Thailand: how to stay connected back home

Traveling outside the country could be challenging sometimes, especially whenever you want to stay connected with family and friends that are not traveling with you. International call is one of many ways to be able to communicate with them. All you need to do is dial 001 followed by the relevant country code then the number you wish to call.

Here’s how it works: 001 - Country codes - area code – phone number.
To call the US phone number (612) 882 5439
US Country codes: 1; Area code: 612; Phone number: 882 5493
To make a call, dial: 001 1 612 882 5493

If calling from a cell phone/ mobile phone, you may need to arrange a roaming agreement with your service provider before you go. Check the rates you will be charged for outgoing and incoming calls as these can be very high compared to your home country. A cheaper alternative is often to buy a Thai SIM card to make calls during your stay in Thailand. These are cheap and easy to get at any shopping mall in Thailand which will have an assortment of telephone shops.

Being connected using an internet service is also another possible way while you are in Thailand, since Internet shops and cafes are plentiful in all cities and tourist areas. Rates vary and can range from 20 Baht – 60 Baht per hour (US$0.70 – US$2). Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, guest houses and bars.

Balls Deluxe

Wow.....didn't get to catch all of the Idaho / Bowling Green game last night, but I did get to catch the tail end of it.

What an exciting and ballsy finish to what would have been a 'sleeper' of a bowl game.

Tied 35-35 in the final 2 minutes, Bowling Green scores what should be a nail-in-the-coffin touchdown, only to have Idaho patiently and methodically work the ball into the end zone in the final 4 seconds.

Facing a tie-the-game-and-go-to-overtime or go-for-2-and-win-now decision, Idaho Head Coach Robb Akey goes for 2, choosing a passing game staple.

The Vandals steal the 2-point PAT for the win with the 3-step spacing concept with a Z post. Quarterback Nathan Enderle can be seen taking his 3-step drop looking for the Y's positioning on the MLB. Since the area is so confined and no void can be created between where the MLB and the Y are position, he then scans to the positioning of the H relating to the SLB (who is expanding to the flaring A). With all defenders constricted on the shallow stems, and being that there is no middle of the field safety, Enderle enters his hitch and delivers to the Post as the Z breaks his stem behind the strong safety.

balls deluxe @ Yahoo! Video

Thailand: Extending your stay

Normally, if you want to continue touring the country, an extension may be granted for not more than 30 days unless there are explanatory circumstances that would entitle you to a one year extension. There will be fee of 1,900 baht (approx. US$58) to extend your stay in Thailand.

The Immigration can extend your Tourist visa once again if you still need another extension. It will be extended for 7 days following the initial 30 days with another fee 1,900 baht.

If you are planning to stay longer in Thailand for study abroad or exchange student program, the country will require you to be enrolled as a full time student in one of Thailand's schools. The visa you are going to use to enter the country will not be a tourist visa. Once you are accepted by the school, it will arrange your visa with Thailand immigration office and issue a student visa for you.

Here is a bit more info for you.


Do you think this guy made it across? Or did he take a swim? Personally I think he "missed the boat."

90 Shallow Clinic

Enjoy a clinic from former Caddo/Desoto Parish Head Coach, Jerry Byrd Jr., of Shreveport detailing the 90 Shallow series.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNHt4HnXnxg


H/T to James Thurman for the heads up on the video.

Craig James Can Suck It

First, take a big step back.......and literally

FUCK YOUR OWN FACE!

Welcome to your impending Crapocolypse, Texas Tech

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/30/sports/AP-FBC-TexasTech-Leach-Fired.html

Leach Contract

http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2009-12-30/james-gang-helps-texas-tech-get-revenge-on-leach

Enjoy that unlawful termination lawsuit, Tech.

Leach wanted specific provisions in his restructured deal, and the university said no for nearly a year. Tech had a huge season in 2008, Leach seized public momentum and opinion, and Tech (see: Myers) still said no all the way to the 11th hour before capitulating and -- get this -- giving Leach everything he wanted and more.


First, there were "sources" who told ESPN about Adam James' "mistreatment." Once it became known that Adam James was the player in question, those "sources" became Craig James being interviewed on SportsCenter by an anchor who threw fatter softballs than my daughter's baseball coach.

