Submit your question to Coach Bass.

Note: Coach Bass receives nearly 100 email questions every week from NFLHS.com visitors. Because Coach Bass tries to respond to every question, you may not see your question answered immediately.

Many NFLHS.com visitors have very similar questions. Before you submit a question, be sure to read Coach Bass' columns about getting faster and getting bigger.

Also, check out his columns about getting started in high school football, recently updated for the 2006 season.

Derrick from Glenoma, WA sent the following question:

I am 17 years old. I am not allowed to play football, so I want to be a coach. I read a lot of coaching books. My questions are: Do you have to have football experience to coach and what would be the best way for me to get into coaching?

Hi Derrick,

You really do not need playing experience to become a coach. You will need to begin to get experience coaching as soon as possible and one way is to volunteer to be an assistant coach for a youth league team. In this way you will have direction from someone who has coached, learn to prepare to be on the field and begin to gain the knowledge of what it is to teach players about the game.

It will also be important for you to continue your education by reading, studying, and attending football clinics in your area. Understand that it will take time to move up the coaching ladder, that it is important to establish a network within the coaching ranks, and if you would like a full time coaching position at the high school level you will need to graduate from college and most likely obtain a teaching credential as well.

Try to get out on the field as soon as you can so that you gain real coaching experience. Coach Tom Bass.

Justin from Burke sent the following question:

Hey Coach Bass, I was wondering if running consecutive stairs would be the same as running hills. I read on the RB list to become more explosive you need to run hills. I don't have hills but I have stairs. Thanks coach.

Hi Justin,

Running stadium stairs will give you the very same result. When possible many players prefer running on hills because it can be easier on your legs and you have the added advantage of turning and running down as quickly as possible forcing you to increase your foot speed.

If you do not have hills, you are right to make do with what you have to give you that explosion you need as a running back. Keep working hard and good luck next season. Coach Tom Bass.

Jonathan from Los Angeles sent the following question:

Hey Coach, I'm in 8th grade and I'm going to try out for my high school football JV team in about a month or so. I'm 5'10 and 153 lbs. and am planning on trying out for middle linebacker. I have no official team experience but I go to the park religiously every week for pick up games. The only thing I'm concerned about is if I'll make it or not. It's really freaking me out because there were a good 120 names on the tryout out sign up sheet. Should I be worrying about making it or getting cut? I'm pretty consistent with my tackles, and my friends say I'm really good but I'm not sure. Thanks in advance, Jonathan.

Hi Jonathan,

It sounds to me like you have the temperament to be a football player. You should never fear competition in any sport. It is important that you focus first on preparing yourself by running everyday, lifting (with adult supervision only) or doing sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups everyday so that when practice begins you will not become overly tired too quickly. Being in good condition will enable you to compete the entire practice session from the very first day.

Focus on getting better and not worrying about making the team during each practice. I want you to understand that every player has this worry and concern when they first begin to play football but as you become involved in the drills and go through practice you will find that your thoughts are more concentrated on learning techniques and assignments and not on being cut. Stay positive, prepare well, and make sure you have some fun. Coach Tom Bass.

Marquez from Memphis TN sent the following question:

Coach, I have one problem and that's nerves. How should I overcome this in my first game?

Hi Marquez,

Being nervous before a game is very normal and some players, even in the NFL, feel this way before a game. Players learn to find things to take their mind off of their nervousness and allow them to relax. Many will listen to music, some review their playbook, two or three may talk softly together, while others will simply close their eyes and allow their entire body to slow down.

The thing you need to understand is that after that first hit, the first contact, all that nervousness will disappear and you will be in your playing mode. Try to find your method of relaxation before the game begins and realize it is OK to be nervous prior to a game as long as you focus on the game once you get out on the field. Coach Tom Bass.

Jake from Gilbert sent the following question:

Hi, I'm 13 years old and I'm playing for a Pee Wee League. Two years ago my coach decided to try me at QB. My coaches said I did good and this last year I did even better. Because I have more experience than most players on our team and am the starting QB, I feel that I need to be a leader. Can you give me some advice on how to show leadership and be a smarter player on the field? Thanks for your time.

Hi Jake,

Most leaders on any sport team lead by example and not by yelling or shouting. They let their performance show the way for the other players on the team.

To be a leader you must be better prepared, mentally and physically, than your teammates every day that you take the field.

You need to be first on and last off the practice field. You need to offer positive encouragement to every player on the team regardless if they are playing first or last string. You need to stay positive even when the situation is tough.

Leadership cannot be given to any player it is something that must be earned by your performance and dedication and your willingness to do whatever it takes to make yourself and all your teammates understand the importance of playing as a team first and not separately as individuals. Coach Tom Bass.

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.

Copyright © Thomas L. Bass 2007. All rights reserved.