Coach Tom Bass brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to USA Football. Along with answering youth coaching questions, he also receives emails from young players. You can email the coach at NFLAskTheCoach@aol.com.
Jon from Rogue River, Ore., sent the following question:
I've been working on my footwork recently, but what else makes a great dual-threat QB?
Hi Jon,
There are two additional areas that I try to encourage quarterbacks to study and understand. One is having a clear picture in your mind of what the exact blocking scheme is on every play andthe otheris to have a good understanding of what takes place on the defensive side of the ball.
Quarterbacks who know the assignments being used for pass-protection blocking often can anticipate where breakdowns will occur, have a feel where they can step to buy time and still throw the ball and where their best escape route will be if there is a breakdown.
If you have a good understanding of the defense, you will be able to anticipate where the passing lanes will open up, know where the openings will be in the coverage and know when there is an opportunity to run the ball for positive yardage.
In addition, you should always have the down and distance in mind when the play begins and know the yards you need to gain to keep control of the ball.
I really think you are on the right track, and keep up the good work.
Coach Tom Bass
Jason from West Seneca sent the following question:
I'm soon to be a senior, and I've always wanted to play football, but my parents wouldn't let me. They have decided to let me now, and I was wondering if it was too late to play? If not, do you have any references for plays used in high school so I'm not lost when I start practice?
Hi Jason,
I am happy for you that you are going to have the opportunity to enjoy the football experience. It is never too late as long as you are willing to work hard to get into shape and become involved with the football team.
There are so many different offenses used by high school coaching staffs that in order for you to grasp what is going on, you need to establish a relationship with the coaches at your school. They are the ones that can introduce you to the offense that is used, the terminology they speak in teaching and the drills they will employ on the field to teach their system.
The more time you can spend with a member of the coaching staff and the more time you can spend with members of the team either in off-season workouts or just working out on their own, the better prepared you will be when fall practice begins.
You have waited a long time for this experience, so do not hesitate in meeting and discussing football with your coaches and teammates.
Coach Tom Bass
Ben from Keller sent the following question:
I'm a sophomore wide receiver at a 5A high school in Texas where it is very competitive. What are the main things I need to do to stand out?
Hi Ben,
It starts with your attitude. First on, last off the practice field. First in line for every drill. Go 100 percent on every play when you are in the drills and listen to what the coach is saying when you are not.
Know your assignments and eliminate mental errors as much as possible. Make it a point of pride in catching every ball you touch and then protecting the ball after the catch. Demonstrate to your teammates and coaches that they can depend on you.
Make sure that you are an effective and willing blocker on every running play and that your effort puts your running backs in position to gain more yards every time they run your way.
Finally, and this is really important, work as hard in the classroom as you do on the field so your coaches see that you will be there for them and they need not worry about your grades. Work hard this off-season, and I hope you have a great year.
Coach Tom Bass
I was wondering if you don't play freshman football in ninth grade, can you still play in tenth grade? If you can, do you play for freshman, JV or varsity?
Hi,
There is no reason that I can think of that would keep you from trying out for football in tenth grade. Since you will be a sophomore, I would imagine that the freshman team is out and you will be on the JV team to begin with.
Remember when you first start to practice with a team, you may find the practices hard and tiring, the drills confusing and the plays difficult to remember.
As the days go by, everything will start to become clearer, and you will find that you can understand and anticipate what the coaches want you to do in every drill.
Stay positive, study hard off the field, work hard on the field, get your rest and eat well, and above all else, try to have fun and enjoy being a member of the team.
Coach Tom Bass
Mike from Lockport sent the following question:
I was wondering if a fullback can be a kick returner?
Hi Mike,
A fullback can absolutely be a kick returner. I have seen fullbacks that have been outstanding return men, especially running back kickoffs.
Returning kicks requires positive players with a certain temperament, who are going to make the catch, run full blast up the field and believe that an opening will occur just when they reach the players from the coverage team.
It is not a position for the faint of heart or the dance around guys. You have to bring a sense of toughness and confidence every time you line up to field a kick.
Never forget that you must protect the ball, especially when you see that you are going to be hit by multiple players. Enjoy the action.
Coach Tom Bass
Coach Tom Bass, the technical writer and advisor for USA Football, is a 30-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 http://www.coachbass.com/.
