24 Core Competency Areas:
1. Speed
2. Agility/Quickness
3. Strength
4. Power / Explosiveness
5. Flexibility
6. Endurance
7. Balance
8. Form Running
9. Understanding of the Game
10. Wisdom / Decision Making
11. Sportsmanship
12. Competition
13. Personal Motivation to Excel
14. Confidence
15. Emotional Control (Anxiety, Anger, etc)
16. Focus / Mental Toughness
17. Blocking
18. Tackling
19. Game Situation Awareness
20. Stance
21. Alignment
22. Aggressiveness
23. Team Player
24. Play Maker
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Monday, September 20, 2010
using competition to develop character...
It's the fourth quarter and our A-team defense so far has played a great game. In fact each week they have been getting better. We're playing an offense that has scored 32 points the first week and 22 points in week two. Their record is 2-0 and our record is 0-2. And with one quarter to go we've held them to just 6 points and under 50 yards in total offense. Their only scoring drive came on their first possession when they started on our 35 yard line. But now it's the fourth quarter and the game is tied 6-6 and our opponent has moved the ball to midfield.
It's fourth down and there's only a few minutes left on the clock...
I walk into the defensive huddle and can tell by the look on our players faces that they have matured just since the start of the game. Something is different in them. They are... hungry, focused, determined, ready to give whatever it takes to win this game. I take a knee and tell them to all look me in the eye. It's the opportunity I've been waiting for... "Here's your opportunity to prove yourself. It's your chance to show all these fans that you're becoming young men. Are we boys or men?"
What happened next will forever be etched in my mind and reminded me of the responsibility of coaching. Young football players all across the country find themselves in the midst of competitions which are forming who they are as people. Moments that begin to define their character. Our moment was here... and it had required losing a couple games before finding ourselves with an opportunity to beat a very good team. It was in that moment that 11 men looked me in the eye and with one voice shouted, "MEN!"
I called the play and stepped out of the huddle. To be honest it didn't matter what happened next. They had already made the important decision. They wanted to be in the fire that forms character. They were not afraid to stare defeat in the face with focused determination. They had dug down deep and found more than was there at the beginning of the game and were willing to lay it on the line and find out what they were made of. It truly is a scary, awesome moment. You hope like mad as a coach that they stop them for their sake. But at the same time you know their character has already been formed because they were up for the challenge in the first place.
I love this game! But even more I love these moments!! And even more than that I love these boys who are finding themselves in opportunities to develop character that will be required of them as grown men. It's an opportunity to help them see who they can and have become. It's why this really is more than just a game! It's something that is forming our community, our schools and our families. Ironically as coaches we find ourselves in a very similar situation... will we step up and face the opportunity that is set before us?
It's fourth down and there's only a few minutes left on the clock...
I walk into the defensive huddle and can tell by the look on our players faces that they have matured just since the start of the game. Something is different in them. They are... hungry, focused, determined, ready to give whatever it takes to win this game. I take a knee and tell them to all look me in the eye. It's the opportunity I've been waiting for... "Here's your opportunity to prove yourself. It's your chance to show all these fans that you're becoming young men. Are we boys or men?"
What happened next will forever be etched in my mind and reminded me of the responsibility of coaching. Young football players all across the country find themselves in the midst of competitions which are forming who they are as people. Moments that begin to define their character. Our moment was here... and it had required losing a couple games before finding ourselves with an opportunity to beat a very good team. It was in that moment that 11 men looked me in the eye and with one voice shouted, "MEN!"
I called the play and stepped out of the huddle. To be honest it didn't matter what happened next. They had already made the important decision. They wanted to be in the fire that forms character. They were not afraid to stare defeat in the face with focused determination. They had dug down deep and found more than was there at the beginning of the game and were willing to lay it on the line and find out what they were made of. It truly is a scary, awesome moment. You hope like mad as a coach that they stop them for their sake. But at the same time you know their character has already been formed because they were up for the challenge in the first place.
