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US Sports Football: Adjustments - Attach Screens to your best plays, defend star receivers, & movement to stop the run and Arizona Cardinals vs Las Vegas Raiders Preseason Week 1

 

• By Keith Grabowski
 

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It’s another week of looking at some possible adjustments, tweaks, and wrinkles to keep your offense and defense rolling. But that's every week isn't it?

Offense

Imagine we are hitting mid-season and teams have gotten a chance to see what you do. They are studying you on film and trying to hone in on your tendencies. The last thing you want is your offense to bog down. 

Finding a way to pick up a chunk of yardage or even a touchdown at a critical time can help propel your team towards its goals.

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Adding a screen to what you already do can be a great way to get an explosive play and break a tendency. If you already run screens, you can make your screen game more multiple or add a screen to some of your best runs, passes, or even add to a wrinkle that you have already added.

In all of football, I believe that the Cleveland Browns are the best executing their screen game, and also the most creative. What makes their screen game so good beyond the execution is that they run their screens off of runs, passes, play actions, and even gadget plays that they have run before.

The purpose of any screen is to get the defense focused on one thing, chasing that down, and then getting your blockers on to level 2 and level 3.

We will share some ideas for exactly how to do that.

Joe Davis, the offensive coordinator at the University of Albany, has a solution that can make the screen game an explosive part of any offense. 

Davis has Albany’s offense rolling as they have seen significant improvement in just about every offensive statistical category.  For Davis, designing an offense for player success is a priority.  He’s applied that to the screen game.

Davis likes the screen game for several reasons:

 It creates an extension of the running game

It provides the quarterback confidence with easy completions

It creates momentum and rhythm for the offense while getting the ball to playmakers quickly and without downfield reads for the QB

Touches!  Any player can get a touch in the screen game with Davis’s concept

Steve Specht - Defending a Key Receiver

Consistency for the offensive line - multiple screens with the same rules for OL 

Davis talks about what he looks to accomplish in the screen game in this video

Davis incorporates screens to every skill position on the field.  They utilize some of their best offensive plays to create a defensive reaction to stop that play while allowing space to be created for the screen runner.  

An example of that is the tight end throwback screen off of their sprint-out look shown in this video 

Finding a way to get the most out of every concept you install into your offense this year can create a distinct advantage for your team.  The creativity is on you as the coach.  Think about how you can tag this into your best plays whether they are run or pass. 

But I don’t have a screen installed

Don’t have a screen concept in?  Not a problem.  The shallow screen can provide huge benefits without having to involve your offensive line.

Josh Herring, the offensive coordinator at Jones County High School in Georgia (2019 state semifinalist), utilizes is the shallow screen which they call “Police.”  It’s a concept that was popularized by Oklahoma State about a decade ago and is based on a basic shallow utilized in the air raid offense.  

The Benefits of Shallow Screen

It’s a throw that is short and requires no read.  That means it’s good for the experienced quarterback as well as the backup who might have to come into a game unexpectedly

To a defense everything initially shows that it is a drop-back pass. There are no linemen releasing to get downfield, so there isn’t a key to defeat a block to beat the screen so it doesn’t even matter that the defense is yelling “watch the screen.”. 

For the quarterback, the thinking is out of his hands. He needs to get eyes downfield first and then throw underneath. The complicated reads are removed, allowing for a dynamic player to have the ball in space with blockers.

This is an effective strategy when facing teams who get into their drops well, even teams that play drop eight.

Key Coaching Points

The wide receiver should aim at the feet of the defensive line and come straight down the line.  He will “flush” at the center going behind the line of scrimmage.  The key to any variation of this is that the blocks are legal because the ball is thrown to a shallow runner behind the line of scrimmage.

The quarterback is looking at routes downfield to be sure defenders are moving, then he can come down to the shallow runner for the throw.

Three of the receivers have specific blocking points and assignments which springs the shallow runner into space where he can make plays. The assignments are explained by Herring in the video.

Defense

On the defensive side of the ball, let’s look at two simple concepts that can help you neutralize an offense.  Let’s start with the secondary.

Steve Specht is one of America’s top high school coaches and his ability as a teacher of the game shines through.  He utilizes a strategy that can be applied in every defense to take away a star receiver regardless of where he may be aligned.

The first step in the process is to identify the key receiver.  In this video, Coach Specht explains how it is done with them using two types of ID, “snake” and “mouse.” 

