Kicking System Blog

I have been wanting to write a blog elaborating on one of the major themes we preach here at TKS, MENTAL PREPARATION for kickers and punters.  With the first week of the NFL, specifically the Chargers has presented a perfect example of the importance of being mentally prepared at all times.

With the first play of the game the Chargers lost the most consistent kicker in NFL history, and a potent weapon to their offense.  In a moments instance, Mike Scifres went form being a player concerned with field position and limiting anothers offense, to being ready at a moments notice to score points.  Without a doubt, Scifres stepped in nearly flawlessly and helped the Chargers overcome a first half deficit and win the first game of the season.   While Scifres couldnt have been thinking his involvement in kicking field goals was a likely outcome, his ability at performing so well isnt just a testament to his physical abilities but also his mental preparation.

Prior to kicking in the game against the Vikings, Scifres mentioned the last time he kicked field goals was in practice 2 years before.  Since Scifres was prepared well enough he was able to recall how to kick as quickly as he could.  Combined with this was Weddles performance in taking upon the responsibilities as a holder.  In connection with Kaedings injury was the signing of NIck Novak.  Novak didnt just was able to prepare himself for some high pressure kicks in less than 2 days notice.  Also the time last he place with a live rush/snapper/holder was during the previous UFL season.  Essentially, Novak also deserves praise illustrating incredible mental preparation to perform at such a high level to win the starting job.

Basically, what I am saying is mental preparation is equally if not more important that all of the physical preparation and mechanical work you can do each week.  As I said in the offseason, you prepare physically in the offseason and preseason is all maintenance and mental preparation.  Regardless of the seriousness of possible outcomes in your potential kicking future, it is important to always be prepared for all outcomes.  This is as easy as running any scenario through your mind and relying on muscle memory and routine to deal with the each possible scenario.

Vince Lombardi once said,” The worst thing in the world is wasted talent”  You can be have the strongest leg in the world, but without proper mental preparation you will choke under the slightest bit of pressure or less than perfect circumstances, you wont have a chance at making any kicks.  And no coaches like excuses.

In this episode, San Diego Charger, Mike Widnt, stops by and chats with TKS Owner and Kicking Coach, John Matich. Mike explains what life is like a NFL long snapper, his goals for the season, shares some mental tips and much more. A great listen for all you long snappers!

It was a busy Sunday with the 10th Anniversary of September 11th and the start of the NFL season!  Not to mention the great performances of all the TKS Alumni in high school and college.

The San Diego Chargers kicking game took a huge blow when the Minnesota Vikings took back the first kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown. Nate Kaeding got injured on the play trying to make the tackle and all indications show a torn ACL on his left knee and as of this post Norv Turner said “Nate is out for the season.” After that, the punting warlord of the NFL, Mike Scifres, (fresh off a new contract extension) was the placekicker. Although he did not warm-up in pre-game with any field goals, hit a few during half time and Coach Turner decided to extend his field goal range to around 40 yards. Of course, Scrifres blasted a few touchbacks for kickoffs, which we knew he was capable of doing, but he kicked a 40-yard field goal in a pressure situation. It was Scifres first pro field goal, he did kick some long field goals in college.

Its not often in the NFL that we see the punters kicking field goals, in fact, we often see other position players take over for the kicker if they go out with an injury. It shows how valuable Mike Scifres is at the specialist position. His legendary status took on another level. Scifres is known as the “king of hang time” in the kicking industry and to be able and perform a field goal under pressure puts him in a whole another level. With all the specialization in the kicking industry these days it was nice to see the punter take on the kicking duties and excel. Scifres went on to say in the post game press conference, “the nerves crept in a little bit, but after the first extra point…it was smooth sailing…I knew I was capable of doing it.”

