Tonight's practice was a defensive practice, and some players got moved around to different positions. Fortunately they generally had a good attitude towards the changes, and I think the changes will be for the good of both those players and the team as a whole.
A reminder that we will NOT be practicing tomorrow. Our next practice will be Thursday, September 1st.
Keep in mind as well that there will be no Saturday practice and no Monday practice this weekend due to the labor day weekend. We will practice at 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week.
See you Thursday.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
8/29 practice
Tonight was an offensive night, and we added a few new plays to our playbook. Some of the players had a little bit of a hard time picking them up, but that's to be expected - our playbook is pretty thin at this point in the season and we threw several new things at them all at once. We hope to master what we have now before our first game.
One thing we talked about tonight is how certain players might have to be moved around a little bit based on need and playing time. We told the players that if we ask them to change positions that they shouldn't look at it as a negative, but rather see it as an opportunity to contribute more to the team from a new position than they might have been able to at another. After all, the rules only allow for so many quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers to be on the field at the same time.
Tomorrow will be a defensive practice, and I'm really looking forward to it. A reminder that we will NOT practice this Wednesday, 8/31. Players are free to take as many "mental reps" as they wish.
See you tomorrow.
One thing we talked about tonight is how certain players might have to be moved around a little bit based on need and playing time. We told the players that if we ask them to change positions that they shouldn't look at it as a negative, but rather see it as an opportunity to contribute more to the team from a new position than they might have been able to at another. After all, the rules only allow for so many quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers to be on the field at the same time.
Tomorrow will be a defensive practice, and I'm really looking forward to it. A reminder that we will NOT practice this Wednesday, 8/31. Players are free to take as many "mental reps" as they wish.
See you tomorrow.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
West Bend Scrimmage
Well, we have more things to work on that I hoped for after today's West Bend scrimmage, but there was definitely some good mixed with the bad. We were able to hit a few good plays in the passing game and had some success running to the outside.
Unfortunately we also had several fumbles (from snaps, handoffs, and tackles), missed tackles, and missed blocking assignments, and there were times where we seemed to be going the wrong way.
As I told the players at the end of the scrimmage, the good news is that these are all fundamentals that we should be able to fix with continued practice. And that will start with Monday's offensive practice.
Just a reminder that 6th grade will practice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday next week, and will not be practicing Wednesday. This may/may not be what other grades are doing, but it is what we have decided to do based on a variety of different factors and due to the school schedule in place.
Thanks and we'll see you Monday.
Unfortunately we also had several fumbles (from snaps, handoffs, and tackles), missed tackles, and missed blocking assignments, and there were times where we seemed to be going the wrong way.
As I told the players at the end of the scrimmage, the good news is that these are all fundamentals that we should be able to fix with continued practice. And that will start with Monday's offensive practice.
Just a reminder that 6th grade will practice Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday next week, and will not be practicing Wednesday. This may/may not be what other grades are doing, but it is what we have decided to do based on a variety of different factors and due to the school schedule in place.
Thanks and we'll see you Monday.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
8/25/11 practice, West Bend Scrimmage update; other info
Tonight we walked through a "pre-game" practice, which will become our normal routine on Thursday nights. Essentially we go through offense, defense, and special teams during these practices to make sure that we are ready to go in all phases for our games on Saturday. We still have a number of things to cover, but it was nice to start getting in the flow of everything.
Couple of things for parents to be aware of:
1. Scrimmage this Saturday is at Silverbrook Middle School in West Bend. Scrimmage starts at 9am, players to arrive between 8-8:30am. Please see the post below for a map if you need one; the fast version is Highway 45 north to Highway 33 (Washington Street) East to Silverbrook Drive, take a right on Silverbrook and you will see the school shortly thereafter.
2. We will NOT be practicing next Wednesday, 8/31. Next week we will start our normal school schedule of Monday-Tuesday-Thursday practices. Please note that other grades may not be doing this same thing.
3. Please have your child get their fundraising packets in. I have received a number of them, but there are still plenty to go.
