IF IT’S EASY ITS WRONG!
“ If you are versatile, tough and smart you will be a successful offensive lineman.” -- Grey Ruegamer (Offensive lineman for the New York Giants)
5 STRONG-THE CODE• As an Offensive Line you
set the tone for the rest of the football team
• Toughness, Grit, Nastiness, Relentless Effort, Intense Focus, Selflessness, Accountability, Trust, Great Work Ethic
• “5 STRONG”-No Man is an Island, you must draw your strength from others WE ARE ONLY AS STRONG AS THE MAN NEXT TO US!
“Linemen are literally the unsung heroes of the game. Their situation is analogous to the infantry in warfare. They do the hard, bitter fighting for victory. As the generals reap the headlines in war, the backs reap the headlines in football. Yet in their hearts, the generals and backs know that victory and the accolades came to them through the work of the foot soldiers and linemen.”
Gomer Jones
EXPECTATIONSRules:1. BE EARLY – 5 Minutes early is late!2. BE PREPARED – Have manual and playbooks ready to go….bring pen or pencil3, BE READY TO WORK – No attitudes just ready to go4. BE RESPECTFUL – Nothing is personal5. EFFORT- Is not an option, it is to be expected6. EMBRACE THE COMPETITION- Constant atmosphere of competition7. KNOW YOUR ROLE- Feed the collective by succeeding individually8. TECHNIQUE- Is the great equalizer, master it9. HAVE FUN – What is said in meetings stays in meetings, but laugh when we need to
• Be honest with yourself as a player, did I work as hard as I could have that rep, that drill, that practice….and that game?
• If it is easy it is wrong• One Unit – Its about us
POSITION PHILOSOPHY• We will be the hardest working position group on the field. We will be physical, disciplined and play with great pad level and technique• Need to have nasty players all across the board.• Score with your man! • One unit that plays together, bleeds together and works 24/7 together• We will block until the whistle blows• Know your assignment 100% of the time• Trust your steps and technique• Need to be violent and aggressive• We will dominate the line of scrimmage in the run game and pass game• Violent with your hands• Take the fight to them! We will be the aggressors!
POSITION GOALS• Win the day every day!• 100% Assignment Execution• 100% Hustle and Effort-we will never walk on the field!• Play with feet fire and hand violence• No selfish penalties• Protect your quarterback! No excuse to give up a sack• No Tackles for Loss ever! Win with your man downfield• OWN THE 4TH QUARTER
POSITION GOALS• Be accountable and do your
job• Communicate every play!
The more the better!!!• Establish the line of
scrimmage on every play• Make first contact with
defenders (with controlled aggression)
• Aim to finish every block with a pancake or cut
POSITION BREAKDOWN TACKLE
• The edge of our offensive line. Needs to be excellent pass blocker and run blocker• Has to be athletic to reach blocks on read plays and physical enough to play within our inside zone and power schemes• Responsible for seeing edge blitzes and pressure• Need to communicate to the guards and tight ends• Responsible for making sure tight ends know who to block• Has to be very athletic in pass pro, understand pocket depth and be able to win 1 on 1 situations• Living on an Island, protect quarterback’s blind side
POSITION BREAKDOWN GUARD
• Most physical players up front• Need to be big and athletic to move 3 techniques as well as assist center with 0 shade• Need to be athletic when facing 3 down defenses and they need to climb to second level• Need to be good at pass pro and have to work twist pickup with center as well as tackle• Have to be able to get movement against head up defensive lineman• Athletic enough to pull and move in space• Assist center and tackle in blitz and front identification and pickup
POSITION BREAKDOWN CENTER
• The focus point of our offensive line, he is the general• Runs the show, needs to make all front and box identification calls• Makes combo calls with guards• Needs to be able to identify blitzes and work twist pickup with guards• 100% PERFECT SNAPS! NO EXCUSES• Athletic enough to pull into space and get to second level• Needs to be able to block a 0 Technique in 3 down defense• Shotgun and Under Center snapping
DEFENSIVE ALIGNMENTS
• It is important for our offensive line to identify the difference between the defensive alignments• Something as simple as a 2i vs a 2 technique could signal a defensive stunt or blitz• Defensive alignment identification is critical in the run and pass game blocking schemes
