Sunday, January 10, 2010

Malzahnitude: Not just an offensive philosophy but a winning philosophy..now how do I sell that to my DC?

I have been very fortunate to have been exposed both as a player and as coach to some very good football. This includes learning "how to win" in a number of ways. In my high school days we were successful by classicly controlling the rushing game (controlling the rush on both sides of the ball), protecting the football, and playing great special teams. In the mid '80's I had the opportunity to play at Angelo State University in the Lone Star Conference known for progressive and aggressive offensive styles pressuring defenses by mixing both the pro dropback style and the option attack. My first high school coaching job was at Clarksville, Texas High School where under coach Jerry Fausett I learned the greatness of the wing "I". When I had the chance to coach at the Junior College level my knowledge grew more learning the complexities of a real pro style multiple offense. The throwing game at Cisco was based on timing and steps and blended San Francisco 49'er and Brigham Young University concepts. While at Cisco we had incredible success finishing in the top 5 in the NJCAA team offensive stats two years in a row. With this diverse background knowledge I could really appreciate the diiffering spread offenses as they began to grow to become successful. Some were primarily passing oriented while others were running oriented. Still though there was not a "hurry up no huddle" attitude to combine with this offensive prowess that one could embrace for a plan to win football games. That is one big reason why I became a huge fan of coach Gus Malzahn after reading his work "The Hurry Up No Huddle: An Offensive Philosophy". Link here http://www.amazon.com/Hurry-Up-No-Huddle-Offensive-Philosophy/dp/1585186546#noop. He openly points out the fact that this philosophy will not be the best for your team if you are not at least of average ability compared to your opponents. The increased number of snaps per game in this case would just lead to a larger margin of defeat too often. In this case more of a manage the game and clock style would have to be utilized (ALA Marty Schottenheimer style with KC Chiefs and SD Chargers)). What about methodology? Does coach Malzahn state or suggest a certain best method to achieve succes in the Hurry up no huddle system? No, he does not. Coach Malzahn has employed the system as a head high school football coach emphasizing both running and passing. This of course has to to mainly with personnel. All of this makes commom sense but I feel needs to be brought out as so many people feel "their way" (ie. Franklin System) is the best and or only way. Gus really got it right hitting on that philosphy idea first. This is something we all have a tendency to forget at times. O.K now that we are straight on this concept let's move on to the high value that coach Malzan places on snaps per game versus time of possession. (keep in mind we do have an average or better team!) Each snap is valued not only as an opportunity to score but to "mentally and physically wear down the opponent"(It is about attitude!). What do the extra snaps mean though from a defensive standpoint? Coach Malzahn does mention that some "selling " has to be involved in getting needed buy in from many defensive coaches. One reason pointed out for this is the statisitics game and the need for good stats to move up in the coaching ranks. Reminder here that only 1 stat counts and that is the W and L column. It is imperative though that everyone buy into the philosophy if it is to be employed. This is obvious so that offense,defense,and kicking games can complement each other helping obtain victory. I thought I would try an exercise of sorts here to attempt to gain a better understanding of this philosophy. Your input is needed so please post a few descriptive words, terms, notes, comments that you think best describe this philosophy in each pahse:
OFFENSE,DEFENSE,KICKING. I will get this started. And yes i realize there may be afew negative remarks..That is OK not everyone has to agree on the same philosophy. That would be such a BORE! Thanks for your comments!

3 comments:

  1. Offense: Aggressive, points and yards per play-not just move the chains.
    Defense: Stops,turnovers, physical. Get off the field.
    Kicking: Riverboat gambler ,take more chances with onsides and going on 4th and fakes.

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  2. Offense : make the opponent defend A gap to sideline, LOS to GL.
    Defense : Physical. Great on 3rd down. Have something the kids can hang their hat on.
    Kicking : Find ways to take advantage of coaches that do not place importance on it.

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  3. Offense : make the opponent defend A gap to sideline, LOS to GL.
    Defense : Physical. Great on 3rd down. Have something the kids can hang their hat on.
    Kicking : Find ways to take advantage of coaches that do not place importance on it.

    January 11, 2010 10:31 AM

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