Too many mental errors in practice tonight. We finished last week on a very strong note, and we slipped a little during our offensive practice. Incorrect formations, fumbles...a lot of minor mental mistakes that add up to big problems come game time.
Tomorrow we will have a defensive-oriented practice, and if it is anything like our last defensive practice, we can turn things around pretty quickly.
A reminder to players and parents that pictures will take place during tomorrow's practice, September 1st. Please wear your home game jersey (black) and game pants to practice.
Games are coming up on us fast. Hopefully tomorrow goes much better. I think that it will.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Special teams
During Saturday's practice, we focused primarily on special teams. We will need to identify a long snapper, kicker, punter, and kick/punt returners prior to the beginning of the season, in addition to the coverage and return units as a whole.
It is often said that special teams are 1/3 of the game. While it is easy for casual fans to neglect kickers, punters, and long-snappers on a football team, all you have to do is watch a few football games on Sundays and you will see special teams play a huge role in the outcome of the game. Whether it is coming down to a game-winning field goal, a bobbled snap by the holder, a snap that goes over the punter's head...there are countless special teams plays every season that can turn the tide in a game.
Monday will be primarily an offensive practice per our usual schedule. Games are right around the corner.
It is often said that special teams are 1/3 of the game. While it is easy for casual fans to neglect kickers, punters, and long-snappers on a football team, all you have to do is watch a few football games on Sundays and you will see special teams play a huge role in the outcome of the game. Whether it is coming down to a game-winning field goal, a bobbled snap by the holder, a snap that goes over the punter's head...there are countless special teams plays every season that can turn the tide in a game.
Monday will be primarily an offensive practice per our usual schedule. Games are right around the corner.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wild animals and Friday Night Lights
The coaches were unanimous......today was our best practice of the year. By a mile.
After preaching the importance of being aggressive to the players for several weeks, tonight it was as if a switch turned on. We did our famous bag drill that is extremely physical and very demanding.
We set up three large bags, and stand them upright. In front of the first bag is a blocker. In front of the second bag is two blockers. In front of the third and final bag is two blockers, and a football rests atop the third bag. One defender must single handedly fight through the groups of blockers and knock each bag down. On the final bag, the player must knock the bag over and recover the "fumbled" football. The rest of the team? Their job is to watch and encourage their teammate as he tries to fight through the blockers.
The players were physical, they were fast, they were aggressive...they were everything I hoped. Even our smallest players attacked this drill, seemingly without any fear.
These kind of things are important in developing a strong football mindset. The kids were wild during the drill, and that intensity stayed with us throughout the rest of practice. In fact, when we were practing our team defense, the players were yelling and chanting like wild animals. An outside observer would have asked what kind of crazy coach would tell them to get pumped up that way - but they did it all on their own.
Saturday we will hope to build on today's practice. Just as you can never get too down after one bad play, you cannot let one good practice get to your head. There is still a ways to go.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Pictures have been rescheduled for September 1st during practice. Please have your son wear their pads and home (black) uniform and game pants to practice.
REMINDER: Tomorrow the Hartford Varsity makes their debut, and it is Youth Football night. Players get in free if they wear their black jerseys to the game, and we will be honored at halftime. Remember, players: best behavior at all times. Coaches are always at the game, and we'll see you there.
See you on Saturday (or, hopefully....Friday night!)
After preaching the importance of being aggressive to the players for several weeks, tonight it was as if a switch turned on. We did our famous bag drill that is extremely physical and very demanding.
We set up three large bags, and stand them upright. In front of the first bag is a blocker. In front of the second bag is two blockers. In front of the third and final bag is two blockers, and a football rests atop the third bag. One defender must single handedly fight through the groups of blockers and knock each bag down. On the final bag, the player must knock the bag over and recover the "fumbled" football. The rest of the team? Their job is to watch and encourage their teammate as he tries to fight through the blockers.
The players were physical, they were fast, they were aggressive...they were everything I hoped. Even our smallest players attacked this drill, seemingly without any fear.
These kind of things are important in developing a strong football mindset. The kids were wild during the drill, and that intensity stayed with us throughout the rest of practice. In fact, when we were practing our team defense, the players were yelling and chanting like wild animals. An outside observer would have asked what kind of crazy coach would tell them to get pumped up that way - but they did it all on their own.
Saturday we will hope to build on today's practice. Just as you can never get too down after one bad play, you cannot let one good practice get to your head. There is still a ways to go.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Pictures have been rescheduled for September 1st during practice. Please have your son wear their pads and home (black) uniform and game pants to practice.
