; expectations make you mad.

“If you aren’t going to make your dreams epic, why bother to dream at all?”-Scott Miller – Song: “Say Ho”

Program Goals1. Implement the mission statement, core values, and program vision

through all levels of the program.2. Create an environment that helps the student-athletes become good

men, good husbands, and good fathers.3. Foster a program environment that is dedicated to attracting and

supporting excellent coaches, players, and support staff.4. Bring the football program to the forefront of Timpanogos High

School activities. Make Friday night’s football game the big event of the week.

5. Develop a football program that is continuously competitive at all levels.

Program Goals6. Provide excellent coaching focused on player success and retention.7. Provide leading edge technologies, facilities, and equipment to

support player success.8. Have the highest GPA team at Timpanogos High School.9. Assure that all players achieve academic eligibility for NCAA

recruiting.10. Provide fundraising programs and activities that promote economic

development and partnerships within the community.11. Exceed school and district goals for community service.12. Provide opportunities for the school, parents, staff, and community

to become actively involved in the Timpanogos Timberwolves football program.

Timpanogos Football Projects

Project: On-Field Football Goals

Description– Formally identify, document, and use on-field specific

objectives for the season.

Rationale– Develop goals with the players that are “real” in that they

are used to measure performance and not just as wall-slogans.

Outcome– Visible criteria by which to measure team performance.

Evaluation• December 20xx after the season is over.

Project: Team IncentivesDescription:

– Formally identify, document, and implement a recognition program that acknowledges and rewards the players that best support the program goals.

Rationale– The use of awards for recognition is a time-tested approach to reward individuals

that best represent the ideals of the program. Requirements for the awards will be developed with the team leadership.

Outcome– A program environment where the players know what is required for individual

and team recognition.

Evaluation– December 20xx, after the team banquet

Project: Promote Timberwolf Football

Description– Build solid, loyal relationships with the extended Timpanogos High

School community.

Rationale– The players and coaches are one branch of the program family tree.

The parents, staff, community members, and students are the other branches. To have a successful program we must involve as many people as we can in our “family.”

Outcome– A tighter, larger, and more loyal community family than just the

parents of the players.

Evaluation– End of each grading period.

Project: Football SchemesDescription

– Develop the concept of operations for how the team will operate on the field and establish goals for each unit.

Rationale– Using the program goals and objectives we will determine the operating

schemes for the offense, defense, and special teams.

Outcome– A comprehensive plan for how the offense, defense, and special teams will

operate to meet the program goals.

Evaluation– December 20xx after the team banquet

Project: Coaches TrainingDescription

– Establish a program environment where it is expected that the coaches and staff will constantly improve their knowledge and abilities.

Rationale– Because of the importance of the position that each coach holds in the lives of

our student-athletes it is critical that the best coaches be found and retained, and that the coaches on staff improve their capabilities each day.

Outcome– A staff that is constantly seeking to upgrade their skills and talents.

Evaluation– Coaches evaluations in December 20xx, after the team banquet.

Areas to Consider

• Program vision/goals• Roster• Staff• School Support• Community Support• Financial Support

Timpanogos Timberwolves Rebuilding Plan

Year 1: Survival

• Develop a sense of accountability in personal behavior: STAY OUT OF TROUBLE!

• Survive, evaluate, and determine what needs to be done to succeed going forward.

• Develop strength and speed.• Build a sense of team. (Leadership

Council/Team building activities)• Build great relationships with our players.• Establish a community service program.

Year 2: Foundation

• Vertical integration with feeder programs up through the varsity level.

• Improve in every area offensively, defensively, and on special teams.

• Improve our academic performance.• Continue to develop strength and speed.• Build a sense of a Football Community: One Team, One Fight.• Become a force in community service.• Commit to a 2-Platoon System• Increase fundraising to financially keep us competitive in the

light of budget cuts.

Year 3: Increase Expectations

• Continue to establish our Youth Outreach Programs in the summer.

• Utilize our Leadership Council to hold our players accountable to each other.

• Become a championship caliber community service program.• Have each assistant coach take a stronger role in team

leadership.• Create an “Anytime, Anywhere, Anybody” mentality of

competitiveness on the field.• Make the playoffs. (Added bonus if we accomplish this earlier)

Year 4: Win the Region

• Continue integrating with feeder programs through the varsity level.

• Win our region.• Advance in the playoffs.

Year 5: Compete at the State Level

• This begins on day 1, upon hire into the Timpanogos program

• Win our conference.• Progress through the playoffs.• Contend for a state title.• If this happens sooner, it is an added bonus.

Player Eligibility

• Zero ineligible football players.– There will be no missed games due to grades.

• Mandatory Study Table– Twice per week

• Weekly Grade Checks

• Peer Tutors at Study Table (National Honor Society)

• Players will be rewarded for academic successes.

Competitive Football Program

• Consistently highly competitive at all levels.• Average 28 points per game.• Average 12 or less defensive points per game.• Be +5 or better in the turnover margin.• Average 4+ yards per carry.• Explosive players on Special Teams.• Qualify for the post-season.• Win all home games.• Win the region.

