In his weekly mailbag, Coach Bass tackles questions from first year high school and players and potential college players. If you have a question for Coach Bass you can email him at NFLAsktheCoach@aol.com.
June from Chehalis sent the following question:
How long should practices last each and how many days per week? Thanks for your time.
Hi June,
A very interesting question and for the answer, a lot depends on how organized the coaches are that are coaching the team. MY feeling has always been that a practice should be no longer than an hour and a half, 1:45 tops.
That should be enough time, if prior to going on the field, you have developed a tight, organized practice schedule that covers all areas of the game and keeps the players active and interested.
The actual length of each practice should become shorter the closer the team gets to finally playing a game.
The number of days a team should practice will depend greatly on the age of the players. Youth teams would practice three days and a high school could add a day and practice four days, some even working out five days.
I hope his helps answer your question, Coach Tom Bass.
Dave sent the following question:
Coach Bass, your column is great source of info. Thanks! My question: Can the O lineman be beyond the line of scrimmage on a screen play as long as the ball is caught behind the line of scrimmage? I heard that it may be blocking down field. Your help is appreciated.
Hi Dave,
Like so many things in football, the answer to your question will depend on the rules your league elects to follow. The college rule states that the O-linemen may be downfield if the ball is caught on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage.
To my knowledge many high school associations have adopted this rule. You will see this type of play on a screen to a wide receiver where he catches the ball on his side of the line of scrimmage and then breaks back to the center of the field behind the O-line that has released down the field. It is also seen on a center screen to a running back or tight end,
My suggestion is that you approach one of the officials prior to a game and asked him to explain the interpretation of the rule that they work under, Coach Tom Bass.
Jordan from Boca Raton, Florida sent the following question:
At the beginning of practice I received lots of compliments by the head JV coach about my attitude, hard work and development potential. I was asked by the defensive coach where did I want to play, I replied, "Where you need me?" Tomorrow is a scrimmage and the defensive coach told me he hasn't decided where he wants me yet but I will be playing. Does that mean I won't be having a permanent position and not playing much, or is it good to be able to play all the positions and fill in where needed?
Hi Jordan,
It sounds to me that your coaches feel that you are a very versatile and valuable play for the team. My feeling has always been that it is a real plus when you learn and can play a number of positions on the football team. It may be harder for you but it gives you the opportunity to try out a variety of spots and then, later in your football career you can settle into one or two.
I think that you are going to have to see what develops in the scrimmage and then discuss the situation with your coach if you feel like you need to settle into one position.
Remember the most important thing is that you get to be on the field and have the experience of actually playing in the game.
Good luck, stay positive and I sincerely hope it works out for you. You have a great attitude, Coach Tom Bass.
Andrew from Hoytville sent the following question:
This year in football I made 2nd team fullback. Every time I run the ball, I only average about 2 yards. How do I get more? I drive but I get taken down.
Hi Andrew,
One idea that may help you gain more yards when you carry the ball, is for you to learn and understand the blocking that your offensive linemen are going to use on each play. Talk to them and have them tell you what their assignment is on each play.
You want to be able to picture exactly where the hole will be on each play before the play actually begins. Try to envision in your mind where the blockers will be and what they will be tying to do to the defensive players.
My other suggestion would be to check your start and make certain that your first step is forward directly at the hole and not a backward step to get you going. If you are going to your right, you want to push off your left foot and take a forward step with your right foot, going to the left would be just the opposite.
It is also good to have a good forward lean, by bending at the waist so that your shoulders are in front of your hips as you drive into the hole. I hope these suggestions help you gain more yards, Coach Tom Bass.
Manuel from El Monte sent the following question:
I was just wondering if football records are kept for all levels of play, or are they just for the Varsity level? Are high school freshmen records kept somewhere?
Hi Manuel,
Many high schools will keep individual records for freshmen but they usually are not kept on a league basis. Talk to your coach and see what the policy is at your school and for the league. I am certain that he can clear it up for you right away, Coach Tom Bass.
Coach Tom Bass, the technical writer and advisor for USA Football is a thirty-year NFL coach who has also authored several books, including "Play Football the NFL Way" - the first "how to" book ever authorized and published by the NFL. Coach Bass is happy to personally autograph his books to you. Book ordering information can be found on www.coachbass.com.
