Mazur Individual and Team Football Skills and Strategy Sessions

Mazur's "The Passing Game" Football School

Darrell Mazur, former 20 year member Winnipeg Assassin receiver, and current Assassin Alumni member, as well as former U. of Manitoba Bison Receiver/Defensive Back, Football Level III National Coaching Certification Program Coach, Football Canada Level III Touch Football Officials Course Conductor, Level V Touch Football Official, former Daniel McIntyre High School Head Coach, Kelvin High School, and Churchill High School Defensive Co-ordinator and Defensive backs coach, is available to educate, provide insite, and teach technique, skills and strategy to those interested in learning Championship skills, particular to the passing game, in the game of Football.

Certified experienced guest coaches will be brought in as needed.

Three types of “sessions” are available. Individual Skills, “Coaching the Coach” session, and Team Practices.

Interested clients will meet and discuss their needs and have a customized practice, theory session , or personal 1 on 1 fundamental skill session detailed.

Individuals will be provided with an individualized practice/training plan addressing their personal, or specific Team needs. Topics could range from individual training plans, football specific position training plan, Team practice orientation and set up, Offensive and Defensive team strategies, all with a focus on training, teaching and improving every individual client.

Individuals will receive a written analysis of strengths and areas of improvements needed. Additionally, individual clients will receive written information on position specific skills and techniques, applicable to excelling at their position.

Prices:

Individual "1 on 1" session - $25.00/Hr.
Coaching Session - $25.00 Hr.
Team Practice Session - $ 100.00/Hr. ( 15 -1 ratio guaranteed)

Off-Season (Winter) Football Skills School: Nov 13- Dec 19.

Every weekend, Friday and Saturday (upon request) individual football skills sessions will available starting at 10:30pm. and/or 11:30 pm.
Cost $25.00/person

For more information call 253-3612
Or email at darrellmazur@aol.com

Fundamentals of making the Touch in Touch Football

"Never before, have so many, relied on so few"...or words to those effect, once spoken by Winston Churchill, during World War II. But as such, the tag or touch, in the game of touch football, carries almost the same significance to the rest of a players teammates on defence!!

After all, when in a position, or given the responsibility of stopping the opponent, the tag must be made., or a big gain results.

In the following, a number of Tag types will be identified, as well as a couple of common mistakes.
This article will deal with the “Chest Plate” tag, the “shoulder” tag, the "angle" tag, as well as the risky “El toro” tag and the “MS. Priss” tag.

To remember the fundamentals of making the tag the acronym BELT will be used.
B = balance
E = eyes
L= leverage
T = technique or tag.
All types of tag or touches should be applied with these fundamentals applied.

A. THE "CHEST PLATE" TAG

This basic fundamental stresses proper body position and technique.
As the defender approaches the opponent the defender has to lower the center of gravity, assume a balanced stance by pumping the feet (allowing for lateral movement,) look at the offensive players chest, with the head directly in front of the oncoming player. As the player comes within three feet or a meter, the tag is made, by bringing the arms up touching the offensive player in the chest.

The process of the tag is to stay low, head up, arms begin from the “holster” position (a position as if you were drawing a gun from a holster) bringing them up to reach, but yet absorb the offensive player.

In completing the touch, depending on the speed of the offensive player, the defender may have to “funnel” the ball carrier past the point of tag, thereby almost absorbing the player, and directing the player safely.

Remember the rules state the defender must be in control when making a tag. The offensive player also plays a role in his own safety, and should also be responsible for diminishing contact.


B. THE "SHOULDER" TAG

This basic fundamental stresses proper body position and technique.

The process of the tag is to stay low, head up, arms begin from the “holster” position (a position as if you were drawing a gun from a holster) bringing them up to reach, but yet absorb the offensive player.

In completing the touch, depending on the speed of the offensive player, the defender may have to “funnel” the ball carrier past the point of tag, thereby almost absorbing the player, and directing the player safely.