I love this game! But even more I love these moments!! And even more than that I love these boys who are finding themselves in opportunities to develop character that will be required of them as grown men. It's an opportunity to help them see who they can and have become. It's why this really is more than just a game! It's something that is forming our community, our schools and our families. Ironically as coaches we find ourselves in a very similar situation... will we step up and face the opportunity that is set before us?
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Help us stop spreading disease...
So two posts in a row dealing with health issues. This time it's come to our attention that several kids have come down with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. We wanted to make you aware of this so you can be better prepared if your child shows they symptoms:
- The disease usually begins with a fever, poor appetite, malaise (feeling vaguely unwell), and often with a sore throat.
- One or 2 days after fever onset, painful sores usually develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. The sores are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
- A non-itchy skin rash develops over 1–2 days. The rash has flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters. The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the buttocks and/or genitalia.
- A person with HFMD may have only the rash or only the mouth sores.
There are also a couple of things we can do at practice to help avoid spreading the disease to other players.
- bring your own water bottle and don't share with other players.
- when you use the team water bottles don't touch the bottles with your mouth or hands simply squirt it into your mouth.
- if you have the blisters it's best that you don't come to practice as contact with other players skin will infect them.
That's all for now,
JC
- The disease usually begins with a fever, poor appetite, malaise (feeling vaguely unwell), and often with a sore throat.
- One or 2 days after fever onset, painful sores usually develop in the mouth. They begin as small red spots that blister and then often become ulcers. The sores are usually located on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
- A non-itchy skin rash develops over 1–2 days. The rash has flat or raised red spots, sometimes with blisters. The rash is usually located on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet; it may also appear on the buttocks and/or genitalia.
- A person with HFMD may have only the rash or only the mouth sores.
There are also a couple of things we can do at practice to help avoid spreading the disease to other players.
- bring your own water bottle and don't share with other players.
- when you use the team water bottles don't touch the bottles with your mouth or hands simply squirt it into your mouth.
- if you have the blisters it's best that you don't come to practice as contact with other players skin will infect them.
That's all for now,
JC
Friday, August 6, 2010
Dealing with the stomach flu...
So why is there a post on stomach flu... I thought this was a football site!!!
Well, the short answer is we've got 4 kids out of practice due to the stomach flu and as their coach I want to see them recover to full health and be able to get back to practice, learn the game and contribute to the success of the team. As a father of 7 children I know about the grueling affects of the stomach flu... early mornings and late nights and all the times in between helping disoriented young ones to the restroom while they are convinced that their world is about to end is not fun. Think it's bad with one imagine two or three having it at the same time!
At any rate, I have three (okay four) things I want to suggest just real quick to help our team get past this...
1.) If you have the flu and you know it don't come to practice!!! Many of the kids share water bottles and this will only serve to spread the flu to others on the team. Even if they bring their own water bottle they run the risk of spreading it.
2.) Get lots of rest!!! When you're fighting the flu your worst enemy is the fact that you struggle to keep down important calories and nutrients that your body needs to work. It's ideal therefore to not exercise and allow your body to focus all of its available energies on supporting your immune system.
3.) Superhydrate yourself!!! You can't consume enough liquids when you're fighting the stomach flu (but avoid carbonated & sugary drinks to do this). While your sick your body is losing excess amounts of liquid so replacement of those liquids is essential. All of your body's organs need proper hydration in order to function properly... including the cells associated with your immune system!
4.) Finally after you've properly hydrated yourself and you are getting rest begin eating a BRAT diet. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. These bland foods will allow your stomach to settle. Stay away from citrus, greasy foods, dairy and tomato products. Also avoid coffee, and carbonated drinks.
Hope this helps and to all you out there that are feeling blue and looking pale... I pray you have a fast recovery!
God Bless,
Coach JC
Well, the short answer is we've got 4 kids out of practice due to the stomach flu and as their coach I want to see them recover to full health and be able to get back to practice, learn the game and contribute to the success of the team. As a father of 7 children I know about the grueling affects of the stomach flu... early mornings and late nights and all the times in between helping disoriented young ones to the restroom while they are convinced that their world is about to end is not fun. Think it's bad with one imagine two or three having it at the same time!
At any rate, I have three (okay four) things I want to suggest just real quick to help our team get past this...
