Baron Batch: Remarkable Courage

I love the game of football. There is so much about it that challenges you mentally and physically. But one of the things that is really great about the sport is that we hear stories from ordinary people who remind us that hard work and perseverance can overcome a lot of life's adversities. The heart of a champion is always filled with greater stories than just the wins and losses. That's why I wanted to recommend Steel Resolve: Baron Batch's Incredible Journey, an article about Baron Batch, RB for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the holidays, it is great to be reminded to be thankful for the opportunities that we are given. Baron Batch probably understands that at a level most of us don't. In his young life, he has endured an extremely difficult childhood, tough family situation, personal struggles with everyday living, getting cut from his team, and several major injuries. When all other people and avenues were failing him, the things he could rely on were his siblings, school and football.

Baron Batch

Through all the things life has thrown his way, Batch has found a way to stay courageous and upbeat and battle through things head on. Batch's story is a powerful example how athletics can free people's minds from their personal struggles and give them direction in their lives. Winston Churchill once said, "“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Baron Batch is a living witness to that statement, and his courage to continue can teach us all a little bit about gratitude, the human spirit, and the deeper meaning of success.

The Off-Season Dilemma

Now that the youth football season has concluded, I am frequently asked by parents how much their children should be doing in the off-season. Many people look at the off-season as a chance to continue their child's development and growth in a particular sport. Some parents want their kids to focus on specific development in one sport, while others have kids who participate in multiple sports. What is the best approach?

It depends somewhat on a child's age and interests, but I typically don't recommend kids focus on just one sport. I encourage parents to try and have their kids involved in any sport or physical activity year-round. If they are not in an organized athletic program, then doing some training may be a good option. The most important thing is keeping kids active! Staying active will help continue to strengthen muscles as their bodies continue to grow, plus it will continue to develop their coordination. Multi-sport athletes will gain strength in new muscles and develop skills that were not the focus during football season, but that will only help them as they continue to grow. Keeping kids active is necessary to their growth as athletes and to a healthier, happier life.

Lots of kids go from season to season in three or four sports, and as long as the athlete is enjoying the participation and is learning the correct fundamentals, then keep going! If there isn't a sport that is interesting or available for your kids, then training during the off-season can help with basic fundamentals. Kids can improve their footwork, hand-eye coordination, reads and reactions, and overall physical health. For most kids, it makes little difference whether they train, wrestle or play basketball. The most important aspect is just that they remain active.

Some parents are anxious to determine which position their son will play and want position-specific training and development for very young athletes. I would caution that some kids do not get settled on a position until college, and it is best to keep your options open when it comes to determining a specific position.

The other caution is for parents to take cues from their kids on their level of involvement in sports. If at any time training or other sports are not fun for kids, then we as parents and coaches should not force it upon them. It has been my experience when kids have an activity forced upon them, they will not try as hard and may develop a dislike for the entire sport or anything athletic. We need to remember that, at times, kids just need to be kids.

Motivation will come easily when the athlete has a sense of enjoyment and entitlement. Kids need to know why they are practicing or training and what benefits can come from this. So educate them about the benefits of staying active and developing their physical strength and skills. Provide gentle encouragement for kids to stay active or train in their sport(s) of interest, and when they have fun and see the rewards, they will choose to pursue those activities all on their own.

NDSU vs. SDSU Round 2: Playoffs

All eyes in the Dakotas will be fixed on Fargo tomorrow for Round 2 of the playoffs when #1 Ranked NDSU (10-1) takes on #21 SDSU (9-3).

The teams met three weeks ago in the regular season, and I discussed the players and game plans at length in a previous blog post. That game ended with NDSU winning 20-17 and limiting SDSU to 209 yards of total offense. Tomorrow's game will be the 100th meeting of the teams, but their first ever playoff meeting. NDSU leads the series 54-40-5, but it's playoff time, and this will be a great challenge for both teams!

It is always difficult for teams to play multiple times, and these teams know each other well and are very similar in their style of play. So what should we watch for in this game? A battle. NDSU is playing great football right now. They currently lead the nation in time of possession at @ 35 minutes per game, and they are averaging 8.6 plays per series.

SDSU: They have to break the trend of NDSU's powerful defense by getting first downs, extending drives, eliminating mental mistakes, and establishing positive yards on 1st down. SDSU cannot put themselves in 3rd and long situations very often or the NDSU defense will walk off the field with a turnover. QB Austin Sumner must be willing to take what the defense gives him until they make a mistake, and then he must find a way to capitalize on that mistake.

Defensively, SDSU just cannot give up any big plays! NDSU will continue to pound at them with their run game and will hit short passes to extend their drives. But the difference maker for the NDSU offense has been the one or two big plays they complete each game. A swing in momentum, controlling field position and capitalizing with points is usually all the NDSU defense needs to get a win. SDSU's defense has to prevent any big plays and win 3rd down situations in order to take down NDSU.

