My time with Jeff Reinebold

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff Reinebold currently the Receivers Coach at S.M.U. (Southern Methodist University) and a former NFL Coach. At the Gridiron Australia Junior National Championships.

After previously having the opportunity to share time with Rich Miano who is the Associate Head Coach and Defensive Backs Coach from the University of Hawai'i at the same tournament in 2007 and learning a lot from him I was looking forward to having a similar experience with Coach Reinebold.

I found the experiences I had with the 2 Coaches fairly different but now with reflection have realised this could also be the result of me also being in a different place as a coach now than I was 2 years ago.

Whilst Coach Miano shared a lot of knowledge with me which I needed at time as a young coach learning his craft. Coach Reinebold shared thoughts with me and it was more of a 2 way street.

At the time I was struggling to understand exactly what new information I was gaining from my exchanges with Jeff Reinebold though now looking back I understand the gift he has given me.

Coach Reinebold helped me reaffirm all my beliefs in Football, he also helped me realize the truths I believe in both in the sport and in the way I approach things both tactically and in building relationships with my players.

I am now at the point where I can easily use the internet to obtain information on X's & O's and then transfer these into my systems. However understanding why I run certain systems and what the benefits of that are to the people I coach and there growth in the sport as well as the growth of the sport.

We spoke about the importance of "Selling it to the players". It is one thing to tell somebody what to do but to help break it down and get them to buy into why to do it not only helps them learn but also makes these players your biggest fans in passing these beliefs forward to other players.

I had the opportunity to explain how with Gridiron being a minority sport in Australia how it is really important to sell techniques that in some cases are the opposite of the skills they use in other sports. An example of this is the habit Australian athletes have of almost a hugging actions in tackles. Not only does this drop the hitting level of the players and potentially drop their heads it also neutralizes any forward momentum they have in the tackle.

To combat this I have to sell the technique of bringing the arms through. I had a light bulb moment with a kid I was coaching a while ago and this has made this easier to translate this to all others.

I have all new players stand in a line and perform 2 broad jumps.
- The first broad jump is to be executed with no use of the arms at all to generate extra momentum.
- The 2nd broad jump attempt is now allowed to use the swinging of the arms forward to generate extra momentum
Nearly every player after this understands the importance of using your arms to generate extra momentum through the tackle. Sure they may not understand the immediate benefits of this action also raising your eye level and picking up your chest in the tackle, but these things will come with extra practice.

The benefits though of selling this technique and re training them quickly for the reasoning behind why we ask for them to bring their arms through make this 2 minute practice drill priceless.

Jeff told me he hadn't heard of the broad jump analogy for this technique but did think it made sense and translated really well. (Jeff earlier in the day was instructing kids to thrust their arms forward like they were trying to clap their hands behind the opponents head, something I will grab hold of after my broad jump instruction for beginners)

My time with Jeff Reinebold has accelerated my growth as a coach. Although I wasn't fully aware at the time I am forever thankful for the time and conversations we shared. Not only did he help me realize I may be on the right track with my approach. Coach Reinebold also assured me I have the ability to apply my trade at High School level in the U.S. something that may still remain a mid term Goal. I still have much work and learning ahead but at least now I trust in the foundation I have built.