Then the story advanced over the next couple of days and took on a bigger life, despite conflicting evidence to the original stories of mistreatment and numerous emails from former players and current coaches at Tech not only backing Leach, but clearly explaining the entitled behavior of Adam James.

In addition, Chris Brown returns in full force reviewing the contract situation and Leach's dismissal;
http://smartfootball.com/grab-bag/mike-leach-fired-for-cause

Back to Fundamentals: Oline Drills / Footwork & Leverage

Thailand: What to Pack

For international travel, most bags should be durable, lockable and in many cases have wheels. Light travel is really recommended as if you forget something; you can probably buy it in Bangkok. Take enough padlocks for every double zipper to stop wandering hands and lock up your sacred belongings, even in your hotel room. For your super valuable belongings, keep them locked in the hotel safe, or better yet, LEAVE THEM HOME!

Essentials are a bathing suit, a day pack, a raincoat/umbrella in rainy season and some warm clothes if traveling in October to December, as some areas get cool. You will only need a couple of changes of clothes as you can get washing done anywhere cheaply. Sandals for when your hiking shoes are too hot can be bought cheaply in Thailand as well.

Take snorkeling gear or buy/rent it on arrival if you plan to spend a lot of your time in the water. A good map of Thailand is also handy. Take a mirror for shaving, as often budget places won’t have any. String is very handy for hanging up washing. Climbing shoes for rock climbing are useful as Thailand has some of the best cliffs in Southeast Asia.

A spare pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses plus a copy of your prescription is a good idea. A personal music player is great as a huge range of cheap music is available everywhere.

Into the toiletries bag throw sun screen and insect repellent. Mosquito nets are also a good idea. If you plan to travel long distances by motorbike, purchase a good quality helmet, which you can do in Thailand. Last but not least, pack your stuff in plastic bags to stop them from getting wet, especially when traveling in the rainy season or on boats.

Aside from the above, the following are essential:
• Passport with minimum 6 month validity left
• Travel insurance
• Blood donor/type card
• Details of your next of kin, and emergency contact
• Prescriptions for any medication you require.
• A second photo ID other than your passport


Have a great time in Thailand!

Off Season Project: ISO Disc Image

Time to get organized!
It has been difficult to manage the 600 and some football DVDs in my collection and relying on one master disc is a risky proposition.

The plan for 2010 is to create ISO files for each one and save to a few external Terabyte hard drives. This should better categorize and secure this library (primarily of game film).



HOW?

Easy, with DVD Decrypter.
http://www.dvddecrypter.org.uk/

• Just pop in the master disc
• Read the Disc
• Write the ISO file to the chosen directory (external HD)

Then when I next need to burn an additional copy, I simply slap in a blank DVD, pull up the file, and BURN! That's it. I'd have my entire library on a few small, portable HDs that can be (plug-and-play) burned anywhere.

Defensive End Speed Rush

Remember the good old days when the Saints actually had a pass rush and not two overpriced fat bodies?

DE drills courtesy of Darren Howard

Howard @ Yahoo! Video

howard @ Yahoo! Video

howard 3 @ Yahoo! Video

howard 4 @ Yahoo! Video

howard 7 @ Yahoo! Video

Odds, ends, and what have you

In addition to the blogs linked on this page, here are some more good reads you can routinely check out;
http://competeinallthings.blogspot.com/
http://footballcoach1.blogspot.com/
http://coachmac56.blogspot.com/

I stumbled upon a wonderfully insightful podcast/lecture series from Oxford University covering Darwin and the 200 year span since he wrote, "Origin of Species", you may want to check out;
http://www.sciencelive.org/component/option,com_mediadb/task,view/idstr,OX-podcast-mpls_darwin200_audio_rss20_xml/Itemid,26

In addition, everyone's favorite biologist, PZ Myers, reviews NOVA's latest special of "What Darwin Didn't Know"...

Looking forward to the stretch of 'real' bowl games this week, starting with the Advocare Independence Bowl. A real good write-up of the matchup between the Bulldogs and Aggies can be found here;
http://www.dawgsports.com/2009/12/27/1220570/too-much-information-georgia

View of Independence Stadium from my office this afternoon (0.8 mi away)

Geaux Texas Bulldogs

Though I usually attend the I-bowl, I decided to sit this one out this year because I was tired of enduring the 'cold' (35 degrees tonight) the last few years. So my son and I will watch it on TV, instead. So far, by fan count, A&M is winning with 39 smoking hot young women in tight jeans and Ugg boots to only 2 Georgia women.

