We wrapped up our Spring practices with a “combine test” and a “7v7” game. In our combine, we test 40-yard dash, L Drill, Shuttle, Broad Jump, Medball Thruster Toss, Bench Press reps, Goblet Squat reps, and Pullups. These tests of speed, agility, quickness, power, strength, muscular endurance, and fitness are put into an Excel sheet providing us with a scoring system and a good assessment of each athlete. We also calculate Force production by multiplying Mass (their weight) times Acceleration (40 / their 40 yd dash time).
To quote Scott Caulfield, Director of Strength & Conditioning at Norwich University, who recently spoke at the Vermont Football Coaches Association Clinic, “If you are going to test it make sure you include it in your training.” All those tests were included in our Winter Workouts and we will continue assessments through Spring and Summer training.
During our 7v7 (a football game-like competition without pass rush or blocking) we incorporated the linemen allowing them to play any position. One even took some reps at QB proving there is a reason why he plays OLine! I often tell our OLs that while they may not be able to play the other positions on offense that get to carry or catch the ball, there is no way any of the ball carriers or receivers could play OLine.
On my way off the field, I ran into a parent who was watching the 7v7 while waiting to pick up her son. She greeted me with a big smile stating “it looked like they were having so much fun!”
We came together as a team, worked on our schemes and techniques, developed our brotherhood, and had fun doing it. Mission accomplished.
O Line Skills 