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01The journal

Notes and lessons from Coach.

Latest — August 15, 2026 · 4 min

How to Build a 40-Yard Dash Training Plan from Scratch

Most athletes kill their 40 time before they ever hit the field — by training too hard, too randomly, and without a plan. Here's the week-by-week structure that actually works.

02Run Blocking vs. Pass Blocking: What's the Difference and Why It MattersMost linemen are taught to "block somebody" — but run blocking and pass blocking are fundamentally different skills with opposite mechanics. Here's what separates them, and why conflating the two is quietly killing your offensive line.
03How to Create a Recruiting Profile That Actually Gets College Coaches to RespondMost recruiting profiles get ignored because they look exactly like every other one in a coach's inbox. Here's what to change — and where — so yours gets a response instead of a scroll-past.
04Pre-Game Meals for Athletes: What to Eat (and What to Skip) Before Game DayMost young athletes eat the wrong foods before competing and pay for it by the second half. Here's exactly what to put on your plate, how much, and when — so your energy peaks at kickoff, not crashing before halftime.
05How to Read a Defense Before the Snap (Even If You're New to Football)Pre-snap reads don't have to be overwhelming. Here's a simple, repeatable process any beginner QB or skill player can use to identify coverage and make smarter decisions before the ball ever moves.
06What Is a Cover 2 Defense? A Beginner's Complete BreakdownCover 2 is one of the most common defenses you'll see at every level of football — but most players and parents can't explain how it actually works. Here's exactly how the coverage is built, who owns what piece of the field, and how offenses attack it.
07Zone vs. Man Coverage: What Every Football Player Needs to KnowKnowing whether you're facing zone or man coverage before the snap is one of the most valuable skills a football player can develop. Here's how to read it — and use it against the defense.
08The Biggest Football IQ Mistakes Youth Players Make (And How to Fix Them)Most youth football mistakes aren't about speed or strength — they're mental errors hiding in plain sight. Here's how to identify them and fix them before they become habits.

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