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FRONT RECOGNITIONOKIE OKIE NOTES
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· There will be a NT aligned somewhere on the Center
· Both Guards will be completely uncovered
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33 NOTES· There will be a NT aligned somewhere on the
Center· Both Guards will be completely uncovered· There will be three LBs “in the box” usually
stacked behind the DL· It is common for two additional LBs or DBs to
be aligned slightly outside the box
BEAR
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BEAR NOTES· There will be a NT aligned somewhere on the
Center· Both Guards must be covered· The alignment of the LBs or DBs does not
affect the front call· It will be common for defenses to play a 3 LB
Bear in short yardage /goal line situations· Some teams will play a 2 LB Bear in normal
field and down & distance situations
WS
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OVER 33 OVER 33 NOTES· There will be two LBs aligned “in the box”· There will be a DL aligned in both B Gaps · If three LBs align “in the box” with the two B
Gap DL we will refer to the front as “Wendy Stack”
FRONT RECOGNITIONSTACK STACK NOTES
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· All three LBs must be aligned “in the box”· There will be a B Gap defender aligned to the
TE ( or formation strength in 2 TE formations ) and an A Gap defender aligned away from the TE
· We will still call it Stack if both DTs are aligned head up on the Guards and there are three LBs “in the box”
OVER
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OVER NOTES· There will be two LBs aligned “in the box”· There will be a B Gap defender aligned to the
TE ( or formation strength in 2 TE formations ) and an A Gap defender aligned away from the TE
· We will still call it Over if both DTs are aligned head up on the Guards and there are only two LBs “in the box”
UNDER
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UNDER NOTES· There will be an A Gap defender aligned to
the TE ( or formation strength in 2 TE formations ) and a B Gap defender aligned away from the TE
· There will be two LBs aligned “in the box”
UNDER STACK UNDER STACK NOTES· There will be an A Gap defender aligned to
the TE ( or formation strength in 2 TE formations ) and a B Gap defender aligned away from the TE
· All three LBs aligned “in the box”T
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FRONT IDENTIFICATION
FRONT IDENTIFICATION
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4 DOWN FRONTS
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UNDER UNDER G BOSSUNDER G
OVER OVER G OVER G BOSS
OVER G WIDE STACK OVER WIDE
EVEN 15 OVER 33
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LOADED
FRONT IDENTIFICATION3 DOWN/GOALINE FRONTS
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BEAR
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BEAR STRONG
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XL CC
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GAP 8
XL CC
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ANGLE – Defensive Line move away from TE
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SLANT – Defensive Line move toward TE
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GRIZ
OL FUNDAMENTALS• EFFORT
• They need to buy in right away• Must play for each other• Special group of guys• Preparation, they must know how to handle everything• Knowledge allows them to use Great Effort = Confidence• ONE UNIT
• BALANCE • Run game and pass game• Base / Full Foot in the ground / repeated deliberate movements• Cannot have your head down and your ass up
• FINISH• Send a message every play• Nothing better for an offense than physical, violent offensive
linemen• Score with your man
• SPLITS• Wider for inside plays• Tighter for outside plays
• STANCE • 50/50 Stance• Comfortable – not interested in robots that look good • Be able to run block and pass block out of the same stance • Everything is tight and compact • 3 point vs. 2 point
STANCE AND SPLITS
STANCEGood Stance Bad Stance
On toes
Elbow restingHand not in
Attack position
Hand in attack position
Heels in ground
Poor Knee Bend
Hips and Butt high
Good knee andhip bend
Eyes up,Keying defender
Eyes down
3 POINT STANCE• Feet shoulder width apart. Toes pointed
forward or slightly out. Center feet stay parallel. Guards toe to in-step stagger and Tackles toe to heel stagger.
