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.
Mike sent the following question:
I play receiver on a very skilled football team. I'm in eighth grade, and I play on a team with kids in grades 8-10. I'm new and feel a bit uncomfortable because I'm trying to impress the players and the coach, but whenever I try to, I drop the catch or can't get to the ball in time because I feel a bit nervous. Is there anything I can do to overcome this?
Hi Mike,
When you are running a route and have the opportunity to make a reception, you have to only focus on making the catch. Visually see the front part of the ball in flight as it comes to you and then make sure that you have your hands outstretched so that you see the front tip of the ball coming into your hands.
By making your total focus on the ball in flight, you will have to forget about trying to impress your coaches and teammates. Other than running your route correctly, there is nothing you can do mentally that will impress the other people on the field.
The only thing that will impress everyone is completing your assignment, being in the proper position and making the catch. Force yourself to concentrate on the task at hand and let your actions impress people. Relax, stay positive and constantly work on perfecting your receiver skills.
Coach Tom Bass
Nikko sent the following question:
I'm starting as a fullback, and I need your help on it. What are some drills I can do? What are some lead blocking tips I can catch up on?
Hi Nikko,
You are playing a position where you will see lots of action. I really enjoyed playing fullback for one season in high school before moving to tight end.
Becoming a good blocker is the key to having success at the position. It starts with a good stance that allows you to move on the snap without taking a false step or standing up in the air. Always take your first step directly at the man you are assigned to block with the foot on that side of your body.
Stay low as you move to the defender. Take a direct path to the defender - never move on a path that gives him the opportunity to know which shoulder you are going to use or shows him the direction you want to take him as you create a running lane for the ball carrier.
When your assignment is to block the end man on the line toward the sideline, drive your outside shoulder into his inside hip; when your are assigned to drive back to the inside on the formation, you need to drive your inside shoulder into his outside hip. In both blocks, your initial path to the defender should be the same and then at the last minute veer either inside or outside.
Always keep your pad level below the pad level of the defender, keep your head up and back straight, and bend your knees to lower your shoulder pads to the proper height.
If you are lead blocking on an inside linebacker, drive straight at him, let him choose a side, use your shoulder pad on that side for contact, and block him in the direction of his movement. The running back should see the direction of your block and cut the other way.
Right now you can work on your starts, mentally see yourself making the different blocks, then sprint for 10 yards and set up and go again. You can also spend this time to learn how to run your pass routes, practice catching the ball and taking handoffs and spend some time distance running to insure you are in shape for the fall. I am sure you are going to really enjoy playing fullback.
Coach Tom Bass
Dave sent the following question:
I was just wondering what position I should play. I am leaning towards wide receiver, but there are way too many WRs on the football team. I would play defensive back, but I'm not that great at tackling. I'm more of a possession guy. I'm not blazing fast, but I'm pretty fast for my size. I'm 5-foot-4, which is pretty short for a 15-year-old. What should I do?
Hi Dave,
You should never worry about competition, it will only make you work harder and can help you get better at your position. With that thought in mind, if you really want to try out for a wide receiver position, then that may be the very best place for you to start.
If you see that there are just too many players at the wide receiver position, then you should really consider making the move to defensive back. No one starts their football career as a great tackler. Tackling is a football skill that comes with practice, learning safe and proper technique and gaining the confidence that this is something that you really know how to do.
Remember that your coaches, after seeing you practice, may have a real good idea where you should play, where you will have the greatest chance for success and where you can help the team the most. They will help you with this decision, so stay positive and do not worry.
Coach Tom Bass
Thomas sent the following question:
I will be entering my freshman year this fall and am already working out with the football team at my new high school three to four days a week. I play linebacker and am now almost 6 feet tall and 170 pounds. I might be able to play on varsity my freshman year, but should I even consider this?
Hi Thomas,
This may seem like a big dilemma for you right now, but it will probably work out as fall practice takes place. Your coaches will be the ones to evaluate your progress and performance.
They will then be able to determine if you would benefit more from playing with the varsity team, where you will face better competition, or not. If you do not end up playing on varsity, you will probably have the opportunity to get a greater amount of actual playing time in the games.
Right now you need to concentrate on learning as much as you can, get to know the other players and coaches and not be concerned with the dilemma you are concerned about right now.
Try to keep an open mind. I am sure whatever occurs will be in your best interest and that you will have a great year.
Coach Tom Bass
Joe sent the following question:
I started at wide receiver for our varsity football team, and we run a Wing-T offense. I am now entering my junior year and was wondering how I could expand my game. I am a great blocker and have good hands. What else does it take to be a great receiver? I am pursuing a dream to play football in college.
Hi Joe,
Your next task is to learn all you can about the defense. It is important that you learn to recognize what coverage the defense is using either by looking at pre-snap alignments or movement once the play begins.
As you begin to understand what the defense is trying to do, you will have an advantage and can start to make slight adjustments to your pass route to keep the defensive player from where you ultimately want to go or to move him from an area if he lines up where you desire to run your final pass route.
By seeing the difference between a man-to-man coverage and a zone coverage, you will immediately know if you are running your route on one defensive player or if you will need to find an open zone between two defensive players.
Be sure to ask your defensive coaches for help. I am sure they will be more than willing to explain and show you how each type of pass defense is played.
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/.