Remember the rules state the defender must be in control when making a tag. The offensive player also plays a role in his own safety, and should also be responsible for diminishing contact.

C. The "ANGLE" TAG

As the defender approaches the opponent the defender has to lower the center of gravity, assume a balanced stance by pumping the feet (allowing for lateral movement,) look at the offensive players chest, and "funnel"/ or guide the player to a side, or near the sideline, with the head in front of the oncoming player. As the defender approaches the ball carrier, s/he must be aware that the ball carrier could stop, change direction and "cut back." Therefore the "tagger" must angle the ball carrier, in such a way that s/he is near the ball carrier's midline of the torso. As the player comes within three feet or a meter, the tag is made, by leading with the foot nearest the direction the ball carrier is going, as well as placing the tagger's own head, in front of the ball carrier's intended direction and bringing the arm furthest in front of the ball carrier up touching the offensive player in the chest. The other arm, tags the ballcarrier in the back.

WHAT NOT TO DO!

1.) The "EL TORO" Tag

In this attempt to tag a ball carrier, the defender, demonstrates few known basic fundamentals of any sport. The player approaches the ball carrier, with an upright, unbalanced "high"center ofm gravity,and as the ballcarrier comes near, the tagger attempts to "finger tip" tag him/her. The tagger, simultaneously jumps out of the way, hoping not to receive any contact. At the sametime, when upon landing throws both hands up in the air protesting to the official that “I got him!”

While safe, for the attempted tagger, the "taggee" can easily change direction,and evade such an attemptby the tagger who has come in"high" hasn't stabilized their feet, can't change direction, and is limited in ther reaction ability, if the ball carrier changes direction!!

2.) THE "Ms. PRISS" Attempted TAG

In this attempt to tag a ball carrier, the defender, demonstrates no known basic fundamentals of any sport. The player floats toward the ball carrier, and as s/he attempts to finger tip -whisp the player, simultaneously jumps out of the way. At the sametime, when upon landing throws both hands up in the air protesting to the official that “I got him/her!”

The tagger, mistakenly thinks that “everyone yelling,” is in response to his/her great play. In reality, it’s the runner denying he was touched, the other defenders yelling s/he was touched and the officials, not having a clue, because the “possible touch” was so miniscule, it was imperceiveable to the human eye!

Obviously, the attempted tag, was doomed from the start!

TOUCH FOOTBALL SKILLS! THE TWO BASIC DEFENSIVE POSITIONS:

Mazur Football
TOUCH FOOTBALL SKILLS!
THE TWO BASIC DEFENSIVE POSITIONS:
DEFENSIVE BACK AND THE RUSHMAN

I. THE DEFENSIVE BACK:
BASIC GOAL: Stop the receiver from catching the ball and advancing it, by playing either a “man” or “zone” type of coverage.

Basic Technique:

1.) The backpedal= backward run, keeping a low center of gravity(knees bent, on the balls of your feet, bum down, head up, back straight, slight forward lean with your chest over your feet, looking at receiver’s torso, and pumping your arms as you run backward)

2.) The concept of “Taking-a-side- away” - The Defensive back lines up across from the receiver across from either the inside shoulder or the outside shoulder. (Inside shoulder refers to the shoulder closest to the QB. Outside shoulder refers to the shoulder closest to the sideline!)
Rational: The alignment taken by the defender, allows the defender to choose to take one side “away” from the receiver. This ideally would make the receiver have to run “through” the defender if the receiver wanted to go in that direction. Conversely, while giving the Defensive back(DB) an advantage to that side “taken away, ” the DB also gives up the other side(“chase” side)

Failure to “take away a side” would leave the DB in a chase side in BOTH directions!

3.) “Cushion” This term refers to the initial distance upon alignment between the receiver and the DB (The “cushion” distance may vary because of the coach’s direction, the defence being played, and or the speed or the ability of the receiver, and or the talent of the DB!!!)
A standard “cushion” could be about 8 yards. The goal of the DB is to maintain this “cushion” by running backwards,, as soon a the play starts and the receiver starts to run. The receiver will try and “break down” this distance, and either run past the DB, or fake the DB in a false direction, and then cut in front of the DB.

