I try not to put a lot of emphasis on 7 on 7 as it is not a real benchmark of team ability. Often times a team can look really good in shirt/shorts and struggle once the pads are on. However, there is a team that was playing last night with a new quarterback (last seasons starter graduated) who threw over 7 picks, and he just looked lost. This team is not known for it's depth, so maybe the coffer is dry in terms of QB. I am under the impression you mold your playbook to fit your personnel, and a run first option may best suit this team moving forward. They have been using a hurry up shotgun spread offense. I understand struggles, and it is early with a lot of practices left. I am just curious as to how long you try to put a square peg into a round hole. Thought I would entertain other thoughts or ideas
Coaching Question
- Thread starter newleather
- Start date
7v7 is a great time to play around with your offense and see what people are capable of. And a lot of good coaches use it as much for defense as offense.
I'm a firm believer that the most important trait for a qb is leadership. He might not be able to throw from a boat into the water, but he needs to be a great natural leader. I've see kids with rocket arms who didn't have the stuff to play qb.
On the high school level you have to cook with what is in the kitchen. You don't get to recruit. So maybe that is the best option that team has available.
I'm a firm believer that the most important trait for a qb is leadership. He might not be able to throw from a boat into the water, but he needs to be a great natural leader. I've see kids with rocket arms who didn't have the stuff to play qb.
On the high school level you have to cook with what is in the kitchen. You don't get to recruit. So maybe that is the best option that team has available.
The issue that normally happens at this level is that a team may only have a handful of solid players. The next man up principle is a tough sell due to ability or inability as you mentioned here. My guess is the coach is trying to see what he has at this point and will be adjusting as the summer rolls on. Most of the time when you replace a senior QB there is a drop off in skill level. If the struggles continue a different QB may take the wheel or if there is no options then a change in offense will be the last resort. The success of run first teams showed last year, but those offensive styles take time to build and is not an instant fix.
Also, I would have to think that a lot of teams are missing key players due to spring sports. Lots of skill players are doing track and baseball. Summer 7v7 will be a better gauge of things.
Being a triple option offense, 7 on 7 isn't the highest priority for what we do offensively. As you mention though, it's a great tool for our defensive back 7. We can work different coverages and most importantly, you can get a feel for which guys can effectively communicate, alter calls and execute their coverage.
Your thought on QB leadership is also spot on. Things will be much different with pads and lineman blocking for you and chasing you. However, you can get a feel for a QB's confidence, leadership, poise and understanding of what he see's defensively, how he responds to adversity. Most importantly, I like to see how our guys compete. When we get down, being that we aren't known to throw our way back into a game, can we do that in a 7 on 7 setting? will we quit? will we fight to the end?
7 on 7 isn't close to Friday nights but a lot can be learned from players and coaches perspective and I personally value 7 on 7 as a coach.
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