FOOTBALL COACHES KNOW great special teams plays can change the tenor of a game. That’s a good reason to make sure that special teams include your best players.
Dan McCarney, head football coach at Iowa State University, credits this concept with making a big contribution to the Cyclones turn-around 2000 season.
McCarney, who led the Cyclones to a 9-3 overall record and an Insight.com Bowl win over Pittsburgh, shared his staff’s special team philosophy with attendees at a recent regional football clinic.
Philosophy
Î It’s not a question of being too good to play on special teams. It’s a question of being good enough to play.
Î Instead of being a liability that drags down an excellent offense and defense, our special teams will be an asset the sets the table for both sides of the ball.
Î Great teams consistently put their offense on the field in great field position, often through the result of a big play in the kicking game. Great teams do not place stress on their defense by backing them up against the goal line.
Î Our best players will be on special teams. If you are a winner, you will play.
McCarney says Iowa State also displays a special teams picture board in the locker room. Following each week’s game, pictures of individual special team players go up on the board for:
„ Making a big hit on a block or tackle.
„ Making a play on special teams that had a positive impact on field position or changes the momentum of the game.
„ Contributing on two or more special teams in the same game. Those players also receive a special “Hard Core” practice jersey to wear during the week.