Key point: If the receiver has broken the cushion and is within 2 yards, it is time for the DB, to turn their hips in the direction the receiver is going and run with them.

4.) The “turn” When the DB has determined it is time to turn and run with the receiver, it is important that the correct foot position technique is practiced. The correct technique will reduce the time it takes to react to the receiver, and allow a smooth transition to a forward run.

Key point - When turning to run with the receiver, the DB must maintain that “low center of gravity, and when starting the spin or turn, the DB should aggressively throw the elbow “back” to help initiate the spin or turn.

5.) Footwork technique. If the receiver is cutting to a 45 degree or 90 degree cut, the proper footwork technique must be emphasized. Correct body position (stay low) and not mis- stepping will aide the DB’s effectiveness to chase and “break” with the receiver
(Remember your coach’s demonstration.) On the receiver’s break, the DB must plant their back foot, hard, usually at the same angle that the receiver is cutting at, and drive forward narrowing the “cushion” distance.

6.) Anticipation of the “Break point” and Pattern Recognition: The offensive receiver will be coached to run and break their pattern at a short(5 yards) or regular (10 yards) distance. (for the most part) Therefore, the DB must first anticipate the short break at 5 yards. If no break at 5 yards, then the receiver must anticipate the break at 10yards. Finally, if that cushion is being closed, the DB must decide if there is no “breakpoint” the receiver must be going on a deep pattern, and will try and run by the DB.

Key points:
a.) anticipate the breakpoints at 5 yards and 10 yards
b.) watch the receiver’s torso. If the center of gravity raises, the receiver may be starting to slow down to break.
c.) when the cushion is broken, and there is no receiver body position hints, it may equate to the receiver going deep.

7.) “Closure” - This term refers to the DB narrowing or closing the distance, between the receiver and the DB, once the final pattern has been recognized and determined!! The DB, now knowing the pattern, and where the DB is going, must break, or explosively sprint, to the “correct” shoulder, that being in most cases that “furthest away (outside) shoulder.

Key point - The DB must explode (run as fast as possible) to the area where the pass and the receiver will intersect. In so doing, it is crucial that the DB “home in” on that “correct” usually the “furthest away” shoulder. By taking the correct “closure” angle, the DB will arrive in the proper position to either make an attempt to catch the ball themselves (interception if caught), or knock the pass down, at the very least.

Conversely, failure to take this correct “ closure” approach and angle, will lead to mistakenly judging the intersection point of the receiver and arrival point of the ball. The result is, the receiver making the catch, the DB being out of position, and the receiver scampering for extra yards!!!

Tips: Upon breaking to the arrival point of the ball, the DB must focus totally on that furthest away shoulder, and must not look back at the QB, or the flight of the ball, until the DB is within 3 yards of the receiver. Focusing on that eventual arrival point will allow the DB to run faster, as their head is looking in the direction they are running, and not ’back” toward the QB.

Key point: looking back at the ball while closing , will slow the DB, and secondly, will not allow the DB to see the where the receiver is finally going to end up.

8.) Interception technique: When the DB has closed the distance and can reach out and touch the receiver (usually within 3 feet of the receiver), the DB should look back, toward the quarterback and find the flight of the ball. The DB should leap up high, in front of the receiver, as the ball approaches the arrival point. The DB should jump up as high as possible, and toward the incoming football, forming a “triangle” with both hands thumbs and first fingers making that “window” for the tip of the ball to nestle into. Upon securing the ball (intercepting it), scream out the previously identified signal (code word) telling your teammates that you have the ball, and they should get into position for a potential lateral!!!

Key points: When approaching the receiver, and the ball is arriving, the receiver’s eyes may widen, and their hands may go into the catching position.

