r/footballstrategy

I Can answer specific questions in this thread. but Long story short, I went to a top 15 Nationally ranked hs football team in the country I played every game but didn’t start or produce a lot. I’m 5’9 165lbs and athletically I’m up there with d1 receivers 35+ inch vert and sub 4.65 40 for context every guy above me on the depth chart went d1. Obviously the big obstacle is size and roster limits. I am attending a very bad power 4 school as a student because I got significant merit based aid and it’s a good school for my major. I know as a walk on you won’t really play or anything I just want to be apart of a team again. Is it worth it for me to still train regularly to hopefully get a spring tryout next spring or should I just let it go? And again I know it’s way harder to walk on now compared to before because of roster limits. If it matters 3 if my former hs teammates and friends play for this school and many more where offered and recruited, I actually went on a visit there but that was with the old coaching staff. Any advice is appreciated

So I know it's arbitrary, but what speed and strength numbers do you look for in HS varsity players ? I'm talking at minimum, not necessarily to be a star player, but just enough to be functional at their position. Something you can work with. 40 times are all laser.

I'm thinking:

WR/DB: BW 150+. 185 bench, 250ish squat, and Sub 5.1 40. Speed is more important though, of course.

RB: BW 170+. 205 bench, 300ish squat, and Sub 5.2 40. The bigger and stronger they are, the slower they can get away with, and vice versa.

TE/LB/DE: 225 bench, 315 squat, and Sub 5.5 40 and 6 for DE's. I know DE's are linemen, but I feel that if they can't break 6 seconds in the 40, they probably, in practice, won't be effective at the position.

OL and Interior DL: Weigh 220+. 250 bench, and 350+ squat. 40 time isn't important.

I'd say OL is most flexible in terms of measurables. A weaker player can still be an effective blocker if they have good technique, but I think you'd still want the above strength numbers at a minimum. When I played, almost nobody on our team could hit these numbers, I was getting mauled by guys who couldn't or could barely bench 200 pounds. But I was also a smaller and weaker lineman (in general, maybe a little below average for my team). My functional strength sucked though. We were pretty bad for a bigger school, though.

QB: Who cares

Can someone explain the basic philosophy and principles of the 3-3 stack defense? What are some of the general terms used, how can it be used against a spread offense, and how does it relate to the “tite” defense. Im a casual fan with a good understanding of basic terminology

What is the difference between Lever and Force?

We explained this as "Gapped Out" in Cover 1:

10 — Lever, Lever

11/20 — Lever → Spill → Lever

12/21/30 — Lever → Spill → Spill → Lever

13/22/31 — Lever → Spill → Spill → Spill → Lever

When we want to be Max Fit in Match Quarters, how do we explain the run fits to remain simple for both even and odd fronts? Would it just be L-S-L- Force? Hence my initial question about the difference between Lever and Force.

What would you say are some of the best drills to build football skills for young guys who are completely new to the game?

Like, assume some athletic potential but next-to-zero knowledge/experience of the game of football.

Obviously I think this question might be position-specific and I absolutely would love to hear what you feel is key for kids who you think have potential for specific positions — but also like, what do you think the best drills are fundamentally for any football player in general?

E.g., if you think back, is there anything your earliest coaches or your dads had you do that really built up a particular skillset ?

Hey everyone,

This is a combination of a rules question and a play effectiveness question. The title basically covers what I'm wondering about, but let me give a scenario to be more specific about what I mean:

4-3 defense.

1-1 shotgun offense.

TE is on the strong side.

DL on the weak side are in the B and C gaps.

Weak side DL both engage the weak side OT to try to knock him over. DT then engages the OG while DE theoretically has a free rushing lane.

I assume someone has tried this, is trying this, or there is a reason why no one tries this. Usually though when I'm watching film breakdowns, the focus is on either 1-on-1 pass rush battles or 2-on-1 where the OL is creating the double-team. What happens if the DL intentionally creates a 2-on-1 that favors the defense?

i feel we always are taking from college/pro tape.. whats the scheme that you just dont have enough time or skill at the HS level to execute and shouldnt waste time trying to install

Would love to hear what you believe in as your core schemes and why you like them. For me (I'm a defensive guy but I like play design for O, helps me think about the full game), I really like Power, Outside Zone, and Iso for high school. I think Power and Outside Zone go really well together because you're playing half a man in both instances, but in Power you're blocking down to get the ball to fit behind you and in OZ you are reaching to get the ball outside of you. Also can add a little hesitation in the guard reads from the LB's because you are getting so active with your movement.

I like IZ reads more than a traditional Iso but I don't want my OL overthinking quick hit runs so body on body while double teaming the PS A-gap defender is where it's at. Also, turning Power into Counter is really easy if you get an H-back or FB involved as the lead blocker.

Just feels like a nice, teachable set of runs that can be run out of a lot of formations. What run schemes are you guys into?

Hi,
I am a young-ish coordinator , and we went into the game thinking we could make a statement and win the game but instead we were demolished. We couldnt score a single point and we had 6 turnovers of which 3 in the Goal Line and 3 that lead to them scoring either by field position or defensive TD.
How do you get back from the next game without throwing everything in the bin? How do you even face the music ? I am felling very bad and responsible for the bad show and I am a bit lost at the moment

Yeah, I made that post asking what measurables you coaches look for/expect, although I'm aware it doesn't really matter. It got me thinking: What's the most insane athlete you've ever seen personally in terms of measurable athleticism ? And did they happen to be good at football ?

