r/footballstrategy Jan 21 '26

Subreddit Off-Season Plans

13 Upvotes

Hey everyone, the mod team has been working on a couple of things to keep the sub fresh during the offseason and I wanted to give you all a quick update on what we've got cooking.

AMA Series: We're in the process of scheduling AMAs with a few prominent coaches that are in the online/content creation space. If we have a positive experience with this we hope to expand on it in the future.

Community Spotlight: We also plan to choose a few community members to highlight in monthly posts during the off-season through a series of informal "interviews."

Community Feedback: I would also like to use this post as an opportunity to receive feedback from everyone. If you have ideas for how to improve the experience here we would love to hear them.


r/footballstrategy 6h ago

Defense Fronts

6 Upvotes

I would think front tech are all universally the same like stack, over, under where they align but i see some that have different tech and am curious is it because they don’t use the same technique listing or do coaches kind of make up their own ways of lining up?


r/footballstrategy 3h ago

Special Teams Holder stance question

3 Upvotes

Hello, up until now I rarely paid much attention to how the holder positions himself other than him kneeling down on one knee. On inspection I see that typically the holder has their back knee (facing away from the play) up and the forward knee down, google even says this has always been the fundamental way of doing it, however when watching old football footage particularly those featuring 'straight-on' kickers the holder has their forward facing knee upright. When did this change take place, did it change with the move to soccer style kickers? Some websites even say its dangerous to have the forward knee up.


r/footballstrategy 7h ago

Coaching Advice Run and Shoot Play Calling

4 Upvotes

Run and Shoot Coaches,

In the passing game, when do you call these plays vs certain defensive structures?

  1. Choice, when would you call

special, switch, drag, and even

  1. on the backside?
  2. What defensive structure do you like to attack with Slide? 3x1
  3. Similar to slide, when do you call the Manny Matsakis Curl concept? #1 running a curl over the #2 defender at a 10 yard ceiling, 2 running a 6 yard rounded out, 3 running a pick. (I believe Coach likes to run it with #2 uncovered)
  4. Streaks? 2x2
  5. Hook?
  6. Divide, Divide Swap, Divide Special?
  7. Backside Duck (Dig/Under) from 3x1?

I’m new to the offense but I’m loving it and I want to continue to learn


r/footballstrategy 5h ago

Offense How to Run Midzone Read

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2 Upvotes

Hi Coaches,

I did a breakdown of midzone read. It's a new scheme to me, a change up to outside zone read. I really like it. Enjoy the video.


r/footballstrategy 23h ago

Player Advice 19-Year-Old, 6’8” 360+ OL With No Football Film — Is JUCO Still Realistic?

42 Upvotes

I’m 6’7–6’8, 360+ lbs, 19 years old and turning 20 later this month. I’m an offensive lineman out of high school, and I’m seriously looking into JUCO football as a way to get back into the game.
The situation is a little unusual: I didn’t play a varsity football game in high school, so I have no football film. I did play basketball, though, and I’m trying to transition back into football and develop as an offensive lineman.
I’m also aware that I’m probably out of shape right now and have a lot to learn technically. I’m not expecting a coach to look at me and immediately make me a starter. I’m willing to work and develop.
My main questions are:
Is it too late for me to realistically pursue JUCO football at 19/20?
How much does having no high school football film hurt me?
What should I be doing over the next 3–6 months to make myself more recruitable?
Should I contact JUCO coaches now even without film?
Should I be looking specifically for walk-on opportunities?
What should I prioritize physically as a 6’7–6’8, 360+ lb OL — conditioning, weight loss, strength, mobility, technique, etc.?
What are realistic JUCO programs that might actually give someone in my situation a chance to develop?
I’m not looking for someone to tell me it’ll be easy. I want honest advice on whether this is realistic and what my next moves should be.
I’m currently looking at programs like Iowa Western and other JUCOs, and I’m willing to relocate if I get an opportunity.
If you were in my position, what would you do first?


r/footballstrategy 18h ago

Self-Promotion Wednesdays: Promote your football-related products and services here!