1.) If you have the flu and you know it don't come to practice!!! Many of the kids share water bottles and this will only serve to spread the flu to others on the team. Even if they bring their own water bottle they run the risk of spreading it.
2.) Get lots of rest!!! When you're fighting the flu your worst enemy is the fact that you struggle to keep down important calories and nutrients that your body needs to work. It's ideal therefore to not exercise and allow your body to focus all of its available energies on supporting your immune system.
3.) Superhydrate yourself!!! You can't consume enough liquids when you're fighting the stomach flu (but avoid carbonated & sugary drinks to do this). While your sick your body is losing excess amounts of liquid so replacement of those liquids is essential. All of your body's organs need proper hydration in order to function properly... including the cells associated with your immune system!
A TIP FOR HYDRATION: Gatorade works great but it should be diluted 4 parts water to 1 part Gatorade. This allows the electrolytes to get into your system faster. Straight Gatorade is not absorbed through your digestive system as quickly as water is, so by diluting it more of the Gatorade (which is good for fighting dehydration) will get into your system.
4.) Finally after you've properly hydrated yourself and you are getting rest begin eating a BRAT diet. BRAT stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast. These bland foods will allow your stomach to settle. Stay away from citrus, greasy foods, dairy and tomato products. Also avoid coffee, and carbonated drinks.
Hope this helps and to all you out there that are feeling blue and looking pale... I pray you have a fast recovery!
God Bless,
Coach JC
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Meet the staff...
We want to say a huge thank you to the staff that came together for the 2010 season. We're blessed to have a great group of guys who love the game and love working with kids. This season is shaping up to be another great year and these guys will make a huge impact on the program.
Off the field duties:
JC Christensen*** - Director of A-team, Website Communication
Tom Holmes*** - Parent's Club Coordinator, Fundraiser
Jerry Miller*** - Director of B-team, Administration
On the field duties:
Brandon Emerson** - Running Backs, Linebackers, B-team assistant
Craig Farrar** - Offensive Line, Linebackers, B-team head coach
Shawn Ferguson** - Receivers, Defensive Backs, B-team assistant
Joe Geiser** - Receivers, Defensive Backs, A-team assistant
Mike Harwood* - Offensive Line, Defensive Line, A-team assistant
Brad Hewitt* - Quarterbacks, Defensive Backs, B-team assistant
Brody Hewitt** - Running Backs, Defensive Line, B-team assistant
Travis Higgins* - Offensive Line, Defensive Line, B-team head coach
Tom Holmes*** - Running Backs, Defensive Backs, A-team assistant
Karl Kuhns* - Offensive Line, Defensive Line, B -team assistant
Grady Suggs** - Quarterbacks, Linebackers, A-team head coach
Next time you see one of these guys give them a huge thank you for stepping up and investing in the tradition of the Southeast Local School District!!!
[all names listed alphabetically by last name]
[* denotes number of years in the program]
Off the field duties:
JC Christensen*** - Director of A-team, Website Communication
Tom Holmes*** - Parent's Club Coordinator, Fundraiser
Jerry Miller*** - Director of B-team, Administration
On the field duties:
Brandon Emerson** - Running Backs, Linebackers, B-team assistant
Craig Farrar** - Offensive Line, Linebackers, B-team head coach
Shawn Ferguson** - Receivers, Defensive Backs, B-team assistant
Joe Geiser** - Receivers, Defensive Backs, A-team assistant
Mike Harwood* - Offensive Line, Defensive Line, A-team assistant
Brad Hewitt* - Quarterbacks, Defensive Backs, B-team assistant
Brody Hewitt** - Running Backs, Defensive Line, B-team assistant
Travis Higgins* - Offensive Line, Defensive Line, B-team head coach
Tom Holmes*** - Running Backs, Defensive Backs, A-team assistant
Karl Kuhns* - Offensive Line, Defensive Line, B -team assistant
Grady Suggs** - Quarterbacks, Linebackers, A-team head coach
Next time you see one of these guys give them a huge thank you for stepping up and investing in the tradition of the Southeast Local School District!!!
