SCHEDULE

Look below to see what's happening at this year's National Conference.


DISCLAIMER: Presenters’ views and opinions are their own and not necessarily that of USA Football. Schedule subject to change.

  • Filter:
  • All
  • |
  • Youth
  • |
  • High School
  • |
  • Flag

Friday, February 21

9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Upper Concourse

Registration

Get checked in, grab your badge and your program guide during registration hours.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

L7/8

Contact Certification: Tackling (4‑3)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for tackling. Learn the three most common tackle types along with the 5 Fights teaching progression to create new drills as well as help you evaluate any kind of tackle. This interactive session will allow you to see and experience techniques and drills you can implement right away.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

L5/9

Contact Certification: Tackling (3‑3 Stack)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for tackling. Learn the three most common tackle types along with the 5 Fights teaching progression to create new drills as well as help you evaluate any kind of tackle. This interactive session will allow you to see and experience techniques and drills you can implement right away.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

L12/11

Contact Certification: Tackling (3‑4)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for tackling. Learn the three most common tackle types along with the 5 Fights teaching progression to create new drills as well as help you evaluate any kind of tackle. This interactive session will allow you to see and experience techniques and drills you can implement right away.
3:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall Open

Visit with exhibitors to learn about great values for 2020.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

USA Football's Booth

Booth Spotlight: Learn about the National Team Program

Presenter: Aaron Ingram & Charles Torwudzo

Come meet two members of USA Football's team, Aaron Ingram & Charles Torwudzo, and learn about the National Team program.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

L5/9

Contact Certification: Blocking (Scheme: Wing-T)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for blocking and defeating blocks. You will learn the entire Coil–Uncoil–Fit–Finish (C.U.F.F.) progression that applies to all blocks, along with the three most common engagement techniques for striking an opponent. This interactive session will maximize your learning and allow you to feel the techniques you can implement.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

L7/8

Contact Certification: Blocking (Scheme: Spread)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for blocking and defeating blocks. You will learn the entire Coil–Uncoil–Fit–Finish (C.U.F.F.) progression that applies to all blocks, along with the three most common engagement techniques for striking an opponent. This interactive session will maximize your learning and allow you to feel the techniques you can implement.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

L12/L11

Contact Certification: Blocking (Scheme: Triple Option)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for blocking and defeating blocks. You will learn the entire Coil–Uncoil–Fit–Finish (C.U.F.F.) progression that applies to all blocks, along with the three most common engagement techniques for striking an opponent. This interactive session will maximize your learning and allow you to feel the techniques you can implement.
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Exhibit Hall

Opening Tailgate Vendor Hall Reception & USA Football Consulting Row

Sit down, relax and enjoy dinner and drinks with fellow attendees and exhibitors.
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

USA Football's Vendor Hall Booth

Learn about the Football Development Model

Presenter: Booth Spotlight

Come stop by the USA Football booth to meet Michael Krueger, USA Football's Director of Coaching, and learn about the Football Development Model.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Live Field - Blue

Contact System: Application to Inside Zone

Presenter: Nick Marmo

This live-field session is an opportunity to apply the aspects of your new contact certification. Here you will learn the footwork, fit and finish application of the Contact System to help your team win on inside zone.
7:00 PM

Live Field - Red

Sponsorship: Riddell / GSI Bags

Presenter: Andy Ryland & Richie Gray

Learn about Riddell and GSI Bags.
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Live Field - Blue

Advanced Tackling: Fits & Tackles In The Box

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

This live-field session will teach you to train the situational techniques in the box that players need to win contact in relation to the Advanced Tackling System. Learn about specialized tackle types and variations based on obstructions and blockers, along with the ins and outs of playing in small spaces and how to win the yard at the moment of contact.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

USA Football's Vendor Hall Booth

Meet & Greet with USA Football's CEO

Presenter: Booth Spotlight

Visit USA Football booth to meet USA Football's CEO, Scott Hallenbeck.
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

USA Football's Vendor Hall Booth

Learn about USA Football's First Down Program

Presenter: Booth Spotlight

Stop by the booth to learn more about USA Football's First Down program. First Down introduces kids to football in a fun, free and friendly way. Schools and youth leagues can host a First Down event this season to fill their rosters down the line!
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Live Field - Blue

Contact System: Outside Zone Application

Presenter: Nick Marmo

This live-field session will give you the opportunity to apply the aspects of your new contact certification. Here, you will learn the footwork, fit and finish application of the Contact System to ensure your team wins on outside zone.
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Live Field - Blue

Advanced Tackling: Fits & Tackles vs. Perimeter Screens

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

In this live-field session, you receive hands-on experience learning high-level pursuit, communication and leverage techniques for space. Learn how to create competitive, variable situations in which your players can learn. Gain an understanding of the importance of mixed-group drills to prepare defenses, not position groups, to win on gameday. Take your knowledge of the Advanced Tackling System one step further!

Saturday, February 22

8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Upper Concourse

Registration

Get checked in, grab your badge and your program guide during registration hours.
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall Open

Visit with exhibitors to learn about great values for 2020.
9:00 AM - 11:20 AM

L7/L8

Contact Certification: Blocking (Spread)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for blocking and defeating blocks. You will learn the entire Coil–Uncoil–Fit–Finish (C.U.F.F.) progression that applies to all blocks, along with the three most common engagement techniques for striking an opponent. This interactive session will maximize your learning and allow you to feel the techniques you can implement.
9:00 AM - 11:40 AM

L12/11

Contact Certification: Tackling (3‑4)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for tackling. Learn the three most common tackle types along with the 5 Fights teaching progression to create new drills as well as help you evaluate any kind of tackle. This interactive session will allow you to see and experience techniques and drills you can implement right away.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

L5/9

C and D Gap RPOs

Presenter: Brent Dearmon

Kansas University Offensive Coordinator Brent Dearmon discusses how to implement RPOs into your offense, taking advantage of conflict defenders. Gain insight on implementing RPOs into your offense, including zone and gap blocking.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Live Field -Blue

Defensive Line Pass Rush Progression

Presenter: EJ Whitlow

Coach Whitlow teaches the techniques and pass progressions for defeating blocks. He illustrates the footwork and hand placement necessary to be an effective pass rusher.
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

L5/9

Developing A Punt Return Scheme

Presenter: Scott Fountain

Learn how to install a punt return package from Division 1 special teams coordinator Scott Fountain. You’ll be walked through punt return and blocking packages to put into your program.
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

Live Field - Blue

Advanced Tackling: High Force, Low Impact Drills

Presenter: Andy Ryland and Richie Gray

Join world-class tackle coach Richie Gray for this live-field session on the Advanced Tackling System. Get the first look at NEW Level 2 Advanced Tackling System drills in an immersive experience. Learn how to create competitive tacklers that finish the play without contact in practice.
11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

L12/11

High School Contact Limits Implementation into Practice Plans

Presenter: Bob Gaddis, John Flore, Eric Thomas, Rob Younger

Join USA Football’s Ed Passino and members of the National High School Football Coaches Alliance to review the Alliance’s practice guidelines and discuss some of its changes. Gain insight on constructing practice plans that implement contact guidelines and work through potential growing pains that could arise.
11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

L5/9

Stretch Schemes and Blocking Techniques

Presenter: Brian Callahan

The University of Minnesota’s offensive line coach walks through stretch/outside zone play, how to install it and how to fix problems within it. The Gophers are at the forefront of utilizing the stretch play in exciting, distinctive ways.
11:40 AM - 12:40 PM

Live Field - Blue

Contact System: Inside Zone Application

Presenter: Nick Marmo

This live-field session is an opportunity to apply the aspects of your new contact certification. Here you will learn the footwork, fit and finish application of the Contact System to help your team win on inside zone.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

USA Football's Booth

Booth Spotlight: Advanced Tackling System Insights and Discussion

Presenter: Richie Gray & Andy Ryland

Stop by USA Football's booth to meet Richie Gray and Andy Ryland and discuss the system.
1:00 PM

Ballroom C

USA Football State of the Union

Presenter: Scott Hallenbeck

1:00 PM

Ballroom C

Keynote & Lunch

Presenter: Herm Edwards

3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall Open

Visit with exhibitors to learn about great values for 2020.
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

L5/9

Building Play Making QBs

Presenter: Will Hewlett

This session discusses best practices for getting the most out of your quarterback. Coach Hewlett will walk through a progression to develop quarterbacks at all levels of play.
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Live Field - Blue

Ball Security, Pass Pro and Base Runs

Presenter: Elijah Brooks

Learn how ball security is taught by University of Maryland Running Backs Coach Elijah Brooks along with how the Terps teach pass protection and base runs. Maryland’s running backs helped the Terps rank in top half of the Big Ten in TDs, total rushing yards, rushing yards per game and average yards per rush.
3:15 PM - 5:35 PM

L12/11

Contact Certification: Blocking (Scheme: Wing-T)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for blocking and defeating blocks. You will learn the entire Coil–Uncoil–Fit–Finish (C.U.F.F.) progression that applies to all blocks, along with the three most common engagement techniques for striking an opponent. This interactive session will maximize your learning and allow you to feel the techniques you can implement.
3:15 PM - 5:35 PM

L7

Contact Certification: Tackling (Scheme: 4‑3)

Presenter: USA Football Master Trainers

Join us for this immersive, hands-on experience to get your contact certification for tackling. Learn the three most common tackle types along with the 5 Fights teaching progression to create new drills as well as help you evaluate any kind of tackle. This interactive session will allow you to see and experience techniques and drills you can implement right away.
4:35 PM - 5:35 PM

L5/9

Coaching a High - Powered Run Game

Presenter: John Benton

Coach Benton covers some of the schemes that are a part of the powerful running game that led the 49ers to Super Bowl LIV.
4:35 PM - 5:35 PM

Live Field - Blue

Individual QB Drills

Presenter: Will Hewlett

Renowned QB Coach Will Hewlett will walk through several individual drills to adopt into your quarterback routine. These drills will incorporate a warm-up, then move on to functional drills that improve footwork and balance.
5:55 PM - 6:55 PM

L5/9

Structuring an Offense

Presenter: Matt Drinkall

This session offers insightful information for any offensive system or philosophy. Matt Drinkall, offensive quality control coach at Army West Point, will discuss advanced organization as well as theories and concepts to consider when building an offense to fit your team.
5:55 PM - 6:55 PM

L12/11

High School Contact Limits Implementation into Practice Plans

Presenter: Bob Gaddis, John Flore, Eric Thomas & Rob Younger

Join USA Football’s Ed Passino and members of the National High School Football Coaches Alliance to review the Alliance’s practice guidelines and discuss some of its changes. Gain insight on constructing practice plans that implement contact guidelines and work through potential growing pains that could arise.
5:55 PM - 6:55 PM

Live Field - Blue

Offensive Line Fundamentals for Pass and Run

Presenter: Mike Hallett

The Hallett-led Toledo offensive line produced the 18th-ranked run game in the country. He discusses the fundamentals and progression for run blocking and pass protection.
5:55 PM - 7:00 PM

L7

Nutrition: Healthy Weight Loss and Gain

Presenter: Adam Korzun // Green Bay Packers

Healthy team habits lead to healthy athletes that have success on the field. Learn from Adam Korzun, Director of Performance Nutrition for the Green Bay Packers, on how to view metabolism and the physiology of energy expenditure to better understand your players. Find out how to support individual weight goals of your athletes to foster long-term health and success in every sport they play.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

USA Football's Booth

Booth Spotlight: Advanced Tackling System Insights and Discussion

Presenter: Richie Gray & Andy Ryland

Stop by USA Football's booth to meet Richie Gray and Andy Ryland and discuss the system and tackling.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

USA Football's Booth

Booth Spotlight: Contact System Insights and Discussion

Presenter: Nick Marmo & Chad Bartoszek

Stop by USA Football's booth to meet Nick Marmo and Chad Bartoszek, Contact System trainers, and discuss the system.
7:00 PM - 8:15 PM

Ballroom C

Keynote: Build The Game Through a Progression

Presenter: Rich Scangarello

Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach Rich Scangarello teaches how to build the game through a well-thought-out progression of coaching.
REGISTER TODAY
Make sure to add February 21-23, 2020 to your calendar!
Register

Sunday, February 23

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Ballroom C

Breakfast & Keynote: Merril Hoge

Presenter: Merril Hoge

Come grab a bite and hear Merril Hoge.
9:00 AM - 2:45 PM

Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall Open

Visit with exhibitors to learn about great values for 2020.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

L7

Cover Match: 3x1

Presenter: Chris Wolfe

Learn to defend 3x1 formations with match coverage principles. Cover 3 match is arguably the best way to defend trips sets. Learn to flood the coverage and pattern match route combinations that offenses like to run out of trips formations.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

L12/11

Belly-Bubble-Gift Concept

Presenter: Tom Lombardo

Go through a packaged play (pre-snap, post-snap RPO read) and how to teach your quarterback how to read it. A packaged play involves their inside zone play, a “gift” throw pre-snap for the quarterback as well as involving a post-snap run-pass option portion of the concept. This gives the offense many answers to what the defense presents.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

USA Football's Booth

Booth Spotlight: Advanced Tackling System Insights and Discussion

Presenter: Richie Gray & Andy Ryland

Stop by USA Football's booth to meet Richie Gray and Andy Ryland and discuss the system and tackling.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

USA Football's Booth

Booth Spotlight: Learn about the National Team Program

Presenter: Aaron Ingram

Come meet Aaron Ingram and learn about the National Team program.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

USA Football's Booth

Booth Spotlight: Contact System Insights and Discussion

Presenter: Nick Marmo & Chad Bartoszek

Stop by USA Football's booth to meet Nick Marmo and Chad Bartoszek, Contact System trainers, and discuss the system.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Live Field - Blue

Belly-Bubble-Gift Concept vs. Cover Match: 3x1

Presenter: Tom Lombardo & Chris Wolfe

Coach Lombardo and Coach Wolfe cover each of their respective topics against one another on the field. Learn how each will defend/attack the other one. Lombardo will walk through his packaged play and how it attacks the Cover 3 Match principles while Coach Wolfe makes adjustments to take away these packaged plays. Learn how they block and fit the run as well as the pass option and how it’s defended.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

L12/11

Practice Scripting for Maximum Power & Speed

Presenter: Erik Korem

Going into practices and training with a plan will lead to enhanced performance and reduce the risk of injury. Watch as the William & Mary’s Sr. Associate AD for Student-Athlete High Performance, Erik Korem, demonstrates how to outline a weekly practice and training structure to optimize on-field speed and power on game days. In addition, by applying the methodologies he will outline, you will be able to improve your players' skill acquisition, game-specific fitness, and optimize Game 1 readiness.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

L5/9

Effective Concepts for Play Action

Presenter: Rich Scangarello

Any good run game is complimented by strong play action passing. Coach Scangarello will highlight concepts that the allow an offense to have a balanced attack including how these plays are blocked.
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

L7/8

HS & Youth Integration

Presenter: Scott Heitland

Join Scott Heitland of Dallas-Center Grimes (Iowa) Community High School and the Iowa Development League to discuss integrating youth and high school programs. Learn about the youth program assessment process and how setting common goals and roles improve player performance. See the different “points of contact” that are used for development between the programs and learn how to develop them for your league. To tie everything together, see specific examples of how this program has proven effective.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

L12/11

Individualized Workouts: Working From General to Specific

Presenter: Chris Gizzi

We know every player develops differently, so why make the whole team do the same workout? Join former NFL linebacker and current Green Bay Packers Strength & Conditioning Coordinator Chris Gizzi show how to create individualized workouts. He starts with general workouts that everyone can do and moves into more individualized, specific plans that bring results. Learn how a solid programming foundation sets the stage for teachable moments, increase buy-in and give athletes ownership of the training process. 
11:30 AM -

L5/9

Wide Receivers Fundamentals: Blocking and Catching and 5 Ways to Enhance Individual Drills

Presenter: Keenan Bailey

Hear Keenan Bailey, Assistant Wide Receivers Coach and Offensive Quality Control Coach at Ohio State, break down receiver fundamentals.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Live Field - Blue

Fundamentals of Power Run Game

Presenter: John Benton

Coach Benton discusses the fundamentals and techniques in the powerful running game that led the 49ers to an NFC Championship this season.
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

Live Field - Blue

Advanced Tackling: Rethinking Tracking, Leverage, and Posture in Tackle Training

Presenter: Terry Summerfield & Vinny DiGaetano

Learn insights on leverage and posture in tackling as well as other Advanced Tackling System principles. Forget rote memorization in your practices, but challenge and grow players in new, dynamic ways to give them and your team an advantage.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Live Field - Blue

Contact System: Traps/Wham

Presenter: Chad Bartoszek

This live-field session teaches how to apply aspects of your new contact certification. Here you will learn the footwork, fit and finish application of the Contact System to help your team win on traps and wham.