Chapter 9 - Relations Of The Quarterback-Captain And Coach

Since the captain is usually elected soon after the season is completed, there is sufficient time to arrange a series of meetings with him. Much can be accomplished during the winter months with no rush or pressure.

Always treat his opinions and ideas with confidence and respect. This is essential when having a meeting of the entire squad. Any time the coach thinks the captain-quarterback is wrong, or out of order, he should correct him in a private conference. Here the player and coach can discuss the situation together for the mutual benefit of the team.

Relations During The Game

During the game, the captain quarterback should have with him the complete support of everyone. NEVER DO ANYTHING that would weaken his position in the minds of his teammates—instead, try to do everything that will strengthen his position with the squad. This grave error has occurred many times at all levels of coaching.

The quarterback-captain will make mistakes and sometimes his errors may appear ridiculous; but if he has a solid reason for making the call, he is thinking. Remember that since he is both your captain and quarterback, he is the mainstay of the team, and your relations with him are most important.

Substitute Captain

The selection of a substitute captain in case of emergency is essential. This is both an honor and a privilege to the individual chosen by the coach. Many times this man is chosen without careful thought. The substitute captain should be selected as early as possible so that he may benefit from conferences.

Quarterback-Captain At Coach's Meetings

We have always invited our captains to attend the Monday night coaches' meeting. The door is always open to him to attend any meetings. It is not necessary that he attend, but the fact that he has an invitation to have a voice in everything that concerns his team is sufficient.

Advantages of quarterback-captain

There are some definite advantages in having the quarterback as a captain or co-captain. As mentioned, in having the quarterback call defensive signals, it would all depend upon the individual and his experience. Even in pro ball, there have been instances where too much responsibility has affected the playing ability of a key performer. Some of these advantages are:

1. No man on the squad receives more attention and training than the quarterback. Due to his knowledge of both offense and defense, he should be the most competent player in making decisions, either offensively or defensively.
   
   
2. In most instances, by combining the captain-quarterback responsibilities, it will develop more "take-charge" and leadership qualities.
   
   
3. The ideal type of quarterback-captain could develop into a playing assistant coach at game time. Nearly every coach is looking for this type of quarterbacking, and it could not occur unless the quarterback were captain.
   

Inspection Of The Field

On the day of the game the coach, with his captain and quarterbacks, should make an inspection of the playing field. Not only should they examine the turf, but all factors, such as slope, etc., which might have an influence on the tactics of the game.

After a rain, there are usually a few soft spots on the field to be avoided. Always try to stay on the solid ground. Sometimes the grass is rather high and becomes matted down, which might call for the use of mud cleats.

We like to have the entire team examine the field, but especially the coach and his quarterbacks walking together.

One Last Caution

Today football is full of the unexpected, and the quarterback should know the strength of his team.

Hard luck? Well, maybe. All teams have breaks to contend with.

Rain

We have always believed it never rains or snows from 4 to 6 o'clock on the practice field.

The old story is told of two teams playing in a heavy rain storm. After the game, the captain of the defeated team said to his rival, "I don't see how your backs handled the ball so much better than we did. We used to soak the ball in a pail of water, and then play with it, then soak it again, just to prepare for such a time as this." The winning captain asked, "Didn't you practice when it rained?" "Why, no," said his rival. "We were afraid of getting men injured and of colds. Did you play in the rain?" "Yes, we practiced, rain or shine, just as we play a game rain or shine."

We have always believed it never rains or snows from 4 to 6 o'clock on the practice field. It would be foolish to practice for two hours in a downpour, but it is advantageous to drill for 30 minutes. Some practice in the rain, snow, etc., is absolutely necessary.

Reasons For Blocking Back Calling Signals

In nine years of head coaching while using the multiple offense, we had only one tailback call signals. Eight of the nine years, our blocking back called offensive signals. Our reasons for this are as follows:

1. It is an advantage for the blocking back to call plays since he is usually right around the hole and can see what is going on.
   
   
2. Our system is such that the blocking back very seldom car ries the ball. We think this is an advantage. Sometimes a tailback calling plays will use himself too much, or not enough. We do not have this problem with the blocking back calling.
   
   
3. The blocking back is in a better position to view the defensive alignment and audibilize, if necessary, than any other player. We play our blocking back in a semi-erect position.
   
   
4. Usually a blocking back is the type that wouldn't want to do anything besides just blocking. He derives as much enjoyment out of throwing a good block as the back does with the ball. This is an advantage, since he will command additional respect by being able to execute his assignments and turn in a good performance besides calling the plays. He is generally a solid, all-around performer.

The Captain

1. The captain may be guided by suggestions as follows: 1. Always check with your coach as to your decision on when to kick-off or receive. Generally choose to defend the goal that puts the strong wind behind you.
   
   
2. Lead your teammates. Don't be afraid of the officials. Be aggressive, but not belligerent. It will help keep your men in the same spirit.
   
   
3. Ask for illustrations  concerning the interpretation of penalties when you do not understand the situation—of when to decline or accept the penalty.
   
   
4. Instruct your men as follows:

a. Don't argue with the officials.
b. Keep fighting for every inch.
c. Don't let a punted ball bound backward.

5. Take time out when your opponents are gaining consistently. Do not take time out when your offense is going well.
   
   
6. Be sure that every forward pass is covered.
   
   
7. Demand that more than one man be in on the tackle.
   
   
8. Do not let the quarterback repeat plays that are not gaining. Keep a count on successful plays. Do not bother quarterback when he is calling signals.
   
   
9. Encourage your lineman to get a downfield block.
   
   
10. Encourage everyone and talk it up. Remember the best leader is one who leads through his performance.

Four Ways To Help Your Quarterback

Because this material might be ignored in another part of the book, we decided to include it here. We believe the four ways listed will prove beneficial to any coach or any quarterback at any level of competition. The Four Ways are:

1. Confidence
   
   
2. Mistakes
   
   
3. Sense of Humor
   
   
4.  Treatment

1. Confidence

Teach your quarterback that confidence is 90% of his success. Pure ability will not carry a man to greatness. The difference between a great or mediocre quarterback (or any athlete) is simply that the great one gets the maximum out of himself more often than the mediocre one.

2. Mistakes

Teach your quarterbacks (yourself if necessary) that mistakes are a thing of the past and belong to yesterday. Profit by them, but always look with optimism to the future.

Do not brood over yesterday's game. When a game is over, it is in the records. You cannot replay it. Next week's game is the one that counts.

3. Sense of humor

Teach your quarterback to try and develop a sense of humor. It will help in the tense situation. Not enough people have a sense of humor today. Everyone is thinking of himself. This attitude is fatal for a quarterback.

4. Treatment

Always treat your quarterback and your players as friends. This applies at any level of coaching. Do not use them. Never question anything your quarterback does with the press. Remember you must have his respect.

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