Jim Heacock: Defensive Game Week Preparation

In the first of two presentations, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Jim Heacock demonstrates how his defense prepares for game day. He starts with the value of using team-building exercises to develop familiarity amongst players and coaches. He progresses to the importance of understanding an opponent as an individual and not just a nameless player. He also describes how he blocks his practices and how different drills are selected and used to improve player performance. He addresses the concept of running through practice not walking through it, the benefits of no-helmet team time, and how to enhance practice tempo. His presentation ends with a rundown of the team's final practice routine, concluding with the processes he takes his players through on game day.

2011.