Coaching our running backs will rely heavily on getting the players comfortable with the plays and the offensive system that accompanies it. This is a basic idea that is true with all offensive positions. It is impossible to have a successful team if the players are not comfortable with the system they are playing in. Therefore In my mind, precision is very important to the success of any team because sloppy play and poor execution leads to mistakes. And it is these correctable mistakes that lead to losses. The players should always try their hardest to be sharp and hit their assignments on time, in both games and practice. By the time the season starts, all players should know the playbook and the system like the back of their hands. With months of practice beforehand, this should not be a problem. During practice I would like to spend probably half of my position time working on plays from the playbook and drills relating to the plays so that the players are as comfortable as possible with the plays and they know where they are to be at all times.

The drills will emphasize the skills that the player needs to have a firm grasp on to execute and understand the offensive system. The rest of the position time I would like to work on drills that rely more on an emphasis of basic fundamentals of the position, proper technique and execution. No matter what level you are playing at, the fundamentals are the building block for better play. Even the professional players work on fundamentals to keep their skills sharp. The drills will emphasize proper handoff technique, pass catching and hand drills, route running out of the backfield, lead blocking and pass blocking as well as blitz pickup. If there are areas that need more time spent on them then I will try to allocate more time for those areas of need. This is an area that I would like to get some feedback from my players because I can only see so much at one time. If they feel they need to work more on a specific skill, then I’ll take some extra time to insure that they have the proper knowledge.

At times the preseason can seem to drag on forever. Everyday it’s the same things over and over again. But it is in the preseason where wins are made and losses minimized. It is when the rust is cleaned off and new skills learned. This is the time when you find out if you have what it takes to win a championship. That is why I would like to spend a portion of the preseason evaluating each player at my position. I will spend time then studying what his strengths and weaknesses are and how they can be improved during the season. Once each player’s individual skills are assessed it will be easier to find the players role in the offense. I would like to propose, if its not done already, a series of evaluation tests that can be used as data to test the raw skills and talents of our players. There is an extensive list of tests that can be administered, but there are a few tried and true tests that should be tried. Tests like the four-corner drill and the shuttle run will give measurements of speed and agility. Improvement in these areas are key to improvement on the field. Also sprints of various length will test explosiveness and the ability to maintain that speed. Also the basic weight tests, the bench press, squat and dead lift are important gauges of a player's ability.

Though players look down upon it, I would like to institute a running excessive conditioning program during the preseason that will also be modified for use during the season. Of course I do not want to change anything that our team already does, but if I can add some suggestions that could help develop our players I feel I should. In my eyes, games are not won in the first quarter; it’s the team that has the most left in their gas tanks in the 4th quarter that will win the game. The best-conditioned teams usually are the ones who will win the game. I’m not the kind of coach that feels its necessary to make the team run until they drop; I just believe that in the long run it will help the team. Running until they just about drop won’t hurt them, it will make them stronger and more dangerous on the field because they will know at the end of the game they will still have plenty of energy to put the opponent away. Also I'll state this now, running is not to punish you it is to help you. And finally I would like to emphasize that working hard in the weight room will lead to vast improvements on the field. A physically superior player has many more options during a game than a weaker player does. In my eyes, three important words sum up what it takes to be a good player: agility, stamina, and power.

As I’m sure all of you are aware of by now, this is my first important coaching position. And yet even though I am young and inexperienced, I have a few doctrines and philosophies that I have picked up and would like to hold true and follow throughout the season. These are tried and true methods and I think we can all benefit from them, player and coach alike. I know I try to learn from the best in order to help try and get the best out of the players. Yet on the same note, I will always be open to new ideas and techniques from the players they feel might help our team become more successful. The players are the ones on the field and have the best vantage point on what’s going on during a game or in practice. The players should know better than anyone else should what will be beneficial to them. I will always listen and evaluate everything my players say to me. The most important thing I can do as a coach is to listen to my players and learn from them. If I as a coach do all the talking, then they might miss a key point or suggestion that could very well indeed be the difference between a winning and losing team.

I know this sounds really corny, but I want to be not only a coach to the players, but a friend. I am not a kind of person that feels yelling and over discipline leads to a better team. A lot of people do not respond well to anger, especially young people. Sure at times I might raise my voice, but it will never be in anger. I would only raise my voice if it might be deemed necessary to get a point across during practice, games, etc. As a coach, once you show them that you are acting as a friend and not as a dictator, you can earn the trust of your players. When you have their trust, they will be more receptive to constructive criticism that you might give them and are more willing to listen to suggestions. Also when a coach earns his player’s trust, they can then earn the respect of the player. Respect the most important ingredient to a strong coach-player bond. If the player knows you are looking out for them and want to help them they will respond by working harder to keep the coach’s respect. And hard work will lead to success. But you cannot have success without trust, respect, and honesty.

