Playoff Football
November is here and with it come the high school football playoffs! The coming weeks will bring excitement, intensity, and lasting memories to teams and communities. There is nothing quite like it!
As the season heads to a climactic end, teams will be battling to the finish line in the coming weeks. It is truly one of the most exciting times of the year and I wish all of you the best of luck as your teams enter the playoffs!
This edition of the Playbook includes:
Thoughts on coaching during the playoffs
Part II in a series with former Oregon State and 8 year NFL QB Sean Mannion providing insight into key things he has learned about both playing and coaching quarterbacks
How to handle season’s end
Game Ball Video: Make every play count
I am excited to publish this 8th edition of the monthly Playbook! I appreciate all your support and readership each month. I am truly enjoying the process of trying to put together content and useful resources, and being able to interact with so many of you. All previous editions with all articles and videos are archived and available to paying subscribers. I encourage you to subscribe for $5/month using the subscribe button found a bit further down in the Playbook. I will continue to do my best to make this a positive and useful resource for all of you!
o JM
Coaching in the Playoffs
Playoff season in high school marks a great time of year! Seasons are changing, teams have experienced the thrill of victory and possibly the agony of defeat, adversity and challenges have been faced, all getting us to a point where only the best teams are still playing. I have been fortunate to coach in nearly 60 playoff games since 1991, some resulting in championships and others bringing an abrupt end to our season. Regardless, I have come to believe that the dynamics of the playoffs are different than the regular season and I would like to share those thoughts.
The first thing I tell my team is that we are guaranteed one more week of football, that is it. We should embrace the entire week of practice leading up to the game as it is all we are certain of. There seems to be a heightened sense of urgency in the playoffs and I have often found a greater appreciation among the players as they realize either our season or our opponent’s season will be ending on Friday night. One of my coaches at Mountainside, Jordy Romick, said it best “ you play for the right to keep playing together.” This can be a valuable message as so many good high school football teams build a uniquely special bond that goes so deep. Each team develops its own identity and chemistry, and I am grateful that so many of my teams have fought like heck to extend their season because they so value playing together.
Another message I give to our team during the playoffs is that everyone we will play is a good team and that at this point, all teams are capable of ending our season. The margin of error is much smaller and everything is magnified in a playoff game. I don’t tell them this to make the players nervous rather to reinforce the idea that every play can be the one that determines the outcome and you never know when the big play is going to happen. Last season, our first round playoff game was played in a heavy downpour, on our first offensive play from scrimmage, our offensive line created a great hole and our back took it 60 yards for a TD. That single play set the tone for the rest of the game against a tough team and was pivotal to us winning and advancing. I believe it is important as a coach to strike a balance of explaining the urgency of each play while wanting your team to play free and not fearful of making a mistake. You have to model this as a coach and your demeanor should be relaxed yet focused. Practices should be shorter, you have been doing this for months now so keep them fresh and ready to play their best football on game night.
I also explain to our team that our opponent will make a run at us at some point and it is critical to withstand the good plays that they will undoubtedly have. In order to minimize any “run” by your opponent, your players need to be hyper focused on the next play. Playoff football is about playing your best but also being resilient throughout the game. It is a 48 minute game so your team needs the mindset of taking it one play at a time. Good plays or even long stretches of the game by your opponent cannot put you on your heels or create doubt. Each play determines the next and momentum can shift dramatically. In 2005, our Foothill team was playing in the second round against a team that had defeated us in league play. Right before half they were up by 7 and lining up for field goal. Instead of kicking it, they ran a fake which we intercepted and turned into a pick 6. We won that game going away. In 2019, our Mountainside team fell behind 24 – 7 early in the third quarter of our second round playoff game, only to rally back and win in overtime. These outcomes would not have been possible had our teams not fought and scrapped even when things were not going our way. I truly believe this mentality is essential when competing in the playoffs!
As playoffs season begins, I wish you and your teams good luck as you enter this exciting time of year. I encourage you to enjoy it and embrace the challenge……I hope your seasons extend deep in November and beyond! Good luck!
Part II in an Interview with 8 year NFL QB Sean Mannion discussing advice for young QB’s, building the confidence of a struggling QB, thoughts on what to teach first, as well his favorite memories of playing QB
Sean Mannion played quarterback at Oregon State from 2010-2014 and spent the past 8 seasons in the NFL with the Rams (4 years), Vikings (3 years), and Seahawks (1 year). He has played under many excellent coaches including Mike Riley, Sean McVay, Gary Kubiak, and Pete Carroll. This is the second in a 2-part series in which Sean discusses all aspects of playing the position. Last month Sean discussed important characteristics for a quarterback, keys to developing accuracy, as well as the importance of leadership from your QB. Thank you for sharing your wisdom Sean!
Question: What would you tell a young HS quarterback who has the talent and desire to play the position?
SM: I would say enjoy it and understand QB is the hardest position in sports and expect and be ready for it to not always be perfect. But know if you keep working at it, spending time with your teammates, being a great leader for your team, it will be a really great experience. You also need to have resolve because every QB will have hard games or practices.
If you are passionate about playing QB, it takes a lot of hours spent on the field, a lot of hours watching and studying football, learning more about the position and the game itself. It is a long journey to reach your goals and don’t let speed bumps deter you because it is not going to happen overnight.
Question: If you were talking to a HS coach what can they do to help a HS QB who is struggling? What is a way to help a guy who got off to a tough start in a game or whose confidence is low?
SM: I would say to first reduce the volume of your game plan. If he is struggling with arm strength or accuracy, I would look for his easiest throws within your offense. You need to gauge his most comfortable throws and concepts. This might mean taking a backseat to trying to scheme a defense but rather ease your QB back to confidence. Coaches from Bill Walsh to Sean McVay believe in having opening plays scripted and those should be heavy with plays he is comfortable with.