NDSU: There are two things NDSU will hope to use: 1) Defense. NDSU wants to be able to let their defense dictate the pace of the game with 3 and outs, a couple of TO's, controlling field position and playing with a lead. This is what NDSU was able to do the first time the two teams played, and it was a successful strategy for them. 2) Crowd. NDSU will have a sold out crowd, and that creates a hostile and incredibly loud playing environment. The sell out will not be a surprise to SDSU, but it is still a very difficult atmosphere to handle. NDSU's defense has held 10 of the last 12 opponents under 250 total yards, and the crowd is a huge factor when they play at home.

It will be a great game. Enjoy!

The Race for the Heisman

We are nearing the end of the college season, and this year, there is a lot of discussion on who deserves to win the Heisman Trophy. It is worthy of discussion, as it’s the most prestigious award in college football and the field of candidates is somewhat unusual this year. Ultimately, the award gives recognition to the best player in the nation. But what makes someone the best player? Is it being a team leader? Being the best athlete? Being a play maker? All the athletes are very important to their team, and their teams would not have enjoyed their current level of success without them.  But this year, I think the Heisman will go to the best play maker!

This year has been a year like no other, in the sense that the dominant teams in the college rankings have not produced a clear favorite for the Heisman. The conversation this year includes some unique influences, such as youth and position. We have three QB's, including a redshirt freshman, a player on a team under sanctions, one WR and one defensive player. An unusual year, to say the least!

Here are my rankings for the Heisman Race: 

Marqise Lee

5. Marqise Lee (Sophomore, WR) USC 
He is extremely talented, but he may not even be the best WR on his own team. He will be a very good NFL receiver, but he will not be the Heisman winner.

Braxton Miller

4. Braxton Miller (Sophomore, QB) Ohio State
He led his team to an undefeated season, but cannot play for the Big 10 Title or participate in a bowl game. He was the heart and soul of the Ohio State team and made tremendous plays all season long. It will really hurt Miller that his team was left out of the national spotlight due to the sanctions on Ohio State. Look for him to have a huge impact next year.

Collin Klein

3. Collin Klein (Senior, QB) Kansas State 
He is a perfect fit in the style of offense that Kansas State runs. They are a no-nonsense type of offense that will take what you give them and will not force the issue. This is how Klein plays. He has very few turnovers and runs and passes well, but does not have anywhere near the "flash" of the other QB's in the race. Klein is the most consistent player, but his lack of pizzazz and Kansas State losing a game will hurt him.

Manti Te'o

2. Manti Te'o (Senior, LB) Notre Dame 
Te’o has made the most of this season’s amazing run for Notre Dame. Te’o is the only defensive player in the running and has put up some really impressive stats. Many people believe that he may not be the best LB in the nation as far as NFL caliber goes, but Te’o brings all the elements that you look for in a student athlete. He returned for his senior year, leads by example on and off the field, persevered through tragic family loss, continues to be a mainstay in the media spotlight and has led his team to an undefeated regular season with a chance at a national title. He is a tremendous leader, an outstanding football player,
and extremely popular with fans and media. All that said, I think he will be the runner up.

Johnny Manziel

1. Johnny Manziel (Redshirt Freshman, QB) Texas A&M 

Manziel = Mr. Excitement. It is Texas A&M's first year in the SEC, and they have accumulated a 10-2 record and defeated #1 Alabama at Alabama. No one would have predicted that level of success, and no one would have predicted that a freshman would be the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Manziel has set a new record for total yards in a season in the SEC, which was held by Cam Newton and 2nd was Tim Tebow. (Both Heisman winners.) He will be the first freshman to win the award and it is well-deserved.  He is the best  

                                                           player and play maker in the college football ranks for 2012. 

NFL Game to Watch: Colts vs. Patriots

Andrew Luck

There has been a lot of talk about Andrew Luck in his rookie NFL season with the Indianapolis Colts. He has performed extremely well so far, winning four consecutive games and six out of nine games so far in his first season with the Colts. This week might be the greatest test for Luck, and that’s why I think the Colts traveling to New England to face Tom Brady and the New England Patriots is the game to watch.

Very few people are picking the Colts to beat the Patriots this weekend, but you have to sense that Luck likes being in this situation. The Colts have already doubled their win total from last year with Luck under center, and he is meeting or exceeding expectations every week. Even with a 6-3 record, the Colts are recognized as a better team, but not a contender, and a contender has to go into New England and beat the Patriots. The Patriots are also 6-3, but they are 5-1 at home, and that could make a difference in the outcome. The Colts have scored 186 points and given up 206 points this season, compared to the Patriots who have scored 299 points and given up 201. Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense bring a much more balanced attack for the Colts’ defense to deal with, and they won’t be able to just focus on Brady’s passing game. 

Tom Brady

So how do the Colts establish that they are contenders? Luck needs to be able to get first downs and keep the New England offense off the field. When the Colts have the opportunity to score points in the red zone, they need to walk off the field with TD's rather than FG's. The Colts' defense has to mix up their looks to try and confuse Tom Brady, while at the same time find ways to get pressure on him. Look for the Colts to try to make the Patriots one dimensional and take away their running game. 

With both teams coming off of wins last week, watch how Luck handles the pressure of matching the New England offense, especially in the hostile atmosphere of Gillette Stadium. It will be interesting to see if Brady can stay patient and keep a balanced attack, or if the Patriots will try to strike quickly and put pressure on the rookie. This should be a great match up between two talented offenses, and it will give us an idea if Luck can make the Colts contenders. 