Timpanogos Timberwolves Leadership Program

• Why have a program?– Leaders are made, not born.– Very few role models exist today.– It makes us a better team.– The more we invest, the greater our return.

Who participates in the leadership program?

• Initially: All seniors, and 2 juniors selected by the team.

• Eventually: All participants will be selected by the team.– All participants will be confirmed by their coaches.– No more than 12.– Captains must be chosen from this group

Logistics of the Leadership Program

• Meetings after team film sessions on Saturday.• Have food.• No more than 30 minutes.• At least 5 meetings during the season.• Start the first week of summer practice.

The Leadership Program

• Players must be involved. Participants must talk and share.• Every core value will have an activity that helps strengthen

that value.• The participants will have responsibilities outside of the

meeting time.– Calling incoming players, calling middle school players and being

assigned a group of freshmen players to know.• Have a personalized folder with all of the information in it.• 10 Core Values.

– Locker room / Weight room signs relaying each core value.– An example of each core value.– Use of quotes to strengthen each core value.

Promoting Football at Timpanogos

• Actively recruit our own hallways. Expose as many kids as we can to football.

• Become involved with the local youth programs as much as possible.

• Camps/Clinics – Camp for Little League Players– Clinic for the coaches

• Set HIGH EXPECTATIONS.– Do not be afraid to dream big.

• Be positive and enthusiastic. It is really contagious.

Promoting Football at Timpanogos• Get the administration and faculty behind us.

– They can make our life easier if we let them.

• Make football a big deal!– Make our football program the only show in town (on Friday/Saturday nights).

• Focus on who we HAVE, not who we do not. We can only play who we’ve got. Stop worrying about who is “not out.”– Coach them up! Find a place for them, and help them to be successful there.

• T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, pins, buttons, etc. promote our program! (All great for fundraising)

• Involve anybody who is willing in any way. If they want to help, or support in some way, make it happen.

Promoting Football at Timpanogos

• Get them out and keep them out.

• Be professional. Someone is always watching and/or listening.

• Have players recruit players in a positive way!

• Invite younger athletes to observe a practice. They get excited when they see a good practice session.

Promoting Football at Timpanogos

• Walk the walk, and talk the talk.

• Be honest.

• Be straightforward.

• Discipline.

• Get the moms on our side.

Promoting Football at Timpanogos

• Let them know that we care for them outside of football.

• Help support other programs in our school.

• Love the game

• Ask successful coaches what they do.

• Be humble.

• Be good to the media.

Promoting Football at Timpanogos

• Let the coaches coach.

• Establish an Identity– In all phases of the game.

• Win

My Vision

• All involved with the Timpanogos Timberwolves football program are part of a family.

• Build a football dynasty.• Games become an event, think Friday Night

Lights.• Build men of high character.

Team Rules

• No Profanity– Swearing does not make you a man.– It is the sign of a weak mind.– You won’t be able to swear after starting work, why do you

think you should be able to now?• No explicit lyrics in the weight room or locker room or in

pre-game.• No smoking, drinking/using drugs.• Act only in the best interest of the Timpanogos

Timberwolves Football Program.• You must follow all rules of Timpanogos High School.

The Timpanogos Coaching Staff• Coaches are leaders and role models.

– Each coach must have a deep knowledge of their position, show the discipline to follow instructions, have the integrity to do the right thing, and demonstrate that a strong work ethic is second to none.

• Each coach is expected to learn the entirety of the Timpanogos system.– Defensive coaches know how the different positions on the field work

together and compliment each other.– Offensive coaches know and understand the purpose of blocking schemes,

passing routes, as well as assignments and responsibilities at all positions.

• Each position coach owes it to his position to be the best coach in the entire world at that position.

The Head Coach

• Develop the best program possible.– Run an Organized Program.– Be a Good Leader.– Have a Rigorous Work Ethic.– Be the Face of the Program.

The Assistant Coaches

• Be a Positive Influence on Players.• Be Loyal to the Timpanogos Timberwolves

Football Program.• Work Hard and be Dedicated.• Know and Understand the Schemes.• Grow and Develop as a Coach.

Timpanogos Timberwolves Football Players

• Become the Best Man you Possibly Be.– Treat everyone with respect.– Succeed in the classroom.– Accept responsibility.– Do not make excuses.– Develop mental and physical toughness.– Work hard to improve in all aspects of your life.

Timpanogos Timberwolves Football Parents

• Be Supportive of the Program.• Be Involved in the Program.• Understand the Role of Parents.• Guidelines for Parent Communications.