The interesting part from a kicking technique perspective is that you would think that all punters would be great kickers and all kickers would be great punters. As mentioned earlier, in the kicking industry, there has been speclization over the course of the last 10-15 years. Nowdays, the NFL has long snappers on teams that just snap, and sometimes you have a kickoff specialist (David Buehler, Dallas Cowboys). Although with the new kickoff rule this year, it changed the kickoff line to the 35 yard line. We might see less teams carrying two kickers. But we rarely see, a specialist kicking and punting. We don’t see that in the college game either all that much.  What the average fans does not undertand and Scrifres explains is a quote: “Kicking off and the field goal is a lot more across your body, whereas punting is more of a straight line,”   He is exactly right, kicking and punting are two completely different realms.  In the punting motion you have to stay more linear, whereas in kicking you have more torque and come across your body more. With all of these specialization these days, the punters and kickers are improving every year, the muscle memory is ingrained in the kicker and punter for years. It can be difficult for a punter to kick a 50 yard field goal consistently and it can be hard for a kicker to punt a 40 yard punt with decent hang time. And then ask them to perform under pressure is another ball of wax. Which is why Scifres being able to perform the way he did was impressive in my eyes. To be able to average over forty five yards a punt, your body and mind are ingrained with the technique and to change your swing under pressure can be a difficult kick.

As for possible candidates, this is no brainer. The Chargers had Nick Novak in last years preseason camp and is coming off a great preseason with the New York Jets. I personally watched Nick kick all summer long at SDSU working with a holder and snapper in order to prepare for the season. I was working with students on one side of the field and Nick was kicking and working on his technique on the other side, next thing you know he could be the next Charger kicker! As of this post he is expected to come in on Tuesday and workout!

Also want to recommend John Carney who lives in San Diego and is still kicking!

Going into my 9th season as kicking coach at Mesa College, I was ready for another challenge. At the community college level every year is quite different. Sometimes you get some great athletes who cant kick, or you get some kids who can kick but dont lack the college level strength. My first year I helped Brian Courtney (Saints HS)  earn a punting scholarship to TCU and kicker Louis Villagomez went on to (West Texas A&M). I like to think I have been very fortunate over the years, numerous students have come and move on to the college  ranks. One year we had over 7 kickers and punters. To many memories to recount, this years crop involves a returning kicker, McCall Penn (La Jolla HS)  and new comer Marcus Diaz (Poway HS).

McCall and Marcus did not disappoint in this years opening kickoff against Grossmont College in San Diego, CA.  McCall handled the punting duties and Marcus kicked a the game wining field goal from 44 yards in a 33-30 win for Mesa College last Saturday night. After 14 seasons of not beating Grossmont it was a pleasure to watch as the ball sailed thru the uprights, after working on the operation all summer long. McCall, our punter, is also the holder on field goals and with our snapper (Brandon) we got perfect laces and great get off time, so there was no chance of getting this kick blocked. We cant wait to play Southwestern!

Marucs Diaz, Mesa College & McCall Penn

It has been a busy summer and TKS wanted to take the time and preview this years kickers and punters for San Diego High Schools for 2011. Every year we are amazed of all the publications (we will not name them) on how much they don’t know about the best kickers in Southern California & San Diego. Special Teams will play a big part in many of the leagues this year.

1) Brian Heinz SR. – Cathedral Catholic HS – Brian has the size about 6-5 190 and has been working on his technique all off-season. We expect a blow out year for Brian as long as he stays healthy. Brian won the Kansas State punting and kicking camp compeition this summer and his confidence is rising.

2) Nick Stanistas SR.  – Scripps Ranch HS – Nick a lefty should put every ball in the endzone this fall and contend for the field goal title if given the chance at Scripps. Nick went and visitied numerous DII schools of the summer and getting some heavy consideration from a few of them.

3) Travis Nicklaw. JR. – University City HS – A late bloomer and soccer convert – Travis has plenty of leg strengh, if he works on his technique should be a all-league kicker. Has the potential to be on the top kickers in San Diego this fall.