College Game to Watch: NDSU vs. SDSU

Area football fans are watching the SD High School championship games this weekend, but if you can take a break from high school to tune into a great area college game, check out SDSU traveling to NDSU on Saturday.

Marcus Williams

Both teams are playing well, and (#16) SDSU is 7-2 while (#1) NDSU is 8-1 on the season. The winner of this game will sit atop the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and SDSU needs to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive.

NDSU's defense is #1 in scoring and fuels their tremendous success. Marcus Williams is arguably one of the best corners in 1-AA football, and many believe he is already NFL ready. He has limited opportunities to make plays because most teams (wisely) throw away from him, but he will take advantage of any chances he is given. NDSU's offense has a very balanced attack, and they will try to run the ball to wear down SDSU's defense and throw quick 3-step drop passes to help avoid turnovers.

Austin Sumner

SDSU ranks #7 in scoring defense, and QB Austin Sumner is very athletic and has the ability to take a game over with big plays. He needs to make the easy throws in this game and keep a balanced offense so that NDSU can't key on SDSU's running game. RB Zach Zenner is the leading rusher in the Football Championship Subdivision with an average 166 yds/game. SDSU's challenge today is to come off the field with points whenever they get in the red zone. That is something NDSU does not allow very often. 

The game is expected to be sold out, and the crowd noise could definitely have an impact on SDSU. NDSU needs to feed off the crowd and play the field position game, and SDSU needs to minimize turnovers and capitalize on opportunities against NDSU's stout defense. Watch to see how NDSU's big offensive line fares against a solid SDSU D-line...that will make a difference in the game. Whichever offense can take care of the ball but also make big plays when given the chance will definitely have the advantage.

 It should be a great college football game. Enjoy!

Coach Siegfried Says...Fundamentals First

I will occasionally invite guests to share their thoughts on football and youth sports in this blog.  This post comes from Josh Siegfried, Assistant Director at Riggs Premier Football. Enjoy! --KR

Coaching football sometimes gets muddled with confusing schemes and copycat systems. But when you break it down to its most simple form, football is still about fundamentals. Athletes today are bigger, faster, and stronger than ever, but the teams that are the most effective are those that are well versed in blocking and tackling. I am such a believer in doing the little things right on every play. Offensive and defensive schemes will change, but no scheme will ever be effective without the fundamentals. Teams that emphasize the basics and do little things right are the ones that will experience consistent success.

So what are those little things? As a defensive coordinator, there were four we continually stressed in big games:
                 1) Be the best tackling team on the field;  
                 2) Win the takeaway battle; 
                 3) Get to the football; and 
                 4) Eliminate costly penalties. 

From the offensive side, the coaches I have worked with stress winning up front (blocking), taking care of the ball (turnovers), and avoiding costly penalties that stall drives. So regardless which side of the ball athletes are on, the basics of blocking, tackling, takeaways, and avoiding penalties become the groundwork for performance. Combine those fundamentals with winning the special teams battle, and you have a recipe for success.

Yes, there is more to the game of football than the fundamentals previously mentioned, but if you have no foundation, you have nothing on which to build and expand. One major goal when I became the defensive coordinator at Roosevelt High School in 2005 was to do everything in my power to simplify the game so athletes could “play fast”. My mission was to simplify reads and schemes, rep alignments to make them automatic, and get my team to focus on the fundamentals of defensive football. We emphasized block avoidance, tackling, takeaways, and reads, and those basics became the little things that helped our team find tremendous success on defense. I used many variations of tackling and takeaway circuits to improve my players’ skills and help them remain focused on our goals, and that was a very successful strategy.

I’m a firm believer that “great teachers make great coaches,” because today’s coaches must not only know what to do, but must effectively relay this information to athletes so they can read and react…what I call playing fast! Youth football coaches today should be proud of teaching the fundamentals and not be worried about using intricate offensive or defensive schemes that younger athletes struggle to grasp. Player safety is also dependent on correct teaching of fundamentals, and our youngest players need to understand that tackling with correct form makes them better and safer in the sport. If we truly care about the development of these young athletes, we need to focus on the little things that result in great outcomes for safety and success in the future.

Regardless of the level of play, when you watch two good teams step on the field, the team that wins will usually be the team that executes fundamentals more consistently. As we approach the championships for South Dakota High School Football, we hope to see some great match ups with quality teams. If you have the opportunity to take in one of those games, watch those fundamentals carefully and ask yourself if the teams that perform the best have met these criteria for success!

Teamwork: Putting it All Together

In order to have a winner, the team must have a feeling of unity; every player must put the team first-ahead of personal glory. -Paul “Bear” Bryant

I have learned a great deal from my conversations with people about the lessons they have taken from football. Many of the kids I heard from told me how much they had learned about playing their position and improving their football technique. The adults were more reflective on things, as you would expect, and I appreciate their insights on the lessons of discipline, determination, humility and respect as important parts of sportsmanship and success in football. The final theme that people discussed was teamwork.

