Friday, November 30, 2012

How To Make A Highlight Film- For Specialists

How To Make A Highlight Film- For Specialists

Making a highlight film is probably the most popular question we receive at Special Teams Football Academy.  Here is a reference guide to creating a highlight film for kickers, punters and long snappers. But please know that you can apply these ideas to any position and any sport.



Photo borrowed from westmichiganforce.com

Many of the tips have been accumulated from various sources:  Recruiting and Kicking Coaches, Rivals.com, and Our Personal Experiences.


Steps on How To Make A Highlight Film:
  • Put your best stuff first.  Recruiters/Coaches may only give you 2 minutes to impress them.  Show them your Wow Factor!
  • Try to make your video between 2-5 minutes in length.
  • Have a short intro slide.
  • For Kickers-  Show your 5-6 longest FGs first.  Then show your top 5-6 kickoffs (or show KOs first if you have a few kickoffs that sail out of the back of the end zone), and then finish with your best PATs.  Show a few onside, pooch and squib kicks.
  • For Punters-  Show your longest and best hang time punts first.  If you were versatile in corner, directional and pooch punts show those as well.  Show your best punts when you punt out of the end zone.  Coaches want to see how you hand that pressure.  No need to show punts that fly 20 yards and roll 30 yards.  You can show those 50 yard punts that roll, if the punt flew 35+ yards. 
  • For Kickers/Punters- You'll have to decide what you want to show first between punts or kicks.
  • For Long Snappers- Show your most accurate snaps first.  Show punt snaps first since they are more difficult.  If you make a tackle or help with a tackle after a punt snap show that.  Show your best short snaps too.  If you play any other positions, I would put 1-2 minutes of game film from your other positions so you can show a coach you are a multidimensional player.
  • Start the clip a couple seconds before the snap. Give the coach a few seconds to scan the field, locate where you are, although it should be obvious to find you if you are a kicker or punter. And let the play go to the end.
  • There isn't a big need for major special effects, but if you can add a circle or arrow next to you on the film, that will give the recruiter a quicker point of reference.  If you can, highlight the flight of the ball too.  Some game film isn't the clearest.   
  • Here is an interesting point of reference if found on RIVALS.com.  I semi disagree, but I see their point.  If you want to put your stats first, only make the slides 2-3 seconds long, but maybe reiterate your stats at the end. 
    • *DON'T: Put your stats/honors at beginning of the reel- No player has ever earned a scholarship offer based on all-star selections. It is fine to list stats and awards at the end of your reel. But again, coaches want to see your clips when they hit "play."
  • Make a slide listing your current season’s stats and your rank in the state (ie- Had 50 points kicking and was the #4 ranked kicker in the state).
  • Make a slide listing your last years stats if you’d like to show them
  • Make a slide showing any awards you have received from your performances in season, or from kicking or other football camps.
  • Include ranks and star ratings that you have earned from the Showcase/Evaluation camps you have attended. (ie- Finish #2 overall kicker at camp ABC, or Ranked 3rd best kicker according to Company XYZ).
  • If you created your highlight film on HUDL, make sure you buy your highlight film file so you can put it on YouTube.  Depending on your HUDL settings, outsiders may needs your log in and password.  If a password is needed, it's best to just buy the package so you own the video. College coaches are busy, make things easy on them.
  • Send Coach Husby the file of your highlight film or a link to your YouTube Highlight film so he can keep it on file for college coaches.  Or give it to any coach you want to have your highlight film.
  • If you have highlight film from the previous year, connect that link in the body/notes area of your YouTube video so coaches have a chance to see that.
  • List contact information for you, your parents, High School Coach and any private coaches that helped train you.  Include your home address, phone numbers and e-mails, your parents and your coaches contact information is essential at end of the highlights.  You should include this in writing in the packet you send out, but it also should be included on your highlight film. **If you trained with Chris Husby and his staff privately, at clinics or at camps, you may list him as a reference.  You can list his phone number and email.  Also give him (or any referral contact) a heads up you are using him as a referral so they are ready for any potential calls or emails.
Here is an example of Coach Husby's highlight film from college.


  • If you need to hire a highlight video expert, there is no one I trust more than, Craig Norkus of VideoVibe.org.  To read more about him and to contact him, please click here.  Refer Special Teams Football Academy and receive a discount.

We'd love to hear about any of your feed back on this article.  Please post below or email coachhusby@gmail.com.


Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy 

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CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660






Thursday, November 29, 2012

Winter Kicking Clinics in Minnesota- 2012-2013

Special Teams Football Academy will running a series of indoor dome training sessions between December-March - 2012-2013.  The dates of the camp are below and will be updated weekly.