4) Diego Rodriguez, JR. – Lincoln HS – Its not often you find a good kicker at this school but they may have one with Diego.  He has been working hard and although he is small in stature he will be blasting away touchbacks on a regular basis. Look for a good year from Diego.

5) Brady Esterbrook – JR. Patrick Henry High School – Brady kicks and punts but has a knack for punting. Great hands with a quick leg, he has shown some progress over the course of the summer. Brady should contend for best punter this fall.

6) Jason Dunbar – SR. -Escondido HS – Jason also punts and kicks but favors the punting. Jason who is looking to play college football has all the right tools and could make a name for himself this fall as a punter.

7) Kyler McLaughlin – SR. Serra HS – TKS only had chance to work with Kyler back when he was a sophmore when former Serra Kicker Parker Munoz was a senior. Kyler was just learning the ropes back then, but has the ability with a strong leg and athletic ability to content for all league kicker. Kyler us a soccer player convert as well.

8 ) Jack Mitchell – SR. Torrey Pines HS — You dont have to say much when you talk about the storied past of the kicking tradition at Torrey Pines. BUT we think Jack could possibly have the strongest leg out of all the kickers to come out Torrey. Jack who can also punt is fine athletes and have seen him crush kick offs (4.25 -76 yards at the TKS Spring Clinic). If he stays healthy and can master the technique, Jack has all the talent to be a DI kicker.

9) Seamus McMorrow – SR. Saints HS – Hitting a 58 yard field last year says a lot. Power is not a problem for Seamus. Although he finished with tough game last season, look for a great year from him. Possible offers coming soon…

Others to Note:

Noam Baltinester – SD Jewish Academy

• Yossi Stein – La Jolla Country Day School
• Leigh Wallace – La Jolla Country Day School
• Jonathan Bennett  – Mira Mesa HS
• Adrian Vila – Rock Academy
• Amrando Serna  – Montgomery
• Vann Sabin – Helix
• Josh McIntire – West Hills

Cha-Ching! Are the words that come out of my mouth after this first week of signings since the lockout lifted in the NFL. Of course I am happy for a new CBA and NFL season, but what I am excited about is the HUGE contracts this punters and kickers are receiving. Here is breakdown of a few of them:

1) Mason Crosby, Green Bay Packers – 5 years 14.75 million – 3 million guaranteed — Don’t get me wrong Crosby has a great leg, but 5 years almost 15 million worth? He is 10-21 outside 50 yards, and I understand Lambeau field is tough but not sure if he is worth the almost 15 million.

2) Ryan Longwell, Minnesota Vikings – 4 years 12 million – 3.5 million guaranteed. Longwell deserves every penny, great kicker and glad to see him get his due.

3) Olindo Mare, Carolina Panthers – 4 year 12 million – 4 million guaranteed. Mare should be one the highest paid kickers in the league because he does both field goals and kickoffs really, really, really well. He is getting older but for kickers he is in his prime.

4) Adam Podelsh, Chicago Bears – 5 year (Cant find any details on the contract)– I thought Weatherford would be a Bear, now that let Maynard go – Podlesh is about 10 years younger, could provide consistency over the next few years. Dude ranked 4th in net punt last year and was a pro bowl alternate. Rumors he can run a 4.5 40 yard dash.

5) Adam Vinateri, Indianapolis Colts – 3 year extension — There is not enough money you can give this guy.

6) Michale Koenan, Tampa Bay Bucaneers – 6 year – 19.5 million. Well I know Koenan does kickoffs and punts and has a very strong leg. But he does not rank in any of the top 5 categories in punt totals. Not sure what the Bucs are thinking but time will tell if he can produce some good punt numbers. Kickoffs are great, should even improve kicking in Florida. He has a better deal than Lechler from the Radiers, makes no sense to us.  Thank you for the new CBA!

7) Nick Folk, New York Jets, resigned for a 1 year deal (according to Chuck Vine of Titan Sports) – 76% last year on field goals last year, still young at 27, and will compete with Nick Novak this summer.