4. Please call me with any questions, 262-758-0804. Thanks and we'll see you on Saturday!
Couple of things for parents to be aware of:
1. Scrimmage this Saturday is at Silverbrook Middle School in West Bend. Scrimmage starts at 9am, players to arrive between 8-8:30am. Please see the post below for a map if you need one; the fast version is Highway 45 north to Highway 33 (Washington Street) East to Silverbrook Drive, take a right on Silverbrook and you will see the school shortly thereafter.
2. We will NOT be practicing next Wednesday, 8/31. Next week we will start our normal school schedule of Monday-Tuesday-Thursday practices. Please note that other grades may not be doing this same thing.
3. Please have your child get their fundraising packets in. I have received a number of them, but there are still plenty to go.
4. Please call me with any questions, 262-758-0804. Thanks and we'll see you on Saturday!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Cleaning things up; West Bend Scrimmage
After the Cedarburg scrimmage, it was back to practice on Monday and Tuesday to work on cleaning up the issues we had during the scrimmage. Monday was an offensive practice, and we added in a couple of new plays. Last night was a defensive practice, and we did the infamous "bag drill" that is always very intense but always a lot of fun. Tonight we will probably work on special teams.
A reminder to parents that this Saturday, 8/27/11, is the West Bend scrimmage. The scrimmage starts at 9AM, we would like players to arrive between 8-8:30AM. It is at Silverbrook Middle School, NOT the Town of Trenton Town Hall. Take 45 to Highway 33, East on 33 to Silverbrook Drive. Turn right on Silverbrook Drive and you will see the school shortly thereafter. For a map (hopefully this works): http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=silverbrook+middle+school,+west+bend+wi&hl=en&cid=3240170334405893147
See you there.
A reminder to parents that this Saturday, 8/27/11, is the West Bend scrimmage. The scrimmage starts at 9AM, we would like players to arrive between 8-8:30AM. It is at Silverbrook Middle School, NOT the Town of Trenton Town Hall. Take 45 to Highway 33, East on 33 to Silverbrook Drive. Turn right on Silverbrook Drive and you will see the school shortly thereafter. For a map (hopefully this works): http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=silverbrook+middle+school,+west+bend+wi&hl=en&cid=3240170334405893147
See you there.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Cedarburg scrimmage
It was nice to go through our first live action against another opponent at the Cedarburg scrimmage on Saturday. After some rainy weather in the morning, the sun was shining for us in the afternoon.
Overall, I was happy with the effort that the players gave and we were able to have some success in several areas. I thought we were very physical - especially given the fact that we have not had many full-contact practices so far - and with a few exceptions we were able to avoid some of the mistakes that often plague youth teams, such as fumbled snaps and things of that nature. We were also able to hit a couple of big plays in the passing game and the running game.
We still have much to work on, but most of the mistakes we made in the scrimmage are fixable. Given that this team has only been together for less than a week, I am confident we can fix those things and keep adding to our playbook, which right now is very small.
See you Monday!
Overall, I was happy with the effort that the players gave and we were able to have some success in several areas. I thought we were very physical - especially given the fact that we have not had many full-contact practices so far - and with a few exceptions we were able to avoid some of the mistakes that often plague youth teams, such as fumbled snaps and things of that nature. We were also able to hit a couple of big plays in the passing game and the running game.
We still have much to work on, but most of the mistakes we made in the scrimmage are fixable. Given that this team has only been together for less than a week, I am confident we can fix those things and keep adding to our playbook, which right now is very small.
See you Monday!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Bring on the Cedarburg scrimmage
Tonight was the final practice before the Cedarburg scrimmage on Saturday, 8/20. Scrimmage starts at 12:30, please arrive by noon. I handed out maps today (the maps say arrive by 11:30AM - if you can, that's great, but if not, by noon should be ok too).
It's a cliche, but it's true - the goal of a scrimmage is not to "win" the scrimmage. If it were, they would keep score. Instead, the scrimmage gives us an opportunity to evaluate where we are at, where we need to be, and how we need to get there.
I am excited to see these players hit somebody in a different jersey. I'm sure we will have plenty of things we need to work on, but we all look forward to that first scrimmage to get our first glimpse of what this team looks like.