Well finally we can get down to some more football. As far as expectation for my players for the season, there are only a few things that I ask for as a coach. One, always run hard until the whistle blows. The players should always keep their legs moving, always driving for extra yards because if you give up on a play, then you are letting the other team get the better of you. A play that seems to the naked eye to be stuffed could turn into a big gain if the player keeps moving the pile. Sometimes a little added effort can go a long way toward a successful season. Second, the player has got to be willing to put in the effort to improve his game. If the player isn't willing to put in time in the weight room, on the track, or dogs in practice because of laziness, etc, then he can only hurt the team, not help it. The player must not only have to give effort physically; he has to give 100% effort mentally as well. Whoever said that football players were dumb doesn’t know what they are talking about. A player needs to be aware of so many things at once that it can be confusing to the casual observer. But if they are willing to pay attention, and listen to his coaches and teammates, then it shouldn't be a problem to absorb all the information needed to be a good player. Also another very important expectations that I have, if you don't know what to do on a play, drill, or anything, ask questions. If you stay silent when you know you need to ask a question, you won’t receive the proper guidance on what to do. And if you don't know what you are doing, you will hurt the team. Finally, the biggest expectation that I ask from you players is to have fun when you’re on the field (corny again right? Sorry about that). No matter if you’re on the game field, or in practice, Football is a game, and games are meant to be fun. If you can't enjoy it, then what's the point of playing?

I hope that through the season I can help you players learn to be better football players. I will always emphasize the fundamentals of the game, such as proper handoff techniques, running styles, blocking, etc. If the player can't grasp the basics, it will be hard to work on more advanced items.

Here are a couple of my key points explained in a little more detail. I hope that most of this is review of items you already know. Proper hand off technique simply means getting your hands in the right place to receive the handoff. The player must make a nice big pocket for the quarterback to place the ball in. Also, on a handoff you do not take the ball from the quarterback places it in the pocket. Although this motion might seem to be exaggerated, it is important to the play action passing game. That point will be explained later. Also, instead of looking for the ball you should keep your head up and always be surveying the field looking for the holes and watching defenders. Always keep your eyes open and moving around the field, this will make it easier for you to make the proper cut into the hole. As for running, two words describe what I'm will be looking for: Low and Hard. The player should keep his center of gravity low, because this will make it a lot harder for a defender to tackle him. Also he should be try to be moving at full speed when he hits the hole. The player who can accelerate the fastest has the best chance to get through the hole before it collapses. And finally for blocking, this is one of the most important aspects of the game that I will stress. Good blocking technique is the cornerstone to a successful offense. If the lead blocker cannot clear the hole, then the play is busted. If the back cannot pick up the blitzing linebacker or the crashing end, then the play is busted. To block properly, the play must get low and he has to deliver the blow to the defender. Don't wait to be hit, you must meet the defender head on and try to knock him back. If you can't knock him back then at least try and slow his progress because every split second the defender is away from the ball carrier is a split second more of gained yards.

Once the preseason starts I'll introduce the rest of the key fundamentals of the position because even though at times they might seem like repetitive and pointless, even the professionals practice the basics. I have prepared a few lists of on the field expectations for each of the individual positions. They are short and to the point and give you an idea of what I would expect on the field. None of these goals or expectations should be hard to accomplish, all it takes from you is to work hard and always strive to improve. Even though I have never met any of you players personally, I still have total confidence that you will exceed all my expectations and will become cornerstones in a winning tradition. In closing, I wish every player and coach good luck this season, I am looking forward to working with all of you and learning a lot from you. Thank you for the opportunity to join the Solna Chiefs, I will not let you down.

Position Specific Expectations (HB):

1. Average 4.0 yards per carry. 4.0 yards per carry is the standard measure for a successful running back. Therefore with 4.0 per carry and 25 carries per game, I would expect our running backs to average around 100 yards per game rushing as a team. I'm not very big on stats, but this is a basic starting point for a good running attack.

2. Don't take a false step out of your stance when you begin a play. By dropping your foot back you take an extra split second that could mean the difference between a wide-open hole and no hole at all.

3. The most basic rule of any offensive player is very simple, never fumble. There is nothing that can kill a drive or momentum like a costly turnover. Fumbles are completely avoidable if the runner carries the ball with proper form.

4. As stated earlier, do not give up early on a carry. Just because it seems like you are stopped for no gain, keep your legs driving to pick up every inch that you can. The play isn't over until the whistle blows.

