FTT 10 - Dr. Chris Carr on Mental Skills, Peak Performance and the Power of a Rewind

FTT 14 - Matt Mayberry on Presence Over Perfection, High Performance Culture & the Power of 1% Moments

In this episode of Four Thumb Tacks, we sit down with Matt Mayberry — former All-Big Ten and NFL linebacker turned best-selling author, speaker, and leadership consultant. We cover: * How football develops mental toughness and resilience * Why presence over perfection leads to better performance and growth * The power of focusing on the 1% moments each day * What it really means to keep coming back through adversity * Why belief must come before behavior and outcomes * How coaches can build connection, trust, and culture * Using football as a vehicle to develop leaders, not just players This episode is packed with practical insight for coaches, players, and leaders looking to improve how they show up, maximize daily moments, and build sustainable performance. To learn more about CoachTree visit coachtree.us or email us at football@coachtree.us.

FTT 13 - Dr. Bobby Low on Mental Performance, Habits of Elite Athletes & Competing in Big Moments

Dr. Bobby Low serves as Assistant Athletic Director of Mental Performance at BYU. In addition to his work with BYU, Dr. Low is the founder of MOTYV8 Mental Training App and author of "Wiring Intelligence." We talk: * Why mental training matters * Foundational skills for every athlete or program * Practical tools coaches can apply and accessible mental training for all levels * Performing in big moments To learn more about Dr. Low's work, visit: motyv8.com [www.motyv8.com] If you like our content, please like, rate and subscribe - it helps grow the CoachTree community. To learn. more visit coachtree.us [www.coachtree.us] or email at football@coachtree.us [football@coachtree.us].

FTT 12 - Darrin Fisher on Program Building, Growth Mindset and the Fly Sweep

In this episode of Four Thumbtacks, Brad and Billy sit down with Whiteland (IN) Head Coach Darrin Fisher, a 30+ year veteran who has spent the last 21 seasons building one of Indiana’s most consistent programs. Coach Fisher shares how he thinks about what actually wins in today’s game: the seven core stats he tracks, why explosive plays have changed the equation, and how concepts like turnover margin, red zone efficiency, and “starting fast” really show up on Friday nights. He explains how Whiteland’s practice structure and how a daily “1–0” plan keep the program anchored in physicality, ball security, and fundamentals. You’ll also hear the origin story of his allegiance to the Fly Sweep —how an I-formation coach in 1999 ended up in Salem, Oregon learning from Mark Speckman, joined a tight-knit “Fly Club” of coaches across the country, and eventually built his complete offensive system around these concepts. Along the way, Fisher opens up on: * The evolution of high school football and why big plays now trump some traditional metrics * How Whiteland structures a practice week * Using film and analytics to correct, teach, and move on from wins and losses * The heartbreak of coaching, the joy of relationships, and why football players are “a special breed” * His best advice for young coaches: find a system, commit to it, and stop aimlessly chasing the newest scheme Whether you’re a high school coach, play caller, or just love the craft of building a program, this conversation is packed with practical ideas, and veteran wisdom that can be applied at any level. To learn more about CoachTree, email us at football@coachtree.us.

FTT 11 - Brett Dietz on Culture, QB Run RPO, and Grit Equity

Brett Dietz, Head Football Coach at DePauw University, joins Four Thumb Tacks to talk football, leadership, and the lessons learned from a life immersed in the game. A former four-sport college athlete and professional QB in Europe and the Arena League, Coach Dietz brings a unique perspective on how experience shapes coaching style. We dive into: * Building a championship culture at DePauw * The concept of "raising the floor" vs just raising the ceiling * Coaching through COVID and the impact on team identity * Grit equity, player development, and surrounding yourself with the right people * Installing and evolving the QB Run RPO with practical, game-ready insights for high school and college coaches Coach Dietz also shares stories from recruiting, arena football, and the storied Monon Bell rivalry—and wraps up with a rapid-fire 2-minute drill. Rate, review, and follow the show—your support helps us bring more coaches into the conversation. 🔗 Links: * Learn more at: coachtree.us [http://coachtree.us] * Follow us on X, Instagram, & Facebook: @TeamCoachTree * Questions or feedback? Email us: football@coachtree.us

FTT 10 - Dr. Chris Carr on Mental Skills, Peak Performance and the Power of a Rewind

Dr. Chris Carr, Director of Performance Psychology for the Green Bay Packers, joins us to explore the mental side of football. From rewiring mindset after a drop to game day focus, he shares lessons from decades with elite athletes and coaches. Key topics: * Building mental routines * Rewind & re-record technique * Preparing under pressure * Supporting player wellness * Coaching through the grind To learn more about CoachTree visit www.coachtree.us, or email at football@coachtree.us