9.) Knockdown technique: The knockdown technique features the same process as the interception technique, except the DB can not quite get into position to leap in front of the receiver for the interception. The next best thing, is to reach in front of the receiver with the DB’s arm/hand nearest the QB, while the other(farthest away) is gently placed on the receiver’s shoulder, and knock the ball away.

Key point: - if for some reason the DB fails to knock the ball away, that farthest away arm/hand, on the receiver’s shoulder, acts as the touch or tag, should the receiver actually gain possession of the pass.

10.) Drills and Pointers
a.) Stance and backpedal - remember the points on alignment, stance and backpedal. Line up on the goal line and practice the correct backpedal (running backwards technique)

b.) footwork - Practice pattern recognition/anticipation and the resultant DB break angles with correct footwork placement. Practice 45, 90 and 180 degree breaks and turns.

c.) Center of gravity -remember to always have your knees bent, bum down, head up, back straight, watching the receiver’s torso!

d.) 1 on 1 practice - Practice taking a side away, cushion, pattern recognition, and closure

http://www.mazurfootball.com

Receiver Drills, formations, and Key words

Receiver's Practice
1.) Agility:
1.) Cross-Over
2.) High Knees
3.) Carioca
4.) Backpedal or Plant and cut
5.) Sprints

2.) Checklist of Skills: Formation, Key Points

1.) Pre - Snap read Formation - Line Key Points - looking at DB alignment


2.) Stance Formation - Line Key Points - balance


3.) Take-off Formation - Line Key Points -no false step


4.) Angle Release Formation - Indiv. Pattern/ PartnersKey Points 3 step angle


5.) Depth of pattern (D.O.P.)
Formation Ind. Pattern Key Points - getting yardage depth


6.) Turning the DB Formation Line Key Points -1 on 1


7.) Breakdown Formation - Line/Indiv. Pattern
Key Points - lower center of gravity
(bend knees/stay low/head up)

8.) Footwork Formation - Line Key Points - breakdown /stay low


9.) Explode off the Break
Formation- Indiv Pattern Key Points - 3 step drill


10.) Hand Position Formation - Partners catch Key Points - Ball call drill


11.) LOOK THE BALL IN
Formation - Partners catch Key Points - Read writing


12.) Tuck Formation - Partners, Key Points - catch hand over tip


13.) Turn upfield Formation - Partners, Key Points -catch run hard 5 yds


14.) Moves
- Power Formation -Partners, Key Points - catch, explode
- Spin Formation -Partners, Key Points - catch, quickness
- Fakes Formation - Partners, Key Points - catch low, knees bent

Tackle:
15.) Blocking
a.) Influence - Formation -1on 1, Key Points - position
b.) Stock block - Formation -1on1, Key Points - form position, leverage
c.) Cut Formation -1on 1, Bags Key Points - position, proximity

Mazur's 4 Essential concepts for Receiver Success

Receivers: Four Essential Concepts for Success
by Darrell Mazur

Playing career: University of Manitoba Bisons (75-78)
Coaching career: Churchill H.S., Kelvin H.S, D.M.C.I. -Defensive backs, Kelvin H.S. -Receivers (1980-2001)
Touch Football: Bison Alumni (1978- 80), Sante fe Express(1981- 82,) Winnipeg Assassins (1983-2002)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The following is a short presentation discussing four concepts that are essential for a receiver to be successful, in any form of football. The following will examine defensive back technique, specifically, the breaking of the”cushion,” taking the DB’s side away, reading coverage, and coming back to the ball.

In order to comprehend why a receiver is successful, I would suggest it might be necessary to understand what the Defensive Back is trying to do. In having played, and coached football since 1969, four essential concepts are evident for a receivers success.

To begin, I would recommend that the receiver anticipate “Man” coverage, and have strategies to beat it, and get open. Pattern running vs. zone, requires the ability to read the defenders movement to a location, or their “drop.” The basic defensive back technique in man to man (Cushion) coverage, involves guarding one player, and following him around until the play is over. Therefore, in order to be a successful receiver, and beat the opponent, I would stress the following four points!

