1. Strategic planning for youth football
What coaches should be thinking and
planning during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Gary McCulley
The Football Academy

2. Coaching Materials
ALL MATERIALS MENTIONED IN THIS PRESENTATION ARE AVAILABLE FOR
Click on youth coaching material link for
This presentation
Practice plan templates
Game day plan templates
Sub package templates
Business Card Templates
Sample playbooks
Introductory Letter to Parents and Players
Example Team Rules, Expectations, and Consequences
And other materials for youth coaches

3. Agenda
Introductions – What is the GFA Coaching Committee and why are we here?
Youth Football Strategic Planning
Spring
Summer
Fall
Regular Season
Playoffs / Post Season
Winter

4. Introductions Who are we? GFA Coaching Committee
Rob Michael – Coordinator
Jim Weybrecht
Terry Mahan
Howard McMurphy
Gary McCulley
What are we doing? Recruit, interview, assist, and mentor GFA coaches
Why are we doing this? To optimize the overall quality of the program and to prepare kids for High School Football

5. Advanced Planning Why do it? Success thrives with advanced planning
Prepare to be successful
Avoid crisis management later on
Brian Kelly example
Coach Kelly plans the entire year - to the minute
Including walking to practice field, using the restroom, etc.
“Plan your work, work your plan”
Everything should have a purpose
Don’t do something “just because”
Practice like you want to play
Huddle dynamics
Conditioning vs 2 minute drill

6. Spring Planning
Jan – May

7. Spring (Jan – May) Jan - March: Prepare for Head Coach interviews
March - May: HC candidates to be interviewed
March -June: Head Coaches selected
Once selected as a head coach
Head Coach to interview, select, propose and agree on roles and responsibilities for assistant coaches and business manager(s) – see next slide
Entire staff to discuss and agree upon philosophies (offensive, defensive, who will coach coach’s sons, etc.)
Decide on how to get offensive plays in the game
Wristband, hand signals, messengers, etc. – buy early
HC should arrange pre-season scrimmages for mid to late August vs. quality opponents (suggest picking last year’s champion and/or runners up – ideally 2 scrimmages before the regular season starts – this will be the forcing function to get your team prepared for the regular season)

8. Select / Recruit Assistants
Best if done early, prior to registration(March-April)
Clearly establish responsibilities
Offense, defense, play calling, special teams, etc.
Establish team rules together
Establish team “philosophy”

9. Select / Recruit Assistants
Establish/Discuss Offense and Defense
Suggestions
Pick an offense and defense that plays to your players strengths
Difficult to do prior to being assigned a team
Talk with High School coaches in the area
Pick an offense that kids will see when they attend high school
If most of the kids on your team will attend WFHS…
E.g. Talk with Coach Campbell - Implement Blackhawk offense/defense – (adjust for youth kids)

10. Offensive Play Call Format
When selecting an offense, select an offense that kids can easily and quickly learn – play call should speak to every position
Example Pass Play: “PRO - FLANK – LAKE – VEGAS”
“PRO”: Back formation: Tells Running backs where to line up
FLANK: Receiver Formation: Tells Receivers (X, Y, Z) where to line up
LAKE: O-line Pass Protection Scheme: Tells Offensive Lineman which protection
VEGAS: Route Package: tells Receivers which routes to run
Example Run Play: “GUN – FLANKER – 26 POWER”
“GUN”: Back formation: Tells Running backs where to line up
“FLANKER”: Receiver Formation: Tells Receivers (X, Y, Z) where to line up
“26 POWER”: TELLS BACKS/RECIVERS/O-LINE WHERE BALL IS GOING AND WHATAT TO DO

11. PRO - FLANK – LAKE - VEGAS
Instruction: 3 step drop - QB reads SS - He can’t be two places at once
If SS goes with Y, hit Z
IF SS goes with Z, hit Y
Must be “bang-bang” – ball needs to be airborne in less than 3 sec.
Example FS CB SS M B
LOS Y T G C G T X Z QB 3 2
“Vegas” Route Package
X and Z run 5 yard posts
Y runs 2 yard arrow

12. Spring: Jan – May (cont.)
Get to know Players (March-July)
Stay within the rules (i.e. draft, boundaries, etc.)
Attend baseball, basketball games, other football leagues
Do not over promise / over commit
All players will be evaluated fairly – no favorites
Everyone plays, but the best players play the most
Once parents begin coming to you…
“My son plays QB – I’ve watched you coach QBs and I want him to play on your team…”…
“That’s great – he will be given every chance to play QB, just like the other 2 QBs that played for us last year.”

13. This is the most active planning phase: May – Late July
Summer Planning
This is the most active planning phase: May – Late July

14. Summer: May - July
Plan/Hold Informal working sessions with previous & prospective players to go over offense and defensive concepts, formations, QB/WR/RB timing, etc.
Advise players of summer football camps that are offered in the area
Youth Speed camps / strength / conditioning offered by High Schools in the area
Premier Camp and Combine – weeks of 6/11 and 6/18 (M thru Thurs.)
Passing leagues
ASU/UA camp(s)
Be an ambassador of the GFA where appropriate
Talk to parents, potential players
Business cards? (see thefootballacademy-llc.com)

15. Example June Schedule
Example

16. May-July (continued)
Begin preparing introductory packet that will be sent to the team (once team is finalized)
Items to include
Tentative practice August practice schedule (including 2 scrimmages vs. quality opponents, once scheduled)
Tentative regular season practice schedule (M-W-F, or Tu-Th-F, or Tu-Th, etc.)
Fundraising commitments
Poker night, t-shirts, etc.
Team rules and expectation
Consequences if rules are broken
Playbooks (if appropriate)

17. Dates to Remember 5/11/12: TFA Youth Camp – 6p-9:30p @ WFHS (TBD)
3/24/12: Future Pro Mountain Pointe High School
3/27/12: CHS night camps (every Tuesday thru May 1st)
5/11/12: TFA Youth Camp – WFHS (TBD)
6/5-6/8: ASU Youth camp
6/11 – 6/21: TFA Premier™ Camp and Gilbert High (TBD)
Mon thru Thurs over two weeks
Combine: speed, agility, player evaluations
7/28/12: Saturday: Team Fundraiser: Poker HC house
7/30/12 Monday: First Day of AYF Practice – helmets only
8/2/12 Thursday: Thurs: shells
8/6/12 Monday: full pads - no contact
8/7/12 Tuesday full pads - live on dummies
8/8/12 Wednesday full pads, full contact

18. May – July (cont.)
Formalize month of August schedule – this is important – significant potential to get ahead of the curve if you plan ahead and plan smart
Think through Pre-season Practice Milestones
1st Day of practice – have a very crisp practice plan for this day:  start slow, don’t try and install your entire offense on this day – go slow, explain your offensive and defensive philosophies, start with the basics, etc.
1st Day of pads - Think through 1st day of pads – have a very crisp practice plan for this day:  start slow, work up to full speed contact – keep distances close

19. May – July (cont.)
Think Through Pre-season August milestones (cont.)
“Get tough” practice to determine what you have: 
Have a signature “get tough” drill
Oklahoma drills
3 cone drill
Etc.
typically late in the 1st week of pads or early in the 2nd  - this may vary team to team – head coach should know team and know when to have this – keep it close
1st Scrimmage
Plan on having at least 50% of your 1st game offense and 75% of your 1st game defense installed by the time you have your first scrimmage
2nd Scrimmage
Usually the last week of August – Suggest scheduling on a Thursday before 1st game week, give the team Friday off. 
Plan to have the majority of your offense and defense installed at this point.
These are the forcing functions to get your team prepared