[all names listed alphabetically by last name]
[* denotes number of years in the program]
Friday, July 30, 2010
Used Cleat Bank...
Have an old pair of cleats that don't fit but could work for someone else?
Bring them to practice and add them to the "Used Cleat Bank".
Bring them to practice and add them to the "Used Cleat Bank".
Rest & Recovery...
What are the keys to the proper rest and recovery of our bodies after vigorous exercise?
It's been a long week with lots of opportunities for players to develop soreness in their muscles. Every player is going to develop soreness in different areas depending on what kinds of activities they are used to. I know my boys could hardly walk down the stairs yesterday! (c:
Over the last four days we've encouraged our children to run faster, harder, longer and in different ways that their bodies are not used to. In the process of doing this their muscles have been stressed, stretched, even slightly torn (which is normal and not a bad thing) and in general broken down. Your body naturally wants to fix this problem and even correct it in such a way that the next time the body is subjected to that kind of activity it will achieve proper performance with minimal breakdown in muscle structure.
This in simple terms is called getting in shape.
It's important to understand that your body repairs, rebuilds and strengthens its muscles only when it is given proper rest and enough time to recover. This is how athletes get quicker, faster, and stronger. However if proper rest and recovery time is not taken we can actually become weaker.
Here are some keys to proper rest and recovery:
1.) Understanding the difference between short term and long term recovery, and leveraging both of them to your advantage.
2.) Recovery does not necessarily mean inactivity. "Active Recovery" is essential to removing chemicals that your muscle cells have produced during intense exercise.
3.) Fuel your body with the right nutrients it needs to recover. It's essential to have plenty of water, protein and carbohydrates after intense workouts or competition.
4.) Sleep well. While a full grown adult can operate effectively with just 6-8 hours of sleep, children 9-12 years old need 10-12 hours of quality sleep.
5.) Find other ways to increase new fresh blood flow to your muscles. Icing your sore muscles is a key way to bringing new blood with important nutrients that will help to rebuild and strengthen your muscles.
In summary, eat right this weekend, get out and walk a couple miles to get your blood flowing and stretch out your sore muscles after, and get a good night's rest.
Hope this helps! See you on Monday refreshed, rebuilt and ready to go.
Sincerely,
Coach JC
It's been a long week with lots of opportunities for players to develop soreness in their muscles. Every player is going to develop soreness in different areas depending on what kinds of activities they are used to. I know my boys could hardly walk down the stairs yesterday! (c:
Over the last four days we've encouraged our children to run faster, harder, longer and in different ways that their bodies are not used to. In the process of doing this their muscles have been stressed, stretched, even slightly torn (which is normal and not a bad thing) and in general broken down. Your body naturally wants to fix this problem and even correct it in such a way that the next time the body is subjected to that kind of activity it will achieve proper performance with minimal breakdown in muscle structure.
This in simple terms is called getting in shape.
It's important to understand that your body repairs, rebuilds and strengthens its muscles only when it is given proper rest and enough time to recover. This is how athletes get quicker, faster, and stronger. However if proper rest and recovery time is not taken we can actually become weaker.
Here are some keys to proper rest and recovery:
1.) Understanding the difference between short term and long term recovery, and leveraging both of them to your advantage.
2.) Recovery does not necessarily mean inactivity. "Active Recovery" is essential to removing chemicals that your muscle cells have produced during intense exercise.
3.) Fuel your body with the right nutrients it needs to recover. It's essential to have plenty of water, protein and carbohydrates after intense workouts or competition.
4.) Sleep well. While a full grown adult can operate effectively with just 6-8 hours of sleep, children 9-12 years old need 10-12 hours of quality sleep.
5.) Find other ways to increase new fresh blood flow to your muscles. Icing your sore muscles is a key way to bringing new blood with important nutrients that will help to rebuild and strengthen your muscles.
In summary, eat right this weekend, get out and walk a couple miles to get your blood flowing and stretch out your sore muscles after, and get a good night's rest.
Hope this helps! See you on Monday refreshed, rebuilt and ready to go.
Sincerely,
Coach JC
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