1.) Breaking the Cushion
2.) Taking away "the side away"
3.) Recognition of Defensive coverage
4.) Coming back to the ball/Angle to target area

Defensive back technique:
It’s been said in order to defeat one’s enemy, one must know the enemy thoroughly. Therefore, let’s look at some DB fundamentals!!

In order to have some form of stability and advantage, the Defensive back relies on maintaining a “cushion,” alignment, recognizing pattern breaks and knowing the angle of closure/knockdown technique. Defensive "Keys" such as: Knowledge of Offensive tendencies, ball placement on the field (ie. near sideline or hash), knowledge of where "help" is (if any), down and distance and time/score of game, all help to provide clues regarding defensive coverage technique and strategy selection.

Offensively, receivers should be taught to "run to where they ain't"....It should also be understood that "speed kills". If you got it, use it. Those are obvious strategies!!

However, there is always someone faster, and that is when technique is essential.

The following, will provide a description of some of the techniques used by receivers to defeat "man" coverage.

Breaking the Cushion - This refers to the distance between the DB and the Receiver.
DB (DB cushion -7 - 10 yds from the Rec. )

Receivers must try to eliminate the DB's cushion immediately. (The longer a DB can maintain his cushion, the greater chance of success the DB will have covering the receiver)
Why is this? A good receiver will try to close the distance between himself and the DB. The DB is coached to turn his hips and run, when the cushion is broken down. (However, at the moment the DB does turn, the good receiver cuts the opposite way. )
Key Point: Brake cushion + turn DB hips/Feet = RECEIVER SUCCESS.


2.) Taking the side away or Angle of Release :
(Taking the side away that the DB took away) or “Angle of Release”

Outside Shade Inside Shade Head Up
(Good) (Good) (Bad)

DB DB DB

Rec. Rec. Rec.


QB

Taking a side away, allows the DB to gain an advantage on the one side, while giving up the other (chase)side to the Receiver. (By not taking a side away, or losing the side, the DB loses any alignment advantage, and is in a poorer position to determine which way the receiver is going, and loses the alignment advantage of any side.

When that occurs, the receiver now has the DB where he wants him,(as the DB must now turn his hips in response to any move the receiver makes.) This obviously sets the defensive back up to respond to fakes. When the DB. "turns" those hips to run, in response to the receiver, the good receivers cut back the opposite way. Therefore, the goal of the receiver is to get the DB in a "head up" or "directly in front of" position, or alignment.

3.) Reading Defensive Coverages

Reading defensive coverages can usually be done by noticing a difference in the positioning of a defender, (ie. inside position and with no cushion ), or by running a man in motion, (and someone follows him)and/or by watching the Safety's alignment. (Whoever is dropping deep, will usually tip it off, and may be running back to the deep zone). No safety deep= Man coverage or Blitz

4.) Coming Back to the Ball

When a Defensive Back has determined the pattern, his "Angle of Closure" or pursuit, is critical for success and in making the play. Knowing tha, if a receiver makes a sharp cut and then comes back to meet the ball, the DB's angle is thrown off, and incorrect. The DB may cause pass interference, should he continue at his original angle, or miss the receiver and ball entirely!!! If the DB eases up, the pass is caught, and perhaps the tackle/touch missed. (The DB's correct angle may be gained by visually determining and anticipating the pattern break, and the eventual arrival point of the ball.) (See Defensive Back skills)

Summary:
Emphasizing the four techniques of Cushion, Side Away, Reading Defensive Coverage, and Coming Back to the Ball should enable the Receiver to understand and excel at their position.

Mazur Football - coaching, skills and strategy for Touch Football

Welcome to the Mazur Football blog on coaching, skills and strategy for Canadian contact and non-contact touch football. The site contains advice on coaching, teaching skills and developing or incorporating "schemes" and strategies to play this fast growing sport of Canadian touch football. The skills sections overlap with the tackle game in many points, with the obvious difference between tackle and touch.

The blog will contain tips techniques and info from my 35 years of football and touch football experience.