Trenchometry

#35: Tony Shiffman: I'm a Ground Up Type of Guy

In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne welcomes Coach Tony Schiffman, an experienced offensive line coach with a rich background in football. They delve into the intricacies of coaching offensive linemen, discussing the importance of foundational skills like stance and starts, and the significance of muscle memory in executing plays effectively. Coach Schiffman shares his journey from aspiring player personnel to becoming a dedicated coach, emphasizing the lessons learned from various coaching positions across the country. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and adaptations required in different regions of the U.S. regarding football styles and strategies. As they explore coaching philosophies, Coach Schiffman reveals his preference for simplicity in drills, focusing on a few key techniques to ensure players master their skills. He discusses the importance of film study in improving player performance and the value of creating a supportive team environment. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion about the camaraderie and humor found within offensive line rooms, showcasing the character and bond that develops among players. Coach Schiffman also introduces his new podcast, "False Start," where he analyzes football movies from a coach's perspective, adding a fun twist to the serious world of football coaching. Keywords offensive line, football coaching, coaching philosophy, stance and starts, football drills, film study, high school football, coaching journey, football podcast, Trenchometry Takeaways "You master the trenches, you win the war." "I'm a ground up kind of guy, so I'm always going to do stance and starts first." "I want you to have tools for your tool belt." "You can't have a different stance for a run play or a pass play." "I'd rather practice one kick a thousand times than try to be a drill guy." "There's zero value in blocking an inanimate object." "You have to take it as much as you can dish it out." "The best part about the offensive line room is the camaraderie and humor." "If it didn't work Wednesday, it was off." "You have to know when you make a mistake how you can fix it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Offensive Line Play 01:06 Coach Schiffman's Journey into Coaching 04:09 Differences in Football Styles Across Regions 09:29 Foundational Skills: Stance and Starts 15:04 Contact Techniques: Striking and Blocking 25:43 Pass Protection Techniques 27:46 The Importance of Film Analysis 33:26 Scripting and Game Preparation 33:55 The Art of Play Calling 39:29 Drills and Techniques for Success 43:59 The Shift to Gap Schemes 48:08 The Humor of the Offensive Line Room 53:28 Musical Motivations and Personal Touches 57:43 Looking Ahead: New Projects and Podcasts

#34: Andy Hertlein: From the First Base Bag to the Right Guard Gap

On this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne dives deep into the "chess at light speed" world of offensive line play with Indiana State’s own Andy Hertlein. A former standout from Parkway South (Missouri) and a multi-sport athlete, Andy shares his journey from the baseball diamond to the Division I trenches. We explore the technical and mental hurdles of transitioning from center to guard, the reality of the transfer portal, and what it takes to earn a starting spot in a high-tempo, no-huddle offense. IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: * The Position Swap: The steep learning curve of mastering "pulls" and adjusting footwork when moving from center to right guard. * Football vs. Baseball: Why a 295lb first baseman decided to hang up the cleats and embrace the "pure violence" of the gridiron. * Spring Ball Realities: How Andy bounced back from a "cloudy" first day of practice to dominate his reps and climb the depth chart. * The ISU Culture: Navigating the transfer portal era and building genuine brotherhood within the Fighting Sycamores’ locker room. * Special Teams Grind: The unsung role of the "boundary guard" on PAT and field goal units. "You master the trench, you win the war." ---------------------------------------- Enjoying the show? * Subscribe for more deep dives into the most undervalued position in football. * Drop a comment: What’s the hardest transition for an O-lineman—moving from Tackle to Guard or Center to Guard? Key topics * Position transition from center to guard * Spring ball experience and team culture * Technical aspects of offensive line play * Mental approach to practice and games * Balancing academics and athletics Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trenchometry and Offensive Line Dynamics 02:44 Spring Ball Experience and Position Transition 05:54 Challenges of Playing Offensive Line 08:46 Adjusting to College Football Speed and Technique 11:50 The Shift from Baseball to Football 14:43 Building Relationships in a Changing Team Environment 17:36 Depth Chart Dynamics and Competition 20:39 Practice Insights and Team Culture 23:48 Special Teams Responsibilities and Drills 26:43 Drills and Techniques in Offensive Line Practice 30:04 The Art of Timing Your Punch 35:05 Understanding Arm Length and Technique 39:21 Transitioning to College Football 45:37 Life in the Dorms vs. Off-Campus Living 50:35 Game Day Rituals and Focus 54:14 Finding Your Home in College Football #Trenchometry #OffensiveLine #IndianaState #Sycamores #CollegeFootball #O-LineLife

