On today’s podcast, host Keith Grabowski shares a solution that he and his staff developed for getting better performance out of the scout team. Many coaches become frustrated with the look the scout team provides. These standards take the focus off the performance of the scout team and put it back on the first team. Specific standards allow practices to be measurable and feedback to both the scout team and first team to be clear.

:55 Time to establish habits

1:25 Getting a good look from the scout team is always a challenge. Oftentimes, coaches become frustrated with the scout team, but in truth, they may be giving all they can give.

1:50 Putting the focus on the first-team players and their effort and execution will pay bigger dividends than being frustrated with the scout team.

2:26 Focus shifts off the scout team. In some ways, this takes the pressure off of them, and indirectly, new measurables are created for them as well.

3:15. Every play scores. The habit being developed is finishing. The ball carrier or receiver keeps working until crossing the goal line.

4:04 No defender touches the running back for the first five yards. (If a scout player can touch the runner, a first-team player can tackle the runner). The emphasis is on both fit and finish for the offensive line.

4:48 On pass plays, no defender is within four yards of the quarterback, ever! This really forces the offensive line to move their feet and get in proper position.

5:20 On pass plays, every player runs toward the ball after it is released for at least five yards. This is just good football. Offensive players are finding work and are in position to make a big block, recover a fumble or get to the spot for the next play. Related: Find Work Drill

5:58 Route timing, spacing and separation are important aspects of the passing game. Chart the number of properly executed routes.

6:51 Most teams are concerned with tempo. A coach can count out loud on every snap to make everyone aware of the tempo. Chart the times and expect them to be within certain

parameters based on the desired tempo.

7:27 What to do if you don’t film practice

8:00 Make the measurables visible and put a daily emphasis on what the results mean for the performance and progress of the offense.

8:30 Put the chart in a place where everyone will see it. Be sure to make comments for the scout team and consider naming a scout team player of the day.

9:22 Setting initial standards

RELATED CONTENT: 

Check out our systems for skill development in blocking, defeating blocks and tackling at footballdevelopment.com

Follow us daily on Twitter for content and interaction @FBDevCoach

Check out X's and O's analysis at USA Football Blogs