If you have any questions, please email me. Otherwise I will see you Saturday!
It's a cliche, but it's true - the goal of a scrimmage is not to "win" the scrimmage. If it were, they would keep score. Instead, the scrimmage gives us an opportunity to evaluate where we are at, where we need to be, and how we need to get there.
I am excited to see these players hit somebody in a different jersey. I'm sure we will have plenty of things we need to work on, but we all look forward to that first scrimmage to get our first glimpse of what this team looks like.
If you have any questions, please email me. Otherwise I will see you Saturday!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Scrimmage Update
Hello parents,
Last night I sent out a handout informing parents that our 6th grade orange scrimmage at Cedarburg on Saturday is in the morning. I received an email today indicating that this has changed.
The scrimmage for 6th grade orange on 8/20 will take place behind Cedarburg High School from 12:30-3:00pm, players please arrive by noon.
I'm sorry for the confusion.
Last night I sent out a handout informing parents that our 6th grade orange scrimmage at Cedarburg on Saturday is in the morning. I received an email today indicating that this has changed.
The scrimmage for 6th grade orange on 8/20 will take place behind Cedarburg High School from 12:30-3:00pm, players please arrive by noon.
I'm sorry for the confusion.
Monday, August 15, 2011
8/13 practice, 8/15 pictures
Our first contact practice was unfortunately cut short due to lightning, but we were able to discuss proper tackling technique to the players during practice on Saturday 8/13. We placed special emphasis on keeping one's head up during tackling, both for the safety of the players as well as cutting down on the likelihood of missed tackles.
Tonight's practice is picture night at the Varsity Field (Gib Mahr). The coaches will be splitting teams tonight and the players should know tomorrow whether they are on the black or the orange teams.
See you tonight!
Tonight's practice is picture night at the Varsity Field (Gib Mahr). The coaches will be splitting teams tonight and the players should know tomorrow whether they are on the black or the orange teams.
See you tonight!
Friday, August 12, 2011
8/10, 8/11 practices
Hello everyone,
We had a couple of offensive practices on 8/10 and 8/11, and started scratching the surface of our playbook. Right now the focus is still on the basics, but I like what I see so far. The QB-center exchange, QB-RB handoffs, running the basic routes, basic blocking technique, and things of that nature have been going well, and that's especially important at this level.
Saturday will be our first full-pads practice, so please have your child go through their equipment and have everything ready to go Saturday morning. Most of the team will be ready for contact, now that they have their hours in, and we will be focusing on proper tackling technique and things of that nature on Saturday.
A reminder that pictures are on Monday, 8/15 - players should dress in full pads with their (black) game uniform and pants, and show up to practice on the varsity game field. Picture packets and ordering forms were previously handed out - if your child does not have one yet, I still have extras. We will also be splitting teams on Monday evening, meaning that the players will know what team they are on starting on Tuesday, 8/16. We originally were going to do this earlier, but due to some players having siblings on other teams (and other reasons), we decided to wait a few days to make sure the 7th/8th grade is settled first so that all siblings are on the same "orange" or "black" team for travel purposes. We don't want parents to have to take one child to Oconomowoc and another child to Saukville on the same Saturday, for example.
It is important for me to remind players and parents that we split teams as evenly as possible, with the primary goal to equalize ability on each team and to allow for maximum playing time for each player. While I understand that players may want to make sure they are on the same team as their friends, or that parents could make more convenient carpool arrangements if their child is on a certain team, I believe it is not in the long-term best interests of the players, the teams, or the program to split teams based on these types of considerations. If you have questions or concerns about how teams are split, please feel free to call or email me.
Thank you, and we'll see you Saturday!
We had a couple of offensive practices on 8/10 and 8/11, and started scratching the surface of our playbook. Right now the focus is still on the basics, but I like what I see so far. The QB-center exchange, QB-RB handoffs, running the basic routes, basic blocking technique, and things of that nature have been going well, and that's especially important at this level.
Saturday will be our first full-pads practice, so please have your child go through their equipment and have everything ready to go Saturday morning. Most of the team will be ready for contact, now that they have their hours in, and we will be focusing on proper tackling technique and things of that nature on Saturday.