5. Try to run north-south as much as possible. I was told this from the first day I’ve played football until my last practice. To gain yards you must run forward. Once you get the corner, turn the ball up field and run north and south.

6. Make as few cuts as possible. One perfectly timed cut is better than 5 poor cuts. It will be easier to get to top speed and it will be easier to avoid tacklers if you can make proper cuts.

7. Make good play fakes. The idea behind play action passing is to make the defense believe it is a running play. Sell the fake by exaggerating the handoff motion. It will help draw the defense’s attention longer, making the chances for success greater. It is the little things that can mean the difference between a win and a loss.

8. At times you will be asked to line up as a WR, so remember when you are split out, always run good routes. Cut with your hips and fake with your shoulders. If the route is a 5-yard out, cut at exactly 5 yards, not 5.5, or 4. Also change direction with the least amount of speed loss as possible.

9. Don’t be scared to go over the middle. Pulling up instead of taking a hit is a sign that you are afraid of your opponent, and if you are afraid then what is the point in playing.

10. You must be physical on the field. Don’t let a corner push your around, you should be able to get low and take anyone on the other team where you want to go.

11. Be confident in your abilities. Be under the mindset that you are the best player and no one can stop you. But keep your mindset to yourself. Don't give the opponent bulletin board material.

Position Specific Expectations (FB):

1. Like the halfbacks, average 4.0 yards per carry. This is a standard number for all running backs. I don't expect the fullbacks to rush for huge gains, just to grind out the tough yards when the team needs them. All other things will be added bonuses.

2. It is very important on lead blocks to clear the hole. Know whom you are supposed to block and get them out of the hole by driving them in the direction they are going. If the linebacker for example wants to go right, turn them right and block them out of the hole.

3. You must be reliable in goalline situations. The fullback should be the main ball carrier inside the 10, so don't give the coaching staff any reason to replace you in that situation. Of course the defense will expect you to get the ball, so it is your job to make them pay the price.

4. Again like the halfbacks, never fumble! Especially in the red zone, the fullback should have the most sure hands on the team and should have the ball tightly tucked in. Cover the ball with two hands if you need to just don't give it up. I have confidence that this will not be a problem, but if it is I have a wonderful drill for those players who come down with a case of fumbleitis.

5. It is important to be able to recognize the blitz and pick up the proper man. The fullback is very important in pass protection; the fullback should know what the play is designed to do and where the quarterback is going to need the most protection.

6. Have soft hands. Fullbacks can be very dangerous receivers out of the backfield if they can get the ball tucked away and turned up field as quickly as possible. If the fullback can get into proper position, there should be no cornerback that should be able to stop them.

7. While lined up at TE: Be able to recognize the defense and know whether to block down or to block out. If you take the defender the wrong way than that can ruin a running play.

8. Run sharp routes. Just like WR's, TE's must be able to sharply change directions with the least loss of speed. Precision, precision, precision, it is key to marching the ball down the field.

9. Prepare to be hit and deliver a blow. You will be asked to make a lot of contact with the opponent, be ready to take out anyone in your path.

10. While pass catching, do not pull up short when you hear the footsteps of a defender. Be the one who makes the hit.

11. Have a mean streak. Welcome contact; be willing to get dirty in the trenches.

Character and Attitude Expectations

1. No matter how hard it might be, always respect your opponent. Being disrespected is great motivation for a team to work harder to embarrass you on the field.

2. Be confident not cocky. Nothing pisses off a defender like silent confidence. Opponents expect good players to be too overly cocky, but if you don't give them what they want, it will annoy them even more. Let your play on the field speak for itself, not your mouth.

3. Respect your teammates. Sometimes you might not agree with them, but they are your brothers that you go to battle with, without respect you can't gain trust. And if you can't trust the person next to you, you can't win.

4. Expect to win. Never accept a loss as ok. Use the loss as a learning experience to teach you what not to do in the next game.

5. On the same line, if you do lose, be a gracious loser. Don't talk trash or anything like that.

6. When you are on the field, give 100%. You have all the time in the world to rest after the game.

7. It is a simple as this, bones heal, chicks dig scars, and we live in a world with wonderful medical care.

8. Learn something new or improve something every time you step on the field. Learn from your mistakes, feed off the talents of your teammates and ask questions to help you improve.

9. Don’t give up until the final whistle. Even if you’re being blown out, still fight to the end to try and improve for the next game.

10. Set goals before and during the season and try as hard as you can to achieve them.

11. That's all I have, the main thing I just want to see from everyone is to work hard, and if you work hard good things will happen.

Coach Ryan Andersen
Email: baraboo99@yahoo.com