Coach Bass: First-Time Players - What to Expect

By Coach Tom Bass

I have received a number of questions from young players concerning what to expect when they go out for football for the first time. As a result, I wanted to share my thoughts and experiences about the very first year of high school football.

Anytime you do something for the first time, it is only natural to be a little apprehensive, and your first season of high school football is no different. Try to remember that you are not alone. Every player has approached the first year with many questions and few answers. The good news is that the fears disappear, and ultimately all your questions about the game are answered.

I can tell you I was worried as I was lined up waiting for my physical in a room filled with a lot of players that I did not know. The next step was being fitted and issued with my uniform. Today you may have your own physician give you a physical so that one step may be eliminated, but you will still need to try your pads and helmet on for the first time and make certain that they fit properly.

This was my ninth grade year, my first at Wilson Boro High School in Easton, Pennsylvania. I was going out for running back on a team that had some very good players. In the locker room, getting into my uniform for our first day of practice, I saw some very big people. I tried real hard not to think about running into one of these big guys or worse yet, having them run into me.

Soon we were all out on the field and lined up for stretching and calisthenics. The first day I wasn't sure what to do, but I watched the veteran players, and soon I was exercising just like everyone else. This may also happen to you in the beginning, but do not worry; you will soon catch on to what the coach wants you to do.

This is what you have to expect with every new technique, drill, offensive or defensive play that the coaches introduce you to during each practice. It is normal for any player to be confused each time a new technique, drill or play is added. The challenge is to stay positive, do not become discouraged, and understand that it all takes time to learn--the techniques, the assignments and the hitting.

One of the most important things for you to do during the first few days of practice is to pay attention and listen to everything your coach is telling you to do. You will learn the game much quicker, and many of your worries will disappear if you completely understand what the coach is asking you to do.

You can expect each practice to follow a set pattern beginning with stretching and calisthenics, and then an individual period where you will be separated by position and learn the techniques you need to play your position. The drills that you run during this time are extremely important to your development as a player, so you must do them at 100%. You may not get many repetitions in each drill so really concentrate on what the coach is teaching.

Next in the practice will usually be time for group work where a segment of the defense will go against a segment of the offense. This is still a time for working on individual technique, but now you must also think about working as part of the team and not just as an individual.

Your coach may have you work on some phase of the kicking game during this next period. It could be punt or punt return, kickoff or kickoff return or placekicking or kick block. Here you will once again be required to learn the proper technique and the assignment to do your job.

Following this period will come a team period where 11 offensive players will go against 11 defensive players. Here you will be working on the assignment for all 11 players on a play or defense. The emphasis will not only be on using the correct technique, but now you must mentally know what to do.

Often during this period, in order to focus on learning and avoid the contact, the plays may be run against defensive players holding blocking bags or the practice may be at a slower speed than you will find in a game. This would also be the period when the coach may want to see everyone going full speed in a scrimmage.

At the end of practice, you may have a conditioning period where the players will be required to run sprints in order to get in shape. This is the period for your will and determination to take over, when you have to force yourself to run as hard as you can, to push yourself to your limit.

I did not know when I finished that last sprint on my first day of practice that I would by lucky enough to start the season on the varsity. Of course I did not start for the offense, but I did start as a kick returner. Between you and me, I think the reason that I returned kicks so well was because I really did not want to be hit by a bunch of big opposing players.

The first practice, the first two-a-day, and the first week of practice are going to be hard and a real challenge for you. You will be sore and tired, but believe me it will get better. You will soon become comfortable with the practice schedule, know how to do every drill, understand what the coach is teaching you and know your assignment on every play. You will get to know the other players on the team; many will become your best friends, even though some of the stars may not talk to you that first year.

If your team has a spring or summer program, try to take part, become acquainted with the other players and coaches, learn some of the drills and most of all get yourself in the best physical condition that you can. Every year it will become easier. You will know that to expect, and you will look forward to the first day of practice in the fall.

To submit your question to Coach Bass, send an email to "Ask Coach Bass."

"Play Football The NFL Way" is the first Instructional Manual for Football Players and Coaches ever published by the NFL. It is the ultimate position-by-position guide of techniques and drills for Offense, Defense and Special Teams. Author Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

For a personalized autographed copy of "Play Football the NFL Way," plus information on Coach Bass Sport Maps--the new Official NFL Licensed Football Guides to watching, enjoying and understanding all the action on the field, for all fans--please visit www.CoachBass.com.

For information on Coach Bass' In-Depth Coaching Clinics, please visit Coach Bass' Clinics and Consultations.

Article originally published on April 10, 2002.

Copyright © Thomas L. Bass 2006. All rights reserved.