AT THE HIGH SCHOOL level, most coaches rely on videotapes to compile their scouting reports. This is definitely the most practical and convenient way to prepare for an opponent. What happens, however if a film exchange can’t be done or if the quality of a tape doesn’t provide all the necessary information? The head coach then must scout the upcoming opponent or delegate the responsibility to one of the assistant coaches.
Coaches all have their own systems for scouting based on the information they deem beneficial. The following lists some of the items that I look for in scouting the opposition. This information is based upon what my past head coaches have taught me and what I’ve learned over the years.
1. Arrive Early.
It’s always important to arrive early to a game, approximately 45 to 60 minutes before kickoff. During this time notes can be made about the size and speed of both teams, as well as getting the numbers of all the offensive, defensive and special teams starters.
If your team will be playing at the field where the game is scouted, notes can also be made about the condition of the field, as well as the press box. I’ve also found that it’s best to find a seat as high up in the stands as possible near midfield. Preferably the seat should be away from distractions such as a band.
2. Buy A Program.
Buying a program is a necessity. The program helps to identify the starters for this year and also enables the head coach to know which players will be returning in the future.
3. Offensive Checklist.
Make a checklist that asks critical questions regarding the opponent’s offense such as:
- What plays do they like to run in critical situations such as short yardage or near the goal line?
- Who are their playmakers? Note the talents of each player.
- What are their tendencies regarding where they run their plays. Do they run to the wide side or short side of the field? Do they run primarily to the right, left or middle of the field? Do they have certain linemen they run behind?
- What do they like to do best? What plays must be stopped in order to beat this team? Chart those plays.
- Who are their “go-to” guys? For instance, does the quarterback have a favorite receiver? Is there a running back who handles the ball a majority of the time, especially in key situations, such as at the end of the game.
- Identify key formations as well as substitutions. It’s best to chart these formations and make notes with regard to specific players who align in specific formations.
- Do they like to flip-flop linemen? If so, why? Do they flip-flop linemen to gain an advantage or to hide weaknesses?
- Note the primary routes (chart these) as well as the depth of the routes. Find out if the receivers run crisp, hard routes even when they don’t get the ball thrown to them.
- Identify and chart blitzes and stunts that the opposing defense uses. Determine which ones work best and check with the defensive coordinator to see if your defense can use the same ones.
- Chart the number of passes and runs called. Figure out too, how many of these are run to both the right and left sides.
4. Defensive CheckliST.
Make a checklist that asks critical questions regarding the opponent’s defense such as:
- What are their primary fronts? Do they change these fronts? (Diagram these fronts to indicate alignments).
- What types of blitzes and twists do they run? Are there primary downs or situations in which they run these? How did their opponent stop these blitzes and stunts?
- What are their primary coverages? Do these coverages change against motion and specific formations such as trips?
- What is the depth of the cornerbacks in their pre-snap alignment? Are they playing soft coverage or press coverage?
- Is there a defensive back that can be beaten in terms of height or by speed? Are there route that worked well against their secondary?
- How does their defense change both in short yardage situations as well as in the red zone? Were there play the opponent used that worked in these situations?
- What running plays worked well against them?
- Do they utilize nickel and dime packages?
- How do they tackle as a team? Identify the best tacklers and most-physical players, as well as the less-physical players.
- How hard do they pursue to the football? If they are an aggressive pursuing team, will plays such as counters and reverses be open?
5. Kickoff-Coverage Team.
Make a checklist that asks critical questions regarding the opponent’s kickoff coverage team such as:
- What is their primary alignment?
- Does the kicker kick the ball deep?
- Do they do any squib kicks or on-side kicks?
- Is the ball kicked primarily to the right, left or middle?
- Does the kicker kick with his right or left foot?
- Do players cross as they come down in their lanes?
- Are they aggressive coming down in their lanes?
- Do the players stay in their lanes?
- What type of return was used against them?
- What type of return should we use to exploit their weaknesses?
6. Kickoff-Return Team
- What are their primary alignments?
- Who are their deep returners? Is there a player we need to kick away from?
- What type of return(s) do they use?
- Do they use any trick plays such as reverses?
- Can they handle squib kicks?
- Can we execute an on-side kick against them?
- Where do the players align in terms of yard lines?
- Should we kick the ball in a certain direction on the field (right, left or middle) to negate big returns?
- How many yards do they get on their returns?
- Do they have a hands team in place for an end of game situation?
7. Punt-Coverage Team
- Does the punter kick with his right or left foot?
- Does the punter kick it deep?
- Does the long snapper snap the ball slowly or with velocity? Do his snaps reach the punter?
- What is their primary formation?
- Can we block one of their punts?
- Do they run any fakes? If so, what plays do they use and where on the field do they like to run these fakes from?
- Does the punter get a lot of height on his kicks?
- Do they quick kick?
- Is the punter able to place the ball inside the10-yard line on punts?
- Who is the primary gunner that sprints to the ball?
8. Punt-Return Team
- What is their primary alignment?
- Do they go after the block?
- What type(s) of returns do they use?
- Who are their returners?
- Do they press the gunners or double-team them?
- Do they run any twists or stunts when going after the punt block?
- Do they overload the front line to a certain side?
- Can we draw them offsides?
- If they set up wall returns, what side do they prefer to set up on?
- Can we run a fake against them? If so, where and with what plays?
9. Extra Point, Field
Goal And 2-Point Plays
- Do they have a reliable field-goal kicker? What is his kicking range?
- Do they go for the extra point or 2-point conversion after a touchdown?
- If they go for 2, what plays do they typically run?
- If they go for 2 by trying to pass, do they utilize pick routes?
- What are their alignments for field goal and extra points?
- Will they run fake field goals and extra-point plays? If so, what types of plays do they run? (Chart these).
- Who is the holder on their extra point and field-goal plays? Is this player a good ball handler such as the starting quarterback or a wide receiver?
- Where is the best place to go for a block on a field-goal or extra-point attempt?
- Does the long snapper reach the holder on his snaps? Does he have a lot of velocity on his snaps?
- Do they bring in different personnel for 2-point plays?
10. Other Things To Consider
- Is the team being scouted a heavily penalized team or are they disciplined?
- Are they a physical team in all areas?
- How do they respond to adversity?
- Do they tend to let down when they get ahead?
- Do they try to taunt and intimidate their opponents?
- Did they sustain any key injuries during the game?
- How do they signal in their offenses and defenses? Do they have specific signals for their offenses and defenses?
- How are they affected by inclement weather? Will bad weather force them to deviate from their original game plan?
- How will they adapt to the things we do offensively and defensively?
- Are there key matchups that can work in our favor or in their favor?
“Jimmys And Joes”
A friend of mine in coaching once told me “It’s not about the X’s and the O’s — it’s about the Jimmys and the Joes.” Consequently, I choose to focus more on personnel and team characteristics when scouting. However, there are many ways to scout an opponent, so each coach must determine what his team needs to know.
Contact Kevin Weigand by e-mail at: ktcw@comcast.net.