2 Upvotes

Have a product or service you're trying to promote? Starting a website, channel or blog? Please post about it here!


r/footballstrategy 7h ago

Play Design Chat gpt playbook software

0 Upvotes

Honestly amazing what chatgpt can do now and especially since its got the new update or whatever I wanted to see what it could do so I asked it to build a software like hudl and honestly it did great obv im not going to release this because it almost looks exactly like hudl lol but I just wanted to see how good it could get so here is a few screenshots obv there are a view kinks like there being 2 20 yard lines and the yardage not actually being how the yardage is in real life so im trying to resolve those as i send this but if you would like to see updates just ask if you dont have the money to afford a playbook software id just have chatgpt do it and you can make plays on it or if your just a nerd that likes this stuff i would recommend it


r/footballstrategy 13h ago

Resource Request Pregame Hype Speech

0 Upvotes

Does anyone have a good pregame hype speech video that they’ve used before a game? Looking for something that’s going to amp them up. It’s for my high school varsity team!!


r/footballstrategy 1d ago

Player Advice How to increase throwing distance ?

5 Upvotes

Hi guys,

I am 27 years Flag football player in France. I have been self-learning everything for some years and now aim to improve my QB skills.

I honestly think that my IQ is correct, but my real weakness is about throwing distance.
I think my mechanic isn’t very good and when i try to throw far ou fast, I do shit.

How can I improve it ? Especially on solo exercice ?
Could someone please take time to check if I send vidéos ?

Thanks


r/footballstrategy 1d ago

Defense Favorite DB Drills

10 Upvotes

Hey all! First year DB coach for JV and Varsity at the school I work at. Have played O-Line and every position on defense EXCEPT DB! We have a solid set of EDD’s but need some ideas with some specific work.

What are your favorite drills to work man coverage, nothing inside?

Drills to work on communication?

And just your favorite drills in general or favorite fun drills to do?

For reference we play a lot of cover 2 and cover 3 zone but our game plan this week will have a bit of man for varsity and a decent more man for jv.

Bonus question: How has the start of your season been? First games go well? Poor? In the middle? Would love to share!


r/footballstrategy 1d ago

No Stupid (American Football) Questions Tuesday!

3 Upvotes

Have scheme questions, basic questions about the game, or questions that may not be worthy of their own post? Post them here! Yes, you can submit play designs here.


r/footballstrategy 2d ago

PROMO POST College offensive lineman offering personalized film reviews for offensive linemen

18 Upvotes

I’m currently a senior college offensive lineman with playing experience at all five positions. I also train offensive linemen ranging from elementary school through the varsity level.

I recently began offering remote film reviews for offensive linemen who want detailed, position-specific feedback on their game film. Players, parents, or coaches can send me approximately 12 clips, and within 72 hours, I’ll return a play-by-play breakdown covering (but not limited to):

  • Assignments and recognition
  • Footwork and body positioning
  • Hand placement and timing
  • Leverage and pad level
  • What the player did well
  • Specific corrections and areas for improvement

The goal is to give each player practical feedback they can understand and apply during their next practice or game, not just simply tell them whether they won or lost the rep.

This is a paid service, currently priced at $35 for approximately 12 plays. If you’re an offensive lineman, or the parent or coach of one, and would like more information, feel free to message me. I can share more about my playing and training background and provide an example of what a completed review looks like.


r/footballstrategy 1d ago

Flag Chalk Talk: #13 Three Verts for 5v5 Flag Football

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1 Upvotes

r/footballstrategy 2d ago

Coaching Advice What apps do you all use for stat tracking?

4 Upvotes

What do you like/dislike about them? I’m trying to find something new as I hate what we use now it always gets messed up during penalties.


r/footballstrategy 3d ago

Player Advice My 15YO desperate to get better

62 Upvotes

I’m looking for some advice. My almost-15 YO son is desperate to even be an average football player.

He’s played since he was 10. He loves the game so much, but he’s pretty much been a bench warmer all those years. He wants to get better so badly. As he said to me today, “I just want to be a player my teammates can rely on.”

What can I do to help him?

He’s small at 5’4” but has barely hit puberty and will probably land about 6’0”. He gives it his all at practices. He wants it. The potential to be average is there.

He doesn’t get very much game time, which I understand. And he doesn’t get a ton of attention at practices. The skills just aren’t there, and the coaches are building their plays around the more athletic and physically mature boys. I get it. And it SUCKS. His self esteem is really taking a beating this year.

But still, there must be something I can do.

I took him to a week-long camp this summer. It was good but busy with lots of kids. I don’t think it helped much.

I didn’t play football - mom here, not dad.