20. Importance of Down Days
Plan “down” days after the 2nd or 3rd week of full pads
Examples
schedule a walk through in shells
hold barbecue and/or hold dodge ball game in lieu of practice, etc.
even consider canceling practice if team needs a break

21. Example August Schedule

22. Buy Equipment Early Football Equipment hits stores in May/June
Wristbands for QB
Water bottles
Pads
Etc.

23. Late July Once assigned a team,
Send introductory to team with packet info described previously
Ideal if you schedule informal ice breaker for team, (e.g. barbecue, dodge ball at Freestone Rec center, etc.) – work with Team Mom(s)
Decide on any apparel preferences so parents can buy before sold out
Seek Uniformity in Game and Practice Uniforms
Black socks, mid calf?

24. Once players are assigned to you (continued)
Send letters addressed to players and parents
Set expectations
Encourage summer football camp/summer league/summer conditioning (attend if possible – take notes)
Passing leagues
Implement passing game
Encourage Development camps
Encourage College camps
ASU, UA, NAU
Encourage High School Camp attendance
Send out playbook? – send electronically to players if possible (once registered – see example next slide)

25. PRO - FLANK – LAKE - VEGAS
Instruction: 3 step drop - QB reads SS - He can’t be two places at once
If SS goes with Y, hit Z
IF SS goes with Z, hit Y
Must be “bang-bang” – ball needs to be airborne in less than 3 sec.
Example FS CB SS M B
LOS Y T G C G T X Z QB 3 2
Vegas
X and Z run 5 yard posts
Y runs 2 yard arrow

26. Once Team Has Been Selected (cont.)
Fundraising
Hold fundraising even once team has been selected but prior to first game
Everyone hates fundraising – try and have fun
Suggestions
Have it the Saturday night before practice begins
Parents only – no football talk
Poker night, etc.
Parents only
Great way to meet the parents in non-football environment
Food/drink/poker
Bowling

27. Late July, Early August Pre-Season Practice
Always Prepare and have well defined practice plans
Have a lesson plan for each and every practice
Prepare practice plans the weekend before
Plan down to the minute, but allow for flexibility
OK to deviate from practice plan, but have to have one to start
Early season practice will look different than late season / playoff practice – plan appropriately
Be organized – have a strategy for each opponent

28. First Week of Practice
Get to know / Assess the team (pre-season, if possible)
Be honest and impartial
Have a “tryout” day if required
Use measurables to help
40 yd dash, pro agility, catching, throwing, “hitting", previous tackle history
Keep a record (for parents..)

29. Role of HC Lead Assistants by example
“Coach the coaches” – if warranted
Establish Offense and Defense (with staff input)
Be the interface to parents and league
Be a good steward with equipment
Spokesperson for fund raising
Set expectations early
Settle disputes
Lead by example – be selfless, own your mistakes, and move on

30. Role of HC (continued) Not a dictatorship, but HC has final say
Value everyone’s opinion, say “thanks” allot
Set good behavior examples (especially when things “go bad” in a game)
Solicit their staff input – let them do their job
Always set a good example
Don’t lose control – maintain composure, always
NO CURSING IN FRONT OF THE KIDS (tough to do)

31. Avoid Parent Issues by setting expectations
Set clear expectations from the start
Fund raising
Player evaluations
Playing Time
Be honest regarding their son’s
Talent
Work ethic
Attitude
….All of which will give a good indication of playing time
Open Line of communication
If there is a problem, come talk to me – let’s work it out

32. HC’s relationship with kids
Plan, plan, plan – kids can recognize when you know what your are doing compared to “faking it”
Earn their trust, win their hearts
Keep it positive, upbeat, up tempo
Have well defined practice plans
No standing around in practice (2 drills vs. 1 drill once technique is established – max reps)
Coach by the Golden Rule
Be honest and fair, in all circumstances
Have patience, especially with low/medium talent kids
Do not favor, over coach, etc., your own kid(s)
Give written tests – “extend learning time” – see next slide