These clinics are for Kickers, Punters and Snappers (and holders) that want to continue training over the winter and have space to train.

To keep training all winter register Here

Watch our video to find out more:


We will have some of our coaches in attendance to work with you on various training techniques.
You may attend and get training with our staff or attend on your own and use the field to kick without instruction.

For beginners to advanced specialists.
Ages High School, College, and Youth.  We have a number of coaches available to train kids of all levels.



Clinic Dates
  • Sun, December 9- Maple Grove Sports Dome- 12:30 PM- 2:00 PM - Completed
  • Sat, December 29- Maple Grove Sports Dome- 5:00 PM- 6:30 PM - Completed
Upcoming Clinics
  • Sat, February 9- West St Paul Sports Dome- 4:00-5:00 PM 
  • Sun, February 10- Maple Grove Sports Dome- 1:30- 3:00 PM 
  • Sat, February 23- Savage Sports Dome-2:00-3:00 PM
  • Sun, March 3- Maple Grove Sports Dome- 2:00- 3:00 PM 
  • Sat, March 30- Savage Sports Dome-1:00-2:30 PM
 
Register Here.

Location Addresses
Maple Grove Sports Dome- 9880 Fernbrook Lane N, Maple Grove, MN
Savage Sports Center- 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN
West St Paul Sports Dome- 1616 Humboldt Ave, West St Paul, MN





This can also be an opportunity for you to get film of you kicking too, to update your highlight film or get on going updated film.



If you have any questions please contact Coach Husby at 651-353-2660 or CoachHusby@gmail.com


-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!
Follow us on Twitter.
Subscribe to our YouTube Videos

CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660
 


Six Students earn Minnesota All State Honors

6 Special Teams Football Academy Students earn MN All State Honors

Congratulations to a number of our kickers who earned a spot on the AP MN All State Football list. All these athletes have either received 1 on 1 training or attended one of our camps over the last 2 years. We feel blessed to have made some sort of impact in their kicking careers.

First Team: Wyatt Schmidt
Second Team: Bill Leitch
Honorable Mention: Patrick Lecorre, Reid Taubenheim, Eric Tusa and Danny Laudet

See the AP All State List Here  

Congrats guys!  We are very proud of you!


-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!  
CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660


Friday, November 23, 2012

State Semifinals- Special Teams Player of the Week

Wyatt Schmidt of St Thomas Academy, has shown again why he is the best kicker in the state of Minnesota. Wyatt again played a major role in his team's State Semifinal Game, who's team unfortunately came up short in a 27-30 loss.  But if it weren't for Wyatt's kicking, the game wouldn't have been as close.  Wyatt went 3 for 3 on PATs and made both of his 2 field goals (41 & 28 yards respectively) for a total of 9 points. This is the 5th time Wyatt has earned our Special Teams Player of the Week honors.  Wyatt had a great season.  He made 100% of his PATs and Field Goals (13 field goals made) this season.  Congratulations Wyatt, you have a bright future as a kicker!

Wyatt Schmidt attempting an Extra Point

Honorable Mention Performances:
  1. Jon Coppens- Holy Family- 7 for 7 PATs- 7 points
  2. Nick Kubesh- BOLD- 3 for 3 PATs and 1 field goal (41 yards)- 6 points
  3. Colton Schock- Owatonna- 1 for 2 PATs and 1 field goal (31 yards)- 6 points
  4. Felix Harseim- Blue Earth Area- 3 for 3 PATs and 1 field (28 yards)- 6 points
  5. Seth Sullwold- Totino Grace- 2 for 2 PATs and 1 field goal (27 yards)- 5 points


-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!  
CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Coach Husbys Kickers Reach State Tournament

When the regular Football Season ends, the playoff runs begin.  This is a time that many athletes dream and train for.  A chance to see if their personal and team's training and season momentum can carry them into a deep playoff run.  The Minnesota & Wisconsin High School Football season ended a few weeks ago and many of the teams competed for a chance at the state tournament.  As a coach, Chris Husby and his staff's ultimate goal is to help put their athletes in a position to achieve their personal and team goals.  This year was a great year.  Many of the athletes they helped train made it to the Section Playoff Championship Game, and even advance to the State playoffs.  Kickers and punters that Coach Husby and his staff has helped train have continued to perform at a high level and help their team advance far into the playoffs. 
MSHSL Logo