Thailand: Top Adventures to Enjoy

As Thailand provides many exciting and unique activities, make sure you try these adventurous experiences while you are in the country.

From snorkeling among the bright coral of Thailand beaches to canoeing your way through secluded caves and archipelagos, and to boat riding on the country’s expanses waterways that locales use as a primary means of Thailand transportation. Many vacation packages can include river adventures as part of your plans. The region’s scenic mountain ranges are another exciting adventure for biking enthusiast.

All of these excitements couldn’t be complete without a trip deep into the heart of the jungle. Sitting high atop an elephant or walking through the verdant foliage are experiences that will stay with you long after you've returned home.

Don’t forget to prepare yourself with travel vaccines to have a perfectly memorable experience in Thailand.

Holiday PSA (Steven Seagal:Lawman)

If you're snowed/shut in during this holiday break, you may be tempted to pass the time with whatevers on the televison. An interesting and wonderful program filmed in New Orleans, 'Steven Seagal: Lawman' on A&E, certainly is worth checking out.

A much better representation of the Cresent City than previous attempts, such as K-ville, episodes follow Steven Seagal (yes....THAT Steven Seagal), around as he (portrays) an active duty (reserve) Sheriffs deputy in Jefferson Parish.

If you can get past the intellectually dishonest claim that Seagal has been actively PRACTICING law enforcement for the last 20 years (and not just being POST certified or being an honorary sheriff) and the fact that after all the editing you still end up with a rather uneventful drama, but the show actually does a lot of good. Seagal means well and has his heart in the right place (you can't fault the guy for that) as he provides a window for America to view all the good people in the city and what they are going through.

However, I would just like to take the time to issue the following warning.

You may think that through the hokey production methods and simplistic delivery render this an innocuous diversion....don't be fooled.

Do NOT play the drinking game!!!!

1 Drink

• Every time Steven Seagal says Martial Art
• Every time Steven Seagal uses his Super Cop Senses (The camera fades to black and white)
• Every time one of Steven Seagal’s team members is visibly annoyed at our star
• Every Time Steven Seagal tries to lecture someone he is arresting

2 Drinks

• Every time Steven Seagal says Aikido
• Every time Steven Seagal says Zen
• Every time a chase scene is cut to show Steven Seagal running then another cop catching the suspect
  

Following these seven simple rules you and your friends will be snockered in no time. For you non-alcoholics divvy up the rules as evenly as possible. This should still have you good and tight in thirty minutes or less.

Thailand: Stay healthy on your trip

Getting ready for any trip takes months and weeks of research, planning and packing. While preparing all the activities, transportation, documentation and securing loose ends while you are away, don’t forget to prepare your health for the visit too! It is important to make the most of your trip by participating in all pre-planned activities rather than experiencing Thailand from the hotel bathroom or a local medical center; so be safe, vaccinate!

Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.

The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Thailand and get vaccinated.

For travel to Thailand, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• Japanese Encephalitis
• PPD (Tuberculosis) Test

Please make sure you get properly vaccinated as there are many diseases throughout Thailand that can seriously affect your health.

Also, take precautions against drinking the water and make sure your food is thoroughly cooked. Being properly vaccinated before you go can only protect you to an extent, knowing the diseases and how to prevent them when you are there is another way to stay safe.

Most of these vaccinations are routine for citizens of the USA and you have more than likely been adequately vaccinated for some, but it is important to see a travel medicine specialist to be sure you are prepared with the proper vaccinations and information to stay healthy in Thailand.

Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can affect your trip.

• Travelers' Diarrhea: use antibiotics and re hydration powders (diarrhea kit available at Passport Health)
• Intestinal Infections: Swim only in properly chlorinated or salt water, wear shoes at all times (even on the beach), follow food and water precautions given by an expert.
• Jet-Lag, Motion sickness, Altitude sickness: several different medications available
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: Remain properly hydrated during flight, get up frequently to stretch your legs to maintain circulation, consider wearing pressure gradient Travel Socks
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Obtain appropriate Travel and Evacuation Insurance
  
  

Don't let the possibility of getting sick in Thailand deter you from going. The best way to ensure safety and good health is to know the risks and take the right precautions against them.

Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.

Get Back To Fundamentals: Defense

EVERY DAY DRILLS FOR DEFENDERS

C/O Coach Charlie Means & Texas Tech

Defensive Line


Linebackers


Corners



Safeties

Darin Slack F4: Quarterback Tai Chi

If you are looking at what you have coming back next year at that quarterback position and wonder what you're gonna do, be sure to pick up some Darin Slack products.
http://www.quarterbackacademy.com/Online_Training_System_product.html

Darin Slack's F4 Quarterback development series are the best in the industry and there is no rival when it comes to presenting material for easy absorbtion.

If you've received the mind-blowing C4 series and have the fundamental knowledge of throwing biomechanics and self-correcting, be sure to enjoy the F4 series that covers a wide array of fundamental-enforcing drills and competitive challenges. This series progresses your quarterback through living and operating like a quarterback though footwork, upper body, trunk, and mental training.

Of particular interest, was the final DVD of the series that established easy-to-use training methods that cemented proper alignment and mechanics of a thrower. This is a great tool for reinforcing the elements of C4 as well as slowing down the throwing movement to waypoints to enforce disciplined biomechanically correct throwing motion.

9-5

I loved every second of my indoor soccer season these last few weeks at the new Sportsplex in Kaysville and I'm really sad this session came to an end. Don't worry, I signed up for round two. I volunteered to play goalie for one game and liked it so much that I play one half on the field, the other in keeper every game now! I hadn't played keep since AYSO so it was a little bit of a shock but I'm really enjoying it.
Tonight I played in goal for the second half and didn't do too bad. I took my first penalty kick tonight and BlOcKeD iT! You should have seen my grin. ha ha! classic. I'm kind of sad Colb missed it because I have a sneaky suspicion I'm getting goalie gloves from Santa. Oh well.
This picture is what I imagine I looked like. ha ha . But seriously.

Thailand: Language Barriers

So you want to visit Thailand but don’t know one thing about the language!? First, understand that a huge language barrier with Thai is the tones and the cultural nuances. Thais are uncomfortable when using English and will usually avoid talking to a foreigner in case they make a mistake.

If you are visiting Bangkok or Chiang Mai you can certainly get by just fine. It isn’t a serious problem to ask basic tourist questions. But if you can learn some basic Thai, it's best to get on and do just that. Remember; don't try learning Thai from someone who isn't capable of teaching it to you!

Basic phrases you will NEED to know:

1. Sa-wat dee (hello)
Used for both hello and goodbye.

2. Khop koon (thank you)
How to show your appreciation once you’ve been handed your Singha beer and pad Thai.

3. Gee baht? (how much)
Essential for all the shopping you’ll be doing, or when haggling with tuk-tuk drivers.

4. Yoo tee nai...? (where is...)
Priceless when lost! Just point at a place on your map or in your guidebook and say ‘yoo tee nai’
Helpful Hint: Phrase books are a good place to start, but you should start checking your pronunciation with English speaking Thais or foreigners. (Get a book that has Thai script beside each translation so you can at least point to the phrase in your book if all else fails.)

So, whether you just want to pick up a few phrases for your upcoming vacation or you're planning in-depth study, here is a great site that will help you to discover the joy of learning Thai!

Reason For the Season: Festivus

Festivus starts tonight. What a year its been.

Airing of Greivances

I'd first like to air my grievances.....

Mark May and Lou Holtz. You two are single-handedly spoiling the college football experience. Shut your mouths. Quit trying to sound intelligent. Quit trying to make up cute word-mashups. Lou, what the hell happened? You were the untouchable coaching Howdy Doody dynamo in the 80s....now you're a ridiculous Sylvester the Cat talking joke.

Big 10 Football. Suck it. This was 'your year' Ohio State....enter teh failz.......now shut up for the next decade, and take Penn State with you. Call me when you get the stones to have a conference championship game.

Now to the Feat of Strength!

I challenge Jessica Biel to a feat of strength.....I dare Ms. Biel to a tug-of-war with.....

Ah, moving on, I'll wish a seasons greeting as we all gather around the Festivus pole and enjoy a performance or two.....