33. Example Test Problem
Example

34. Regular Season

35. Game Week Preparation Sunday
WATCH GAME FILM FROM SATURDAY IF YOU HAVE IT
EVALAUATE THE GOOD/BAD/UGLY
WATCH UPCOMING OPPONENTS FILM (IF YOU HAVE ACCESS)
IDENTIFY OPPONENTS DEFENSIVE FRONTS/SECONDARY
PUT TOGETHER YOUR GAME PLAN BASED ON IDENTIFIED OPPONENT WEAKNESSES AND YOUR TEAM’S STRENGTHS
Create NEW PLAY/GADGET, if desired

36. Game Week Preparation Offensive Practice Plan
PRE PRACTICE-SKILL (PASS GAME): 15 minutes
GROUP FUNDAMENTALS: 20 MINUTES
PASS GAME FUNDAMENTALS: 20 MINUTES
OL PASS PRO FRONTS
SKILL ROUTES 
IMPORTANT: SCRIPT PLAYS (WRIST BAND FOR QB)
9 0N 9 INSIDE RUN VS ALL FRONTS (NO WR’S-CORNERS/CARDS): 10 MINUTES/12 PLAYS
9 ON 9 OUTSIDE RUN VS ALL FRONTS (NO WR’S- CORNERS/CARDS): 10) MINUTES/12 PLAYS
11 ON 11 PASS (BLITZ/CARDS): 15 MINUTES/ 12 PLAYS
See next slides for example level of detail

37. Sample Offensive Practice Plan
TIME
PERIOD
ACTIVITY
NOTES
6:15 –6:30 (15)
Pre-practice
Skill players
O-line
QB-Receivers: formations from the huddle
O-Line: practice handwork and footwork
QBs/receivers: huddle break (flanker, flank, slotter, slot, x-flanker, x-flank, spread)
O-Line: work on river, lake, L step, Power L step vs. air
6:30-6:45 (15)
Warm-ups
Dynamic and static stretch
organized, upbeat & efficient
6:45-7:10 (20)
Fundamentals
break into 3 groups
O-Line
Backs
Receivers
Stance, footwork, handwork
Timing, handoff, ball security
Stalk block, hand drills, routes
Emphasize proper technique
Emphasize proper depth & exch.
Emphasize blocking & catching
7:10-7:15 (5)
Water break
7:15-7:30 (15)
Inside Running Game
PLAY CALL
FLANKER 26 POWER (20)
NEAR FLANKER - 36 POWER (26)
SLOT - 26 POWER (4)
SLOTTER - 24 BLAST(5)
FLANK - 22 ISO (6)
XFLANKER 25 COUNTER(15)
FLANKER 22 ISO (7)
FLANK 23 ISO (8)
SLOT - 26 POWER(4)
FLANKER 22 ISO(7) DF 1 8 3 5 2 4
Run inside running plays that you plan on running vs. this week’s opponent DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS
Run vs. opponent defensive sets
Emphasize O-line assignments vs. even and odd fronts (center covered and un covered : 40 fronts and 50 fronts)

38. Sample Offensive Practice Plan (cont.)
TIME
PERIOD
ACTIVITY
NOTES
7:30 –7:35
water
7:35-7:50
(15)
Outside Run Game
PLAY CALL
FLANKER 28 PITCH (8)
FLANK 29 PITCH (7)
SLOT 28 PITCH (2)
SLOTTER 29 PITCH (1)
DEALER 28 PITCH (10)
DEAL 29 PITCH (11) DF 1 2 3 4 5 6
WORK OUTSIDE PLAYS THAT YOU PLAN ON RUNNING VS UPCOMING OPPONENT DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS
RUN VS ODD/EVEN FRONTS OF YOUR OPPONENT.

