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We prepared for this one for about three minutes, which is roughly the correct amount of preparation for bold takes. The only rule was that picking the favorite does not count. Matt has UTRGV making a run in year two of the program and multiple first time conference champions across the FBS. Kyle takes the field against the Dakotas and Montana in the FCS, a bet that has only paid off twice since 2011, and puts first year FBS North Dakota State in the playoff as the group of five representative. The NFL section is where it gets uncomfortable, since Matt is a Dolphins fan picking Buffalo. Underneath all of it is the take we actually believe: football is back Thursday, and if you are complaining about what is on TV, you are not a football fan.

Georgetown OC Jarrell Flores Breaks Down the Boundary and Field Glance RPO

Coach Jarrell Flores, offensive coordinator at Georgetown High School in Texas, joins the Board Drill Podcast to break down the RPO concept that has become the foundation of Georgetown's explosive pass game. Coach Flo walks through how reading the boundary safety on the glance route opened up the offense, why it pairs directly with their wide zone run game, and how they have adapted it across personnel groupings, formations, and coverage shells for the last two seasons.

Inside this episode, Coach Flo covers the origin of the read, the pre-snap and post-snap process his quarterback goes through, how the concept holds up against one-high, two-high, and three-high safety structures, and how Georgetown layers motion, bunch, and stack formations to protect it from disguised coverage. He also gets into the program's culture, coaching lineage, and what has made Georgetown one of the most consistent offenses in Texas for over 20 years.

Timestamps are estimated from the raw recording and may shift slightly once the final edit locks.

0:00 Introduction and Coach Jarrell Flores joins the show

4:01 Georgetown culture, coaching lineage, and GT DNA identity

10:53 Installing the boundary and field glance RPO: reads, pre-snap keys, and route detail

17:57 Bunch, stack, and split variations to protect the concept

26:08 Beating one-high and three-high safety shells, marrying it to wide zone

33:24 Handling the overhang defender and the levels concept answer

39:59 Run game numbers, offensive line staff, and explosive play examples

48:29 Answering two-high shells with checkdowns and bunch concepts

55:50 Formation variety: ace, 12 personnel, and empty sets

1:00:44 Live Q&A: quarters coverage, the dart run, and layering the offense

1:05:30 What makes Georgetown unique: staff development, velocity-based training, and community

1:09:54 Book recommendations and closing thoughts

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If you coach ball and want more breakdowns like this one, subscribe to the Board Drill Podcast for new episodes and head to www.boarddrill.com for more coaching content, articles, and film study.

Most coaches treat quarters as a set of rules that react to what the offense does after the snap. Chad Broadrick treats it as a way to decide, before the ball is ever snapped, which two players he is going to take away.

In this episode, the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at Centennial High School in Tennessee walks through his Cover 7 film and the single question that drives every call in it: how do we double the two guys we are worried about on Friday night? Everything else is built backward from that answer.

Broadrick lays out the four buckets he lives in out of Cover 7, which are cones, brackets, triangle concepts, and box concepts, and shows how each one is really just a different tool for getting a double team on the right player. The star and the money carry outside leverage, the safety plays the aggressor on any in-breaking route, and the Mac takes the back. From there it becomes a language: ink and orc to set the corners’ press, Seahawk to wall and midpoint a vertical, Connie to keep from getting picked on the rail route, stump and smash rules to the field, cut and buster to trips. For coaches who want a cleaner way to organize their quarters answers instead of memorizing a hundred unrelated checks, this is someone who has done that work.

He is also honest about where the coverage lives and dies. Cover 7 can look rough in seven-on-seven, where isolation routes get exposed and there is no rush to bother the quarterback. In a game, with a four-man rush and a plan for who you want doubled, it is a different picture. That is where Broadrick gets animated, because the real value shows up when you build pressure out of the structure. He shows how the same bracket calls turn into simulated pressures and creepers, tracing the back, VTeching the center, and getting a hit on the quarterback while still doubling the vertical routes behind it.

The conversation closes in the red area, where cut becomes a two-man concept with trap rules and the corners play as waterfall defenders protecting the goal line, then moves into Turkey and Clifford and when it actually makes sense to dial them up. Matt jumps in from the offensive side to compare it all to Palms, and makes the case that Cover 7 gives a coach more pre-snap structure and control over exactly who gets doubled, without the practice cost that Palms demands.

The film gremlins were out in full force during this one, so a few clips fought back, but the ideas came through clearly. If you run any form of quarters and want a smarter way to take a team’s best player out of the game, this one is worth your time.

This episode is presented by Sideline HQ.

Sideline HQ is the equipment and operations management platform built for football programs. Keep your gear, inventory, and operations organized in one place so you can spend your time coaching. Learn more at sidelinehq.co and let them know Board Drill sent you.

Some coaches collect plays. Coach Shawn Cooley collects ways to run the same one.

In his third visit to the Board Drill, the East Ridge offensive coordinator makes the case that you do not need a thick call sheet to be multiple. You need one play your kids believe in and a hundred ways to show it. For Cooley, that play is counter, and over the course of the episode he takes GH counter from its plainest form all the way out to the edges of what a defense will let you get away with.

Along the way he gets into GT and split-flow counter, a first-level slice RPO he calls emo, counter quick borrowed off the college game, and a long-trap ISO wrinkle he is half convinced should have gotten him fired. From there it turns into a quarterback run clinic: a center-turned-quarterback lowering his shoulder between the tackles, jet and empty-formation keeps, a guard-tailback counter, and a shovel pass he simply calls Tebow. The thread running through all of it is the part most offenses skip. The offensive line barely changes a rule, and the defense never gets to tee off on your base.

If you run gap scheme, this is an hour well spent with the whiteboard open.

This week on The Board Drill Podcast, Kyle sits down with Coach Wallie Kuchinski, Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at the University of St. Thomas, for an hour-long install of what Coach K calls the king of all blitz patterns.

On tape it looks like the NCAA pressure everybody runs. It is not. It is a single five-man zone pressure built on reading offensive linemen instead of assigning gaps, and that one distinction is what makes it hold up against every run scheme and every protection a coordinator can dial up. Coach K teaches it the way you wish every clinic taught it, all the way down to the footwork: the flat step, the pound-step head fake, the lean off the snap so you never tip the pressure, and the term the Tommies use instead of box or force, splatter.

From there it builds. How the front cuts the field in half and turns pulls into tackles for loss. Why a bunch of single teams gets extra hats to the ball. How the pattern beats outside zone, power, and RPOs, and the three-man loop that asks a center to do something he simply cannot do. Coach K also shows how the whole thing travels from a 3-4 into a 2-4-5 nickel, so the 4-2-5 crowd can run it too.

It is a heavy install with a ton of drill tape, and it closes with Coach K on what 19 years with the program has taught him about teaching defense, plus the story behind the Tommies’ jump from Division III to FCS Division I.

If you coach the odd front, or you have ever written NCAA pressure on a call sheet and wondered if there was a better way to read it, this one is worth the notebook.

This episode is brought to you by Sideline HQ. Rosters in one spreadsheet, equipment in another, helmet reconditioning tracked on a napkin. Sideline HQ puts all of it in one place: rosters, inventory, gear assignments, and the stuff that eats up your Sundays. Built by football people for football people. Spend less time on paperwork and more time coaching ball. Check it out at sidelinehq.co and tell them Board Drill sent you.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro and tonight’s topic, the king of all blitz patterns

01:11 Sponsor, Sideline HQ

01:59 The 3-4 front and kicking into a 2-4-5 nickel

05:00 Non-pressure run fits, scrape, spill, and splatter

08:40 The scoop technique and the arrow-to-contain player

11:00 Drilling the line, flat step, point the toe, pound-step head fake

12:30 The trace technique on the tight end and the five-minute install

16:00 Force and scrape in space

18:50 Why this beats the NCAA pattern, cutting the field in half

23:02 Defending outside zone and mid zone from the pistol

26:00 Run-throughs that turn pulls into tackles for loss

29:56 Splatter and why phone-booth tackles win

35:50 Denting the tight end and the second-step climb

40:49 Falling back across the formation versus zone

42:01 The C gap power counter

44:00 The no-tight-end catch-all and attacking RPOs

47:02 The power of simplicity

50:00 Protection beaters, the half slide and the hot throw

52:35 Three-man loops and the center who cannot pass it off

57:00 Running the same pattern from 11 personnel in a 2-4-5

59:55 The closing question and the jump from D3 to FCS

Stump coverage does not get talked about enough. Most cover 7 teams run Stubbie as their three by one answer and stop there, but the moment a good offensive coordinator figures out you are in Stubbie, the double in from three becomes a weekly problem. Stump is the answer, and Coach Colin Lark from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, Texas breaks the whole thing down.

Coach Lark walks through every position rule in the coverage: the corner in mod technique, the in call and what it triggers, the nickel reading three to two, the safety’s vertical tracking rules, and how the three by four push changes linebacker responsibilities. He then puts it under pressure against trips concepts you actually see on Friday nights, including dagger, sail, and stick, and shows spring film of the coverage working against each one.

Kyle and Matt bring their own history with the coverage into the conversation, from using Stump almost exclusively as a high red zone answer to beat the double in corner, to the linebacker communication nuances that made it difficult to run full time at the high school level. The result is a real coach to coach conversation about not just how the coverage works, but when to use it, how to teach it, and what it takes to make it stick with your kids.

Coach Lark also demos Football U, his interactive playbook tool that lets players rep coverages from their phones and gives coaches accountability on whether their guys actually know their assignments.

This one is worth a full listen.

Coach Nathan McPeek has built Frederick Douglass High School (Lexington, KY) into one of the most consistent programs in Kentucky 6A football: a 2022 state championship, a perfect 39-0 record against city opponents, 27 playoff wins, and five players currently in the NFL. In this episode, he breaks down the player-led leadership system behind it all, from the core values that run the locker room to trust sessions, the game-day beast lift, and the branding that gets his kids recruited.

If you coach high school, youth, or small college football and want a blueprint for developing leaders instead of just managing talent, this one is for you.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Welcome and meeting Coach Nathan McPeek

01:44 Building Frederick Douglass from 13 players to a 6A power

06:31 Living the core: the four values that run the program

11:31 Leadership as influence and why tradition doesn't graduate

17:04 Beating Instagram culture with a real value system

21:44 Player-driven vs. player-run: getting the team out of neutral

26:16 Trust sessions: small groups, captains, and 6 a.m. accountability

29:29 The game-day beast lift, velocity training, and five NFL players

36:59 Branding and social media that gets the program noticed

40:01 Process over outcome: starting 0-3 and finishing 8-5

45:44 A recruiting one-stop shop and final thoughts

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Subscribe for more coach-to-coach conversations on scheme, technique, and program building. New episodes drop regularly. For more from the show, visit www.boarddrill.com.

Modern linebacker play lives in the tweener space: guys who can fit the run, play in space, and rush off the edge without being a true safety or a true edge. In this episode, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Nick Vagnone, linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Lenoir-Rhyne University, to break down how he develops modern linebackers inside a 3-3-5.Coach Vagnone gets granular on the Sam, Mike, and Rush roles, the read step versus pop in place debate, how he teaches block destruction and tackling, and the exact Indy drills he uses to build it all. If you coach defense at the high school, youth, or small college level, there is a lot here worth stealing.SIDELINE HQStop running your equipment room out of a spiral notebook. Sideline HQ lets you check gear in and out in seconds, track what every kid has, and knock out end of season inventory in minutes instead of a whole Saturday. The first 30 days are free, no credit card, no catch. Try your free trial at www.sidelinehq.coCHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and tonight's guest, Coach Nick Vagnone06:00 Why Lenoir-Rhyne moved from a 3-4 hybrid to a 3-3-509:41 Building a player-led defensive identity14:21 Defining the modern linebacker: Sam, Mike, and Rush23:40 Read step versus pop in place30:53 The five movements and five core skills of a linebacker36:54 Stance and start: the first drill every linebacker runs42:04 Coaching pass drops, angle pedal, and head on a swivel51:10 Change of direction and linebacker ball skills1:00:10 Walking run fits with the scout line1:03:09 Block destruction: taking on half a man1:10:33 Living on the sled and the dip and rip1:14:38 Tackling with the donuts1:18:58 Circle chase: forced fumbles and ball security1:26:35 The closing question: 828 Day at Lenoir-Rhyne

Coach Kurt Hines has spent 29 years on the sideline and 32 in the classroom. He has been a head coach in New Hampshire and at Coronado in California. He has been hired and he has been fired. Through all of it, he has settled on one belief that drives everything: programs are built on people, not schemes.

In this conversation, Coach Hines walks Kyle and Matt through how he hires assistant coaches (no resume, no football talk in the first interview), why his early failures with delegation made him a better head coach, and a turbulent flight to Mississippi that changed how he leads when he is not in the building. He shares the discipline story from his first year at Coronado that tested everything he believed about being a man of his word, the viral video that put his program on national news, and what he has learned in the months since being let go after his most recent season.

This one is for coaches who care more about the long game than the next win.

Will Cockerill has gone 25-5 in two seasons as the defensive coordinator at Denton Ryan High School in Texas. His defense finished number one in scoring defense in the Dallas area at just over 12 points per game and has held a 70 percent third down stop rate back to back. The Sons of Ryan are not just a good defense. They are a program built on culture, structure, and a weekly process that leaves nothing to guesswork by Friday night.

In this episode, Coach Cockerill returns to the pod and walks through the full system. How he collects grades and sends a game summary to his head coach Saturday morning. How he uses position-specific Google Docs to structure his Sunday staff meeting before anyone walks in the room. How he sequences practice Monday through Thursday, buckets film by scheme instead of play name, and builds a call sheet that already has the answers to problems before they show up in a game.

This one goes well beyond X’s and O’s. It is a blueprint for how a coordinator runs a week.

0:00 Introduction and welcome back to Coach Will Cockerill, DC at Denton Ryan

2:00 16 years in Texas, a 25-5 record as DC, and the three keys to success at any program

5:30 Defensive metrics, stop rate, havoc rate, third down efficiency, and the Sons of Ryan identity

9:09 Game planning philosophy: target their best, attack their weakest lineman, make them go left-handed

12:00 The Friday night to Saturday routine: grading, player stats, and the game summary to the head coach

15:30 The defensive awards system: BGO, Honey Badger, Ball Hawk, and building the templates to save time

19:54 How the sideline trash can dunking tradition changed their takeaway numbers

21:00 Saturday scouting: bucketing run schemes as zone or gap and how that simplifies the whole week

26:00 The staff Google Doc: four position-specific questions that structure the Sunday meeting before anyone walks in

31:00 Sunday staff meeting, finalizing the scouting report, and getting it on Huddle and the facility TVs

34:00 Monday practice: helmet only, tackle circuits, bread and butter run scheme, and team tempo

39:00 Tuesday is third down day: scripting every situation with the opponent’s actual plays

44:00 Wednesday is red zone day: scripted from plus 20 to inside the five, and scouting next week starts now

48:30 Thursday: trick plays, situational football, and finalizing the call sheet

52:49 The WAR Cut-Up explained: Winners Are Relentless, a three to five game sample, and how film is shared in Huddle

57:57 Call sheet breakdown: fronts, movements, hash-based tendencies, and built-in answers before Friday

1:03:00 Why Coach Cockerill says process and teaching matter more than scheme

1:11:10 Unique program differentiators, short practices, giving players the answers all week

1:13:51 Community, purpose, and what it means to coach kids who need you

1:14:49 The pancake brigade and why nutrition is the next real competitive edge

This episode is brought to you by Sideline HQ, the easiest way to manage your program’s equipment. Stop losing gear and start tracking it from your phone. Check it out at sidelinehq.co!

Coach Josh Jones has been on the show before, and he earns every return trip.

Jones is the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Knoxville Catholic High School in Tennessee. He has been coaching football for over 30 years, and in this episode he sits down with Kyle and Matt to lay out two things that every offensive staff should have nailed down before fall: a structured spring install plan and a reliable menu of red zone concepts.

The spring install portion alone is worth the listen. Jones walks through how he staggers a 3-day install plan across six weeks of classroom sessions before spring practice ever begins, so that by the time players hit the field, they have already seen each install twice. He also talks through how he coordinates with his defensive staff, how he adjusts the playbook based on what his quarterback can actually do, and how he used Georgia Tech film this offseason as the foundation for building out a new offense around a mobile quarterback with college offers.

From there the episode shifts into red zone work. Jones covers the high red double under and the SOCK pre-snap read process, sprint snag as a low red staple, and boundary mesh as a concept he has run at multiple stops because it gives answers against every coverage structure. He also shares the quarterback coaching points he has been using for years, including the simple phrase that a former player rattled back to him word for word five years after leaving the program.

Clean. Practical. No wasted time.

This episode drops as spring ball is starting for programs across the country. If your install is still being pieced together, this one is the right listen at the right moment.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro, guest welcome, and sponsor read

1:17 Spring install overview: staff meetings and personnel evaluation

8:50 The 6-week pre-spring install schedule and repetition structure

13:05 Why repetition works: the walk-on quarterback story

13:16 Building the offense around your quarterback’s skillset

15:34 What Georgia Tech film taught Knoxville Catholic this offseason

18:38 Spring focal points: scheming for your league and early opponents

19:04 The 3-day install menu: run game, quick game, drop backs, and red zone

24:34 Why Jones practices red zone every single day of spring ball

27:14 Offensive and defensive coordination during spring practice

31:32 Red zone philosophy: run the football and QB critical factors

35:01 QB coaching points: KYP, KYS, and Jones-isms that stick five years later

37:03 High red zone: double under concept and pre-snap read process (SOCK)

43:01 Low red zone: sprint snag and reading the flat

46:57 Boundary mesh: a universal red zone concept that works against all coverages

59:52 What makes Knoxville Catholic different from every other program

This episode is brought to you by Sideline HQ. Sideline HQ is the easiest way to manage your program’s equipment. Stop losing gear and start tracking it. Built for coaches, by coaches. Visit www.sidelinehq.co to learn more.

Coach Jimmie Tyson is back. The DC at Dothan High School in Alabama returns just weeks after his first appearance because there was unfinished business: hot pressures. In this film-heavy session, Coach Tyson breaks down how he couples six and five-man pressure paths with hot coverage, why self-scouting data pushed him away from zero coverage, and how a modular system lets him run the same pressure with man, fire zone, or quarters behind it.This is a clinic. Coach Tyson pulls real film from games against some of the top programs in Florida and Alabama and walks through the concepts live. If you coach defense at any level, this one is for you.This episode is brought to you by Sideline HQ. Stop losing gear and start tracking your program's equipment all on your phone. Save time and money at sidelinehq.co.

TIMESTAMPS0:00 Welcome back and Sideline HQ sponsor read1:13 Coach Tyson returns: why hot pressures were left on the table2:56 Self-scouting data: why explosive plays killed their zero pressure game plan10:09 Run game fit with hot coverage and the eight-man box advantage10:58 Eye technique players: reads, alignment, and front shoulder keys13:00 Corner technique: catch and carry, seven to nine yards off14:33 Five-man pressures with two under four deep (quarters) behind them18:02 The Utah drill for teaching eye players43:09 The flinch effect: how hot coverage takes the quarterback off his spots44:10 Scrambling quarterbacks and plastering technique45:19 Adjusting hot pressure usage against athletic quarterbacks46:45 How hot coverage turns explosive plays into manageable gains51:38 Attacking bubble screens with everyone's eyes on the quarterback55:35 Stemming pre-snap to prevent protection checks57:06 Triple A-gap pressure paired with hot quarters coverage59:32 Corner pressure with hot coverage: bringing the boundary corner1:00:02 Bear front with nickel off the edge versus zone read1:01:20 Selling skeptical coaches on multiple-gap pressures1:05:17 The Flores/Minnesota blitz: seven-man pressure with pop technique1:08:27 Pop technique evolution and how they adapted it for high school1:17:05 Using the pressure in a playoff game to take empty off the table1:24:47 Situational usage: when to call hot pressure and when to stay away1:25:29 The Tango tag: four under two deep as another coverage option1:26:33 Coach Tyson's favorite blitz path1:29:34 Scripting the first 12 defensive plays to give offenses fits1:33:12 Building a Thursday exotic script to prepare for wrinkles you have never seen on tape1:36:21 Closing thoughtsSubscribe for more coaching content at www.boarddrill.com. We post new episodes weekly and have a growing video and article library built for coaches at every level.

The Board Drill Podcast | Coach Jimmie Tyson | Being Multiple, Changing the Picture, and Week-to-Week Pressure Variations

In this episode, host Kyle Bradburn sits down with Coach Jimmie Tyson, the new Defensive Coordinator at Dothan High School in Alabama. Coach Tyson brings over 20 years of coaching experience, including six years at Florida A&M University and nearly a decade as the Defensive Coordinator at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida, one of the most respected programs in the state. The conversation is packed with film, concepts, and practical teaching points for any coach looking to be more multiple on the defensive side of the ball.

Coach Tyson breaks down how a candid conversation with an offensive coordinator changed the way he thought about defense, how following Mike McDonald’s work at Baltimore and Seattle shaped his coverage matrix, and how his staff built a system that lets them run the same blitz path with multiple coverage tags using just one word. From traditional Tampa 2 to using the nickel as the hole runner, dropping ends into hooks, rolling safeties, disguising zero, and changing the picture week to week based on opponent tendencies, this episode covers a ton of ground with real film to back it up.

If you coach defense, this one is for you.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Welcome and Introduction

0:49 - Coach Tyson’s Background: FAMU, Godby High School, Lincoln High School, and Dothan High School

1:53 - What It Means to Be Multiple on Defense

2:00 - The Origin Story: How a Post-Practice Conversation with OC Grant Thompson Sparked a New Philosophy

3:40 - Scripting Defensive Plays Just Like an Offense Scripts Its First 12

4:10 - The Mike McDonald Connection: Following His Work at Baltimore and Seattle

5:47 - Building the Coverage Matrix: Putting X’s on the Board and Interchanging Roles

7:47 - Running Traditional Tampa 2: Film from 2019 and Coaching the Mike in the Hole

10:06 - Non-Traditional Tampa 2: Why the Nickel Makes a Better Hole Runner Than the Mike

11:33 - Disguising Tampa 2 as a Zero Pressure Look to Freeze the Quarterback

13:27 - Motion Rules Against Non-Traditional Tampa: Why Nothing Has to Change

15:14 - Hole Player Technique: Staying Top-Down, Climbing with Verticals, Reading QB Eyes

18:00 - Walling Tampa 2: Dropping Ends as Hook Players with Cross-A Gap Pressure

19:10 - Teaching the Ends to Drop: Running to the Hip of Number Two, Rules vs. the Tight End

22:33 - Making This Work with Undersized Ends

25:55 - Bears to Tampa: Tagging Ends to Drop Off a Bear Front

29:51 - Adjusting Coverage Assignments Week to Week Based on Opponent Threats

32:09 - Coverage Tags Off the Same Blitz Path: Zero, Pop (Cover 1), and Tampa

33:58 - Three-High Look with Tampa 2: How the Same Concept Wears a Different Mask Each Week

34:23 - Making Offensive Coordinators See Ghosts: Running Exotic Looks That Never Show Up on Game Day

35:19 - Player Buy-In and Ownership: If It Is Not Clean by Wednesday, It Does Not Go In

36:13 - Bringing Nickel and Dime to the A Gap While Dropping the Nose as the Hole Runner

39:22 - Four-Man Edge Pressure with Nickel and Dime, Walling Concepts, and the Triangle Over Two

43:19 - Transitioning to One-Word Calls: Simplifying Multi-Concept Pressures and Coverages

44:00 - Double A Gap Presentations Dropping Into Cover 3: Making Quarterbacks Throw Hot Into Coverage

47:16 - Cadence and Stem Work: Presentation Stems vs. Last-Second Stems and Communication Drills

49:51 - One-Word Calls in Action: Loading the Front and Bringing the End Down the B Gap

51:34 - Showing the Load Front, Stemming, and Dropping Mike and Will While Bringing the Nickel for a Sack

53:08 - The Big Takeaway: Crossover Technique and Why Everyone on the Defense Must Learn Every Role

54:23 - Coaching the Process: Getting Players to Think and Communicate Instead of Just React

55:47 - What Makes These Programs Unique: Staff Development Clinics and Dothan’s Team Competition System

59:19 - Final Thoughts from Coach Tyson: Why Defensive Coaches Need to Sit in Offensive Meetings

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Coach Jimmy Nguyen (OC/QB, New Canaan HS, CT) hops on the Board Drill Podcast to break down unbalanced formations and how they’re using them to steal numbers in both the run game and pass game without turning the offense into a special package the kids cannot own.We talk tackle-over, WR unbalanced (X Over), jet/toss/boot sequencing, and how tempo plus presentation forces defenses to either over-rotate or play vanilla. If you want easy ways to stress rules and communication on Friday nights, this one’s a clinic.Chapters / Timestamps00:00 Intro + meet Coach Jimmy Nguyen01:03 Why unbalanced (run + pass) at New Canaan03:20 Using weekly formation variation to stress defenses04:16 Culture + players taking ownership of the program06:05 Types of unbalanced + how they label/call it07:25 Tackle-over math: extra gap advantage + what defenses waste09:00 Biggest pass-game advantage off unbalanced (confusion + hiding guys)10:16 Jet sweep/jet pass as an opener from tackle-over12:57 Tempo and sugar huddle to prevent defensive checks13:40 Formation into the boundary + tackle-over examples17:05 WR unbalanced: X Over + nasty/condensed splits20:01 Coaching the toss: RB landmarks + getting downhill fast22:58 Boot off toss: sequencing the over-rotation25:49 Under-center unbalanced with 4 on the LOS (how teams align)27:54 Bride & Groom tag: RB as #1 receiver + rule stress34:59 Building the screen game off unbalanced looks36:06 Play sequencing cut-ups (quads/diamond quick screen, years apart)45:56 Unique program piece: varsity giving back to the youth program48:58 Wrap-up + closing thoughtsQuick Takeaways1. Unbalanced is not trick. It is a weekly numbers tool if your tags stay simple.2. Defenses tend to over-commit to the gap problem, which opens up jet, screens, boot, and quick game.3. Pairing unbalanced with tempo and sugar huddle can force opponents into vanilla calls.

Board Drill Podcast | Coach Justin Roberts (Eagles Landing Christian Academy)In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Justin Roberts, Head Football Coach at Eagles Landing Christian Academy.We kick things off by revisiting one of the wildest games we’ve ever been a part of (42–14 at half 👀), and then dive into what really matters — building a program, handling momentum swings, and the lessons you only learn the hard way.Coach Roberts shares insight on in-game adversity, player belief, program standards, and how perspective changes when you’ve been on both sides of a comeback. This one is loaded with practical takeaways for high school and college coaches alike.⚠️ Heads up: We had a little trouble with screen sharing throughout the episode, so you’ll notice that as a recurring theme. It makes a few segments a bit choppy — but the coaching content absolutely delivers.⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Welcome back + Introducing Coach Justin Roberts1:45 – The 42–14 halftime story (and the comeback)5:30 – Momentum swings and “Superman can bleed” moments10:15 – Lessons learned from being on both sides of wild games15:40 – Building belief in players who don’t believe in themselves22:10 – Handling turnovers and sudden change situations29:30 – Coaching through adversity without flinching36:45 – Program culture: grit, accountability, and response44:20 – Perspective as a head coach vs. position coach51:00 – Film reflection years later — what you see differently58:10 – Final thoughts + advice for young coaches🎙️ Subscribe for weekly conversations focused on scheme, culture, and the details that actually win games.

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, we sit down with Coach Tim Foster, OL Coach at Hebron Christian in Georgia, to talk through his progression for developing dominant offensive linemen. He starts with stance and footwork, builds through board drills, and finishes with game application.Coach Foster walks through how he transitioned into coaching offensive line, how he built his individual progression, and why mastering solo blocks is the foundation for everything up front.If you are an offensive line coach looking for practical, install-ready drill work, this episode is for you.Timestamps:Coach Tim Foster Segment0:00 – Intro and meeting Coach Foster at Mount Bethel Clinic2:00 – Transitioning from tight ends and offensive coordinator to offensive line4:30 – Building an OL system from the ground up at Hebron Christian8:45 – Why solo blocks are the foundation of OL play12:30 – Board drill setup and teaching progression18:00 – Stance, first step, and creating repeatable movement23:15 – Pad level, hand placement, and creating force on contact30:40 – Using boards for down blocks, pulls, and drive blocks38:20 – From drill work to game film, bridging practice to Friday night45:10 – Putting offensive linemen at a disadvantage in drills to build game confidence52:30 – Coaching details that separate good from great up frontKyle and Matt Wrap-Up58:00 – Episode cut short and recapping Coach Foster’s key points1:00:15 – Why winning one-on-one blocks is everything1:03:30 – Bird Dog drill, freeze and fix technique1:07:45 – Creating disadvantage drills for better game performance1:12:10 – Board drill versus pan sled, teaching tools that matter1:16:30 – Final thoughts and future guest teaserKey Topics Covered-Offensive line individual development-Board drill progressions-Solo block mastery-Drill design with built-in disadvantage-Coaching footwork and pad level-Translating individual periods to game performance

In this episode, we flip the script. Kyle Bradburn moves from host to guest, and Matt Dixon leads the deep dive into Kyle’s defensive install process. If you coach high school or college football and run quarters-based coverages, this is a detailed look at how to structure your install with clarity, confidence, and pressure from Day 1.Kyle outlines how he builds out his Cover 7 package over time. He discusses base rules, daily structure, alignment tools, pressure integration, and how his players take ownership of checks post-snap. Whether you call it split-field quarters, match quarters, or Cover 7, this is a must-watch for coaches looking to build a system that teaches players how to solve problems on the field.Subscribe to the channel for more defensive breakdowns, coaching education, and in-season strategy from real coaches doing the work.Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@boarddrillFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/boarddrillTurn on notifications to catch every new episodeTimestamps00:00 – Intro and role reversal01:30 – How Kyle structures his install02:40 – Day 1 priorities and pressure mindset03:30 – Teaching player-led adjustments and checks04:15 – Using Clamp vs 2x206:00 – Base rules for split zone quarters08:45 – Install sequencing against 20 and 21 personnel11:10 – Adjusting to trips and motion14:00 – Keeping the toolbox manageable17:05 – Coverage tags20:40 – Corner technique and teaching points23:55 – Nickel and Star player roles26:15 – Pattern-match triggers in Cover 730:10 – Pressure installation and rules33:00 – Tying pressure into coverage structure36:45 – Advice for new play callersIf this episode helped you, drop a comment, share it with your staff, and subscribe to the channel.

In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Tom Yashinsky, head coach at Onalaska High School in Wisconsin, to dive into the nuts and bolts of building a consistent and competitive football program from the ground up. Coach Yashinsky brings nearly two decades of experience and shares detailed insight on aligning your program 9–12, structuring staff, developing coaches, and building buy-in across your community.

Whether you’re a head coach, coordinator, or position coach, this one’s packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately. Don’t miss the breakdown on practice structure, middle school alignment, and how Onalaska turned a struggling program into a perennial playoff team.

Timestamps:

* 0:00 – Intro and how Coach Yashinsky joined the show

* 1:10 – Onalaska football background and program context

* 3:04 – Taking over the program under tough circumstances

* 6:35 – Aligning your staff across all levels (9–12)

* 9:58 – Year-round planning and development focus

* 12:45 – The importance of coach retention and mentorship

* 16:12 – Practice organization and seasonal phases

* 20:41 – Lifting schedules and coordinating with multi-sport athletes

* 24:09 – Offseason program and coach roles

* 28:57 – Building culture: “Be Early, Be Loud, Be Invested”

* 32:44 – Middle school and youth integration strategies

* 37:11 – Handling success: sustaining performance and expectations

* 42:36 – Advice for new head coaches

* 46:58 – Final thoughts and how to connect with Coach Yashinsky

Subscribe, like, and share if you’re a coach looking for real-world solutions and ideas you can bring into your own program tomorrow.

Coach Jordan Irsik is back on the pod, and this one’s packed with insight for defensive coaches at every level. We kick things off with reactions to the 2025 National Championship and break down what made Indiana’s title run so special. From there, Coach Irsik talks through his current offseason mindset, how he’s staying sharp while raising two young boys, and what it looks like to build a pressure package that actually fits your personnel.We also cover game planning, in-season adjustments, why being reflective matters, and how to keep growing without being on the clinic circuit. It's an honest, no-BS convo for coaches who want real tools and perspective.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome back Coach Irsik01:00 - New baby, offseason life, and podcast circuit02:00 - National Championship reactions03:50 - Indiana’s turnaround and coaching legacy06:30 - What elite defensive football looks like08:00 - Coaching with two kids at home10:15 - Using the offseason to reflect and adjust12:45 - Creating pressures based on your players16:00 - What to emphasize in install and prep19:30 - How to gameplan without overloading22:50 - Teaching coverage vs. scheme complexity25:40 - The reality of adapting in-season29:10 - Staying sharp without the clinic tour32:15 - Building a coaching community35:00 - Final takeaways and parting wisdomSubscribe + leave a review to help us growFollow us on Twitter: The Board Drill

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, Coach Cory Quinn from Tishomingo County High School in Mississippi returns to break down how he creatively gets the tight end, wing, and slot involved in his offense. The episode is split into two recordings due to a quick technical issue, but we jump right back into the conversation without missing a beat.Coach Quinn details concepts like Bogey, Pop, and Train motion, and shows how motion, formation variation, and personnel usage can create stress for defenses and open up explosive plays. Whether you're trying to expand your play-action game or find new ways to get your tight end more touches, this is a clinic-level conversation built for coaches.If you enjoy the show, please like and subscribe. It helps us continue to bring on great guests and keep content coming throughout the offseason.Timestamps00:00 - Intro and Welcome Back Coach Quinn01:28 - Clarifying Tishomingo County02:25 - From Buck Sweep to Balanced Offense04:32 - Getting More from the Slot, TE, and Wing06:58 - Using Motion to Stress the Secondary10:14 - Installing the Bogey Concept14:45 - Creating Vertical Stretches with Motion17:30 - Film Breakdown: Bogey Against Rolled Coverage20:10 - Train Motion to Displace Linebackers21:42 - Coaching Simplicity for Young Tight Ends25:00 - Tagging Switch to Alter Landmarks27:15 - Third and Long Conversion Using TE as the Read29:44 - Formational Adjustments with Empty and Orbit Motion32:03 - When and Why to Call These Concepts35:15 - Wing Release Coaching vs. Zone and Man37:40 - Final Thoughts and Creative Takeaways

In this episode, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Josh Katz, Defensive Coordinator at West Orange High School in Orlando, FL, to discuss the real challenges of being a first-year coordinator. From managing egos to finding his identity as a play-caller, Coach Katz brings an honest and tactical perspective to the table. Whether you’re stepping into your first coordinator role or you’re a seasoned vet looking for fresh insight, this one delivers.

👇 TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Intro & Coach Katz Joins the Show00:45 – Teaching Biomedical Science & Coaching Football02:00 – Coach Katz Shares His Philosophy as a First-Year DC03:30 – Game Planning: What No One Tells You05:15 – Struggles with Practice Planning and Time Management07:10 – Learning to Adjust & Getting Staff Buy-In10:00 – Building the Call Sheet: The Weekly Process14:00 – Halftime Adjustments & Communication with the Staff18:20 – Teaching Coverage Rules to Young DBs22:30 – What Coach Katz Would Tell Himself Week 125:45 – Audience Q&A and Final Thoughts

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

* First-year coordinators often face information overload — simplify and clarify.

* You can’t do it alone. Building staff trust and communication is essential.

* Practice planning is harder than it looks — reps need purpose.

* Teaching players your system is just as important as having one.

Whether you’re a high school coordinator, aspiring coach, or just a ball junkie, this episode packs insight, honesty, and some solid laughs.

Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more deep-dive football content!

—

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods.

Got questions or topics you want us to cover? Drop them in the comments or hit us up on Twitter (@BoardDrill).

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, we sit down with Coach Tim Dycus, the head football coach at Winter Springs High School (FL). Coach Dycus dives into the details of building a culture, the reality of turning around a struggling program, and the leadership lessons that come with over two decades on the sidelines.Coach Dycus took over a program that many saw as an easy win on their schedule—until now. Under his guidance, Winter Springs just posted its first winning season in years and reached the playoffs. This episode is a must-watch for coaches who are grinding in the trenches, building brick by brick.Timestamps0:00 - Intro & Coach Dycus joins the show1:34 - Taking over a struggling program3:05 - Coach Dycus’ backstory: from business owner to football coach6:42 - What he learned from Seminole County football legends10:17 - How he built a winning culture at Winter Springs14:10 - Getting buy-in from the players and staff17:32 - The small wins that built momentum21:45 - Key schemes and system changes26:10 - Advice to young coaches stepping into tough jobs30:33 - Coaching in the social media age35:21 - Building relationships and developing leaders38:10 - Coach Dycus’ coaching philosophy42:00 - Lightning Round: Favorite drills, toughest opponents, best advice45:50 - Final thoughts and what’s next for Winter Springs football📲 Subscribe for more in-depth football conversations with high school and college coaches across the country.

The Board Drill Podcast - Ep. 13 | Dawson Mitchell | Match Coverage In this episode, Kyle and Matt are joined by Coach Dawson Mitchell (@CoachMitchell48), the linebackers coach at Cartersville High School. Coach Mitchell walks us through how his defense runs 2-Read coverage, how they teach their DBs to handle common route combos, and what pattern-matching looks like in a high school setting.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro and how Kyle connected with Coach Mitchell2:00 - Cartersville’s base coverage philosophy3:15 - Coaching 2-Read: teaching DBs to read 2-to-15:40 - How they handle double slant and smash routes8:25 - Matching routes vs. spot-dropping: what they emphasize10:00 - Teaching eyes, leverage, and hip turns13:45 - Adjusting to different offensive tendencies week to week16:30 - Why they don’t pedal their corners18:05 - Differences between 2-Read, Palms, and Quarters21:10 - Practical drills and how they rep it in practice24:00 - Final thoughts on teaching coverage at the high school levelThis is a pure football episode. No slides. No fluff. Just straight-up ball talk.Subscribe for more in-depth breakdowns and interviews with coaches across the country.

In this episode, we’re joined by Coach Dean Young, DC at Midlothian HS (TX), to break down his unique “Pinch Front” concept and the back-end coverage he calls “Texas Two and a Half.” Coach Young explains how his team adapted through adversity, simplified their rules, and developed a system that mixes Tampa 2 and three-cloud principles with aggressive front play. If you’re looking for a flexible, sound way to adjust your defense to your personnel, this episode is a must-watch.Topics include simplifying coverage rules, adapting Tampa 2 principles, how to cancel gaps with the DL, and why Coach refuses to call anything Cover 3.Timestamped Topics:0:00 - Intro & Guest Welcome1:19 - Origin of the “Pinch Front”2:44 - Adapting to Injuries & Personnel Issues3:45 - From Quarters to Tampa 2 to Base Defense4:32 - Simplifying Rules with Pinch Front6:05 - Explaining “Texas Two and a Half”9:20 - Techniques & Coverage Leverage Details12:50 - Adjusting to 2x2 vs. 3x1 Formations17:10 - Why Coach Hates Cover 320:55 - How the Front Marries the Coverage26:10 - Game Planning Tips & Weekly Adjustments30:42 - Q&A: Coaching the Overhang Player33:05 - Blitz Rules and Complementary Pressures36:30 - Scouting Considerations for This Defense40:18 - Favorite Situational Calls44:00 - Building Confidence in the System47:12 - Final Thoughts & Twitter Fights Over Cover 3Follow Coach Young on Twitter: CoachDeanYoungRead the original Hex Front article: https://www.boarddrill.com/p/hex-front-theory-can-4-down-defensesLike, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth conversations on modern defensive football. Stay tuned for more from The Board Drill!

S3E2 – Run Fits w/ Coach Zach Capehart (Silverdale Academy DC)In this episode, Kyle and Matt are joined by Coach Zach Capehart, the defensive coordinator at Silverdale Academy in Tennessee. They dive deep into how to fit the run from multiple fronts — with a real-world lens of limited practice time, two-way players, and up-tempo offenses.This is not just theory. It’s a clinic on practical defense for high school coaches.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro + Background on Coach Capehart02:30 – The Silverdale context: small school, tempo offense, time limits06:15 – Why they choose to be multiple despite having two-way players08:40 – Key principles: simplicity, communication, and essentialism12:10 – Teaching run fits with limited install time17:05 – How tempo offenses stress your defense — and how to respond22:45 – Adjusting fronts while keeping base rules intact27:10 – The role of personnel and playing to your kids’ strengths32:00 – Q&A and wrap-up: best advice for fitting the run with constraintsWhether you’re a DC at a big program or building a system with 50 players and 90-minute practices, this one’s packed with takeaways.Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more content made by coaches, for coaches.

In this premiere of Season 3 of the Board Drill Podcast, we bring on one of Florida’s most respected voices in high school football: Joey Wiles. The topic? Using offseason college visits as a strategic tool for growing your coaching staff.

Coach Wiles walks us through how to build relationships with college programs, how to send assistants on meaningful visits, and why planning those trips with intention leads to better coordinators and future head coaches.

Timestamps & Topics:

* 00:00 – Intro & Coach Wiles joins the show

* 02:08 – Framing college visits as professional development

* 05:15 – Structuring the visit process with your staff

* 08:40 – Hospitality stories & building trust with college coaches

* 12:00 – Why relationships matter more than access

* 16:25 – Teaching assistants how to reach out & follow up

* 21:00 – Clinic strategy: Assigning sessions & follow-up

* 25:10 – The head coach’s role in staff elevation

* 30:00 – Lessons that pay off down the road

* 35:45 – Advice for programs with limited connections

* 41:00 – Coach Wiles’ closing thoughts on leadership

🧠 Subscribe to Board Drill for more high-level coaching content and leadership strategies.

In this Quick Hit, Kyle and Matt dive into the battle for the Dakota Marker between South Dakota State and North Dakota State. We break down how NDSU used a rare spike-nose twist to counter SDSU’s outside zone run game—and why it looked completely schemed up.

🎯 Highlights include:

* Defensive adjustments triggered by RB alignment

* Nose tackle spike mechanics

* Linebacker fits and front manipulation

* Play sequencing and film clues that tipped off the call

This is a must-watch for defensive coaches looking for ways to gameplan based on formation indicators. Great insight into game-specific film prep and situational defense.

💬 Drop a comment on what other FCS or small-school matchups you want us to study!

Coach Kyle and Coach Matt are back breaking down the nitty-gritty of Texas Tech’s squeeze run game from a recent film study. This one’s all about how the Red Raiders get physical in the low red zone with tray and trio formations, motion wrinkles, and GH counter action.

📌 We dive into:

* How Texas Tech creates four-strong surfaces

* When and where they like to deploy squeeze

* Counter back into the boundary and what it does to the defense

* Why this stuff shows up mostly inside the 30-yard line

If you’re looking for red zone ideas or ways to stress defenses with motion and formation, this episode delivers. Perfect for offensive minds looking to add a little juice near the goal line.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out boarddrill.com for Coach Matt’s full article series.

This Quick Hit unpacks Indiana’s surprisingly stout defensive performance vs. Oregon. Kyle and Matt focus on quarters run fits, the physicality of Indiana’s front, and how Kirk Cignetti’s group is overachieving through technique and discipline.

Topics Covered:

* DE winning with hands vs. TE

* LB speed rip and run-through execution

* How technique and effort trump talent

* Why sound run fits can still beat elite OL units

Perfect film for teaching D-line play, LB fits, or defensive coaches looking for toughness from undersized personnel.

Whether you’re a scheme nerd or just love gritty defense, this one’s a gem.

Indiana’s defense played above their weight class—what’s your go-to teaching clip for technique over talent? Post a favorite film moment or coaching moment!

In this Board Drill Quick Hit, Kyle and Matt dive into Montana State’s outside zone bluff variation with jet motion. It’s a look into the nuance of QB reads, pitch relationships, and how option elements get baked into modern zone schemes. Whether you run OZ or just want to defend it better, this is a clean breakdown with some sharp coaching points along the way.

⏩ Topics Covered:

* Jet motion bluff mechanics

* QB read and pitch relationship analysis

* Differences between pistol vs. gun OZ looks

* Run fit reactions from the defense

👀 Great for coaches looking to explore OZ wrinkles or study how the bluff man impacts defensive eye discipline.

📌 Subscribe for more breakdowns, drills, and scheme discussions from real ball coaches who love this game.

This week we dug into our favorite clips from the opening weekend of college football. Kyle picked a corner blitz that shuts down QB GT Counter before it could hit, while Matt highlighted a nasty pick-six out of 3-Sky coverage.

In this post:

* Full video breakdown

* Key coaching points from each clip

* Still shots with telestration

* Fit structure and blitz timing explained

Great for high school coaches looking for cut-up ideas, college GAs prepping their scouting reports, or anyone who wants a smarter view of the game.

Football doesn’t happen by accident. This is where you learn why.

In this quick hit episode, Kyle and Matt break down some unique Montana State pressures—twists, mugs, and what Kyle dubs “Magic Swap.” If you love creative defensive pressures and want ideas to bring chaos from an even front, this one’s for you. Kyle brings the defensive lens, Matt counters with offensive insight. Short, punchy, and packed with game-ready detail.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Kyle & Matt on the mic

00:11 - Montana State pressures overview

00:40 - Mug look mechanics: transitioning to Bear

01:10 - "Magic Swap": one picks for two

01:46 - Matt’s OL insight: Center trouble

02:30 - Passing off three-man twists

03:10 - Run game viability vs pass-game chaos

04:00 - Comparing Magic vs Magic Swap

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Twitter: @BoardDrill

Instagram: @BoardDrill

In this Quick Hit, Kyle and Matt break down how the Tennessee Volunteers use the Dart run concept with an H-back to solve issues that arise against odd fronts. This episode focuses on film study and schematic insights from Tennessee’s approach to Dart, highlighting how adding a blocking back helps seal the alley and climb to the second level.

You’ll see breakdowns of how different defenses react, where the Volunteers succeed or fall short, and how “hat for a hat” blocking rules create efficiency in the run game—even if not every play is a home run.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why Dart Struggles vs. Odd Fronts

00:20 – Tennessee’s H-Back Adjustment

01:45 – Handling Fit Confusion & Defensive Movement

03:00 – Hat-for-a-Hat vs. Kentucky & NC State

05:00 – Coaching Points: Base, Climb, & Leverage

07:00 – Why Dart to the H-Back Side Works

📬 Read the full article: www.boarddrill.com

🐦 Twitter: @BoardDrill

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🎵 TikTok: @BoardDrill

Have your own Dart clips? Send them our way and let’s keep the conversation going.

Hosts Kyle Bradburn and Matt Dixon reflect on Season 2 of the Board Drill Podcast and share what’s coming as football season kicks off. With coaches and players diving into game prep, the podcast shifts gears to focus on shorter, high-impact "Quick Hit" episodes, analytical videos, and written content for busy football minds.

They revisit some of their favorite moments from the past season, including insights from Coach Scott Leach on football-specific offseason training, and Coach Kenny’s deep dive into sprint-based football. Whether you're a coach, player, or fan, this episode is packed with reflections and a look ahead to a season of smarter football strategy.

Season 2 HighlightsOffseason & Sprint-Based Football ConceptsQuick Hits PreviewCoaching Strategy & DevelopmentIn-Season Plans for Articles, Video Breakdowns, and More

Follow us for more football insights, coaching strategies, and Quick Hit episodes:

📸 Instagram: @boarddrillpodcast🐦 Twitter/X: @boarddrill▶️ YouTube: Board Drill Podcast🌐 Website: www.boarddrillpodcast.com

In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, we catch up with Cody Gardner, the Defensive Coordinator at Corner Canyon High School (UT), to dive deep into what it really takes to build and sustain a defensive identity at the high school level.

We talk foundational philosophy, how to reset your structure when needed, and how Cody blends system, player personality, and coaching staff dynamics into a cohesive, flexible defense. Whether you're starting from scratch or evolving your current approach, this episode is a blueprint for aligning scheme, culture, and staff into one united vision.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:42 – Gardner’s program vision and year-round player development

08:30 – The role of aggression in defensive identity

14:05 – Building from a 3-4 base with 4-2-5 variation

21:12 – Handling RPO-heavy offenses and adjusting structure

29:45 – Evaluating staff: empowering young coaches and accountability

36:20 – Non-negotiables in team culture

41:58 – Offseason planning and “install backwards” philosophy

48:35 – Advice for young head coaches

55:00 – Final thoughts and closing

🔔 Subscribe to Board Drill for deep-dive conversations with coaches nationwide.

🧠 For more clinic content, resources, and strategy breakdowns, follow us at:

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Website: www.boarddrill.com

👍 Like, Share, and leave a comment below if you found this valuable!

The Board Drill Podcast – S2E30 | Dan Blackbourn: Building a Standalone Quick Game

In this episode, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Dan Blackbourn, OC at Brooks County (GA), to break down the fundamentals of quick game passing. Coach Blackbourn takes us through his step-based teaching philosophy, the importance of treating quick game as more than just an RPO extension, and how he installs and evolves the system from Day 1—even with limited time.

▶️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro and Coach Blackbourn joins01:03 – Why Quick Game Should Stand Alone02:15 – Adapting Illinois Roots to Georgia Football03:40 – The Value of Step-Based Routes vs. Yards05:30 – All-Hitch Install and Coaching Points08:20 – Building the Offense from Scratch11:10 – Handling Spring & Summer Limitations15:45 – Adjusting to Player Skill Levels18:30 – Formation Variations and Teaching Terminology22:00 – Practical Tips for High School Installations

📌 Subscribe for More🔗 BoardDrill.com – Weekly articles, resources, and podcast archives🐦 Twitter: @boarddrill📱 TikTok: @boarddrill📥 Sign up on the site to get new content delivered straight to your inbox!

In this Quick Hit, Kyle and Matt dive into how Arizona State uses creative Y (tight end) and H-back screens to keep defenses off balance. From bluff counter action to motion tricks and split zone deception, these screens are dialed up off run looks that freeze defenders and create explosive opportunities.

Watch along as we break down game film, react live, and talk through why these screens should make a comeback at the high school level, especially as more teams lean into 11 and 12 personnel.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Watching ASU Tight End Screens Live

00:33 – Counter Bluff Screen Breakdown

01:25 – OL Blocking Mechanics & Leverage Discussion

03:00 – Motion to Wing: Screen Setup & Coverage Confusion

04:10 – Using the Rail Route to Decoy the Screen

05:20 – Diamond Formation Screen with Motion

06:45 – Split Zone Look & Guard Technique Breakdown

08:16 – Final Thoughts: Why More Coaches Should Use Y Screens

📬 Subscribe for weekly content: www.boarddrill.com

🐦 Twitter: @BoardDrill

📸 Instagram: @BoardDrill

🎵 TikTok: @BoardDrill

In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, Kyle and Matt are joined by Tom Elder, Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Chaminade High School (NY), to break down one of the most versatile and effective defensive tools in high school football—5-Man Pressure Systems.

Coach Elder dives deep into how Chaminade utilizes a simple yet adaptable pressure philosophy based on four core blitz paths, how they disguise coverages, fit the run with undersized athletes, and put pressure on 17-year-old quarterbacks in a high-academic environment. If you're looking to build a pressure package that’s simple for your players but difficult for opponents to prepare for, this episode is for you.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro & Coach Elder’s Background

1:10 - Why 5-Man Pressure is Core to Chaminade's Defense

3:00 - Undersized Personnel? Why Movement is the Answer

4:55 - Odd vs Even Front Blending in the System

6:00 - "Five Notes, Endless Melodies" Philosophy

7:30 - 3-Under, 3-Deep Zone Pressure Breakdown

9:10 - How to Build Pressure Without Overloading Players

12:00 - Split-Safety Structures & Rotation Philosophy

13:35 - Day 1-2 Installs: Big 12 & Weak Rotation Coverage

15:00 - Teaching Pressure Paths: Edge, Neck, Face

18:00 - DL Techniques: Nail, Rail, Anchor

20:00 - Using Tags to Dictate Pressure Placement

23:00 - Corner Blitz—Why It's a Day One Install

26:30 - Scrape & Strike Paths Explained

30:00 - Adjusting Pressure for 3x1 & Motion

35:00 - Using Pressure to Protect Undersized Fronts

37:45 - Real-Game Examples & In-Game Adjustments

45:00 - The Power of Motion-Based Blitz Calls

51:00 - Closing Thoughts on Simplicity, Speed, and Versatility

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The Dash Passing Concept with Coach Wakely Bergener | Board Drill Podcast Ep. 28

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, we're joined by Coach Wakely Bergener, Offensive Coordinator at Pauls Valley High School (OK), to break down the Dash Passing Concept — one of the most quarterback-friendly protection schemes in football.

Despite some tech hiccups (this is our third attempt to record it!), this episode is a must-watch for coaches looking to create cleaner vision, simplified reads, and smarter protection for their quarterbacks — especially shorter or mobile QBs. Coach Bergener walks us through film, diagrams, and coaching points that have helped his team complete 60% of their passes and average 7.4 yards per play using this concept.

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👇 Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Was So Tough to Record

01:00 – What is Dash and Why It Matters for QB Vision

02:30 – Welcome Coach Wakely Bergener

04:00 – Origins of Dash at Pauls Valley (Since 2017)

05:30 – Solving QB Vision Issues with Dash

07:15 – Adjusting the Role of the Tailback

09:30 – Using Dash for Mobile, Shorter QBs

11:45 – Protection Breakdown: Rope & Lasso Calls

13:20 – Film Breakdown: QB Vision & Edge Pinning

16:00 – Coaching the QB: Drop Timing & Reversing Out

18:30 – Adjustments vs. Different Fronts & Blitzes

20:30 – Using Condensed Sets and Quick Game Pairings

22:45 – Empty Dash + GIF Concept Ideas

23:25 – What Makes Pauls Valley’s Program Unique

25:00 – Final Thoughts: Food Trucks, Spring Ball, and Split Zone Ties

💬 Have questions or want to connect with Coach Bergener?

Reach him on Twitter: @CoachBergener

💻 Visit us at www.boarddrill.com for articles, film cutups, and more podcast episodes focused on building better football programs.

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe — and if you’re running Dash or thinking about installing it, we want to hear from you in the comments!

Board Drill Podcast – Ep. 27 | Bobby Bowring on Building a 3x1 Defensive Toolbox

In this episode, we’re joined by Bobby Bowring, DC at a San Juan HS in Utah, for a deep dive into defending 3x1 formations with clarity, confidence, and a practical system. In this episode we chat about run fits and coverages for 3x1 sets out of a 3-4 base defense.

🏈 Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:45 - Why 3x1 is so hard to defend

4:20 - What Bobby learned from facing elite spread teams

7:35 - Structuring your coverage toolbox

11:10 - Match vs zone: building clarity for players

15:05 - How to get sound against the run and the pass

19:00 - Teaching checks and communication

24:45 - Adjusting your 3x1 plan to match personnel

29:30 - Breaking down trips open vs trips closed

33:00 - Film room keys: diagnosing the threat

37:40 - Favorite coverages and when to use them

41:15 - How to drill and rep your 3x1 system

46:05 - Advice to young DCs installing sub-packages

49:20 - Final thoughts: keeping it simple under pressure

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Board Drill Podcast – Ep. 27 | Sprint-Based Football with Coach Shane Kinnee

What happens when a football program builds its entire structure—offseason, practice, culture—around speed? Coach Shane Kinnee joins us to break down how sprint-based training is transforming high school football. From reducing injuries to maximizing performance, this episode is packed with insights for coaches ready to train smarter.

🏈 Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro

1:30 - What is sprint-based football?

5:45 - The science behind sprint training

9:10 - Implementing sprint methods year-round

13:20 - Practice structure: how sprint-based football changes everything

17:00 - Lifting and speed: marrying the two effectively

21:40 - Common mistakes teams make when adding sprint work

25:10 - Culture and buy-in: making the shift with your players

30:00 - Offseason programming details

34:25 - How to track and assess speed in your program

38:50 - Recovery, wellness, and why less can be more

43:10 - Results: what we’re seeing on the field

46:55 - Final advice for coaches looking to go sprint-based

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Like, comment, and share with a coach who’s ready to evolve the way they train their team!

#BoardDrill

Welcome back to the Board Drill Podcast! In Season 2, Episode 25, we’re diving into the foundation of gap scheme football with one of the best in the trenches—Coach Ian Tatum, Assistant Head Coach, OC, and OL coach at Walkertown High School in North Carolina.

Coach Tatum breaks down the ins and outs of Power—from install day to adjustments, including QB power, power read, and the toss read series. We talk personnel, back alignment, puller rules, and how to build a nasty offensive line mentality around your gap game.

This is a must-listen for any coach looking to enhance their run game and understand how to marry Duo, Power, and Counter into a cohesive, hard-nosed attack.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Kyle, Matt, and Coach Ian Tatum kickoff01:00 – Philosophy of Power: "God’s play" and why it’s day one install02:10 – Base Power from 20 Personnel with a sniffer03:15 – Installing Duo alongside Power – differences and similarities04:40 – Adjustments vs. different fronts – fitting Power to your team06:00 – Power Read and Toss Read variations07:30 – Teaching Puller Footwork and Rules10:15 – OL Drills and mindset to build a gap scheme culture13:00 – Gameplan integration – mixing Duo, Power, Counter16:20 – Reading the DE on toss vs. power read18:40 – When to tag QB Power and how to package it21:00 – Dealing with safeties fitting the backside24:00 – Creating constraint plays off your base run28:45 – Managing OL personalities and building toughness32:10 – Practice scripting and how Tatum installs run game in-season36:30 – Favorite formations and motions to dress up Power40:45 – Power vs. odd vs. even fronts – blocking rules44:00 – Run game adjustments midseason48:30 – RPOs off Power and Buck Sweep52:15 – Why Toss Read is underutilized in HS ball56:30 – Coaching impact, daily player relationships57:55 – Social media and YouTube/Content support for coaches59:30 – Final thoughts and sign off

📌 Subscribe to Ian’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCWY5npFCK0gs4fg2zxyVuSg

🐦 Follow Coach Tatum on Twitter: @CoachTatum90

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In this episode of the Board Drill Podcast, we welcome Mitch Wieland, offensive coordinator at Iowa City Liberty High School, to break down the most common quarterback mistakes and how to fix them. From footwork disasters to bad pocket habits, Coach Wieland gives a clinic on practical drills, quarterback development, and how to coach up any QB, regardless of arm talent.

We also talk about how to integrate film study into your daily QB routine, fixing overstriding, improving pocket presence, and unlocking the deep ball game at the high school level.

Whether you're a QB coach, offensive coordinator, or a defensive coach looking to understand how QBs are taught, this episode is a must-watch.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Welcome & Midwest Coaching Vibes

1:40 - Coach Wieland's background & QB coaching journey

3:30 - How to develop efficient QBs of all sizes & styles

4:49 - Common Mistake #1: Weak finishing position & drills to fix it

9:20 - Filming practice: Why it matters for QB development

12:30 - Common Mistake #2: Overstriding & simple fixes

15:45 - QB drills should be individualized, not one-size-fits-all

17:00 - Common Mistake #3: Eyes on the rush & pocket drills

20:50 - How to drill pocket escapes & throwaways (double evade, chaos drills)

23:50 - Don't try to outrun the rush: Go against the grain

28:50 - Scramble drill chaos & the struggle of WR scramble rules

31:30 - Teaching the deep ball with timing, not arm strength

36:30 - Throwing with touch: Over/under drills & QB anticipation

42:00 - How flight paths drift & adjusting deep balls left vs. right

46:00 - Dropping in the bucket drill explained

48:50 - Best throw in football? The underthrown deep ball

51:30 - Teaching throwing on the run vs. sprinting throws

54:00 - QB mechanics on sprint outs & real-world escape drills

56:30 - Program tradition: Liberty’s Purple Rain & Lightning Jacks

59:00 - Final thoughts & Mitch's advice for QB coaches

Welcome back to another deep dive on The Board Drill Podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, Kyle Bradburn sits down with Coach Jeff Comfort, Defensive Coordinator at Lincoln Christian High School (Tulsa, OK), to break down One High Coverage Variations from the 3-3-5. Coach Comfort walks through his teaching philosophy, alignment rules, and how he adapts concepts to fit his players’ skill sets. If you coach defense or are looking to learn more about simplifying complex coverages for high school players, this one’s for you.

🕒 Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Guest Welcome

01:30 - One High Overview & Philosophy

03:00 - Apex Player Teaching: Wall 2, Wall 3 Concepts

04:15 - Alignment over Divider Rules: Teaching for Ability, Not Scheme

06:40 - Adjustments Based on Spring Ball Self-Awareness

08:20 - Teaching Without Jargon: Translating Coaching Speak to Player Language

10:05 - Why They Give Up the Field Hitch and What Throws They’ll Live With

12:30 - Teaching Corners to “Squeeze 2” Instead of Midpointing

14:50 - Variation Examples Using Film

17:00 - Player Development Within the Coverage Structure

19:45 - Transitioning from Base to Pressure Looks Without Losing Eyes

22:00 - Using One High Rules to Morph into Man Match

25:10 - Film Breakdown: Alignment and Assignment in Live Clips

28:30 - Final Thoughts & Spring Ball Prep

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In this episode, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Will Cockerill, DC at powerhouse Denton Ryan (TX), to break down his approach to defensive structure, in-season adjustments, and leadership in the face of adversity. Coach shares how his team battled through the tragic mid-season loss of their DC and still finished as one of the top defenses in Texas 5A. From efficiency metrics to blitz philosophy, this is a masterclass in building a fast, physical, and resilient defense.

📌 Timestamps0:00 – Intro & Will’s background2:00 – Overcoming adversity & honoring their fallen coach5:15 – Season recap: top 5 defense in Texas 5A7:10 – What metrics matter? Havoc Rate & Stop Rate explained10:00 – Gameplanning with intent: tailoring fronts to attack weaknesses14:30 – The art of A-gap pressure and front multiplicity20:20 – Film study habits & how they prep during the week26:00 – Personnel deployment & week-to-week adjustments32:00 – Favorite calls vs heavy run teams37:45 – Practice structure: teaching through data43:30 – Advice to young coaches & being intentional with time48:00 – Outro & Resources

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💥 Like, subscribe, and share if you’re serious about building better defenses.

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, Kyle sits down with Coach Clayton Cason, Defensive Coordinator at Mandarin High School, to talk all things defensive line play. Coach Cason dives deep into his core teaching progressions, how he builds violence into strike technique, and how Mandarin teaches their D-linemen to dominate one-on-one matchups. From laws of D-line play to dealing with double teams and striking like Simba, this is a clinic episode you’ll want to take notes on!

🔔 Subscribe for more clinic-style deep dives: www.boarddrill.com🎧 Follow us on Twitter/X: @BoardDrill📱 TikTok: @BoardDrill

⏱️ Timestamps

0:00 – Intro & Coach Cason joins the show1:15 – The Laws of Playing for Coach Cason2:45 – Alignment, Key, Assignment + “Six Seconds of Hell”4:40 – Strike & Separate Philosophy6:30 – Creating "Steel Beams" & Being the Train, Not the Tracks8:10 – Do Your Job: Belichick-ian Buy-In10:00 – Teaching the 3 Modes: Knockback, Playmaker, GTA13:00 – Eye Discipline and the “Call of Duty Scope” Visual15:20 – Game Situations and Cues17:00 – Strike Technique Breakdown20:00 – “Force the Flinch” Drill & Coaching Cues25:00 – Visual Aids: Simba, Crocodile, and Shoulder Pad Targeting30:00 – Offseason Violence & Reps Matter32:10 – Teaching Separation and Playing Gap & a Half34:30 – Popsicle Pad, Power Scoot, and Elbow Lockouts37:00 – Shedding to Make Plays and Controlling the LOS41:00 – Reach & Gather Footwork for Run Fits44:00 – Power Scoot Technique for Long Armed Ends46:30 – Block Recognition & Simplified D-Line Rules49:00 – Double Teams: “Have You Ever Been Jumped?” Analogy52:00 – Strike, Long Arm, and Split the Double54:00 – Coach Cason’s Favorite Visuals & Inside Shade Philosophy56:30 – Teaching Every Technique the Same Regardless of Front1:00:00 – Final Thoughts on Simplifying for Violence and Results

Welcome back to another episode of The Board Drill Podcast! In this episode, Kyle sits down with Coach Tyler Richins, head coach at Sugar-Salem HS in Idaho, to take a deep dive into the Wing-T's inside run game—specifically belly, trap, and iso variations that don’t always get the spotlight.

If you've ever been gashed by a team in the Wing-T or are looking to evolve your own scheme with more physicality inside, this one is packed with actionable insight.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on Twitter/X, TikTok, and BoardDrill.com for weekly clinic content, scheme breakdowns, and more!

⏱️ Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro & Matt Update

0:48 – Welcome Coach Tyler Richins (Sugar-Salem HS)

2:15 – Philosophy of offense: balance, deception & QB development

5:10 – Trap as the base play & what happens when teams stop it

7:00 – Belly becomes the answer: when and why they leaned in

8:15 – Belly vs. Trap: how it hits different

10:30 – Blocking belly inside: gap rules, cross calls, violence

14:40 – Coaching communication across the OL & dummy calls

17:30 – Fold vs. Crash vs. Cross: play tags against odd & even fronts

22:00 – Belly pass: sequencing and play action from under center

24:45 – Personnel advantages with the Wing-T

27:20 – Teaching pullers without zone rules

30:50 – Scouting & attacking based on front alignment

35:30 – Defending the Wing-T: what stresses defenses the most

38:00 – Teaching cues vs. 3-3 Stack & aggressive linebackers

42:45 – State semifinal call: belly with trade motion

47:10 – Final shoutout to Sugar-Salem’s staff & community

48:15 – Outro + BoardDrill.com updates

🔗 Want more film & coaching resources? Check out BoardDrill.com

🐦 Follow us on Twitter/X @BoardDrill and TikTok @BoardDrill

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In this episode, Coach Eric Tilson from North Green High School joins us to break down Pull Rules in gap scheme football. We dive into the evolution of his run game philosophy, including the origins of his pin-and-pull system, coaching points for OL execution, and how these rules have shaped his identity as a play-caller. Coach Tilson brings real-world game stories, clinic-level detail, and practical insights that any coach running gap schemes will appreciate.

Whether you're a young OL coach, a veteran play-caller, or just a football junkie, this one is packed with teach tape moments. Subscribe, drop a like, and join us at theboarddrill.com for more content like this!

🛠️ Topics Covered:

* History of Pull Rules & Pin-and-Pull Install

* Mistakes that led to system evolution

* Teaching leverage vs. alignment

* Real-game breakdowns (including a wild 4th & 9 story)

* Coaching OL to “play rules, not plays”

* Application of Pull Rules across multiple formations

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro: Welcome & Episode Overview01:08 – Coach Tilson explains "Pull Rules" & gap scheme identity02:27 – The birth of the Pin-and-Pull at Ferrum College03:23 – 4th & 9 story: QB calls wrong play, still hits for 9.2 yards04:16 – Taking Pull Rules everywhere: why they became foundational05:30 – The structure behind Tilson’s ruleset07:12 – Teaching vs. Even and Odd fronts08:05 – “We don’t block people—we block rules”09:40 – OL alignment tips and communication keys11:00 – Rules vs. Techniques: when kids get it12:34 – Working against movement fronts13:45 – Adjusting to defensive stunts without overhauling the system15:10 – Incorporating tight ends & condensed formations16:48 – Why the system thrives with undersized linemen18:12 – Live examples from recent film cut-ups20:05 – Questions from Twitter: Using Pull Rules in RPOs21:34 – Final thoughts: identity, buy-in, and consistency

💬 Drop your questions and feedback in the comments, or tag us on Twitter @theboarddrill to keep the conversation going!

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your football content.

Welcome back to The Board Drill Podcast! In this episode, Coach Kyle sits down with Coach Jacob Boldin — Run Game Coordinator and OL Coach at Cambridge High School (GA) — to talk all things practice efficiency, building culture, coaching growth, and samurai-level discipline. Whether you're an aspiring young coach or a vet looking to sharpen your edge, this one’s packed with actionable insight.

💡 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out boarddrill.com for weekly football articles and podcast episodes.

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro & Story Behind “The Board Drill”

01:31 - The Importance of Practice Efficiency

02:20 - Coach Boldin’s Mentorship Under Tommy Watson

03:15 - How Samurai Culture Shaped Boldin’s Coaching Philosophy

06:45 - Using Studies & Books to Inspire Practice Culture

08:50 - Building Toughness with Competitive Practice Structure

12:10 - Why Film Review is Crucial for Player Buy-In

14:40 - Managing Reps for Starters vs. Backups

16:55 - Coaching the Offensive Line with Clarity & Precision

19:30 - How to Prepare for Game Week: Monday Through Thursday

23:00 - What Makes Great Teams “Efficient” in Practice

25:20 - Speed vs. Efficiency: Why Less Can Be More

28:10 - Coach’s Thoughts on Culture Killers in a Program

30:40 - Using “Buzzwords” and Themes for Weekly Focus

33:20 - Tips for Young Coaches Getting Into the Game

35:55 - Offseason Planning: When Does It Start and What Does It Look Like?

38:45 - Final Thoughts & Favorite Samurai Quotes

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and more

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YouTube: @TheBoardDrill

In this episode of The Board Drill Podcast, Kyle and Matt sit down with Coach Dan Gonzalez—former Texas Longhorn WR and creator of ReadAndShoot.com—for an absolute masterclass in offensive game planning. Coach Gonzalez breaks down his unique "axiom-based" approach to game plans, showing how to streamline your weekly install, maximize practice reps, and make smarter play calls under pressure.

Learn how to make each play on your call sheet earn its spot, use your personnel more effectively, and avoid paralysis on game day. Whether you're a high school OC or just a football junkie, this episode is packed with insights you'll use immediately.

Like this video if you got value

Subscribe for more film room gold

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Visit: www.boarddrill.com

Topics covered:

The 5 offensive axioms that guide Coach Gonzalez's weekly plan

Organizing call sheets based on practice reps and situational data

Stubbie coverage beaters and vertical game secrets

Creating explosive plays without superstar talent

Advice for young coaches on staff collaboration and culture

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro: How Coach Gonzalez joined the pod

03:00 - Matt hops on with life updates (wedding + surgery)

04:00 - What are “Offensive Axioms”?

06:30 - Defining schematic truths in offensive football

08:50 - Earning the right to be in the game plan

12:00 - Breaking down game situations by frequency

16:00 - Data-driven play sheet design

18:30 - Limiting reps, maximizing install efficiency

21:00 - “Bank” plays and weekly carryovers

23:30 - Defending a dominant 3-tech – how to build your plan

28:00 - Matching calls to defensive personnel weaknesses

32:00 - Bringing staff into the axiom discussion

36:00 - Play card layout and focusing under pressure

42:00 - Stretch play families + how to layer RPO answers

44:30 - Ram reads, QB coaching points, and route tagging

48:00 - Getting outside the nickel & leveraging bunch

51:00 - Creating high % explosives vs Cover 4/quarters

53:15 - Stubby beaters: attacking coverage leverage

56:30 - Adjusting vertical route landmarks for better hits

59:00 - Wrapping up the plan: balance, intention, and reps

1:03:40 - Final reflections on game-day focus

1:04:40 - Coach Gonzalez’s Mac Brown story & final thoughts

1:09:00 - Advice for young coaches on building relationships