• Squat down placing your forearms on your thigh, bow your neck, Keep all 7 cleats in the ground
• Extend your outside hand in front of you and sit back in your hamstrings. Keeping all your cleats in the ground
• Place your hand down on the ground just inside of the knee. Your hand should be in the same spot as your eye if it fell out of your head. Have a flat back with eyes up ready to scan the defense. Have weight 50-50 on the inside balls of your feet. From this position you should be able to run block, pass block and step in any direction
• Off hand should be in an attack position ready to strike
2 POINT STANCE
• Take the same stagger that you use in a 3 point stance
• Squat down with knees inside your ankles
• Your stance will adjust based on pass or run
• Run Game-flat back, eyes up, same feet separation as if you were in a 3 point stance
• RAM ROD you back in pass pro• Place hands on your thighs• Weight 50-50 on in-steps
• Zone = GAP – COMBO – MAN
• You have to end up blocking someone
• Box Drill • Feet Drive Finish• Combos • Chaos
RUN GAME ZONE PROGRESSION
• Zone = GAP – COMBO – MAN• Work back only when the numbers allow it
• Drive Block – Landmark - Execution • Tight Reach Block – Landmark – Execution • Reach Block - Landmark – Execution
(POSITION STEP / POWER STEP )
ZONE, BOOK, ZONE READ, SPEED, ZONE CYCLE, STRETCH
RUN GAME – ZONE PROGRESSION
INSIDE / OUTSIDE ZONE
• Take proper splits. It can be determined by which adjacent lineman you are working with or if you are on the backside or front side of the play.
• Communicate: In all zone schemes the uncovered lineman is responsible to make the call
• Take proper landmarks. Be mindful of the alignment of the defender
• Hit your target and work to get vertical push.• FINISH!!!!
WHAT TO LOOK AT DURING THE COURSE OF A PLAY?YOU MUST GET HERE!
1 2 43
OS ½ OF PS #
IS½ OF PS #
OS ½ OF BS #
IS½ OF BS #
LANDMARKS
INSIDE ZONE RUN BLOCK PROGRESSION
• Take a 3”- 6” lateral lead step (Depends on width of the defender), Pre snap, determine alignment of defender (Position Step)
• Aim to get your inside foot on top of the defenders inside foot, split his crotch (Power Step)
• Punch from low to high and latch on to breast plate
• Elbows inside your body’s framework. Squeeze your elbows punch with your thumbs up through the ribs of the defender. Strike with the palm of your hand and grab with your fingers.
• Facemask under the chin • Drive thru the defender• FEET, DRIVE, FINISH!!!!!!!!
• TARGET: MIDLINE:EYES TO THE APPLE• POSITION STEP: EYES TO TARGET, SQUARE• POWER STEP: GET IT IN THE GROUND• PUNCH: THUMBS UP, HEELS• WIDE BASE: PUSH OFF INSTEPS• FEET: TOES POINT OUT, STRAIN• DRIVE: 7 CLEATS, FIRE THE FEET• FINISH: EXTEND, EXPLODE THROUGH FINISH
1) POSITION STEP
2) POWER STEP (VERTICAL)
BASE BLOCK: INSIDE ZONE
OUTSIDE ZONERUN BLOCK PROGRESSION
• Take 6” lateral lead step (depends on the width of the defender) (Position Step)
• Aim to get your inside foot to the crotch of the defender. (Power Step)
• Keep your shoulders square to defender
• Punch inside hand to the sternum of the defender.
• Work to get hat placement outside shoulder
• Working to get horizontal displacement, displace defender from their gap responsibility
• Feet, Drive, Finish!!!!