Development of Student Athletes

• Academic Development

• Physical Development

• Mental Development

• Emotional Development

Season Checklists

(Offseason) Spring

• Run academic program• Recruit the hallways• Run strength program• Run conditioning program• Plan fundraisers• Register for passing leagues• Program newsletter• Promote the program• Scheme development• Playbook development

• Recruit the middle schools• Solicit businesses for

donations (banner sales/program sales)

• Spring team meetings• Spring football• Attend coaching clinics• NCAA recruiting information

on athletes• Meet with college coaches• Parent meeting

(Preseason) Summer

• Summer newsletter• Revisions to calendar• Passing league• Youth camp• Summer strength

program• Summer conditioning

• Provide preseason schedules

• Weekly coaches meetings• Inventory new equipment• Spirit Packs/Coaching attire• Organize in-season

responsibilities for coaches• Discount Card Fundraiser

(Season) Fall

• Final newsletter• Coaches meeting• Strength program• Conditioning program• Academic program• Individual fundraisers• Distribute spirit packs• Locker and gear

distribution• Parent Meeting

• Get the Season Rolling Bowling

• Letter to faculty• Teacher of the week

program• Student progress report• School issues• Parent issues• Player issues• Media issues• Game issues

(Postseason) Winter• Collect equipment• Inventory equipment• Equipment maintenance• Determine awards• All Region/all state meetings• Team banquet and awards• Meet with AD / Administration• Coach evaluations• Player evaluations• Support staff evaluations• Academic support evaluations• End of season meetings

• Order new equipment• Playbook/scheme review• Hire new coaches• Work on budget• Thank you letters• Academic support for finals• Recruit the hallways• Plan strength program• Plan conditioning program• Plan academic program• Organize yearly calendar

Fundraising

• Absolutely essential when running a quality program.• Ideas:– Bowling fundraiser (Beginning of season)– Discount card sales– Touchdown Club– Coach’s circle

• Offer different levels of membership for different levels of donation.

– Sell Timberwolves apparel at games– Advertisement banners/programs

Timpanogos Timberwolves Football Practices

• Practice Tempo– The Blue Line

• Players will run on and off the field at all times. Once the line is crossed helmets are on at all times. Hustle!

– Teach Tempo vs. Game Tempo: players and coaches must know the difference• Teach Tempo: Individual drills and team situations. Still a very

crisp/intense part of practice; however not the same as true competition between the Offense/Defense.

• Game Tempo: Any competition between the Offense/Defense. There should be a noticeable difference in the intensity level displayed by both coaches and players.

Timpanogos Football Practices: Sample Plan

Time Offensive Line Wide Receivers

Quarterbacks Running Backs

2:25-3:00 Film/Position Meetings

3:00 – 3:30 Dress/Stretch

3:30-4:00 Individual15 minutes run

tech15 minutes pass

tech

Individual15 minutes block tech15 minutes

routes

15 minutes mesh drill15 minutes 7 on 7 with

backs/receivers

4:00-4:30 Inside Run Drill 7 on 7 7 on 7/Inside Run

7 on 7/Inside Run

4:30-5:00 Team O vs. Scout D

5:00-5:30 Special Teams

5:30-5:45 Condition/End

All Stations *** Water as needed at all stations!!!

Timpanogos Football Practice: Sample Plan

Time Defensive Line Linebackers Defensive Backs

2:25-3:00 Film/Position Meetings

3:00-3:30 Dress/Stretch

3:30-4:00 Individual15 min block

shedding15 min pass rush

Individual15 min run fit

15 min blitz/pass drops

Individual15 min run fit

15 min pass drops

4:00-4:30 Inside Run Drill Inside Run/7 on 7 7 on 7

4:30-5:00 Team D vs. Scout O

5:00-5:30 Special Teams

5:30-5:45 Condition/End

All Stations ***Water as needed!!!

Offseason Strength Progam

• Bigger, Faster, Stronger– Went from worst to first

• 8 Week Cycle and then start over– The goal is to always break previous records

• Generate Weight Room Excitement– Put kids into teams– Hang a record bell– Celebrate the small victories– Create a sense of urgency in the weight room

Week 1

• Monday– Box Squats 3x3– Bench Press 3x3– Auxiliary: Leg

Extensions 2x10– Auxiliary: Leg Curl 2x10– Auxiliary:

Glute/Hamstring 2x10– Auxiliary: Push Press

2x10– Auxiliary: Neck 2x10

• Wednesday• Power Cleans 3x3• Dead Lifts 3x3• Auxiliary: Incline

Bench• Auxiliary: Heavy

Dips• Auxiliary: Jerk

Press• Auxiliary: Lunges• Auxiliary: Neck

• Friday: Repeat Monday

Week 2

• Players are doing the same lifts as the previous week.– This time they are doing 5 sets of 5 for core lifts,

and 2 sets of 10 for auxiliary lifts.

Week 3

• Players are doing same lifts as the previous weeks.– 5-4-3-2-1 sets• Weight should increase with each set. Players will lift to

muscle failure.

– Changing up the repetition sets each week in this manner prevents the kids from hitting a plateau. They will make gains throughout the cycle.

Week 4

• Players perform the same core and auxiliary lifts.

• 3 sets: 10-8-6– Weight increases each set.

Week 5 – Week 8

• Same core and auxiliary lifts.– 3 sets of 3 (Just like week 1)– Compare week 5 results to week 1. Players should have made gains.

• Week 6: 5x5 Sets (See week 2)

• Week 7: 5-4-3-2-1 Sets (See week 3)

• Week 8: 10-8-6

• Cycle begins again