From there Coach Specht has different rules for how they will defend a single receiver, a #1, #2, or #3.  He notes that this concept can be utilized with any type of defense.  Here he explains how they will defend the single receiver (Click on image for Video):

For more on how to defend #1, #2, and  #3 go here.

The next aspect of causing havoc for an offense, especially the line is to move.  

Dave Cohen at Wake Forest has to face some very tough offensive linemen on his schedule. His years of experience have taught him how to beat those bigger, more physical offensive lines. He teaches two simple movements and techniques that allow his defensive linemen to win the line of scrimmage.

The other effective way he likes to cancel gaps is with a stunt which he calls Tex.  It allows them to solve issues with corner force and allows for a cut-back player. 

The problem is that with a normal stunt you will lose the corner force vs. a Gap Scheme.  This provides an answer.  He explains the concept here 

Maybe these weren’t the exact answer you needed right now, but hopefully, it provides some food for thought on how you can make some adjustments to keep your units performing at a high level. 

In addition, you can be thinking ahead about what your answers would be to these adjustments if you ended up facing them.

Good luck with your preparations this week.

Sports help kids #GetActive and learn new skills – but don’t forget about fun! Learn about @HealthGov’s National Youth Sports Strategy and help make fun the top priority in #YouthSports: https://bit.ly/2lIHPUc

The Rock Almighty Shaker Of Heaven And Earth on US Sports Radio - It Is He That Giveth Thee Power.......And Artist Spotlight. DC Talk

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Overcoming Obstacles

Difficulty does not diminish God’s power—instead, He displays His power through it.

From Intouch Ministries

August 14, 2026

Matthew 17:14-21

Nothing is impossible for God. No obstacle confuses Him or poses any kind of challenge. Though we know He is sovereign over all, we have trouble maintaining this perspective, just like the disciples in today’s passage. When difficulties arise, we all too often ... 

• Experience a shift in focus. During trials, we tend to take our eyes off the Lord and instead see only our problems. The longer we look at our circumstance, the larger it seems. As we dwell on it in thought and conversation, our mindset can become negative. Keep reading......

US Sports Golf - Game-Improvement vs Player Irons: What Golfers Need to Know And HIGHLIGHTS LIV Golf New York Round 4

Reading Greens and Making Putts featuring Coach Geoff Mangum

When golfers begin researching irons, two categories appear time and time again: game-improvement irons and player irons. While they may look relatively similar at first glance, they are built with very different goals in mind. Understanding these differences is important for any golfer, but especially for beginners, because the wrong choice can make the game feel far more difficult than it needs to be.

At its core, the difference comes down to how much help the club gives you.

Game-improvement irons are specifically designed to make golf easier and more forgiving. They typically feature larger clubheads, wider soles, and a design that distributes weight around the perimeter of the club. This added stability helps maintain ball speed and direction even when contact isn’t perfect. For newer golfers, who are still developing consistency, this forgiveness can make a significant difference from shot to shot.

Another key feature of game-improvement irons is their ability to launch the ball higher with less effort. By positioning the centre of gravity lower in the clubhead, these irons help players get the ball airborne more easily — something that can otherwise be a challenge for beginners or those with slower swing speeds. The result is more carry distance, softer landings, and an overall more playable ball flight.

Confidence also plays a major role. Game-improvement irons tend to look more substantial behind the ball, which can help golfers feel more comfortable at address. When you combine that visual confidence with the added forgiveness, it creates a much more supportive experience, particularly for those still learning the game.

Player irons, by contrast, are designed with a different type of golfer in mind. These irons are typically more compact, with thinner toplines and narrower soles, giving them a cleaner, more traditional look. Instead of prioritising forgiveness, they focus on control, precision, and feedback.

Skilled golfers often prefer player irons because they allow for greater shot shaping and more predictable distance control. The feedback from these clubs is also more immediate, a well-struck shot feels noticeably different from a mishit. This level of responsiveness can be valuable for players who are fine-tuning their technique and want to make subtle adjustments.

However, this precision comes with less margin for error. Player irons are less forgiving on off-centre strikes, which means mishits tend to lose more distance and accuracy. For beginners or inconsistent ball strikers, this can lead to frustration, as the clubs do little to mask common mistakes.

The real distinction between the two categories lies in how they support the golfer. Game-improvement irons are built to reduce the negative effects of imperfect swings, helping players achieve more consistent results even when contact isn’t ideal. Player irons, on the other hand, reward consistency and precision, but offer less assistance when things go wrong.