The following list are kickers & punters that have trained with Coach Husby and his staff at various private lessons, small group clinics, camps, or other aspects of consultation whose team made it to the state tournament.
  1. Patrick Le Corre- Edina- K
  2. Aaron Clifford- Edina- K
  3. Clay Elmore- Wayzata- K
  4. Jannik Frederiksen- Wayzata- K
  5. Brooks Rennie- Wayzata- P
  6. Jon Coppens- Holy Family- K
  7. Wyatt Schmidt- St Thomas Academy- K/P
  8. Michael Loncar- Hudson- P (team made state semi finals although still considered Sections)
  9. Bill Leitch- Mankato West- K
  10. Austin Moon- Moorhead- P
  11. Paul Cheney- Apple Valley- K
  12. Eric Tusa- Prior Lake- K
  13. Stuart Hamann- Lakeville North- K
  14. Tim Vassallo- Rochester Lourdes- K
  15. Michael Brandt- Rochester Lourdes- K
  16. Connor McNallan- Bemidji- K/P
  17. Joe Matejcek- Bethlehem Academy- K
Congratulations to each of you, it's quite and honor and opportunity to play in the state tournament. 


-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!  
CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

State Quarterfinals- Special Teams Player of the Week

Wyatt Schmidt continues to be a name you hear about in the football world this season.  A senior at St Thomas Academy, Wyatt is having a great year as an all around athlete, but more notably a kicker. In the Minnesota State Quarterfinals, Wyatt contributed in their win against Elk River.  Wyatt was one of the leading scorers in kicking this week going 3 for 3 on PATs and Kicking a 23 yard field goal for a total of 6 points.  Wyatt earns our Special Teams Player of the Week honors for the Minnesota State Quarterfinals.  Congrats and good luck in the State Semi Finals!



Honorable Mention Specialists
  1. Nick Bahls- Perham- 6 for 6 PATs- 6 points 
  2. Brennan Lafeber- Hill Murray- 2 for 3 PATs and 1 Field Goal (32 yards)- 5 points
  3. Hunter Cobb- Lakeville North- 2 for 3 PATs and 1 Field Goal (26 yards)- 5 points 
  4. Daiton Johnson- New London- Spicer- 2 for 2 PATs and 1 Field Goal (23 yards)- 5 points
  5. Clay Elmore- Wayzata- 5 for 5 PATs- 5 points

-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!  
CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660

January Kicking Camp- Southern Specialists Camp- January 12, 2013

If you are looking for a kicking camp that will provide you great instruction, live game situations, a film session, and exposure then mark your calendars for January 12, 2013. Team Jackson Kicking and Special Teams Football Academy are teaming up to provide kickers, punters, long snappers, and holders a chance refine their skills in Atlanta, Georgia. This camp will also allow you to tune up for the other major winter Kicking Evaluation Camps.

Camp Location: Carrollton High School
Camp Details below:

January 12, 2013 (SAT) 8:30 AM-5 PM

Details: This will be the PREMIER SPECIALIST CAMP that is being conducted by two well-respected kicking organizations. Team Jackson Kicking and Special Teams Football Academy are teaming up to provide kickers, punters, long snappers, and holders a chance to receive detailed instruction.  Whether you are a beginner or experienced specialist, this camp will provide you with a number a off season training techniques to help you prepare for your summer and upcoming season. The AM session will be geared more towards instruction and drills. The PM session will comprise of an overview of previous drill work, live game situations, and will cap the camp off with a competition that will be videotaped. Competition results will be posted to both TJK and SPFBA websites!

Location:
Grisham Stadium (Field Turf) Carrollton High School
202 Trojan Drive
Carrollton, GA 30117 (30 miles West of Atlanta, GA)

Available for aspiring Kickers, Punters, Long Snappers, Holders of all skill levels.
Grades 7th-12th & College levels welcome.

Confirmed Instructors
  • Brian Jackson- Ball State University- 46 game starter PK, 2006 MAC Special Teams Player of the Year, Chicago Bears Camp May '07, 54 games played in the AFL/AF2. 
  • Chris Husby - University of St Thomas- 2004 Team "Special Teams" MVP, 2x MIAC Player of the Week, 6 year NFL Free Agent Punter- Various League Tryouts, 2009 NAFL National Champions with St Paul Pioneers, 2x All American Bowl (Held in MN) Specialists Coach. 
  • Cody Mandell - University of Alabama- Punter- Junior- As a Soph 36 punts for a 38.9 ave. and 11 punts I-20. Earned the punting duties for the Crimson Tide as a walk-on true freshman  and earned Freshman All-SEC honors. Instructs at TJK camps (April 12). 
  • JJ Jackson (Film and PK) - Lander University (SC) -Played college soccer and worked numerous Kicking camps with TJK. 
  • Justin Forrister - Georgia State- Longsnapper as Red Shirt Freshman.
Film Sessions:
During the camp we will hold a 45-60 minute film session displaying collegiate and professional film of our staff members. We will break down proper technique for all aspects of the kicking game, including field goals, punts, kickoffs, and snaps. We will also discuss the importance of operation time, as this is crucial in the kicking game. 

