EVERY GOOD program must have a few known “staple” items that the coaching staff believes in and is committed to. As coaches, we must believe in what we do, understand why we do it and be able to teach it.
Our program’s “staples” include the wing-T offense, a 5-2 defense and a philosophy of playing a lot of kids. These staples are as evident in our recent state championship season as they were in our 1-8 season years ago.
In our program, each player suited up is going to play in every game. This happens through a rotation system that our staff has developed.
With only 28 varsity players, a traditional two-platoon system wasn’t realistic. When looking at players’ individual abilities — particularly at smaller schools — a significant variance can be seen from the first to the 22nd player.
We came up with a very simple rotation system that puts a good combination of players on the field, guarantees rest, provides playing opportunities and simplifies substitutions.
HOW IT EVOLVED
Coaches often struggle with removing their top players from the game. But we noticed times at the end of the half or game when a player who’d been on the field non-stop simply didn’t have anything more to give. If he’d been spelled in the first quarter, he would’ve had something left in the tank for an important drive or final series. That’s how this rotation system evolved — as a means to get the very most out of the top athletes.
The system is simple and is based on a two-platoon idea. In normal rotation, 16-20 kids are involved in rotations on offense and defense. Last season, 8 offensive linemen played in every game. All but one — the center — also played on the defensive line. Because of the constant rotations, you can feel confident playing these players on both sides of the ball because they are guaranteed rest.
HOW IT WORKS
The coaching staff meets to review each of the players and how to slot them. Let’s say that we have an outstanding player (Player A) who the offensive coordinator says he wants as a full-time offensive tackle. The defensive coordinator, might say, “Yes, but he’s also our best noseguard.” The reality is that this player can’t play both ways the entire game and survive. Despite his conditioning and best effort, he can’t be effective on each and every down on both sides of the ball.
So the next step is to determine the next-best athlete at the OT and NG position. Because the next-best athlete is the OT, coaches would decide that Player A would become a full-time defensive player, but also play one-third of the time on offense.
This analysis is done for each position, except for the center. Because the center plays full-time on offense, he won’t play on defense. Everyone else is fair game.
Setting up Rotations
It’s important to stagger player combinations so no dropoff occurs when you rotate. You don’t want to schedule two weaker players in the same area at one time. The whole purpose is not to have a first and second team.
Instead, we want to have a lot of 1.5s.
The rotation system allows us to “out-average” opponents over the course of the game. Because we’re introducing fresh players all the time, we expect to outperform the opponent as its top players wear themselves out.
Typically, there are six offensive series in a half. Coaches meet, lay out the depth charts and draw up the various rotations. Some players are scheduled to be on the field every other series, while others play every third series, etc.
One coach is responsible for calling out the series, such as “second-series offense.” The players all know when they are switching and with whom. As a result, the players are responsible for substitutions, not the coaches.
challenges
The hardest thing is to convince players — and their parents — that starting is not important. Some of the players who “start” the game might only play two series in a half —maybe the first and the fourth. Meanwhile, a top athlete may not “start,” but will play 4 out of the first 6 series. As coaches, we must get them to understand that being part of the team is what’s important.
Coaches must trust in the system, particularly when less talented players are on the field. It’s our job to make all players better, and good enough to survive on the field.
We do reserve the right to override the rotations if necessary, and did so in the state championship game. Players didn’t mind stepping aside to help achieve the goal.
Beyond guaranteeing rest so top players can be effective on every play, this system also motivates players who wouldn’t otherwise see many chances to play.
Kittel’s teams have qualified for the playoffs 6 times in his 11 years as head football coach at Brillion High School. His 2003 team won the Wisconsin state championship with a 13-1 record. In addition to teaching math, he is also the school’s athletic director and varsity basketball coach.