39. Sample Offensive Practice Plan (cont.)
TIME
PERIOD
ACTIVITY
NOTES
7:50-8:10
(20)
Pass Game
PLAY CALL
X FLANKER FIRE RIVER CUT (22)
X FLANK FLASH LAKE CUT (21)
SLOTTER RIVER VEGAS (24)
PRO SLOT LAKE VEGAS (23)
DEALER RIVER VEGAS (30)
DEAL LAKE VEGAS (31)
FAR FLANK 34 PWR PASS (13)
SLOTTER 24 LAKE Y CK ME (19)
SPREAD FLANK RIVER WHEEL (31) FLANKER FIRE RIVER CUT (22)
X FLANK FLASH LAKE CUT (21)
SLOTTER RIVER VEGAS (24)
PRO SLOT LAKE VEGAS (23)
DEALER RIVER VEGAS (30)
DEAL LAKE VEGAS (31)
FAR FLANK 34 PWR PASS (13)
SLOTTER 24 LAKE Y CK ME (19)
SPREAD FLANK RIVER WHEEL (31) DF 8 7 6 5 10 11 12 9
Run plays that you plan on running in the game vs. opponent’s Defensive Formations
8:10-8:25
(15)
SPECIAL TEAM
PUNT TEAM
PUNT TEAM OR KICKOFF TEAM
8:25-8:35
(10)
CONDITIONING
FOOTBALL RELATED
EX..NO HUDDLE OFFENSE;PUNT COVERAGE
END

40. Game Week Preparation Friday Practice Plan Suggestions (if scheduled)
SCRIPT FIRST 10 PLAYS
FORMATIONS/RUN GAME/PASS GAME
 LET’S YOU SEE HOW DEFENSE ADJUST TO YOUR FORMATIONS WITH FRONTS & SECONDARY
After 10 plays, call plays based on what the defense is showing
Think at least 1 play ahead
QUICKLY THINK ABOUT:
DEFENSE, DOWN, DISTANCE, & FIELD POSITION
GET PLAY INTO QB QUICKLY
GIVE HIM ENOUGH TIME TO CALMLY CALL THE PLAY TWICE IN HUDDLE
THINK ABOUT THE NEXT PLAY
IF THIS PLAY IS SUCCESSFUL, WHAT SHOULD WE CALL NEXT
IF THIS PLAY IS UNSUCCESSFUL, WHAT SHOULD WE CALL NEXT

41. Game Day Ideas/Strategies

42. Game Days
Have a game day schedule – minute by minute, just like in practice. 
You don’t want to be late or in a hurry before a game (warm-ups, offense, defense, specials, sub packages, etc.)

43. Game Week Preparation GAME DAY
COACHING RESPONSIBILITIES
ASSIGN POINT OF ATTACK RESPONSIBILITIES TO STAFF
IMPORTANT: CAN’T HAVE ALL EYES ON THE BALL!!!!
WR COACH-SECONDARY
RB COACH-DEPTH OF BACKS/BLOCKING ASSIGNMENT
OL COACH- DEFENSIVE FRONT/ BACKSIDE
OC-POINT OF ATTACK
NOTE: FIND THE FREE SAFETY
HE WILL TELL YOU WHERE TO ATTACK ACCORDING TO YOUR FORMATIONS

44. Sub Package Strategies
You may not have the luxury to have all the best kids on the field at the same time
Red Squad: #1s, 5 -#2s
White Squad: 5 - #1s, 6 - #2s
Once everyone has their plays:
Gold Squad: #1s – best players on the field
See for sub package templates

45. PLAY CALLING 101 HAVE ONLY 1 PLAY CALLER!!!!
CAN’T HAVE TOO MANY CHEFS IN THE KITCHEN… IF OC IS NOT THE HC, REMEMBER, YOU WORK FOR HIM…
USE FORMATIONS THAT BALANCE YOU TO RUN BOTH TO AND AWAY FROM A TE
SLOTTER/ACE FORMATIONS: 4 PLAYS/8 FORMATIONS/MOTIONS (PITCH OUT OF FLKR & DLR)
ALWAYS ATTACK A 3 MAN SIDE… OPEN SIDE LEAD/POWER
YOU HAVE A NUMERICAL ADVANTAGE – 4 GUYS TO BLOCK 3
HAVE A PLAY PASS FOR EACH POWER RUN PLAY (ISO/POWER/LEAD)
EXAMPLE
SLOTTER F 24 LAKE Y CK ME