For most beginners, high handicappers, or golfers returning to the game, game-improvement irons are generally the better choice. They provide the kind of forgiveness and launch assistance that makes the game more accessible and enjoyable. Common issues such as hitting the ground before the ball — often referred to as “chunking” — are also less punishing with these irons, as the wider soles help the club move through the turf more smoothly.

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As golfers develop their skills and begin to strike the ball more consistently, their needs may start to change. At that point, some players consider transitioning into player irons or more compact designs to gain additional control. But it’s important not to rush this process. Using equipment that is too demanding too early can slow down progress and take enjoyment out of the game.

There are also options that sit between these two categories, often referred to as “players distance” irons. These clubs attempt to blend elements of both forgiveness and control, offering a middle ground for golfers who are improving but not yet ready for a full player iron. For many, this can be a natural progression as their game evolves.

In today’s market, there is no shortage of well-designed iron sets aimed at helping golfers play better. Major manufacturers such as Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, and Cobra all produce models that cater to a wide range of abilities. Importantly, golfers don’t always need to buy brand new equipment to benefit from these technologies. High-quality used irons can often deliver the same performance at a much more accessible price point, making them a smart option for many players.

Ultimately, choosing the right irons comes down to being honest about your current ability. While it can be tempting to opt for clubs used by low-handicap or professional players, those designs are not always suited to developing golfers. Equipment should work with your game, not against it.

By selecting irons that offer the right balance of forgiveness, launch, and control for your skill level, you give yourself the best chance to improve while also enjoying the process. And in a game like golf, that combination is what keeps players coming back.

Luke Carrington is a golf enthusiast and equipment specialist at ARC Golf, where he helps everyday Kiwi golfers find quality used clubs that suit their game and budget. With a strong focus on performance and value, Luke works closely with players of all skill levels, from beginners looking for their first set to experienced golfers upgrading their gear.

https://www.arcgolf.co.nz/

https://www.arcgolf.co.nz/collections/golf-iron-sets

Want to help kids #GetActive through youth sports? Learn how parents, coaches, and volunteers can get involved in @HealthGov’s National #YouthSports Strategy: https://bit.ly/2lIHPUc

The Rock Almighty Shaker Of Heaven And Earth On US Sports Radio. Humility, A Byproduct Of Grace And Artist Spotlight: Deliverance

 The Rock Almighty Shaker Of Heaven And Earth. Now streaming on US Sports Radio

An Example of Humility

Humility means responding to God with gratitude and living in light of His greatness.

From Intouch Ministries

August 13, 2026

John 13:5-17

Sometimes we need a wake-up call that opens our eyes so we can see who we truly are. When Jesus started washing the disciples’ feet, they must have felt uneasy, especially after their recent discussions about which of them was the greatest (Mark 9:34-35).

As we noted a couple of days ago, foot washing was the task of the lowest slave in the household. But there was probably no servant posted at the door of the Last Supper, since Jesus and His disciples were eating in a borrowed room. All the disciples considered this job beneath them, so everyone’s feet remained filthy until Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, humbled Himself to serve those who should have served Him. After three years of teaching and modeling humility to His disciples, Jesus drove the point home with a towel and a bowl. Keep reading.......

US Sports Hockey - 3 Keys to Hockey Defense: Dominate the Defensive Zone and World Junior Summer Showcase Team USA Defeats Canada, 7-2

 

• By Jackson Chlebowy
 

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It is often said about any sport, that defense wins championships. That statement is especially true in the game of ice hockey. A strong defensive unit is often the difference between watching the playoffs from home and raising the trophy at the end of your season. Hockey defense takes more than individual efforts from your defenseman, it requires effort from everyone on the ice to pressure, cover and effectively break the puck out of the zone. An effective defensive effort will springboard the offense, and create chances at the other end of the ice allowing your team to dominate your opponents.

Defensive Pressure

Pressuring your opponents before, and as they enter your defensive zone makes it difficult for your opponent to set up, and get comfortable. Defensive pressure is essential for disrupting the offense and forcing them to play on your terms. Putting pressure on your opponent, and closing space forces the opponent to make quicker and more accurate decisions to beat the defense. Quick pressure on the puck carrier can easily cause mistakes and lapses in decision-making. Allowing the defense to regain control of the puck and attempt a breakout. 