Off Season Team Building: Mat Drills

Football hasn't been a 'season' sport for over a decade at most high schools.

Outside of a weight program that cycles your athletes through progressive stages of development (peaking at the start of the season), the supplemental component to this training is "mat drills". This combines all the best from how the wrestlers used to train (no longer have to advocate players wrestling) without worrying about them stunting growth with outrageous body weight manipulation.

These are also great team-building exercises, because players will often be challenged more severely than they would in football practice. It also requires a greater investment in what the team is working for. Nothing invested, nothing lost. When the game is on the line in October, there is no way a player can just turn their back after enduring through such a demanding "off-season".

Having done this at other programs, just a few notes;
Schedule it before school - don't think you can accommodate schedules. After school, on the weekend, mid-day...kids will still find a reason to miss. Get in early, put in the hustle, and enjoy the rest of the day. Nothing will build your players more both emotionally and mentally than challenging them with this type of explosive training to start the day.

Mind Over Matter (don't mind the ones that don't matter) - your numbers may suffer at first, it happens. Don't worry about the kids that aren't there / showing up. Focus and support the kids that ARE there and seize the opportunity to cultivate deeper relationships with those players.


A collection of COD, plyos, agilities, and speed work

MAT @ Yahoo! Video



MAT @ Yahoo! Video



MAT @ Yahoo! Video

MAT @ Yahoo! Video

MAT @ Yahoo! Video

MAT1 @ Yahoo! Video

More Awesome

Coach Evans bombards you with football awesome....doing more breakdown of TCU's nickel coverage






http://runcodhit.blogspot.com/

Happy Holidays, folks

Thailand: History

Thailand (previously known as Siam) means "land of the free", and throughout its 800-year history, Thailand boasts the distinction of being the only country in Southeast Asia never to have been colonized!

Throughout the long history, Thailand has gently absorbed immigrants. Many were skilled as writers, painters, sculptors, dancers, musicians and architects, and helped enrich the native culture. People inhabiting Thailand today share ethnic diversity - mainly Thai, Mon, Khmer, Laotian, Chinese, Malay, Persian and Indian stock.

Thailand has risen above the economic collapse of 1997, SARS and avian influenza as well as the devastating tsunami in December 2004, to become a hugely popular destination on the long-haul tourist trail.

Dear wedding planner...

We finally decided that if we didn't plan this wedding, it wouldn't get planned.


I wanted Colby to wear a brown tux. Chocolate brown not Napoleon brown. Colby was scared. So we went to a tux shop up the street to find what we really wanted. The owner (who knew we were coming for the brown tux) points to a mannequin on a shelf and says "There it is, the only brown tux we have." I ask Colby if he likes and he shrugs. "I won't know til I try it on." She tells Colb she can't reach it so he'll have to get it down. He gets it down and she pulls off the jackett for him to 'try on' and then walks away. My dare-devilish fiance strips the mannequin and heads for the dressing room. He puts it all on and comes out. He looks hot, way hot. He tells me he likes it fine. Fine? What does that even mean? Fine like you hate it but you'll wear it because it'll make me happy? or Fine like it will do? We left with a catalog full of all the possibilities and went home to decide for sure.

We found one that we both loved. It's not brown but that's ok with me. However I've decided to possibly change the wedding colors that I decided on 6 months ago.I have my opinion and my favorites ... what are yours?

I Google wedding colors and become more excited to plan this wedding than I have yet to be. The possibilities are endless and I don't want to decide yet because the the ideas will be narrowed. I'm secretly hoping my sisters will have a minute this week to help. I've never loved being scatter-brained. Until now.

Guess who?

Colby and I pulled out some games on Sunday Night. I love winning but Colb is good at everything. (or so it seemED)
I rocked the connect-4. I was proud. Really Proud. I'm a huge fan.
Guess Who? Was up next. I won the majority and begged Colby to keep playing. One more time he says. I go first. Trying to get two answers to one question I ask- Does SHE have BLACK hair.
A no would have told me that his card was in fact a female and no, she didn't have black hair. A look of confusion would have made the card a male. Instead, Colby pulls his card and throws it on the ground. Not only is his card a female, she has black hair, and she's the only female with black hair. YOU'RE SARAH! He calls me a cheater, I laugh til I cry, and then I laugh even harder.
I love those moments when I realize I'm happier than I have ever been.