For me, I'd say it was a 5'9 170 linebacker who started for the best team in my area. He held the school record in the 100m with a 10.8, set in his senior year, which probably means he could run a 4.4 40. He also benched 300 pounds going into his senior year. I gotta say, you'd think he played a skill position just based off his size and speed, but apparently his coach decided LB was his best fit. He had solid production but didn't get any offers. The same team had a 6'6 240 pound TE who ran an 11.3 100m as Junior, likely equivalent to a 4.6 40. He was a star and is committed to a Power 5 school.

Another player who stood out stands just 5'7 155 as a Junior. He runs a 6.9 60m, and a 10.9 100m. Likely a 4.4 guy. Also benches 275 and squats 455, which is very impressive for his size. He plays both WR and RB and is very good at both, averaging over 10 YPC and 15 yards per reception.

And lastly, a Sophomore RB measuring in at 5'10 190. He could bench 315, squat 400+, and ran a 11.5 100m as a freshman. Claims a 4.54 40, but likely .1-.2 seconds slower than that, still fast. He was just OK at his position, averaged a little less than 5 YPC.

Kind of a meta post, but I saw a post on another sub of a kid in a COLLEGE program who walked away last fall camp for mental health reasons. Their own coach has asked/inquired if they are coming back next season, and the player asked us/the internet if it is "possible," to do so, and what to do next to get back in to shape. Like...the coach has inquired and who better to ask than them?

Some of y'all know how salty I am about these kind of questions, but we haven't discussed this in awhile.

1. How often do you come across your own players relying on the internet to coach them or answer the most basic questions you or the program can answer with a simple email, phone call, or by just walking up to you?
2. How do you maintain access for them in the offseason to ask questions about playing, working out, etc. Do players seem to utilize those opportunities offered?
3. Challenge Question: What could you do as a coach to be more accessible if you are experiencing this issue?
4. Obviously, if players don't trust or feel safe/comfortable around their coaches, that is one thing, and I know we're in a world where social media/the internet is the first place we go for everything. I do want to acknowledge these things as well. In that case, what can you/we (coaches) do better, or what has worked for you to re-route this engagement back to your program?

I’ve been coaching for 10 years in a pretty prominent high school conference in my state. I joined a new staff last year, and when the HC asked me about my coaching goals, I told him I wanted to become an OC. He already knew me from coaching against me for a few years, so it wasn’t completely out of left field.

When he hired me, he mentioned that he wanted to call the offense this past season, with the hope that someone could potentially take it over the following year — which would be the upcoming 2026 season. As of now, I’m still a position coach.

I don’t hate my current role at all, but I’d really like the opportunity to call plays and see if I’m any good at it. Part of it is wanting to grow as a coach, and part of it is just wanting to say I’ve done it. We also aren’t exactly defending a run of championships, so it’s not like there’s some dynasty on the line if we try something different.

The main issue is that once the offseason hits, our HC kind of turns the temperature way down. He’s not a big “football 24/7” offseason guy, so I’m not sure if this has even crossed his mind yet. We communicate well, so I feel like it might be worth bringing up, but I also don’t want to come across like I’m overstepping.

For those of you who have been in similar situations:
Is it a bad idea to directly ask about the OC opportunity?

1. What’s the best way to approach the conversation?
2. Any advice on how to frame it without sounding entitled or impatient?

Appreciate any feedback.

I played football from age 4 through high school and stopped after graduating. I didn’t go to college or play college football, but I’ve stayed around the game and currently coach youth football. Offensive line is what I’m passionate about and I want to sharpen my knowledge of OL play, technique, schemes, and coaching.
My goal is eventually to coach OL at a school if I can earn the opportunity. For coaches who got into the profession without a college playing background:What helped you learn the game at a deeper level?What should I study first as an OL coach? Are there certifications, clinics, books, YouTube channels, or resources you recommend? What’s the best path to getting into a school program? I’m willing to learn, volunteer, and put the time in. Any advice would be appreciated. Im located in Texas

I want to become an expert in the Duo run scheme. Im a gap scheme guy who is interested in the flexibility Duo adds to an offense. 10 personnel, 11 personnel doesn’t matter I want to learn all of it. The rules seem elusive to me. Is there a video or online clinic anyone could recommend that takes you through an entire duo install with multiple formations vs. multiple fronts? I want rules that work vs. any front, first steps, aiming points, etc.

Hey everyone,

Looking for some advice from people working in college football video.

I’m currently in NCAA Division I athletics as a video analyst (WSOC), and I’m trying to transition into football video, with the long-term goal of becoming a Video Coordinator.

Quick background:

• 33 years old
• Bachelor’s degree
• Already working in D1 athletics (video role)
• Coaching background
• Used to long hours / structured environments

I’ve started learning Hudl Sportscode (tagging, breakdowns) and getting familiar with football workflows. I’m also considering learning Catapult and getting a drone license.

Main questions:

• Is 33 too late to make this move?
• What’s the best entry point if I can’t go the student/intern route?
• What matters most when trying to get into a football video staff?

I’m open to starting as a volunteer and working my way up — just trying to take the smartest path.

Appreciate any advice!

As the title states, I did resign in lieu of termination around September after being at my last stop for about 2-4 months. I’ve been working odd jobs to make ends meet since then and now that the year is winding down, I’m finally being brought in for more interviews. Is there any advice yall can give me for when I’m brought in? Or just be myself, be honest and guarantee that I won’t be a problem. I am desperate to get back in, I miss this profession so much.