Competitions:
There will be competitions for all specialists during the Southern Specialists Camp, some of which will be videotaped for players to use to send out to college coaches. The camper favorite 'Last Man Standing' will be one of the events. This competition have been known to end at 60 yards or more! There will be prizes for the winners of the competitions that will range from shirts to trophies and even some muscle gel packs.
College Recruiting:
We are also allowed to have college coaches from Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and JUCO in attendance. We have sent out numerous invites and have already received confirmations. Of those confirmations the below have confirmed attending:
Univ. of West GA (DIV 2)
Millsaps (MS) (DIV 2)
Henderson St. (ARK) (DIV 3)
Clark Atlanta (DIV 2)
Mississippi College (DIV 3)
Fond Du Lac Tribal & Community College (MN) (JUCO)- wants recommendations
ALA State (DIV 1AA, Can’t attend, but wants recommendations of a PK and LS after the camp)
More to come…..Check back to this blog as it will be updated each week leading up to the camp!

Kicker/Punter Registration
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $175- BY DEC. 7  
REGULAR Rate              $200- BY JAN. 4
LATE Registration           $225- BY JAN. 12

Snapper Registration
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $100- BY JAN. 4
REGULAR Rate              $125- AFTER JAN. 4

College/ JUCO Specialists
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $150- BY JAN. 4
REGULAR Rate               $175- AFTER JAN. 4

Reserve a spot Here.

Refund Policy: Camp registrations will be refunded in FULL by December 28.  After Dec. 28, there will be NO REFUNDS.

PLAYERS: BRING: Shoes, Cleats for turf, 2 Footballs (marked with your name), Kickoff/Field Goal stands and blocks, weather appropriate clothing and water bottle.




CAMP ITINERARY:

8:30-9:15      Registration (Players receive shirts)
9:15-9:30      Camp Welcome (Parents & Players)
9:30-12:00    AM Session (DEMOS, INSTRUCTION, DRILLWORK)
12:00-12:45  Lunch/Break (Players provide own lunch)
12:45-1:30    Film Session (Conference Room)
1:30-4:30      PM Session (OVERVIEW, LIVE SITUATIONS, COMPETE)
4:30-5:00      Camp Closure (Evaluation sheets to players, Awards)

Closest Airports - Atlanta, GA- Montgomery, AL- Birmingham, AL

HOTEL DISCOUNT - Jameson Inn, KEYWORD 'Kicking Camp' to receive room discount.
700 South Park Street Carrollton, GA 30117
(770) 834-2600


Register Here.
 
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at our camp! 
-Coach Chris Husby and Brian Jackson


 
More Info:
-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!
Follow us on Twitter.
Subscribe to our YouTube Videos.

CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660
and 

Connect on Facebook
teamjacksonkicking@yahoo.com
334-405-0364



Get to Know- Jon Coppens- Holy Family- Class of 2015

Jon Coppens is a kicker from Holy Family Catholic High School in Victoria, MN.  He earned the starting varsity kicking spot as a sophomore which is sometimes rare at the high school level.  This year, Holy Family has not had many big scoring games, like you see many winning programs do, but Jon has been a consistent accountable contributor to his school's kicking game this year who has rarely missed.  But those abilities didn't just come over night.  Jon started dedicating himself to it at the end of last season.  Coach Husby and Jon started working together at the end of his Freshman football season on his kicking game over the winter.  According to Husby, "Jon has made some of the biggest and fastest improvements in his kicking game in one off season, than I have ever seen.  Jon is a true testament to other kids that hard work and dedication to the kicking game can really pay off.  Over the coarse of 1 year, Jon's added about 15 yards to his field goal range and has become a very accurate kicker."  Jon Coppens has a bright future as a kicker.  So we took some time to check in with Jon on how his current season is going.



What has it been like knowing that you have made it to the state playoffs? 
Going to the State Tournament was an unbelievable feeling. We beat a very good team in the final seconds and the fans rushed the field. It felt good knowing that as a team we surprised many people by finishing second in our conference and advancing to state. We were predicted to finish fifth out of six teams in our conference division and received the fourth seed in our section.

What has your season been like this year?
This season has been a roller coaster ride. We went from being 2-3 to 9-3 and in the State Semi-Finals.



