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.
Connor sent the following question:
I'm a sophomore at a Division I high school. As a freshman, I suffered a torn ACL in the sixth game of the season playing defensive end. I took my sophomore season off, but I'm seriously contemplating returning next year. I'm 6-foot-2 and about 165 pounds. I played tight end also, and I would appreciate your feedback.
Hi Connor,
You have a couple of things to consider as you go about making your decision. First is the current physical condition of your injury. Have you received clearance from your doctor to resume playing football, and have you successfully done all you possibly can in the way of rehabilitation?
If the answer is yes to both of these questions, then you need to ask yourself if this is something that you really want to do. It would be very easy for me to tell you that you should play, but you and I both know that it will require a great deal of work on your part, a great deal of time and energy, and to do it right, will require a complete commitment and dedication on your part.
Now that you have had a year away from football, is this a project that you want to take on once more? You are the only one that can make that determination.
If you do decide to return to the game and play again, you have time to really get in shape, do some lifting, gain a few pounds and be ready for any summer program and fall practice. Do what you feel is right for you.
Coach Tom Bass
The following question was sent:
I was wondering what position I should play. I'm 12 years old and have been playing QB since I was 5. As I grow up, my linemen have been getting taller, and my uncle says that I should try running back because I'm short. I like playing QB; I am very accurate and can control the ball. I think I'm going to be 5-foot-10 when I grow up, so should I keep playing QB?
Hi,
You have experience and like playing the QB position so my thought is that you can try out for that spot and then after your coaches have the opportunity to see you perform in practice, they can best advise you as to which position you should play in order to best contribute to the team.
Your height may not be an issue to your coaches as you may have the leadership skills and the necessary techniques needed to be a successful quarterback for your high school team.
No one can really predict the future so you need to focus on this upcoming season, work to prepare for it at the quarterback position and to let the future years take care of themselves. Good luck.
Coach Tom Bass
Noel sent the following question:
I'm currently in my sophomore year, and next year I'll be playing varsity football. I'm about 165 pounds and about 5-foot-11. I've started at linebacker all my life and have been really successful at that position, but I feel like when I play varsity I'm not going to be big enough to play linebacker. I'm looking into playing safety, but safety seems like a big jump from playing linebacker. What do I need to know in order to play that position and be successful?
Hi Noel,
Having played successfully as a linebacker shows that you have the ability to take on blockers and tackle, and this will help you a great deal at safety.
The biggest adjustment you will have will be to understand your responsibility on pass defense. It is very important for you to know if you are a pass defender first or a safety that is committed first to stopping the run. If your primary responsibility is pass coverage then you need to stay in your zone or focus on the receiver you are assigned to cover until the ball carrier crosses the line of scrimmage.
If you are a fast force safety, one that comes up anytime the end man on the line of scrimmage blocks, then you have to look for the run first and then come up and turn the ball carrier back to the inside.
It will be good to spend time working on your back pedal and learning to go from backing up to a forward run. Pass coverage takes a while to get used to, so try to work on it a few minutes every day.
Playing safety can be a challenge, but the upside is you get to be in on a large number of plays. Work hard on your techniques, have fun and I am sure you will successfully make the transition.
Coach Tom Bass
Gerald sent the following question:
Is it possible for small guys to go to at least some sort of college? I just want go somewhere to do what I love most and that is playing football. I'm only 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds as a running back, and I have a 4.6 40 time, 350+ squat, 225 power clean and a 230 bench. Do even the small guys have a chance? I'm only a junior, and I have some film already. What's your opinion?
Hi Gerald,
Size is only one measurement that you can use to project a player's success at the collegiate level. A player's desire, determination and dedication with a certain amount of toughness and skill are needed to make the move to the next level.
I am sure that you can play in college, especially if you widen your search to include colleges at every level and not just focus on the big Division I schools.
There are numerous colleges on the Division I-AA, 2, 3, and in the NAIA that have excellent football programs and provide the opportunity to earn an excellent education.
Talk to your coaches and see if they have any suggestions of colleges in your area that might be a good fit for you.
Coach Tom Bass
Nick sent the following question:
Will the school be providing pads and equipment or should I just buy my own?
Hi Nick,
Because of limited funding for high schools today, what is provided and what is not will depend on your school district. Some schools provide everything, some require players to purchase their own shoes and some unfortunately require the players to buy their pads and shoes.
The only way that you will know for sure what you will be required to furnish will be to contact the coaches at the school you are going to attend and get a written list of what you will need to purchase prior to the start of practice.
I hope you have a great year.
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/.