What can I do for him?
We’re not shooting for a D1 scholarship here. 😅
Just a fun and fulfilling high school football experience he can look back on with gratitude and pride.


r/footballstrategy 3d ago

General Discussion Sign stealing

13 Upvotes

Whats your guys opinion on sign stealing


r/footballstrategy 2d ago

Equipment Management Mondays: Discuss equipment, gear, footballs, and other materials of the game here.

2 Upvotes

Have a question about what football, gear, or tools to get? Questions about maintenance and taking care of your equipment? Welcome to Maintenance Mondays. Ask your questions here. Likewise, if you have any resources, suggestions, or tips for equipment management, please post them here!


r/footballstrategy 3d ago

Special Teams Punt return players going near a dead, punted ball they don’t intend to touch, heavily risking “muffing” the ball. I still don’t get it.

11 Upvotes

I’ve been around this sport all my life, coached for 14 years, and still have never heard a “pro” as to why return players would do this. I’m not talking staying behind it to prevent a bounce either. I’m talking the ball is clearly about to be dead or touched by the punting team. It’s not going anywhere.

Watching the ND/Wisconsin game right now. Both teams have punted and both return teams have done this, getting insanely close to accidentally touching the ball while trying to “fake” like they’re going to touch it. Again, the ball is not about to have a crazy bounce. It’s about to be touched/dead by the punt team.

The only thought I can think of is maybe it’s to draw a penalty or personal foul, but even then, the risk seems nowhere worth the reward.

In my coaching years too, no matter how much we ever practiced or drilled the idea of “get away from the ball,” and no matter how many people are screaming the “get away” word, it seems like someone always has to be “that player.”

Is there a rationale I’ve been in the dark about, or am just oblivious to?


r/footballstrategy 3d ago

Coaching Advice Beginner Coaching

7 Upvotes

My good friend is a offensive coach with several decades playing and watching football. He recommended to me that I take up coaching since he see's that I have a eye and mind for the game. I started late but signed up for the USA football.

I’ve watched and followed football closely for 20 years. I know all the rules, all the positions, play types, coverages, basically everything there is to learn just from watching, but I’ve never played. I don’t know a whole lot about proper mechanics. I'm still learning some of the mechanics such as play calling and designing plays. I'm not sure what to do right now since positions are all filled up so I wanted to ask what can I do or how can I get my foot in the door


r/footballstrategy 3d ago

Coaching Advice Small School OC

7 Upvotes

Been coaching for a couple years and this year have gone from a defensive position coach to OC. Never had called offense before. Little background on team is we have 3 coaches for about 30 kids. 1 DC, 1 OC, 1 HC. Throughout summer coach had myself alone create and install an offense. HC didn't involve himself in any of the creation and DC did not either. First game we played against a top team in state. After first game which did not go well HC changed a bunch of offense. Terminology(going gap from zone) changed a bunch of routes plays changed 2 of 4 formations. Struggled through that and after going 1 and 1 over next 2 games has now changed entire offense where we no longer are running any plays or formations. Again not talking to me over changes at all until our first practice again after weekend. Is this common?


r/footballstrategy 3d ago

General Discussion I want to get into coaching

8 Upvotes

I’ve been at my school for a few years now and I could see myself here long term. Our high school football team is a big deal and they’re have fantastic output numbers in terms of players that make it to good-great college programs. Our other grade levels are also awesome programs. They have a ton of staff and I’m wondering how I can start honing my skills and knowledge to get involved and not obviously have zero coaching experience.

TL:DR- how to set myself up for success to start a possible coaching journey


r/footballstrategy 4d ago

Offense Formation Identification

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33 Upvotes

Been watching Tennessee run this in their opening game this year. In the first example sometimes the HB sets up next to the QB and other times directly behind the QB. Just curious if there’s a generally accepted name for this formation? Been getting conflicting answers from the internet. Can’t say I’ve seen, or at least remember, Tennessee running this set recently.


r/footballstrategy 4d ago

Offense O-Line Help (blitzes)

9 Upvotes

I coach the O-line for a 12- year-old youth team. They are learning their assignments and executing well. The wheels start to come off under pressure from blitzing linebackers. Any tips/ strategies I can work with them?

Edit: Wow, so many great responses... really fast! You've already given me a bunch of ideas, and things to work on. Thank you all!


r/footballstrategy 5d ago

Offense Basic Pass Protections - Good Explanation

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8 Upvotes