• TARGET: OUTSIDE ARM PIT WITH EYES• POSITION STEP: OPEN, EYES TO TARGET• POWER STEP: HAS TO GET TO THE CROTCH• PUNCH: SHOULDER AND STERNUM• WIDE BASE: RUN THROUGH THE TARGET• FEET: RUN• DRIVE: ON TRACK THROUGH TARGET• FINISH: CREATE AN EDGE
1) POSITION STEP (MORE LATERAL)
2) POWER STEP (VERTICAL)
(IF WIDE DEFENDER YOU CAN LOSE SOME GROUND TO GET TO AIMING POINT)
REACH BLOCK: OUTSIDE ZONE
• Where is everyone going• Center is the decision maker up front
Center blocks “0”Guards block “1”Tackles block “2”TE / FB / QB “3”
• The BST is the adjuster and has the hardest job when running the read, the lock, or the option off the zone play
• Find the B gap defender or the QB player
FLIP THE SWITCH – MENTAL PROCESS
ZONE COMBO BLOCKS• Combo blocks are what we use in
our Zone scheme runs like Zone, Molly, Book and Cycle
• These double team blocks are extremely physical
• 4 EYES, 4 FEET, 4 HANDS vs 2 eyes, 2 feet, 2 hands-use all of these body parts combined to overwhelm the defender (your 4 vs. his 2!)
• The OL is responsible for identifying who we are double teaming to
• Emphasis is vertical displacement of defender
• Cannot get caught up in combo blocks if you have a PS gap defender!
• TED-TIGHT END DOWN WITH THE TACKLE PULLING AROUND FOR OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
• TAT-TRUE DOUBLE TEAM BLOCK WITH THE TACKLE. WORK VERTICAL THROUGH THE DEFENDER UP TO THE SECOND LEVEL DEFENDER. DO NOT LEAVE BLOCK UNTIL LEVERAGE IS SECURED. COMMUNICATE WITH TACKLE. COMMUNICATE WHETHER YOU ARE WORKING IN THE BOX OR TO OVERHANG DEFENDER ON COMBO
• GAT-DOUBLE TEAM CALL BETWEEN GUARD AND TACKLE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THIS CAN ALERT THE TIGHT END TO A POSSIBLE SOLID CALL MEANING YOU ARE ALONE AGAINST YOUR DEFENDER
• BOX-OFFENSIVE LINE AND TIGHT ENDS BLOCKING DEFENDERS IN THE BOX. TURNS A ZONE SCHEME INTO A MAN SCHEME
• PUSH-OFFENSIVE LINE AND TIGHT END ZONING TO AN EXTRA DEFENDER IN THE BOX EVERYONE WORKS ONE MAN OVER THAN THEIR ORIGINAL ASSIGNMENT
TAT TAT
GAT
TED
BOX
PUSH
TIGHT END CALLS
• ZONE READ AND BOOK• In Zone Read and Book the QB will call out the
read man. The offensive line will adjust their calls off of this
• BST is the adjuster, hardest spot to play up front, needs to be athletic enough to take on those tough blocks
TAGS OFF THE ZONE PLAY
• GAP = GAP - COMBO - MAN• Every lineman (including tight end) is responsible for a gap
unless he is the puller• Down Block– Aiming Point-Combo Block (Blitz=TIMBER!)• Power– Skip Pull Technique / Identifying PS LB• Counter / Trap- Kickout Technique– Execution • 1 Back vs. 2 Back Power
RUN GAME – GAP PROGRESSION
Gap Scheme responsibilities:• PS Tight End: C Gap• PS Tackle: B Gap• PS Guard: A Gap• Center: A-B Gap• BS Guard: Puller• BS Tackle: C Gap or Puller• BS Tight End: D Gap
GAP COMBO BLOCKS• Combo blocks are what we use in
our gap scheme runs like Power and Counter
• These double team blocks are extremely physical
• 4 EYES, 4 FEET, 4 HANDS vs 2 eyes, 2 feet, 2 hands-use all of these body parts combined to overwhelm the defender (your 4 vs. his 2!)
• These combos usually work back to the first or second LB head up to backside of the Center
• Emphasis is vertical displacement of defender
• Cannot get caught up in combo blocks if you have a PS gap defender!