Often times there aren’t many sophomores that play up on Varsity in high school.  What has that experience been like as an underclassman?
I am very thankful to God for giving me the ability to get Varsity playing time as an Underclassman. Nothing feels better than Kicking on a Friday under the lights. I was also  fortunate enough to Kick for the JV team because of my age and that team went 8-1 this season and was very explosive offensively, which gave me more in game experience.

You’ve had a great year of kicking so far.  What kind of off season training did you do to prepare yourself for this year?
This off season I focused on improving my technique as a kicker. I went to many camps and attended Private Lessons with Taylor Mehlhaff and Chris Husby. Going to camps not only helped me by getting more kicks in but by having competitions with other great kickers. Through these camp competitions I was able to see what I needed to improve on to take my Kicking Game to the next level. Attending private lessons also helped me make these improvements.



What kind of “in season” training did you do to stay on top of your kicking game?
For in season training obviously I kick with the team, but I also kick on Sundays in order to make some technical refinements.



What are some of your personal and team highlights from this season so far?
My personal Highlights are being blessed with kicking the school record for longest Field Goal which is 38 yards, and recovering two of my own surprise onsides kicks. Team highlights have been getting to the state tournament and the dome and beating rivals Mound and Waconia. 

Have you had any college contacts yet based on the season you are having?
I have had a few programs talk to me this season.

What are your goals (individually and as a Team) for next year as a junior?
It is too early to focus on next year because some people don't get a next year and the team is blessed with a great run right now. I really want to win for the Seniors.  They are a great group of leaders.

I know you've had a pretty consistent year kicking, how did you do during the Regular Season?  How are you doing (kicking wise) in the playoffs?
During the regular season, between both Varsity and JV games, I was 45 for 45 on Extra Points (with 3 Blocked FGs) and 3 for 3 on Field Goals (37, 34, 32 yards) with 1 blocked.   In the Section Playoffs I was 13 for 14 on Extra Points and 2 for 2 on Field Goals (38, 27 yards).

If College Coaches would like to see how you are doing, do you have a link to your highlight film.

Thank you for your time Jon and good luck in your State Playoff football run.

-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!  
CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Best Trick Shot Kicker Ever -Havard Rugland

Check out this Trick Shot kicking video. It's the best Trick Shot video I have ever seen.

In early September of 2012, HÃ¥vard Rugland of Norway, whom I have had the privilege to help train a hand full of times by virtual lesson over the last two years had created a fun Trick Shot Video show casing his kicking abilities as he wanted to see if he had a chance to play college football or even go into professional (NFL) football. 

I remember seeing his video when it had only a few new hundred views and thought to myself that this video is a amazing and could go viral, but that he has a serious chance to play football somewhere.  I sent out the video to a number of college coaches to look at and there was some initial interest.

Any Division 1 football coach should grab this guy. Heck, a pro team could take a chance on him and develop him more.

I've been very fortunate and feel privileged to have helped in a small way as his virtual kicking coach.  This video he made is so great and has gone viral over the last 2 months. It's now up to 445,501 views.

Check it out:



This video has been featured on a number of websites and news stations.  Here are a few


  • ESPN has been Tweeting the video
  • And a number of other Countries in the US are reporting his video. 

-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!  
CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660


Thursday, November 8, 2012

Section Championship- Special Teams Player of the Week

As the playoffs reach the Section Championship rounds, it's always fun to see what teams continue to stay strong, and what teams make surprise upsets. Last week every remaining team was playing for a berth at State Tournament. There were a lot of tight games and a few over time wins. One kicker in particular had a big game for his team. Cooper Rose of Kasson-Mantorville (Class 4) spent a lot of time on the field. He hit 4 of his 5 PATs, but hit 3 field goals for a total of 13 points for his team. Congratulations Cooper! Good luck in your state playoff run.

Photo of Cooper Rose unavailable at time of publish time.

 Honorable Mention Performances:
  1. Connor McNallan- Bemidji- 4 for 4 PATs & 1 Field Goal (29 yards)- 7 points 
  2. Wyatt Schmidt- St Thomas Academy- 4 for 4 PATs & 1 Field Goal (31 yards)- 7 points 
  3. Chad Anenson- Mayer Lutheran- 1 for 1 PATs & 2 Field Goals- 7 points 
  4. Clay Elmore- Wayzata- 7 for 7 PATs- 7 points 
 All 5 of these kickers and their teams have advanced on to State. Good luck everyone.
 
-Coach Chris Husby
Professional Kicking Coach and Owner
Special Teams Football Academy  
Join our Facebook Fan Page!  
CoachHusby@gmail.com 
651-353-2660