Coach Nathan Leslie, a former professional European hockey player and professional coach explains the importance of defensive pressure and holding your blue line in his ‘How to Play Hockey Module 2: Defensive Zone Tactics’ course. Coach Leslie is the owner and director of Leslie Global Sports and has a strong focus in player and coach development. Hosting camps and events around the globe.

Winning Hockey Defense featuring Coach Red Gendron

Hockey is a game of space and options. Pressure starts during the transition, in the neutral zone, and at the blue line. Maintaining a tight gap, and holding the blueline are crucial for generating pressure and taking away an attacker's options when entering the zone. Forcing your opponent to fight for every inch of space is important in disrupting and snuffing out any developing plays during the zone entry. As Coach Leslie mentions, it is important that the defenseman’s gap control is tight through the neutral zone, and matches the attacking player's speed holding a 1 stick-length gap. A gap too large will afford the attacker too much space, and force the defenseman to make a play against momentum.  A quick and skilled attacker can easily beat a flat-footed defenseman, or skate the defender straight into his goaltender's lap for a screened shot on goal.

Once the play has reached the blue line, Coach Leslie mentions the importance of keeping the play to the outside. The goal is always to defend the middle of the ice.  As mentioned previously, hockey is a game of space and options. By angling and steering the attacker toward the boards, you effectively take away his/her time and space and create an opportunity to steal the puck or make a hit on the attacker. The outside of the ice is the least dangerous area for an attacker to be. Their options (and space) are very limited, making this the ideal position for an attacker to be for the defense. 

Defensive zone coverage

If the attackers successfully enter the zone it is time to defend the scoring areas of the ice. As mentioned earlier, the middle of the ice is the most dangerous area for attackers to be. As a defensive unit, the goal is to eliminate any threats or scoring opportunities from entering this dangerous area of the ice.

Also from the ‘How to Play Hockey Module 2: Defensive Zone Tactics’ course, Coach Leslie breaks down defensive coverage into 4 equal quadrants in the defensive zone. One quadrant for each defenseman and winger, leaving the center to help support the defensive efforts below the goal line and around the net.

Ideally, the defensive unit maintains a tight box, each player staying in their quadrant and covering pass options or pursuing the puck to force a turnover. As the puck moves around the zone, each player should react and shift to follow the puck and close off passing opportunities. It is important that players attacking the puck keep good body positioning, between the puck and the net. By over pursuing the puck, and getting beat by the attacker it opens the attacking player to the middle – more dangerous areas of the ice. 

Players not directly pursuing the puck and pressuring the puck carrier should be positioned in the passing lanes and on/between their opponents. For example, if the puck is in the right corner, the right defenseman and center should be pressuring the puck with the left defenseman protecting the front of the net. The right winger should be positioned in their quadrant between the puck and the opponent's right defenseman taking away that passing option. The left winger should be at the edge of their quadrant (middle ice, down toward the slot) taking away passing options to the high slot and to the far-side defenseman.

Breakout 

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Once the defensive unit has dispossessed their opponent and gained possession of the puck, it's time to break the puck out of the zone. There are many different ways to break the puck out of the zone, but all of them start with a strong first pass. The first pass is the most crucial, as it creates momentum for the defensive unit to exit the zone.

After regaining possession of the puck in the defensive zone, it is likely that the puck carrier will be under heavy pressure from the attacking forwards. It is crucial that this first pass is accurate and pushes the play up ice, effectively alleviating the pressure. While possession is regained, the defensive forwards will look to activate and open themselves up for that initial pass. A basic breakout usually consists of a winger along the wall, a swinging support forward, and the final forward pushing up ice for a stretch pass.

It is important that the initial passer does not try to force the play or make any risky passes. Turnovers are breakout killers and can lead to high-danger scoring chances for the attacking team. The golden rule of the breakout is to never pass the puck through the slot, especially if there is a forechecker there. A turnover in the slot is a gift to attacking players and a goal scorer's dream. It is best to avoid high-risk passes on the breakout at all costs. 

Once the puck has exited the zone and entered the neutral zone, it is best to keep the puck moving and for players on the rush to frequently cross over one another. Following passes is a good way to do this. These frequent passes and crossing over of players create confusion and movement for the defense and help create more space for the zone entry. This gives your team the best opportunity to get to dangerous areas and set up in the offensive zone to score.

Want to help kids stick with sports? Prioritize fun and #PhysicalActivity over competition in #YouthSports programs. Learn more in @HealthGov’s National Youth Sports Strategy: https://bit.ly/2lQ85f6