46. PLAY CALLING 101 (cont.)
5. EARLY PASSING GAME SUCCESS – OPENS UP RUNNING GAME
6. CALL PLAYS THAT PUT YOUR TEAM IN POSITION TO WIN THE GAME
DP/SD/JEFF TEDFORD
7. SCRIPT
8. ID WHAT PLAYS GET YOUR OFFENSE OFF THE BALL WHEN HAVING A TOUGH TIME
EACH YEAR IS DIFFERENT
9. KEEP CALLING WHAT THEY CAN’T DEFEND, IF YOU WANT TO WIN
“COULD BE A 3 PLAY GAME”
10. PLAY PASS ON 1ST / 2ND DOWN
11. HAVE A FORCEFULL O-LINE ON 1 SIDE / 2ND UNIT ON OTHER SIDE/TOP RB’S WITH BACKUPS
HAVE A “GO TO” SIDE OF THE LINE WHEN YOU NEED TO GET 3 YARDS

47. GAME WEEK PLANNING SUMMARY
Game week planning: Have a plan for the week
Be organized: think through every day of the week
Prepare an offensive and defensive practice plan
Share with assistants at least 1 day before practice
Script out first 10 plays of the game, based on tendencies
Prepare for Game Day
Script out pre-game activities to the minute, just like practice – never be caught off guard – stay cool, calm on game day – do not “blow-up” on game day
Play calling
One play caller – play caller should have studied opponent’s defense
Prepare a QB wrist band and a coaches play sheet
Utilize a Balanced attack/formation
Practice the plays you will call in the game
Attack weakness
Know your “go to plays” – don’t be afraid to call them consecutively

48. Playoffs / Post Season

49. Post Season (cont.)
Eliminate plays that have not been successful, install plays that play to your strengths (not too many new plays)
Playoff logistics
If you get to travel
Enlist help of parents
May have to hold supplemental fundraiser(s) to cover costs of travel
Hold end of year team dinner/banquet after last game
Charge a nominal fee to cover costs
Make it nice, with structure and organization – not just a “Chucky Cheese party”
Collared shirts, respect, well behaved

50. Off Season

51. Off Season (December-February)
Rest
Re-assess
What worked, what didn’t?
Talk to other coaches
Encourage participation in other sports
Jeff Tedford / Mike Belloti
Attend other sporting events (win their hearts)

52. Dates to Remember 5/11/12: TFA Youth Camp – 6p-9:30p @ WFHS (TBD)
3/24/12: Future Pro Mountain Pointe High School
3/27/12: CHS night camps (every Tuesday thru May 1st)
5/11/12: TFA Youth Camp – WFHS (TBD)
6/5-6/8: ASU Youth camp
6/11 – 6/21: TFA Premier™ Camp and Gilbert High (TBD)
Mon thru Thurs over two weeks
Combine: speed, agility, player evaluations
7/30/12 Monday: First Day of AYF Practice – helmets only
8/2/12 Thursday: Thurs: shells
8/6/12 Monday: full pads - no contact
8/7/12 Tuesday full pads - live on dummies
8/8/12 Wednesday full pads, full contact

53. Summary Best Wishes for a Productive Season Plan Ahead
Success is a cruel master
Think Through everything you will do
Does it prepare your team to do well?
If not, eliminate it
Practice like you want to play
E.G. During team phase, don’t walk to the huddle and tell the QB which play to call – stand away from huddle and give plays like you would in the game
If you don’t know, ask!
No one knows everything (Urban Meyer, Chip Kelly, etc.)
The best coaches are always learning and asking
Best Wishes for a Productive Season