#33 Dustin Simmons: Start it Simple, Keep it Simple, Reap the Rewards

Summary In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne speaks with Dustin Simmons, a former first responder turned youth football coach, about the intricacies of coaching young athletes, particularly in offensive line play. They discuss the challenges of building a competitive team, the importance of simplifying techniques and play calls, and the role of parents in youth sports. Simmons shares insights from his experience coaching a U-10 team that competed in the FBU National Championship Series, emphasizing the need for confidence, work ethic, and effective communication in developing young players. The conversation also touches on the significance of pre-game rituals and the joy of coaching youth football. Takeaways Offensive line play is crucial for success in football. Building a competitive team involves navigating political aspects. Coaching youth football requires simplifying techniques and language. Parents play a significant role in youth sports dynamics. Confidence and work ethic are essential for young athletes. Injury risk is a reality in youth football. Effective communication is key to coaching young players. Creating a fun and engaging environment helps maintain attention. Pre-game rituals can energize and motivate players. Coaching is about impacting young lives positively. Chapters 00:00 Mastering the Trenches: The Importance of Offensive Line Play 01:22 Building a Championship Team: The Journey to Naples 07:14 Haka Dance and Team Spirit: Motivating Young Athletes 09:06 Coaching Philosophy: Balancing Fatherhood and Coaching 11:37 Techniques and Priorities: Maximizing Limited Practice Time 17:09 Developing Skills: Teaching Youth Football Fundamentals 22:47 Overcoming Challenges: Coaching Young Athletes 27:54 Building Confidence: The Key to Youth Football Success 31:32 Building Work Ethic and Confidence in Youth Sports 33:12 The Role of Adversity in Sports 34:45 Parental Influence on Youth Sports 36:29 The Reality of Making It in Sports 40:10 The Importance of Letting Kids Play 41:39 Engaging Young Athletes in Practice 45:34 The Joy of Coaching and Mentoring 51:49 The Fun and Challenges of Coaching Kids 55:44 The Power of Music in Sports Motivation 59:27 Creating Competitive Opportunities for Youth Keywords offensive line, youth football, coaching, FBU, team building, football techniques, parent involvement, player development, confidence, work ethic

#32 Cody McDaniel: A Scoop of Stance & A Heap of Violence

Summary In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne and guest Cody McDaniel delve into the intricacies of offensive line play in football. They discuss foundational training techniques, the importance of stance and body movement, and the various drills that help develop young offensive linemen. McDaniel shares insights on coaching philosophy, the significance of communication within the team, and personal anecdotes that highlight the bond between players and coaches. The conversation also touches on the creation of a comprehensive journal for offensive linemen to track their training and nutrition, emphasizing the holistic development of players both on and off the field. Takeaways * Offensive line play is crucial for winning games. * Establishing a strong stance is foundational for offensive linemen. * Drills should focus on body movement and power angles. * Coaches must adapt techniques to individual players' body types. * Repetition and consistency are key to mastering skills. * Communication among offensive linemen enhances performance. * Understanding the mental aspect of the game is vital. * Players should be encouraged to self-correct during games. * A comprehensive journal can help organize training and nutrition. * Building a strong team culture is essential for success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Offensive Line Play 02:59 Foundational Skills for Offensive Linemen 05:54 Drills and Techniques for Development 09:00 The Importance of Stance and Body Movement 12:05 Pass Protection Fundamentals 14:43 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics 17:54 Advanced Techniques in Pass Blocking 25:10 Coaching Beyond the Game 27:57 Developing Young Athletes 30:33 Run Blocking Fundamentals 35:16 Creating Space in Blocking 39:17 Maximizing Practice Efficiency 41:11 Adapting Play Calls 48:59 Building a Flexible Offense 51:35 Building Relationships with Players 53:52 Coaching Philosophy and Game Strategy 57:11 Play Calling and Game Preparation 01:01:03 The Importance of Player Well-being 01:01:58 Humor and Team Bonding in Coaching 01:08:15 Music and Mindset: Player vs. Coach 01:11:29 Developing a Comprehensive Coaching Resource Keywords offensive line, football coaching, training techniques, run blocking, pass protection, coaching philosophy, player development, team dynamics, drills, football fundamentals

#31 Jeff Berk: A Winning Combination- Smart, Coachable, & Hall of Fame Influences

In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne speaks with Jeff Berk, an experienced offensive line coach and trainer. They discuss the intricacies of offensive line play, the influence of legendary coaches like Rick Trickett and Anthony Munoz, and the importance of mastering techniques such as stance, footwork, and double teaming. Berk shares personal anecdotes from his playing days and coaching experiences, emphasizing the significance of education and personal development in the lives of football players. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of coaching young athletes and the impact of football on their lives. Takeaways * Offensive line play is like chess at light speed. * Coach Rick Trickett's influence is profound and memorable. * Training with Anthony Munoz provided invaluable insights. * Transitioning from college to pro requires mastering techniques. * Stance and footwork are foundational for success. * Combining forces in double teaming is crucial for effective blocking. * Football teaches life lessons beyond the field. * Education is essential for athletes' future success. * The importance of mental toughness in football and life. * Every player has a place in college football, regardless of size. Keywords offensive line, football, coaching, training, Rick Trickett, Anthony Munoz, college football, pro football, techniques, player development