A reminder that pictures are on Monday, 8/15 - players should dress in full pads with their (black) game uniform and pants, and show up to practice on the varsity game field. Picture packets and ordering forms were previously handed out - if your child does not have one yet, I still have extras. We will also be splitting teams on Monday evening, meaning that the players will know what team they are on starting on Tuesday, 8/16. We originally were going to do this earlier, but due to some players having siblings on other teams (and other reasons), we decided to wait a few days to make sure the 7th/8th grade is settled first so that all siblings are on the same "orange" or "black" team for travel purposes. We don't want parents to have to take one child to Oconomowoc and another child to Saukville on the same Saturday, for example.
It is important for me to remind players and parents that we split teams as evenly as possible, with the primary goal to equalize ability on each team and to allow for maximum playing time for each player. While I understand that players may want to make sure they are on the same team as their friends, or that parents could make more convenient carpool arrangements if their child is on a certain team, I believe it is not in the long-term best interests of the players, the teams, or the program to split teams based on these types of considerations. If you have questions or concerns about how teams are split, please feel free to call or email me.
Thank you, and we'll see you Saturday!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
8/9/11 practice
First defensive practice was a good one tonight. Because we cannot have contact practices until the players get their conditioning hours in, tonight was focused more on footwork, technique, and angles. We finished practice with the "team pursuit" drill, designed to help players figure out that taking a good angle to a ball carrier is almost as important as how fast you are.
I did get a comment that tonight's practice was a little bit too easy. Perhaps I'm getting soft. We'll have to make up for it in future practices.
Tomorrow the players should be getting their equipment during practice. This also means they will likely have to figure out what position they will play on offense. Keep in mind that at the 6th grade level, everybody 120 pounds and up will have to play offensive line.
If your child is down after hearing that news, just remind them that since 1997 only three different positions have been selected number 1 overall in the NFL Draft. The first is quarterback, but the other two? Offensive and defensive line.
Just like at the professional level, solid line play is key to success at the youth level. See you tomorrow.
I did get a comment that tonight's practice was a little bit too easy. Perhaps I'm getting soft. We'll have to make up for it in future practices.
Tomorrow the players should be getting their equipment during practice. This also means they will likely have to figure out what position they will play on offense. Keep in mind that at the 6th grade level, everybody 120 pounds and up will have to play offensive line.
If your child is down after hearing that news, just remind them that since 1997 only three different positions have been selected number 1 overall in the NFL Draft. The first is quarterback, but the other two? Offensive and defensive line.
Just like at the professional level, solid line play is key to success at the youth level. See you tomorrow.
8/8/11 practice
Today was our first practice as a 6th grade program alone, and it went pretty well. We got down to the basics for our first offensive practice of the season. As you would expect, there's plenty of work to do, but it was a good start.
A reminder to parents to make sure that you stay off the practice fields during practices. I know you might want to get a closer look at the drills, but HYFB's insurance does not cover parents.
Thanks, and we'll see you tomorrow!
A reminder to parents to make sure that you stay off the practice fields during practices. I know you might want to get a closer look at the drills, but HYFB's insurance does not cover parents.
Thanks, and we'll see you tomorrow!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
First day in the books
Hello players, parents, coaches,
Hopefully this blog is up and running...if so, first practice went pretty well. There was a different format this year and we had the kids practicing as one large group (5th through 8th grade) for most of the practice. On Monday it will be the usual routine, with each individual grade level starting to get to work.
Helmets and practice jerseys were given out today. Please make all necessary adjustments to chin straps and mouth guards before Monday's practice.
Monday will be an offensive practice for 6th grade, hope to see you there.
Hopefully this blog is up and running...if so, first practice went pretty well. There was a different format this year and we had the kids practicing as one large group (5th through 8th grade) for most of the practice. On Monday it will be the usual routine, with each individual grade level starting to get to work.
Helmets and practice jerseys were given out today. Please make all necessary adjustments to chin straps and mouth guards before Monday's practice.
Monday will be an offensive practice for 6th grade, hope to see you there.
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