DEUCE
MNR ET
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DEUCE
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POWER
• Own your man!• Mentality of back to a cliff,
only you stand between defender and quarterback
• Balance and control of body• Patience vs. Aggressiveness • Developing a good punch• Weight loaded on foot
opposite of direction you are kicking/posting
• Shoulders back/proud chest• Ramrod your Back!• Hands ready in attack
position!
PASS FUNDAMENTALS
RINGO / LUCKY• 6 Man “Man” Scheme Protection-Offensive Line Zone Side is to
the call, Man is Opposite• Number of DL plus LB(s) away from Mike ID• 1 RB/TE/WR in protection with OL• RB has # 1 to #2 inside out on the MAN SIDE• Zone side alert for possible “HARD” call vs. edge rush• Protection alerts RB which side he is reading/defending
LUCKY
52N
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“ID”
ZONE MAN
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#2
RIP / LIZ• 6 Man “Gap” Protection• Responsible for blocking and cutting play side gap to call side• 1 RB in protection with QB• RB has 1st defender off of the BS Tackle• Inside-Out for RB protection, cannot get beat inside• QB alert for check to pressure
RIP
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JUMP SET
• This is an attacking pass set use mostly by centers and guards but can be used by tackles to switch up their set vs. a heavy or tight technique
• Snap your head up out of your stance• Mirror defenders feet with yours exactly how you would on inside zone
landmarks• Attack the inside number and sternum with a 2 hand punch• Stun him off the L.O.S.• If you can lock up do so, if not pull punch back and reset off the L.O.S
KICK SET• Kick Set (Kick and Post)• Snap your head up and
back out of your stance• Set to the near point• Be patient with your
punch• Make him commit to one
direction (Outside)• If you land a solid punch
inside, lock him up and anchor. Never get beat inside!!!
VERTICAL SET
• This set is used by our tackles when they have to block a wide technique or speed rusher.
• Tackles must gain ground on the first 2 initial kick slides. (maybe 3)• DON’T BE A SLOOPER!!! Stay Square in your kick slide. Don’t
turn until the DE makes you turn. Then Punch near target and make him go around
• Keep your inside toe pointed straight up the field. This will help keep your shoulders square and you can change directions vs. a counter move inside and brace against the bull rush
POCKET AWARENESS
• Tackles have 5 yards of depth to work with• Cannot allow inside penetration
• Tackles have 5 yards of depth to work with• Cannot allow inside penetration
• Centers and Guards have 3 yards of space to work with • Cannot get beat off the ball• Cannot allow inside penetration• Critical to keep defenders in front • Back against the cliff mentality
5 YA
RDS 5 YARDS3
YARD
S3 YARDS
QB
GOOD PASS PRO
Hands ready
to strike
Shouldersslightly back
Eyes up,keying
defender
Hands ready
to strike
Shouldersslightly back
Eyes up,keying defender
“ I make my practices real hard…..because if a player is a quitter I want him to quit in practices, not in a game.” Bear Bryant Alabama
• We will practice hard, fast and physical. Our practices will involve high energy and enthusiasm from everyone on the unit. • Every player will receive a high amount of reps and we will operate with the “Next Man in Mentality” every day.• We are a family that will play together, look out for each other and win with each other every day in practice. • Our practices will be hard so that gameday is easy compared to it.