Football is the ultimate of team sports. One football play has so many moving parts and its success is solely reliant on the trust of each guy doing their specific job. Most importantly, football is truly a game of discipline and adversity, and success depends on how both of these are handled. If these two components are taught and learned, not only does success come on a field but it provides a foundation to be successful in all facets of life. --Jed S. 

I was fortunate to attend a high school that constantly preached the team first mentality. My coach was able to get the players to realize that we were not good enough to beat teams with individual talent, and our only hope for success was to play as one unit. Early failures and late success helped our team realize that our coach was right.

Those early experiences helped me understand the greatest part of football is the sense of accomplishment as a team. There are so many people who contribute during a season. It is an awesome feeling when people can see how their contributions are only one facet of the complete workings of a team. When athletes understand that their teammates were working as hard if not harder than they were so that everyone would have the opportunity to reach the team goal, a major step in maturing as an athlete and a person occurs. It is an important lesson for kids to learn that they can achieve much more working together than they ever would working alone.

A critical aspect of working as a team is the ability to do whatever is asked to make the team better: 

To be selfless is the most important thing I've learned about football. It doesn't matter what level you are, or what your involvement is with the team, if you are selfless then you are making the team better. To me, being selfless means so many things. It means as a player you want to do everything you can to make the team better. It means that during the off season you train as hard as you can to be the best player you can be. It means that if you aren't a starter you cheer the team on with a good attitude as if you were in the game. People have to understand that we weren't all created with the same abilities so there could be someone more talented than you. And that's fine because I guarantee there is a place on the team where everyone will succeed. --Chad C.

A team’s success requires individuals that are truly willing to be selfless and sacrifice for the greater good. I have been a part of many great teams and with each of them, the first thing you recognize is that every great team plays as one. Every player and coach accepts his role and buys into the team goals and the team strategy for achieving those goals. Setting egos and individual goals aside is not easy, but the satisfaction that comes from the team effort and experience is well worth it.

Parents and coaches can help kids understand that every position on the field matters, and every kid on the field and on the sidelines contributes to the end result. Help them to see that it takes every single player fulfilling his role in order to find success. Great satisfaction comes not from individual performance, but in caring about their teammates enough to set individual needs aside and trust each other to achieve something bigger than they ever could alone.

Kids who understand the value of working together, sacrificing for the greater good, and winning or losing graciously as a team will have learned one of the most valuable lessons of sportsmanship...and some valuable life lessons as well.

Humility and Respect: Balancing the Talk with the Walk

Over the past few weeks, I have been reflecting on what lessons people have taken from their participation in football. Some of the stories have been funny and encouraging, but not all the lessons have been fun or easy to learn. Respect and humility are two themes that are extremely important to sportsmanship, but fall in the category of “tough to teach” and “tougher to learn.”

Respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and the game itself is a value of sportsmanship that needs to be modeled and practiced by everyone involved in a program. Humility is important to individual athletic development, and it is also the key to becoming a gracious winner or loser and a team’s dynamics.

It was a common theme from people on these two topics that some of the most valuable learning occurs in the moments many of us consider our worst:

This season I was reminded that our kids are hard enough on themselves when they make a “mistake” that they don’t need us as parents to remind them of it during or after the game. As parents, we need to remain positive during all aspects of the season. –Amy U. 

Let the coaches coach, players play, refs ref, fans cheer - all ends well. --Carey Z. 

Attitude has a huge impact on the performance of a player and the team as a whole. In practices and games, a team always plays its best when they stay positive. As parents and coaches, we are a huge influence on that positivity. In both success and failure, learning is always best acquired through encouragement. –Erika S.

Respect begins with a positive attitude and supportive atmosphere. Coaches, players, parents and officials all play a role, and they each need to do their best to fulfill those roles and honor the efforts of others. Respect is something that coaches and programs establish and build over time. I believe this is a step-by-step process and you can not overlook the little things that will help you earn respect. Simple but sincere acts like shaking hands with opponents after a game, cheering on teammates from the sidelines, and hearing positive comments from parents for opponents and officials help to teach respect to young athletes. Remind your kids that respect is not exclusive for the team that wins the most, it is given to those who work hard, show character in all situations, and follow through with their beliefs.

While respect is a tough concept to teach, humility is a tough one to learn. Every game has a winner and a loser, and every athlete will make mistakes at some point in time. Learning to handle those moments with grace and humility is a critical aspect of sportsmanship: 

First game of my last year of high school football, I carried the ball once. I fumbled and never got a chance to carry it again. It would be a few years later when it didn't bother me anymore.

The fumble taught me I'm not going to be good at everything, but the things I can do, I want to do well.   --Craig M 

One of the great challenges of sports is learning to set your ego aside and recognize what is the greater goal for the entire team. That is something I struggled with as an adolescent and find even to this day as a competitor is not an easy task. I was fortunate to have some strong mentors that helped me realize that winning was not always the most important thing and how I handled myself winning or losing as I walked off the field demonstrated more about my character than anything else.

My early years at the University of Sioux Falls were difficult to say the least as I bounced around in positions and sat the bench, but they might have been the most important years of my maturation as an athlete, coach and person. As our team struggled, I watched and learned from Coach Young what it meant to be humble and the importance of putting the team’s goals ahead of all things, even when this was trying to learn lessons from a difficult defeat.

Nobody likes to lose, but in the situations where mistakes occur or a team loses, we have an opportunity to demonstrate individual character. Those situations are only “failures” if we don't learn from them and improve. Coaches and parents are important role models in this area, so speaking favorably of opponents and officials is incredibly important. Helping kids keep emotions under control and support their teammates at all times is also extremely important to their individual development and the team’s atmosphere. We need to model respect in every aspect of the game and humility in winning and losing if we expect our kids to do the same.

The themes of discipline, determination, respect and humility form essential aspects of sportsmanship and success. The final theme that people discussed with me was ‘teamwork”…more to come.

Discipline and Determination: Tools to Success

The end of the youth football season is fast approaching, and that is a great time to reflect on the "teachable moments" that have come during the season.  Some of the lessons are about fundamentals and technique, but there are bigger lessons to be learned from our involvement...that's why we love the game.  So I asked a variety of people from all walks of life to tell me the most important lessons they learned from football.  There has been a wide range of answers, but two of the themes that have come up repeatedly involve discipline and determination. Those two qualities are important parts of success and sportsmanship. A program that develops and promotes those qualities will lead to an atmosphere which lets athletes know they worked hard, gave their best effort and can walk away knowing that they "left it all on the field."

 

Some of the comments focused on the importance of mental and physical discipline: 

It's a physical and mental game, be ready for both. –Jean Z. 

You have to be physically tough, but more importantly mentally tough to excel at football. –Keith P.

Others stressed the importance of training and practice to develop discipline: 

Train harder than your opponent. --Cory S. 

Practice until you reach a stage where actions follow automatically. --Kristy P.

It was good to hear recognition of all aspects of discipline and the importance of practice and training to success. Practice is what I love most about coaching. It gives me the opportunity to mold young men into a cohesive unit that will go onto the field with a common goal. Practice is critical to refine the many elements that will make a team successful. Individuals need to know the play, the coach’s expectations, the rules, the audibles, sight adjustments, and their assignments.  Then they have to put that all in motion as a team, and that takes extreme discipline. People think of games as the time to learn about football, but practice is where players develop the discipline to work together and learn the intangibles that translate into success on the field.

Discipline doesn’t come easy for individuals or teams, and other comments recognized the importance of determination to overcoming adversity: 

How people (players, coaches, and fans) react to negative situations. When things go bad, how do you handle yourself to overcome it? Losing control will only help you lose more games. --Shannon P.

Don't ever give up. You never know how much you can do if you give up. --Jadyn S. 

Being able to respond well to negative situations is a critical component of sportsmanship.  Football is extremely challenging, and it is easy to want to quit when things are difficult. But finishing a play, a quarter, a half, and a game after endless hours of practice, or when you didn’t believe you could do it, is one of the most fulfilling feelings an athlete can experience. And once an athlete sees the reward of his determination, he works harder, becomes more disciplined, and ultimately becomes a better athlete.

Discipline and determination were the first two "lessons" that people discussed, and the next two are respect and humility. Stay tuned...

Lessons in Sportsmanship

As the youth football season draws to a close, I am talking to lots of parents about their kids' experiences this season. It is great to hear of their improvements in technique and confidence, and even better when they tell me about things like discipline and teamwork...some of the foundations of sportsmanship.

My views on sportsmanship have greatly evolved over a lifetime of playing and coaching football.  I am highly competitive by nature, so as a kid, I turned everything into a competition, and winning was my main goal.  That included video games, shooting hoops...even spelling tests. Even as I got older, the athlete inside me was very focused on winning or losing, not the greater life lessons I would take from those experiences.  When I was able to become a parent and a fan of this great game, I started seeing and valuing the lessons of sportsmanship in a different way. 

Children have vastly different abilities and mature athletically at different rates.  Keeping them confident and involved is so important as they learn about the game.  Stepping onto the field is a great opportunity, but it needs to be an opportunity to learn about more than just winning or losing.  Kids who are able to walk off the field appreciating the value of competing, working together, sacrificing for the greater good of the team, and winning or losing graciously have learned some valuable life lessons.  I didn’t grasp the importance of those lessons until much later.  As I work more with young athletes, I think it is critical to reinforce the lessons of sportsmanship from the very beginning.

I asked a number of people from all walks of life to tell me about the most valuable lessons they have learned from their involvement in football.  I will be sharing their answers over the next couple of weeks along with my thoughts about how parents and coaches can help instill the values of sportsmanship in young athletes.   I hope you appreciate their answers as much as I did, and I hope you will add your voice to the conversation.

Time Out: Roundtable with the Coaches

If you want to be a successful coach, you have to listen and learn from other successful coaches.  I am fortunate to have some good friends who are great coaches, so I asked two of them to answer a few questions and share their insights on coaching football, motivating athletes, and developing kids in the sport.  Kim Nelson (SF Roosevelt) and Brian Hermanson (SF Washington) together hold the Class 11AA State Football Titles for the past three years in SD, so they definitely fall in the "successful coach" category.  These are their responses to my questions:

KR:  How many years have you coached? Where did you play college football?

Kim Nelson-SF Roosevelt

Nelson:  I have been a head coach for 34 years (Milbank, Rapid City Central, Sioux Falls Washington, Edina, MN, and now RHS.)  I played college football, basketball and baseball at Dakota State in Madison.

Brian Hermanson-SF Washington

Hermanson:  I have been coaching football for 32 years. I have coached at the junior high, high school, college and indoor football level.  I played football at SDSU from 1977-1981.

KR:  What do you enjoy about coaching? Is there anything you don't enjoy?

Nelson:  I really enjoy the off season and the challenge of putting a new team together. It never gets old. Every season brings new players, opponents, coaches, and every team is so different. I love that.
I don't enjoy parents and players who have unrealistic expectations about their ability and playing time. Every player must EARN his playing time--they are not just entitled to play because they are older or think they want to play more than another guy. The best players play. That is the hardest part of my job.

Hermanson:  I enjoy the competitiveness and helping athletes develop to their full potential. There is nothing that I don't enjoy about coaching.

KR: What is your greatest success as a coach?

Nelson:  Having former players come back and tell me how much they enjoyed playing football and hearing them talk about the great memories they have about that time in their life.

Hermanson:  There have been lots of great moments, but being able to have my son be part of two state titles was a thrill.

KR:  Part of your job is to motivate and inspire your players. What motivates and inspires you?

Nelson:  When someone says we can't beat a certain team, or we aren't good enough. I respond to a challenge by working harder and coaching our team harder. The toughest games are the ones that everyone says you are supposed to win.

Hermanson:  Hard work and dedication. I am a person who pays attention to detail. Being part of a football team or program is much like being part of a family. Everyone must accept their role!

KR:  What advice would you give to a 6th grader who wants to play high school football for you someday?

Nelson:  Work hard on ball skills and footwork. Be a fan and a student of the game. Listen to analysts talk about the game and try to understand the little things that can make a difference when you play. Respect the game and your opponents. Don't get too high when you win, or too low when you lose. Make no excuses--work so hard that you refuse to have any. Make your teammates better by being positive, and support everyone on your team.  Players can change a lot from 6th grade to high school, so don't be discouraged if you aren't very big or very fast yet. Keep at it! Be supportive when you are not in the game and support the guys on the sidelines when you are playing. Team - Pride - Trust

Hermanson:  First and foremost you need to have FUN!!!! Learn to play lots of positions, and don't be discouraged if you make mistakes. Learn from them!

KR:  What recommendations would you give a coach in Junior Football?

Nelson:  Each player on your team is equally important and you must coach ALL of them. They are going to remember almost everything you tell them, so make sure it is a positive comment and a positive memory. Winning doesn't matter in Junior Football, learning to love the game and become a good teammate is most important. Success at that level should be measured by how many players want to keep playing next season. Coach for the right reason. Someday, coach a team that doesn't have your child on it. Always try to be fair and teach every player something to make them better every day.

Hermanson:  Be organized, and make sure that you create an environment that is positive. Keep in mind the age of the athlete you are coaching, and be sure you coach all the kids, not just the stars.

NFL Rookie Watch

It's Week 4 of the NFL season and a good time to check in on the performance of this year's rookies. The transition to NFL play takes time and is always met with varying degrees of success.  I would recommend you keep an eye on these three rookies who are handling the transition very well and are already hitting their stride at this level:

Doug Martin

1)  Doug Martin (RB Tampa Bay) 

A former Boise State Bronco, it was expected that Martin would rotate and work his way into the lineup with the Bucs. That has not been the case.  Martin has been a workhorse for the Bucs with 63 carries going into tomorrow's game. (By comparison, the next highest is Josh Freeman with 8 carries.) The Bucs believe that Martin can handle the heavy workload, and that he can block and also catch out of the backfield. The bigger question will be whether Martin can handle the physical punishment that NFL running backs endure. Watch how Martin handles the pressure of running, blocking and receiving against a hungry Washington Redskins team.

                                                        

2)  Morris Claiborne (DB Dallas)

Morris Claiborne

Claiborne came from the vaunted LSU program and has performed exceptionally well while keeping a low profile on a team where that is not an easy task. Claiborne is being asked to play corner and safety, and he is handling the duties like a seasoned veteran. Claiborne brings speed, agility, and the ability to break quickly in one complete package, and he also has an advanced football IQ to handle Rob Ryan's complicated defensive schemes. Look for Claiborne to become more of a playmaker and start to showcase his many talents against some of the NFL's best receivers.  He will be providing coverage against Chicago's Brandon Marshall this weekend, and that will be a matchup worth watching.

3)  Robert Griffin III (QB Washington) 

Robert Griffin III

Griffin's success at Baylor and his Heisman Trophy were just the beginning, as he is performing extremely well under center with the Redskins. He has enjoyed success running the ball in his early games, and now he has started working more downfield passes. Keep an eye on how the Redskins continue opening up the playbook and allowing him to utilize his running and passing abilities. Griffin has adapted very quickly to the speed of the NFL game and seems to have adjusted to the different schemes that teams are showing him. Any team that allows its QB to run in the NFL has to hold its breath any time the QB tucks and crosses the line of scrimmage.  The Redskins are willing to take the risk, and hopefully Griffin
can stay healthy as he continues to present a dual threat running and passing.

To Win or to Play? The Purpose of Youth Football

One of the most difficult issues I'm asked about comes from parents of very young athletes who are frustrated that their kids are getting minimal playing time compared to other athletes on their football team. It is usually a situation where parents feel their kids have been labeled as "third string" and the coach plays the "first string" athletes considerably more to go for the win.

Parents enroll their kids in youth football because they want a fun, positive, educational experience, and the damage that is done when a 3rd or 4th grade child perceives he is "third string" can make the situation miserable and drive people away from the sport altogether. That situation is all too common, and it completely defeats the purpose of youth football programs.

The goal of youth football should be to:

1.  Provide opportunity:  A youth football program should introduce kids to the basics of the game of football, give kids the opportunity to learn fundamentals and then provide an opportunity to experience game action.

2.  Teach discipline:  Youth football instills basic discipline in kids. They are expected to learn the rules of the game and to understand and develop their role on the team. They will begin to see the importance of a work ethic and meeting expectations when they learn how to function in the practice format and the importance of being on time.

3.  Understand teamwork:  When kids buy into their team, they develop a great sense of responsibility to their teammates. Kids become very excited when they feel they have a role in a situation, and learning how to work together teaches them how to contribute to a larger goal.

I always encourage parents to reach out and communicate with their coaches in these situations. And I encourage coaches to remember to focus on a creating a positive atmosphere for all their young athletes.   Keep in mind that kids practice hard all week, and they only get one game to utilize what they have learned. If they only get one quarter of play in those games, it is very hard for them to demonstrate their developing football skills and feel like they are a meaningful part of the game experience. Getting your young players to love and understand the game so they can enjoy it for years to come is the real way to "win" in youth football.

College Game to Watch: Clemson vs. Florida State

While it is not a game that receives much exposure in our neck of the woods, the Clemson-Florida State game is definitely one that is worth watching this weekend. Both teams have converted to more conventional style offenses over the past two years that allow them to keep the defense guessing by using the entire field via the run or the pass. Both teams have QB's that can hurt a defense equally with their arm or their feet. Both teams also currently have their eyes on winning the Atlantic Division, and whichever team loses tomorrow will have a much tougher shot at that goal.

Things to watch in this game:

1. Tempo:  Clemson will try to wear down Florida State's talented defense with an up-tempo offense.  Look for Clemson QB, Tajh Boyd, to utilize his legs and a quick screen game to keep the FSU defense off balance.  If Clemson can keep from getting behind, that strategy may pay off in the 4th quarter.

2. Athletes:  Both teams are extremely athletic at all positions, but Clemson might have one of the most talented offenses from top to bottom in the country.  QB Tajh Boyd is a playmaker, and his team is counting on his ability to make things happen for their no-huddle, hurry up offense.  Meanwhile, FSU's defense has only given up 3 points in 3 games. How will the two powerhouses match up? Should be fun to find out!

3. Home Crowd:  With the high hopes of winning a National Championship in Tallahassee this year, FSU will provide an extremely hostile atmosphere for opposing teams all season. Expect a big game like this one to produce an especially big crowd.  The FSU tomahawk chop will be in full effect on Saturday. How will Clemson handle the pressure?

4. Special Teams: With a predicted showdown in the trenches, Special Teams could easily be a determining factor in the outcome of this game. Both teams have speed and talent that can return a punt or kick for a game changing touchdown.  Watch for them both to attempt to break "big plays" with Special Teams.  Florida State fans are always worried about a possible "wide right" situation, but the return game will likely be a deciding factor.

5. Defense:  FSU is touted as the best defense in the country. Clemson's high-powered offense will be their first true test of that statement.  Look for FSU's defensive line to relentlessly hit and attempt to take down Clemson's QB throughout the game. FSU's defense is always the catalyst for their team, so they will be looking to create turnovers to spark their team's performance. If FSU can keep constant pressure on Clemson's QB and deliver consistent hits, they will lead the QB to get rid of the ball quickly...and that could deliver the turnovers FSU desires.

My Top 5 NFL Players to Watch

I am often asked my thoughts on current NFL players, and it's generally about the Tebows and the RG3's who are getting a lot of media attention.  I have my opinions on those players too, but it's usually those who aren't in the spotlight that I think are the most fun to watch.  I put together a list of five players I would recommend people pay attention to in the 2012 season, and I will add to the list as the season rolls along. Feel free to comment on my choices, or give me a few of your own. 

NaVorro Bowman

#5. NaVorro Bowman (LB San Francisco)

Bowman plays alongside Patrick Willis, so he sometimes gets overshadowed. But Bowman never steps off the field and plays every play as if it was his last. He is very athletic and has started to really step out of Willis' shadow.  Bowman does an excellent job reading the QB's eyes and breaking on the ball as we saw in the first game against Green Bay when he picked off Aaron Rodgers.  He is equally talented with tackling in the open field.

Darren McFadden

#4. Darren McFadden (RB Oakland)

McFadden is a complete running back. He brings a dynamic 1-2 punch with his ability to run and to catch the ball out of the backfield.  Really watch his patience and his ability to make one cut and explode through the hole.  Few players have the ability to score a TD on any given play, but McFadden brings that opportunity every time he touches the ball.

#3. Matt Schaub (QB Houston)

Matt Schaub

Schaub really flourishes in a system that has a strong running game. Schaub is very good with play action and in Houston's system, their play action allows the QB to have a little extra time to stretch the field vertically.  Watch Schaub set up the play action with exciting fakes that keep the defensive backs second guessing. Having an All-league running back always helps too.

Ben Roethlisberger

#2. Big Ben (QB Pittsburgh) 

He is not always the most fundamentally sound QB, but he has the best pocket presence and ability to extend a play. Big Ben's instincts for avoiding defensive linemen gives defensive coordinators nightmares.  While in the pocket, he is very good at utilizing the pump fake to move the defensive backs out of position.  Aggressive d-backs really struggle with this.  Watch how he handles a tough defense like the Jets this weekend.                       

Adrian Wilson

#1. Adrian Wilson (Safety Arizona)

Leading a young defense, Wilson brings an imposing force to the safety position. Not only can Wilson cover a receiver, but he can tackle like a linebacker.  Few safeties are able to bring such an aggressive style to this position.  Watch how the Cardinals move him around so the QB can't key on him.  He might blitz, drop into a zone or lock up man to man. With that versatility, he is always a fun player to watch.

5 Tips to Being a Great Sports Parent

Now that all area teams and leagues have started their games, it is a good time to offer some reminders to parents on how to best support their young athletes. We want to encourage our kids, and we want them to develop confidence and character that last long after the season ends! These are the five things that I would encourage every parent of a young athlete to remember:

5. Stay Positive

There will be struggles. You will disagree with coaches and other parents at times, and the kids will sometimes make poor decisions and not play well. Your number one job is to encourage your child and other members of the team. Negativity only magnifies a frustrating situation for everyone involved, so keep your comments and your attitude positive.

4. Show Respect

It is hard to expect kids to be respectful of opponents and officials if parents are not being respectful. Parents who emphasize the importance of respect to all—teammates, coaches, opponents and officials—will help instill character in their children. Remember that kids are always paying attention, and we should demonstrate respect and character off the field if we expect it to be displayed on the field.

3. Live Healthy

Youth sports place a high physical demand on young athletes. Parents need to make sure their kids are getting proper nutrition and rest. Use this opportunity to teach your kids about healthy food choices and about “de-stressing” away from the sport. Kids need to find a balance between school and activities, and parents can support healthy choices that energize a child physically and emotionally.

2. Support Your Coach

Parents need to show support for their child’s coach and repeat the things the coach is preaching to their child. Listen to the things the coach suggests players work on outside of practice, and then help your child to do those things! You need to be proactive and supportive of the coach’s beliefs. If you question the coach's philosophy or coaching technique, communicate that privately with the coach…it should never take place in front of the kids. You will have the best experience if you work together to make the experience fun and rewarding. Remember, you are all on the same team when it comes to finding success for these kids! 

1. Relax and Enjoy 

Kids are going to make mistakes and display emotion. It is part of the learning experience in youth sports, and parents who focus too much on winning and perfection are not doing their kids any favors. Young athletes need help understanding how to win and lose with grace. Don’t forget that at the end of the day, they are kids, and they need their confidence intact. Relax and be proud of their efforts! 

Kids and Concussions: Playing it Safe

This has been a busy week for news about concussions after Commissioner Goodell announced the NFL’s $30 million donation to NIH to conduct research on brain injuries.  The NFL has set up a website to provide more details about its efforts on player safety, and that includes the concussion legislation which has been passed in 37 states, including South Dakota.

http://www.nflevolution.com/

We don’t have all the answers right now on the effects of concussions on young athletes, so I applaud the NFL for getting serious about this research.  Parents need to know that efforts are being made at every level to improve equipment quality, and training for youth coaches.

Sports medicine programs around the country, including Sanford in Sioux Falls, are currently researching better ways to identify and treat concussions in young athletes and to educate parents and coaches about concussion symptoms.  Knowledge really is power when it comes to concussions, so teaching proper technique to youth coaches makes a real difference in preventing injury. Making sure parents and coaches can spot concussion symptoms and get medical help following an injury makes a difference as well.   

It will take a combination of all of these things to see improvements that affect player safety.  Those efforts are well underway, and the NFL’s donation is a timely reminder that whether they are beginners or pros, we all play a part in protecting our athletes.    

Heads Up Football: Preventing Injuries

USA Football started a Heads Up Football Initiative in August, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was quick to get behind their efforts.  The goal of the program is to better train youth coaches to ensure that correct fundamentals are being taught in a more intentional way.  Mistakes in tackling technique are a recipe for concussions and other serious injuries, and the Heads Up Football Initiative seeks to reduce those injuries.  This video is an excellent tool to demonstrate correct form tackling.  All coaches and parents could benefit from watching and using Heads Up Football!  There is never a substitute for proper technique!