REMINDER: Tomorrow the Hartford Varsity makes their debut, and it is Youth Football night. Players get in free if they wear their black jerseys to the game, and we will be honored at halftime. Remember, players: best behavior at all times. Coaches are always at the game, and we'll see you there.
See you on Saturday (or, hopefully....Friday night!)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Germantown scrimmage
Our second (and final) scrimmage of the season is in the books. Like with any scrimmage, we did some things we liked, and we have plenty to work on.
The Germantown program is a very good program, and our team had a chance to go up against some very solid players. The Germantown teams were not afraid to come after us, and the theme of the past two weeks - intensity and aggressiveness - will still be an issue.
I'd like for us to play a little bit faster and harder, and that comes from between the ears. Part of that comes with experience, as players do less thinking and more reacting as they learn the offense and defense.
We did have a few nice plays tonight. We completed a long pass after solid protection, and a beatiful throw-and-catch was the icing on the cake. In our final session, our defense gave up a big play on the first snap - and then held strong for much of the remainder of the session. We were also able to break a long run, after some good blocking and a nice cutback.
A special thanks to our team manager, Steve Opichka, who did just an excellent job on the sidelines for us for the second scrimmage in a row. At the end of the night, all of the equipment was just as organized as it was at the beginning of the scrimmage...and trust me, it's not because of anything that I did to help.
Also a special thanks to all of our parents. We realize that a weekday scrimmage at 5:30PM in Germantown is not the most convenient thing in the world, but everybody did a great job to make it work out. The sportsmanship has also been outstanding thus far, both from parents and players. So thank you to our parents as well.
Practice tomorrow at the usual time, 5pm-7pm. We will likely have another physical defensive practice. We are seeing more positive signs, but such a large part of football is hitting and attitude, and we need to work on both.
One final reminder: The High School Varisty team has its first game of the season this Friday. It is Youth night, so we will encourage all of our players to attend the game and wear their jerseys to get in free. We will also remind the players that they are now representatives of Hartford Football, and they must be on their best behavior. There is always a coach at the varisty games - I go to all of them, and I know some of my fellow coaches do as well - and we'll have our eye on our players to make sure they are not causing any trouble.
See you at practice.
The Germantown program is a very good program, and our team had a chance to go up against some very solid players. The Germantown teams were not afraid to come after us, and the theme of the past two weeks - intensity and aggressiveness - will still be an issue.
I'd like for us to play a little bit faster and harder, and that comes from between the ears. Part of that comes with experience, as players do less thinking and more reacting as they learn the offense and defense.
We did have a few nice plays tonight. We completed a long pass after solid protection, and a beatiful throw-and-catch was the icing on the cake. In our final session, our defense gave up a big play on the first snap - and then held strong for much of the remainder of the session. We were also able to break a long run, after some good blocking and a nice cutback.
A special thanks to our team manager, Steve Opichka, who did just an excellent job on the sidelines for us for the second scrimmage in a row. At the end of the night, all of the equipment was just as organized as it was at the beginning of the scrimmage...and trust me, it's not because of anything that I did to help.
Also a special thanks to all of our parents. We realize that a weekday scrimmage at 5:30PM in Germantown is not the most convenient thing in the world, but everybody did a great job to make it work out. The sportsmanship has also been outstanding thus far, both from parents and players. So thank you to our parents as well.
Practice tomorrow at the usual time, 5pm-7pm. We will likely have another physical defensive practice. We are seeing more positive signs, but such a large part of football is hitting and attitude, and we need to work on both.
One final reminder: The High School Varisty team has its first game of the season this Friday. It is Youth night, so we will encourage all of our players to attend the game and wear their jerseys to get in free. We will also remind the players that they are now representatives of Hartford Football, and they must be on their best behavior. There is always a coach at the varisty games - I go to all of them, and I know some of my fellow coaches do as well - and we'll have our eye on our players to make sure they are not causing any trouble.
See you at practice.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Practice cancelled today, scrimmage on for tomorrow
Too much rain, too much lightning. All grades had to cancel practice today. Pictures were also cancelled.
I realize how inconvenient this is for our parents, so thank you for understanding. Pictures will be rescheduled, and I will let you know once that date is set.
Tomorrow's scrimmage at Germantown is still on. We're asking players to get there by 5:00PM if possible. It is our last chance to have live action against an opposing team before games begin, and we still have some work to do. Players are to wear their practice jerseys and practice pants to the scrimmage.
Any questions, you can email me at mkenitz@kenitzlaw.com. Thank you, and we'll see you in Germantown.
I realize how inconvenient this is for our parents, so thank you for understanding. Pictures will be rescheduled, and I will let you know once that date is set.
Tomorrow's scrimmage at Germantown is still on. We're asking players to get there by 5:00PM if possible. It is our last chance to have live action against an opposing team before games begin, and we still have some work to do. Players are to wear their practice jerseys and practice pants to the scrimmage.
Any questions, you can email me at mkenitz@kenitzlaw.com. Thank you, and we'll see you in Germantown.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Strong effort
It was back to work at practice Monday, and we started fixing the things that went wrong in Grafton and refined the things that we did well.
The practice was pretty physical, and the pace of practice was much faster than usual. To keep our team from getting tired towards the end of scrimmages/games, we had one of the most difficult conditioning sessions of the year. The coaches reminded the players that conditioning is not punishment, it is an investment. We work hard now so that it gets easy later. If we need to punish players, we are certainly willing to do so - but that was not the case at the end of practice tonight.
This is consistent with the idea that players should only worry about things that they can control. I thought the players ran extremely hard, and while they probably didn't like it at the time, they will be glad they worked so hard now when they feel fresh in the 4th quarter.
The players also received their game jerseys at the end of practice. A reminder to players and parents: pictures are scheduled to be taken tomorrow during practice (weather permitting), and therefore the players should wear their home jerseys (black) and game pants to practice tomorrow, with full pads.
Another reminder that the next scrimmage is this Wednesday at Germantown, 5:30pm-7:30pm. We are asking that the players try to arrive at Germantown by 5:00pm. We understand that work schedules can make this difficult (the coaches are in the same boat), but they should try to make it early if possible. A map can be found on the website.
Any questions, you can always email me at mkenitz@kenitzlaw.com. E-mail is probably the best way to get a hold of me during the workday...if I'm not in a position to get e-mail, I'm typically not in a position to answer the phone either.
Tomorrow will be a defensive practice, and should be another physical one. See you then.
The practice was pretty physical, and the pace of practice was much faster than usual. To keep our team from getting tired towards the end of scrimmages/games, we had one of the most difficult conditioning sessions of the year. The coaches reminded the players that conditioning is not punishment, it is an investment. We work hard now so that it gets easy later. If we need to punish players, we are certainly willing to do so - but that was not the case at the end of practice tonight.
This is consistent with the idea that players should only worry about things that they can control. I thought the players ran extremely hard, and while they probably didn't like it at the time, they will be glad they worked so hard now when they feel fresh in the 4th quarter.
The players also received their game jerseys at the end of practice. A reminder to players and parents: pictures are scheduled to be taken tomorrow during practice (weather permitting), and therefore the players should wear their home jerseys (black) and game pants to practice tomorrow, with full pads.
Another reminder that the next scrimmage is this Wednesday at Germantown, 5:30pm-7:30pm. We are asking that the players try to arrive at Germantown by 5:00pm. We understand that work schedules can make this difficult (the coaches are in the same boat), but they should try to make it early if possible. A map can be found on the website.
Any questions, you can always email me at mkenitz@kenitzlaw.com. E-mail is probably the best way to get a hold of me during the workday...if I'm not in a position to get e-mail, I'm typically not in a position to answer the phone either.
Tomorrow will be a defensive practice, and should be another physical one. See you then.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Grafton scrimmage
Today was our first live action against an opposing team.
And it showed.
We did some good things, but overall we need to improve in a number of areas. We still need to bring our aggressiveness and intensity to a higher level. Many of our players were going against an opposing team for the first time, and it was a good learning experience for them to realize just how intense football can be.
We also need to get in better shape as a team. The coaches always hope that we look better and better as the scrimmage goes on, and I think (particularly on defense) that we were the opposite.
I liked a few things about our performance. Our defensive line got a good pass rush, and forced a number of turnovers. We generally protected the ball well on offense, and we often drew the other team offsides by varying the snapcount.
Most of all, I was extremely proud of one of our smaller players when he took a big hit from the opposing ball carrier. The ball carrier may have been happy to deliver the hit, but our player was more than up to the challenge and brought him to the ground. This fearless display was leadership by example - I hope other players can follow his lead.
We will also scrimmage this coming Wednesday, 8/26/09, at Germantown starting at 5:30PM. Details will be provided at practice and on the website.
Otherwise, back to the high school fields for practice next week. We will have to pick up the intensity in practice so that we can continue to improve.
See you at practice.
And it showed.
We did some good things, but overall we need to improve in a number of areas. We still need to bring our aggressiveness and intensity to a higher level. Many of our players were going against an opposing team for the first time, and it was a good learning experience for them to realize just how intense football can be.
We also need to get in better shape as a team. The coaches always hope that we look better and better as the scrimmage goes on, and I think (particularly on defense) that we were the opposite.
I liked a few things about our performance. Our defensive line got a good pass rush, and forced a number of turnovers. We generally protected the ball well on offense, and we often drew the other team offsides by varying the snapcount.
Most of all, I was extremely proud of one of our smaller players when he took a big hit from the opposing ball carrier. The ball carrier may have been happy to deliver the hit, but our player was more than up to the challenge and brought him to the ground. This fearless display was leadership by example - I hope other players can follow his lead.
We will also scrimmage this coming Wednesday, 8/26/09, at Germantown starting at 5:30PM. Details will be provided at practice and on the website.
Otherwise, back to the high school fields for practice next week. We will have to pick up the intensity in practice so that we can continue to improve.
See you at practice.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
90% mental
Gearing up for Saturday's scrimmage, we made too many mental mistakes in practice tonight. Lining up in the wrong formations, forgetting the snap count, fumbles...it seemed like we just couldn't keep our heads in the game.
Coaches often tell players that the game is "90% mental." There is a significant amount of truth to that. That doesn't mean that you can take a rocket scientist and he/she would automatically be a good football player, but the fact is that our bodies do - or refuse to do - only what our brain tells it to. The coaching staff will continue to remind the players to take "mental reps," meaning that even if they are not directly involved with the play, they can watch their position and visualize what they would do. If I had to give just one piece of advice to a very young child who wanted to become a good football player, I would urge them to spend as much time around the game of football as possible. Even watching the game with a close eye can make you a better player.
Sometimes this type of "coach speak" goes in one ear and out the other. Fortunately for me, there are numerous examples of how important a player's mental approach to the game is extremely important. Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time according to this coach, was known for his quickness and leaping ability...but more than anything, according to players and coaches who worked with him (or against him), it was his competitive nature and his passion for basketball that made him great. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are probably the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and are all-time greats...yet neither of them have the strongest arm or the quickest feet. It's what is between the ears that makes them so special.
It's still early in the season, and we have plenty of time to fix these mistakes. I hope we start on Saturday in Grafton.
See you there!
Coaches often tell players that the game is "90% mental." There is a significant amount of truth to that. That doesn't mean that you can take a rocket scientist and he/she would automatically be a good football player, but the fact is that our bodies do - or refuse to do - only what our brain tells it to. The coaching staff will continue to remind the players to take "mental reps," meaning that even if they are not directly involved with the play, they can watch their position and visualize what they would do. If I had to give just one piece of advice to a very young child who wanted to become a good football player, I would urge them to spend as much time around the game of football as possible. Even watching the game with a close eye can make you a better player.
Sometimes this type of "coach speak" goes in one ear and out the other. Fortunately for me, there are numerous examples of how important a player's mental approach to the game is extremely important. Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time according to this coach, was known for his quickness and leaping ability...but more than anything, according to players and coaches who worked with him (or against him), it was his competitive nature and his passion for basketball that made him great. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are probably the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and are all-time greats...yet neither of them have the strongest arm or the quickest feet. It's what is between the ears that makes them so special.
It's still early in the season, and we have plenty of time to fix these mistakes. I hope we start on Saturday in Grafton.
See you there!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Deee-FENSE.....Deee-FENSE
Today 6th grade orange had a defensive-oriented practice, and it was probably our most physical practice of the season to date. We continue to focus on proper tackling technique to avoid injury, and we reiterated to the players that tackling anywhere near the head in 6th grade will result in a 15-yard facemask penalty, even if the facemask is not actually grabbed.
It was a positive practice, but we still need to bring the intensity up a notch. The coaches told the players that the best tackles come from accelerating through the ball carrier, rather than to the ball carrier. To lighten the mood, I used the example of the karate experts on TV that punch through numerous bricks...they always focus on the bottom one, not the top one.
Former NFL safety John Lynch - who may one day end up in the pro football Hall of Fame - used to say that when he tackled somebody, he tried to imagine not only the actual player, but two or three imaginary players behind the ball carrier. His goal was to drive through the ball carrer to the point that he would have also tackled the imaginary players. I believe this is almost entirely mental, and will take some time. But we'll continue to work on it.
A reminder to parents: Thursday's practice will once again be at Town Hall. On Saturday, we have our scrimmage in Grafton, 9AM-noon, be there by 8AM for warmups. The following week we will return to the high school. Players will be getting their game jerseys on Monday, and pictures will be taken on Tuesday. Picture packets went out in practice today, so if you didn't get one, please have your son get the packet from me (or approach me in practice on your own).
I have gotten a few questions about my contact information. For those of you who cannot find it, my e-mail address is mkenitz@kenitzlaw.com. I prefer e-mail contact for minor issues (such as an expected absence from practice), simply because it is easier for me to organize. However, you may also contact me via phone. My cell is 262-758-0804, and my work is 262-670-9665. Your best bet on pretty much any weekday would be (1) email or (2) work phone. Rob Whitemore has been doing a fantastic job with the website, so you can also consult the website for many common questions.
Thursday is our last chance to prepare for contact against another team. After a couple of weeks, we're getting sick of hitting each other. We'll see you Thursday!
It was a positive practice, but we still need to bring the intensity up a notch. The coaches told the players that the best tackles come from accelerating through the ball carrier, rather than to the ball carrier. To lighten the mood, I used the example of the karate experts on TV that punch through numerous bricks...they always focus on the bottom one, not the top one.
Former NFL safety John Lynch - who may one day end up in the pro football Hall of Fame - used to say that when he tackled somebody, he tried to imagine not only the actual player, but two or three imaginary players behind the ball carrier. His goal was to drive through the ball carrer to the point that he would have also tackled the imaginary players. I believe this is almost entirely mental, and will take some time. But we'll continue to work on it.
A reminder to parents: Thursday's practice will once again be at Town Hall. On Saturday, we have our scrimmage in Grafton, 9AM-noon, be there by 8AM for warmups. The following week we will return to the high school. Players will be getting their game jerseys on Monday, and pictures will be taken on Tuesday. Picture packets went out in practice today, so if you didn't get one, please have your son get the packet from me (or approach me in practice on your own).
I have gotten a few questions about my contact information. For those of you who cannot find it, my e-mail address is mkenitz@kenitzlaw.com. I prefer e-mail contact for minor issues (such as an expected absence from practice), simply because it is easier for me to organize. However, you may also contact me via phone. My cell is 262-758-0804, and my work is 262-670-9665. Your best bet on pretty much any weekday would be (1) email or (2) work phone. Rob Whitemore has been doing a fantastic job with the website, so you can also consult the website for many common questions.
Thursday is our last chance to prepare for contact against another team. After a couple of weeks, we're getting sick of hitting each other. We'll see you Thursday!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Back to work
After the mistake that was the Grafton Scrimmage, it was back to the grind for 6th grade orange.
For those of you who have not heard, there was a miscommunication with the Grafton scrimmage. While each team (6th/7th/8th grade) showed up in Grafton by 8AM as planned - and we thank all of our parents for doing such an excellent job getting our team there - it turns out that we were given the wrong date. The scrimmage is actually this coming Saturday, 8/22/09.
Nevertheless, we had all of our players back for our Monday practice. Today we focused on offense, as we will typically do on Mondays, and it was clear that things are coming together. Our 5th graders have a few practices under their belt and are looking more comfortable, the 6th graders are having an easier time remembering the plays, and we did a good job of avoiding mistakes. For example, I don't remember a single turnover from practice tonight. In addition, on one particular play a wide receiver ran his route to perfection, resulting in a broken tackle and yards after catch. He did this after the coaches had been teaching the receivers to run his route a certain way, and it provided an excellent teaching moment for the team.
We still need to work on our aggressiveness. This is not unusual for players who are playing tackle football for the first time. But hitting time is here, and we need to play with a little bit more intensity. Some of that comes from experience, but most of it will have to come from within the players' own minds and from the motivation of their coaches, and that starts with me.
Practice is at the town hall fields all week as the high school teams are using the high school fields this week. Time for the 8/22/09 Grafton scrimmage is the same, 9AM-noon, please be there by 8AM.
At least we all know where to go now, right?
See you tomorrow.
For those of you who have not heard, there was a miscommunication with the Grafton scrimmage. While each team (6th/7th/8th grade) showed up in Grafton by 8AM as planned - and we thank all of our parents for doing such an excellent job getting our team there - it turns out that we were given the wrong date. The scrimmage is actually this coming Saturday, 8/22/09.
Nevertheless, we had all of our players back for our Monday practice. Today we focused on offense, as we will typically do on Mondays, and it was clear that things are coming together. Our 5th graders have a few practices under their belt and are looking more comfortable, the 6th graders are having an easier time remembering the plays, and we did a good job of avoiding mistakes. For example, I don't remember a single turnover from practice tonight. In addition, on one particular play a wide receiver ran his route to perfection, resulting in a broken tackle and yards after catch. He did this after the coaches had been teaching the receivers to run his route a certain way, and it provided an excellent teaching moment for the team.
We still need to work on our aggressiveness. This is not unusual for players who are playing tackle football for the first time. But hitting time is here, and we need to play with a little bit more intensity. Some of that comes from experience, but most of it will have to come from within the players' own minds and from the motivation of their coaches, and that starts with me.
Practice is at the town hall fields all week as the high school teams are using the high school fields this week. Time for the 8/22/09 Grafton scrimmage is the same, 9AM-noon, please be there by 8AM.
At least we all know where to go now, right?
See you tomorrow.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Building Blocks
The Orange team practiced for the second time as a separate entity today, and continued to refine the plays that we learned yesterday. While there is a long way to go, we look to be started on the right track.
To even out the team numbers, we also greeted some 5th graders and welcomed them to our team. They are very brave to make the move, but I think it will benefit them (and the team) in the long run. Last year a number of our 5th graders contributed significantly to our team, and I look forward to the same thing happening this season.
First scrimmage of the season is on Saturday, 8/15/09, at Grafton. Scrimmages go from 9am-noon, players to be ready to warm up by 8:00AM behind Grafton High school. If you have any questions, e-mail coach Kenitz. Please make sure ALL equipment issues are taken care of beforehand, as our ability to deal with equipment issues will be very limited at the scrimmages. Of course, full pads should be worn and plenty of water should be brought.
Can't wait...see you Saturday!
To even out the team numbers, we also greeted some 5th graders and welcomed them to our team. They are very brave to make the move, but I think it will benefit them (and the team) in the long run. Last year a number of our 5th graders contributed significantly to our team, and I look forward to the same thing happening this season.
First scrimmage of the season is on Saturday, 8/15/09, at Grafton. Scrimmages go from 9am-noon, players to be ready to warm up by 8:00AM behind Grafton High school. If you have any questions, e-mail coach Kenitz. Please make sure ALL equipment issues are taken care of beforehand, as our ability to deal with equipment issues will be very limited at the scrimmages. Of course, full pads should be worn and plenty of water should be brought.
Can't wait...see you Saturday!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
First "Orange" practice
Today we announced the split between the Orange and Black teams. I reiterated to the Orange team that the coaches attempted to pick the teams equally, and that there is an Orange and a Black team, not an "A" team and a "B" team.
We could finally begin installing plays with our respective teams. The kids picked it up pretty well, all things considered. I was especially pleased with the fact that we went the entire practice without any fumbles taking place during the QB-Center exchange.
A reminder to all parents: 6th Grade Orange scrimmages at Grafton on Saturday, 8/15/09. I will hand out details at practice tomorrow, but the scrimmages start at 9AM and go until noon (behind Grafton High School, located on highway 60). We ask players to arrive at 8AM for warmups and walk-throughs.
Any questions, please contact me. The scrimmage will be a great opportunity to show the coaches how the players can apply what they have learned in a more intense setting.
See everybody at practice tomorrow!
We could finally begin installing plays with our respective teams. The kids picked it up pretty well, all things considered. I was especially pleased with the fact that we went the entire practice without any fumbles taking place during the QB-Center exchange.
A reminder to all parents: 6th Grade Orange scrimmages at Grafton on Saturday, 8/15/09. I will hand out details at practice tomorrow, but the scrimmages start at 9AM and go until noon (behind Grafton High School, located on highway 60). We ask players to arrive at 8AM for warmups and walk-throughs.
Any questions, please contact me. The scrimmage will be a great opportunity to show the coaches how the players can apply what they have learned in a more intense setting.
See everybody at practice tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Practice Wednesday - teams set
Tuesday's practice for 6th grade was the final joint practice for the teams. The teams will be split starting Wednesday, 8/12/09.
REMINDER: Both 6th grade teams (orange and black) will be practicing on Wednesday, 8/12/09. This makes up for the practice the previous Saturday, which was cancelled due to lightning.
In addition, 6th grade orange will be scrimmaging this coming Saturday, 8/15/09, at Grafton. The scrimmages will take place from 9am-noon. Players should arrive at the Grafton fields by 8:00PM. Additional details will be provided to the players.
It will be very important for players to make Wednesday and Thursday practice this week, as we only have two practices before our first scrimmage. We will begin installing our playbook during tomorrow's practice. It is going to be difficult to be fully prepared for Saturday's scrimmage, but those are the cards that we have been dealt by the league. As we tell the players, you can only worry about the things you can control.
Any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.
REMINDER: Both 6th grade teams (orange and black) will be practicing on Wednesday, 8/12/09. This makes up for the practice the previous Saturday, which was cancelled due to lightning.
In addition, 6th grade orange will be scrimmaging this coming Saturday, 8/15/09, at Grafton. The scrimmages will take place from 9am-noon. Players should arrive at the Grafton fields by 8:00PM. Additional details will be provided to the players.
It will be very important for players to make Wednesday and Thursday practice this week, as we only have two practices before our first scrimmage. We will begin installing our playbook during tomorrow's practice. It is going to be difficult to be fully prepared for Saturday's scrimmage, but those are the cards that we have been dealt by the league. As we tell the players, you can only worry about the things you can control.
Any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hitting time, a Wednesday practice, and a scrimmage...
Today was the first time some of our players were able to have contact (for a small portion of practice, at least). For those players who were tackling for the first time, it will be important to get over the initial fears and/or awkwardness that comes with hitting another player. For those who played in 5th grade, it will be important to continue to refine their tackling technique.
We focused on the importance of tackling correctly, as poor tackling technique can result in serious injury. We read the warning label on the helmets, which warns the players what can happen if they get careless in their tackling technique. Not too long ago a player for the Buffalo Bills was paralyzed when he dipped his head down too far when hitting another player with his helmet. Fortunately, due to medical advances, he is now able to walk again, but he will never get to play football for the rest of his life. We will continue to preach the importance of proper technique throughout the year.
A reminder to parents: We will practice on Wednesday, 8/12/09, from 5pm-7pm to make up for Saturday's practice. If this unexpected practice will result in a scheduling conflict with your child, please let the coaches know so that we can excuse his absence.
I have received some questions pertaining to weigh-ins for players. I have been told by the powers that be that the weigh-in will be tomorrow, 8/11/09, during practice.
Finally, I have heard through the grapevine that 6th grade orange will be scheduled to scrimmage on Saturday, 8/15/09. I have yet to confirm this with the board and others. More information will be provided as it becomes available to me.
See everybody tomorrow!
We focused on the importance of tackling correctly, as poor tackling technique can result in serious injury. We read the warning label on the helmets, which warns the players what can happen if they get careless in their tackling technique. Not too long ago a player for the Buffalo Bills was paralyzed when he dipped his head down too far when hitting another player with his helmet. Fortunately, due to medical advances, he is now able to walk again, but he will never get to play football for the rest of his life. We will continue to preach the importance of proper technique throughout the year.
A reminder to parents: We will practice on Wednesday, 8/12/09, from 5pm-7pm to make up for Saturday's practice. If this unexpected practice will result in a scheduling conflict with your child, please let the coaches know so that we can excuse his absence.
I have received some questions pertaining to weigh-ins for players. I have been told by the powers that be that the weigh-in will be tomorrow, 8/11/09, during practice.
Finally, I have heard through the grapevine that 6th grade orange will be scheduled to scrimmage on Saturday, 8/15/09. I have yet to confirm this with the board and others. More information will be provided as it becomes available to me.
See everybody tomorrow!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
8/8/09 Practice cancelled
As you all know by now, 6th grade coaches cancelled practice today. There was a lot of rain falling on the fields, and more importantly, there was thunder/lightning that was too close to the fields for comfort. Therefore, the coaches decided to cancel practice.
Our next practice will be Monday 8/10/09 as scheduled. We may make up for today's practice by having a practice this Wednesday, 8/12/09, from 5pm-7pm. More details will come out on Monday's practice.
Our next practice will be Monday 8/10/09 as scheduled. We may make up for today's practice by having a practice this Wednesday, 8/12/09, from 5pm-7pm. More details will come out on Monday's practice.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Baby Steps
Yesterday was our first practice with players in pads (though we still cannot have contact). We continued to focus on the little things, but I can see that it is all starting to come together. Throughout the course of the practice, the players made noticable strides.
The quarterbacks and running backs were together for the first time working on handoffs and footwork. The receivers continued to sharpen their route-running skills, and the linemen refined their technique.
Best of all, I think we had the best conditioning session that we've had so far. Each player seemed like they were giving it their all. I thought it was a strong effort heading into Saturday.
Pretty soon the contact begins...I know I'm looking forward to it!
P.S. As a follow-up to Tuesday's blog post about Albert Haynesworth, the Washington Redskins $100 million defensive tackle, there was other contract news in the NFL this week. Quarterback Eli Manning signed a $97.5 million contract extension with the New York Giants. The defensive lineman got more money than the super bowl winning quarterback! The pro scouts know how important line play is, and all of us coaches certainly do. Hopefully we get some more players who are willing to try line!