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY
PRACTICEPRACTICE COMPOSITION- These are the themes our items will look to cover everyday for at least ten minutes a day
1. Stance – First Steps2. Base Run Technique – Punching and footwork3. Base Pass Pro – Working Set and Punch4. Finish Drills – Emphasizing No play is over without five defenders on the ground 5. Man on Man Drill – Competition is the best drill work there is6. Team Drill – Put it all together 7. Assignment Period – Mentally Sharp
OFFENSIVE LINE PROGRESSIONPRE PRACTICE
1. Duck Walk Progression- Step with play side Foot, cock arms2. Duck Walk Progression-Bring second step, punch with arms3. Duck Walk Progression-Bring third step finish duck walk for five
yards (hip explosion)4. Sled Progression-Zone Drive Blocking 10 yards each direction
(multiple reps), focus on putting together Duck Walk Progression and exploding through blocks
5. Install-new plays, blocking schemes on air, bags or look teams
OFFENSIVE LINE PROGRESSION
1. Boards Tight Reach (no bags)2. Boards Wide Reach- run off end of board3. Boards with Bag (PREFIT), Drive on command4. Boards with Bag Feet Fire 2 Step Progression5. Boards with Bag-fire off board weave drill progression6. Boards with Bag-LB depth7. Chutes Zone Blocking8. Power Pull open and run to sideline (Counter Pull)9. Power Skip Pull (Power)10.Power Skip Pull- hit bag 4 ½ yards depth11.Power Double Team Progression/Bag Between Hips12.Power Double Team Defender to LB13.Pass Cones14.Box Drill Pass15.Waterfall16.Vertical vs. Power Step17.Half Line Twist Pickup18.Full Line Twist Pickup
INDY PRACTICE
“We are offensive linemen, part of the o-line. Five guys working as a unit within the football team to establish the tempo and demeanor of the game. Our job description doesn't sound fun, interesting or flashy, nor should it. Those who know football know the game is won or lost in the trenches, along the line. We start the play and if we are good we finish it. We are the O-Line, we set the examples, we "LEAD FROM THE FRONT.” -- Grey Ruegamer (Offensive lineman for the New York Giants)
“The heart and soul of any good football team is its offensive line. There's no position that requires more discipline or technique than offensive lineman. Success as an offensive football team hinges on their ability to control the line of scrimmage.”
BEING AN PACE UNIVERSITY MAN1. SELFLESSNESS-BECOMING A MAN MEANS SERVING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF.
CHANGE THE THOUGHT PROCESS FROM SELF TO “US”. “No man has ever risen to the real stature of spiritual manhood until he has found that it is finer to serve somebody else than it is to serve himself.” ~ Woodrow T. Wilson
2. CONSISTENCY-REAL MEN ARE PEOPLE THAT OTHERS CAN COUNT ON. ANYONE CAN DO THINGS RIGHT ONCE IN A WHILE, A REAL MAN DOES ALL THE TIME. SHOWING UP TO CLASS, DOING HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, MAKING WORKOUTS EARLY NOT ON TIME! ETC CONSISTENCY IS THE GAME FOR PROS, WHO ACTUALLY HAVE PEOPLE COUNTING ON THEM, MEN WITH REAL RESPONSIBILITY, REAL MEN.
3. HUMILITY-REAL MEN ARE SECURE IN THEIR ABILITIES AND DO NOT FIND IT NECESSARY TO PLACE THEMSELVES IN HIGHER ESTEEM THAN THOSE AROUND THEM. REAL MEN CHOOSE RESTRAINT AND HUMILITY. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEAMMATES AROUND YOU, TEACH THEM HOW TO DO THINGS THE RIGHT WAY. My power will be in humility ~ Walter Russell
4TH QUARTERTHE PAIN OF COMMITMENT
COMMITMENT CAN BE PAINFUL. INDEED, IT IS THE POSSIBILITY OFPAIN, THAT COMMITMENT FINDS MEANING AND POWER. OF WHAT
VALUE COULD COMMITMENT BE IF IT DID NOT HAVE ITS PRICE? CHOOSE YOUR COMMITMENTS
EXPECT PAINFUL TIMESBE READY TO MAKE SACRIFICESBE READY TO SEE IT THROUGH
BUILD SOMETHING GREATDISCIPLINE EFFORT
TOUGHNESS
DO WHAT YOU’RE SUPPOSED TODO WHEN YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO
DO IT EXACTLY LIKE IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE DONE, AND DO IT THAT
WAY ALL THE TIME
IT TAKES NO ATHLETIC ABILITY TO GIVE GREAT EFFORT. IT’S AN
ATTITUDE. BE RELENTLESS, AND COMPETE FOR 60 MINUTES
THE ABILITY TO PERFORM AT YOUR VERY BEST TALENT AND SKILL REGARDLESS OF COMPETITIVE CIRCUMSTANCES.WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING