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.

James from Umatilla sent the following question:

I play a lineman position. Does height matter?

Hi James,

Most coaches will look for taller players to play the two offensive tackle positions, but height is not essential. The closer you get to the ball, guard and center, height is less and less of a consideration.

Technique, body control, explosion, leverage, knowledge of assignments and determination are much more important than height even at the offensive line positions. Coach Tom Bass.

Joe from San Diego sent the following question:

I play d-line and always get through the line quickly but I miss tackles because I get faked and take bad pursuit angles... what should I do?

Hi Joe,

As you must realize merely getting through the line is only part of the job for a defensive lineman. Once you are through the line, you need to recognize the play, identify the ball carrier, and move to be in on the tackle.

To accomplish all of this you need to learn to come under control, shorten your stride, widen your base and make certain your knees are bent to lower your hips and that you not bending forward at your waist. Keep your back straight, head up, and eyes open so that you can easily move forward or to your right or left.

If you are on the offensive side of the line of scrimmage, you need to flatten down the line toward the sideline as you start your pursuit. At the C Gap (gap between the tackle and tight end) you need to adjust your path to go back across the line of scrimmage to the defensive side of the ball angling toward the sideline. As you move to the outside you want to take an angle path where you never run in the footsteps of a fellow defensive player.

Work on moving across the line, breaking down, and then moving quickly to either your right or left. Coach Tom Bass.

Devon from West Bloomfield, Michigan sent the following question:

Hey coach I am a sophomore going into my junior year of high school. I am transferring schools and they run a spread offense. I just wanted to know is there anything I can read up on to get a little advantage on the spread offense since I am so used to the pro style offense.

Hi Devon. There is not any one book that I can recommend for you to read because there are a number of variations being used by different coaches running the "spread" offense.

My suggestion to you would be to speak to your coach, see what he recommends and ask for his advice about making the shift from a pro to a spread offense.

You will find that many of the techniques used to play in a pro offense will often be compatible and functional in a spread offense. I really do not think that you will have too much of an adjustment in making the switch. Coach Tom Bass.

Tyler from Colorado Springs sent the following question:

Coach I am going into 9th grade and want to be a WR but I need a little more work on my catching, agility, endurance and a little on going into my routes at full speed. Are there any drills I could do to help me with those things?

Hi Tyler,

You can always practice throwing a tennis ball up against a wall, having it come back at different heights and angles and catch the ball in both hands. The wider the angle, the more you will need to move quickly to your right or left and this can help with your agility.

You need to start distance running, gradually at the beginning, then longer as the weeks go by to prepare for fall practice and to build up your endurance.

One way to run routes at full speed is to change direction by leaning your upper body in the direction you want to go, rolling over the foot on that side and allowing your opposite foot to naturally follow your upper body. This technique allows you to keep your momentum and to always keep your hips directly over your feet.

If you have the opportunity to have someone throw to you, you can practice running routes, having your hands in the correct position to make the catch, secure the ball, and run up the field. Coach Tom Bass.

Joshua from Ohio sent the following question:

Hello my name is Joshua. I haven't played football in a year and now I'm in high school and didn't even play my first year. I was wondering would that affect me in any way. Also I would like to know what position I should play. I always thought I could play running back and wide receiver. I weigh around a 140 pounds and I'm 5'10. I'm quick with my feet and can catch pretty well. I still would like to improve in all areas though.

Hi Joshua,

Football is like any other activity that you might just begin. Individuals who have been doing the activity, have experience in the activity, and have a basic knowledge of how to do the activity will naturally be ahead of a person just starting out.

In football it is the same. For a while you will be behind the players on the team who have experience. You will not know or understand the terminology, the drills, how the practice is conducted or what you are asked to do on each play on defense. That will change and get better with each practice and the more you study your assignments away from the field. Soon, with work, you will catch up.

I would rely on your coach to find the appropriate position for you on the team. You might start at WR or RB but be prepared to move to a different position if the coach feels it would be better for you and give you a greater chance for success. 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.