Joy ones. Not sad ones.

Last night Colby turned on a Christmas movie. Miracle on 24th st? Right in the middle he asks what I'm thinking, too tired to be witty, I tell him the truth. The music coming from the speakers makes me feel out of place. I should be in a dental chair, mouth wide and eyes watering. Possibly trying to answer questions that need more than a head nod but finding my mouth full of dental tools and big hands and becoming disappointed because I have a really good story to share and by the time we're done the only thing I've been able to share is the I'd love to come back in 6 months instead of two weeks and sure 9 am will work again.
I felt just a little stupid when Colby started to answer. He was thinking about where our lives were a year ago. Neither one of us could have predicted the last year. Colb held me as the tears came. He didn't tell me everything is fine or different or that he was here now. He let me catch my breath and then he wiped my tears. He asked if I was ok and I told him they were tears of joy. Words can't explain where I was a year ago.
I was 12 days from ending my marriage that I had fought so hard for. I was packing for a family vacation that I wanted and needed so badly. I was the only one in my 'family' that wanted it. I wrapped my own presents, wishing for a Christmas Miracle that would super glue my marriage back together. I had zero Christmas spirit. Christmas Cards from other people kept me sane, reminding me that maybe someday I could have a real marriage with lots of words like 'ours, we, and us' and less words like 'yours, mine, his, and hers'. I put up 'our' Christmas tree and decorated the house. I was more excited to have another day gone and done rather than celebrate the holiday.
So here I am. Closer to the Lord than I have ever been. Happier than I could ever imagine. I still struggle every day, some days are worse than others but I couldn't be more grateful for my trials than I am today. (of course I can't predict tomorrow.. :) ) I know that Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to be happy. I still have the same family but we're closer this year. I owe a good 94% of my sanity to them.
Colby and I laughed as we talked about timing and the sense of humor the Lord is sure to have. Reasons this year is different for me.
*I could care less about what is under the tree with my name it.
*Christmas is finally about Jesus Christ.
*My family is spending the entire holiday together and everyone wants it.
*I hate being cold still but the snow means another season and more time I get to spend getting to know Colby Carter.
*I'm planning a marriage instead of a wedding.
*I'm happy with who I am and where I am going.

I wish Christmas was 800 days long. I don't want it to come because then it will be over.

The Most Interesting Men In The World

Props to those across the pond coaching American football and the wonderfully natural (non scholastic) environment in which they operate in.

Heads up on a few blogs worth following;
http://coachingforpizza.blogspot.com/
(wonderful use of John Grisham's book, 'playing for pizza')
http://coachingoutofbounds.blogspot.com/

http://www.scribd.com/TheMadCoach (Roldan Leyba)
http://uerdingen-tomahawks.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/people/Julien-Urgenti/641779599 http://coachbook.ning.com/profile/TedSeay
http://www.gridironaustralia.org.au/
(one of my older brothers actually played for Alice Springs Red Backs when I was playing in college)


Cheers, mates!

** I was actually going to do a semi-insightful breakdown of Gregg Williams' 3rd down fire-zones in the Dallas-NO game this weekend, but my DVD burner that I recorded the game corrupted the disc it was burned on....oh, well, needless to say, sometimes you win, sometimes you don't. Also, (Y/X) shallow seemed to be the only thing New Orleans could get to successfully work when everything else fell apart.
shallownodal @ Yahoo! Video

SA @ Yahoo! Video

One thing I did want to illustrate (have to dig up the other film shortly) is how Sean Payton OPENS a game. They obviously want to take the ball at the opener, and when they do....that first series IS ALWAYS at quick tempo (huddle very shortly, if at all) and rarely motion or shift. This establishes their tempo (as Payton has always been big on shifting) and sets up predictable scenarios, as well as creating comfort for the players to establish the rhythm they will eventually settle into during the course of the remainder of the game.

** Also, I'm working on a Bama D vs Texas O write-up, that I can hopefully have done after Christmas.

Thailand: Etiquette

Thailand is a country with various customs and traditions. Many are related to religion, which is why it is so important to be respectful and learn about their etiquette. Below are some etiquette tips to take with you on your trip to Thailand:

• Not an expert with chopsticks? No worries, if you are traveling to Thailand! Although the Chinese brought chopsticks to Thailand a long time ago, chopsticks are no longer widely used there. Instead, use a fork and spoon and you will fit right in.

