Contributors

Contributors

FirstDown PlayBook opens up our vast network of professionals so that you can benefit from their experience. Our contributors come from several different backgrounds. The great thing about this page is that we can archive them so that you always have them at your fingertips.

You will find help with being a sports parent, mental training and even help with strength and conditioning for your young football player. There is a lot more that goes into being a football parent or coach than the X’ and O’s.

This page will offer you a home for quick tips about how to lift your young player when they are down. It will also help you with tempering the enthusiasm as they find success.

So we are exciting to have this contributor page up and running for you. We also want you to know that if you feel that you have something to offer, please let us know!

Good Linebackers Have A Plan But Can Adjust

Good Linebackers Have A Plan But Can Adjust

by Will Cinelli on Sep 10, 2020

One of the keys to playing good defense at any position is the ability to have a plan, but to be able to adapt that plan as conditions on the ground change....

Mental Process Breakdown Of An NFL LB

Mental Process Breakdown Of An NFL LB

by Will Cinelli on Sep 3, 2020

Many inexperienced linebackers will see this picture and just go screaming downhill with their hair on fire. But not Johnson....

Communication & Recognition Help Pick Up This NFL Twist

Communication & Recognition Help Pick Up This NFL Twist

by FirstDown PlayBook on Aug 27, 2020

Risner, while blocking the DT, is able to identify the looper. Watch the synergy and timing as the RG picks up the center’s man....

Bears’ Fuller Shows Up In A Critical Spot

Bears’ Fuller Shows Up In A Critical Spot

by Will Cinelli on Aug 20, 2020

Fuller, the corner, is the "force player" here, meaning he's the guy who needs to set the edge of the run and not get out-leveraged....

Bosa Sets The Trap Then Finishes His Work

Bosa Sets The Trap Then Finishes His Work

by Will Cinelli on Aug 13, 2020

Bosa has set the trap for the tackle perfectly, using a "side-scissors" move to soften the edge and begin to gain the corner. ...

Super Bowl Champ’s Special Teams Grading

Super Bowl Champ’s Special Teams Grading

by FirstDown PlayBook on Aug 2, 2020

Super Bowl Champion Dave Toub of the Kansas City Chiefs taught me a very detailed system for grading individual effort and execution with special teams,...

If An NFL Running Back Can’t Do This… They Can’t Start.

If An NFL Running Back Can’t Do This… They Can’t Start

by FirstDown PlayBook on Jul 30, 2020

We have seen fights almost break out in NFL draft meetings over whether we should draft a running back who had questionable protection capabilities....

Tramon Williams’ Patience Gives Him The Complete Picture

Tramon Williams’ Patience Gives Him The Complete Picture

by Will Cinelli on Jul 23, 2020

Here, Green Bay cornerback Tramon Williams demonstrates patience and discipline to put himself in position to make the play....

Specialists Training Camp Approach

Specialists Training Camp Approach

by Taylor Mehlhaff on Jul 22, 2020

2023 training camp is going to be different for everyone this year but it is always a unique time for kickers and punters. ...

Lavonte David Can Anticipate Because He Studies

Lavonte David Can Anticipate Because He Studies

by Will Cinelli on Jul 16, 2020

For a player of Lavonte David's caliber, hours of film study, seeing the route concepts in practice and walk-throughs come together on gameday in a big way....

Von Miller Combines Technique & Explosiveness For A Bull Rush

Von Miller Combines Technique & Explosiveness For A Bull Rush

by FirstDown PlayBook on Jul 2, 2020

Here you can see how a rusher who might be smaller than the guy blocking him can generate the power and bull rush an OL through technique and explosiveness....

Choosing A Field Goal Block For Your Young Kicker

Choosing A Field Goal Block For Your Young Kicker

by Taylor Mehlhaff on Jun 29, 2020

Youth kickers should take advantage of a two-inch tee for both field goals and kickoffs. Once in high school, the tee will depend on your skill level....