The quarterbacks and running backs were together for the first time working on handoffs and footwork. The receivers continued to sharpen their route-running skills, and the linemen refined their technique.
Best of all, I think we had the best conditioning session that we've had so far. Each player seemed like they were giving it their all. I thought it was a strong effort heading into Saturday.
Pretty soon the contact begins...I know I'm looking forward to it!
P.S. As a follow-up to Tuesday's blog post about Albert Haynesworth, the Washington Redskins $100 million defensive tackle, there was other contract news in the NFL this week. Quarterback Eli Manning signed a $97.5 million contract extension with the New York Giants. The defensive lineman got more money than the super bowl winning quarterback! The pro scouts know how important line play is, and all of us coaches certainly do. Hopefully we get some more players who are willing to try line!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
First defensive practice in the books
Tonight we concluded our first defensive-oriented practice of the season. It gave us an opportunity to focus on the fundamentals, since league rules do not allow contact at this point in the season.
As is often the case, the linemen group was not quite as large as the linebacker and defensive back groups were. I reminded the defensive linemen that the highest paid free agent in the 2009 NFL offseason was defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth of the Washington Redskins, who signed a $100 million contract. Maybe this will get a few other kids to try playing line as well.
Each group showed flashes of ability, but we will have to keep working hard to get where we want to be as a team. Fortunately, the kids are working hard and seem eager to learn. We preached the importance of being both a smart player and an aggressive player. Hopefully we will continue to improve in these areas.
A couple of reminders to the players and parents: keep working on the fundraising letters. Some players have their packets completed and turned in already, which is excellent. Coach Mark O. is considering having the coaches do sprints if all of the players get their packets in by August 15 - easy for Coach Mark to say, he's one of the only coaches that is in good enough shape to do them!
Also, a reminder to parents: please stay off the practice fields both before and during practice. We know it seems silly, but there are a number of considerations at play here, two of which are insurance and liability issues.
Thank you, and I'll see you on Thursday.
As is often the case, the linemen group was not quite as large as the linebacker and defensive back groups were. I reminded the defensive linemen that the highest paid free agent in the 2009 NFL offseason was defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth of the Washington Redskins, who signed a $100 million contract. Maybe this will get a few other kids to try playing line as well.
Each group showed flashes of ability, but we will have to keep working hard to get where we want to be as a team. Fortunately, the kids are working hard and seem eager to learn. We preached the importance of being both a smart player and an aggressive player. Hopefully we will continue to improve in these areas.
A couple of reminders to the players and parents: keep working on the fundraising letters. Some players have their packets completed and turned in already, which is excellent. Coach Mark O. is considering having the coaches do sprints if all of the players get their packets in by August 15 - easy for Coach Mark to say, he's one of the only coaches that is in good enough shape to do them!
Also, a reminder to parents: please stay off the practice fields both before and during practice. We know it seems silly, but there are a number of considerations at play here, two of which are insurance and liability issues.
Thank you, and I'll see you on Thursday.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Getting in the swing of things...
After two practices, it feels like we are already getting into the swing of things at 6th grade. Today we focused on the basics, as the players generally got to go with the position group of their choice. As the season moves on, the realities of the game will force us to shift certain players around - no team can function with more wide recievers than offensive linemen - but for now, the players are getting a feel for what they like and do not like.
Tomorrow will be our first defensive-oriented practice. It will give us a great opportunity to focus on technique, as we cannot start hitting for about a week.
As always, the first few practices are always an adjustment, especially for those players that have never been involved with tackle football before. But I am confident that we will continue to get better every practice, and the things that seem difficult now will be very easy in just a few weeks (the players already have a good feel for "Hartford Jacks," and that usually takes weeks!).
Another reminder to urge all players to bring plenty of water to practice, and to stay hydrated throughout the day. Feel free to e-mail coach Kenitz with any questions.
See everyone tomorrow!
Tomorrow will be our first defensive-oriented practice. It will give us a great opportunity to focus on technique, as we cannot start hitting for about a week.
As always, the first few practices are always an adjustment, especially for those players that have never been involved with tackle football before. But I am confident that we will continue to get better every practice, and the things that seem difficult now will be very easy in just a few weeks (the players already have a good feel for "Hartford Jacks," and that usually takes weeks!).
Another reminder to urge all players to bring plenty of water to practice, and to stay hydrated throughout the day. Feel free to e-mail coach Kenitz with any questions.
See everyone tomorrow!
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