• Thais consider the head and the feet the most sacred parts of the body, so never touch another person's head, display the soles of your feet, or use your foot to point at something.

• Shoes are often removed when entering a private home or even a few stores. Finding shoes outside doors is a great cue to begin un-tying!

• Although traveling in Thailand is very cheap, taxis at bus stations, airports etc. can charge tourists a lot more. Call and have a coffee at a local café- ask how much for taxi to where you want to go and they will give you the Thai rate.

• On many Thai beaches, you will come across solicitors selling everything from sunglasses to cheap jewelry. Refuse politely, but firmly. If you do buy anything, don't expect it to be of high quality. In any case you should ALWAYS keep an eye on your valuables.

• Last but certainly not least- Be Observant! There are so many new sites, sounds and smells in Thailand. When arriving, you will probably be on sensory overload. Observe what people are doing and how they are acting. Observe your body language, your voice volume levels, your group size, your presence. Don’t think of it as constricting – think of it as a gentle learning with Thailand as your teacher!

It is easy, when entering a foreign country, to use mistaken etiquette. Just remember Thais are friendly and hospitable people, so an apology plus a smile will grant you forgiveness!

Amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics.

Stealing an oft-used, Clausewitz-esque, military axiom, its application with coaching is profound. When you reduce it all down, it always comes down to fundamentals and execution. If you are looking for that next step, that competitive advantage for your team this off-season.....pump your brakes when you find yourself getting excited over schemes or philosophies.

Often times in the off-season, through clinics or bowl games, we can be influenced with stimulating Xs and Os and be convinced that those are the 'answers' we need to find to turn the corner.

Undoubtedly, setting players up for success on the field is aided with play-calling and match-ups. However, often times this is such a small, over-valued facade in football that it blinds us from the foundational tenets of successful football.

Here is my pitch, my admonition to you and your off-season staff to evaluate HOW, not WHAT, you will be doing in the Fall. How are you going to account for all situations, how are you going to competently teach your game plan for each opponent, how are you going to build relationships with your players and parents?

This off-season, SKIP the clinics - save your money.

Challenge you and your staff to think differently - make yourself uncomfortable. Instead of clinics or DVD, schedule time to spend quality time with a college or university program.

When you do so, SHUT UP. Listen, absorb, humble yourself and acknowledge what they do to create organized efficiencies. THIS is the logistical modality that you can apply to your program (regardless of what you run) that will improve the condition of your football schedule in 2010.

Enjoy the holidays.

OVER

over Run @ Yahoo! Video



over pass @ Yahoo! Video

Tsunami (ST)

Had a great time last weekend in the Dome for the LHSAA Championships and got a chance to unwind and absorb all that was around me (outside of muffalettas, meat pies, and Hurricanes).

One facet of the game that I gained a greater appreciation for was after getting to hook up with Leesville Head Coach, David Feaster, again. After exchanging pleasantries, we went straight for the low-down, "Coach, what the hell is up with your damn onsides kick!?". Weeks prior, Feaster and his Wampus Cats travelled to our stadium and unleashed a beast of a kickoff package that left us grasping for answers.

Feaster explained that when he arrived on campus he observed his kicker spending countless hours practicing kickoffs. To assess what kind of talent he had on the roster, he asked the kicker if he can kick it in the end zone. The player replied that, "no", he had never been able to get the ball into the end zone......close, but never far enough to garner a touchback. Coach Feaster couldn't see the logic in spending so much time on such a fruitless endeavor, so he had this player begin preparing to kick a focused, directional squip kick for onsides recovery.

tsnumai @ Yahoo! Video


Not the typical onside kick, this features a focused dto which 6 gunners converge on the single spot the ball is kicked. The ball is kicked so lightly that it travels the required 10 yards (to the 50 yd line) at the same rate as the kickoff team players. The ball arrives eligible for play along with entire kickoff team, who take out your returners and crowd the ball for recovery.

Frustrated at halftime with an adjustment, we ended up attempting to run this ourselves for our remaining 3 games in the post-season. It was no easy task tweaking the kick to not lead the pursuit team.