8 ) David Akers signed a 3 year deal with the 49ners – With Nedney and all of his injuries (he just failed a physical), he is expected to retire this year. I think getting veteran to kick in San Francisco is always good thing, with the wind conditions having a reliable kicker will be huge for new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Wonder why he did not pick up his old college kicker Nate Whittaker (Vikings) to at least compete for the job. I know Akers finished on a sour note in Philly but his daughter was just diagnosed with cancer who is 6 years old.

9) Shaun Suisham, Pittsburg Steelers,  signed a new deal as well. (Not sure of the details) But connected on 14-15 field goals after replacing Jeff Reed. Its not east to kick at Heinz Field, so far he has done an excellent job.

10) Steve Weatherford, NY Giants – 1 year $870 K – I think a great signing for the Giants after Matt Dodge and his debacle in the final game of the season Weatherford can provide some solid field position which he has proven with the Jets.

11) Phil Dawson, Cleveland Browns – signed a tendered contract.

12) Matt Prater, Denver Broncos – singed a tendered contract.

Not to mention the frenzy of all the free agent rookie kickers and punters that have signed as well. It has been crazy!

Here is a list I pulled from my previous post for free agent signings:

Chas Henry, Eagles
Travis Baltz, Colts
Josh Jasper, Tampa Bay
Nate Whittaker, Minnesota Vikings
Thomas Webber, Bengals
Brian Saunders, Jaguars
Dan Bailey – Cowboys
Derrek Epperson, Cardinals
Ryan Donahue, Lions
Reid Forrest, Buffalo
Jacob Harfmen – Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills – Chris Hazley
Spencer Lanning – Chicago Bears
Jeff Wolfert – Clevland Browns
Brett Hatmann – Houston Texans
Chirs Koepplin – New England Patriots
John Gold – Seattle Seahawks
Jake Rodgers, New Orleans Saints
Chad Cunningham – Tennessee Titans
Wes Byrum – Seattle Seahawks

I know there are few more….

www.kickingsystem.com

Here are some important transactions (and comments)  so far post NFL Lockout regarding kickers and punters:

1) Chris Kluwe, Minnesota Vikings, punter, has yet to be fined by the NFL after the lockout. Hopefully he will use a whiteboard to sketch out how the new NBA came about (legally or illegally).

2) Jay Feely, Arizona Cardinals, kicker,  is probably still on the golf course debating which club to use…

3) The Eagles rescinded the transition tag off of kicker David Akers (no big surprise there, they did draft the next Adam Vinateri – Alex Henery)

4) Dave Rayner signed with the Lions – no biggy there.

5) Brad Maynard, will not be resigned by the Bears, which means Robbie Gould is upset. I would be too if I lost one of the best place-holders in the league and helped him achieve over 85% on field goals in Chicago!

6) Nate Kaeding is still with the Chargers — still not sure how I feel about that — And the Cowboys released Kris Brown and signed a rookie kicker- How many kickers have they signed once they let go of their kicking coach?

7) Redskins told former Pro-Bowl punter Josh Bidwell not to report to training camp and that he will be released Thursday.  I wonder how he took that news.

8) There will be some fresh blood in preseason games:

Chas Henry, Eagles
Travis Baltz, Colts
Josh Jasper, Tampa Bay
Nate Whittaker, Minnesota Vikings
Thomas Webber, Bengals
Brian Saunders, Jaguars
Dan Bailey – Cowboys
Derrek Epperson, Cardinals
Ryan Donahue, Lions
Reid Forrest, Buffalo

There are a few more which I will add at a later time…

9) Josh Scobee, might be just a little upset the NFL Lockout is over, he will have to curb his appetite for golfing for a few months and focus back on kicking.  Last we talked with Scobee he was in San Diego golfing at the Drew Brees Golf Tournament and I dont think he has stopped since. He had a 75 to make the Jax Amateur cut at 5-over 147. This guy can play some golf!

10) As soon as the NFL Lockout was lifted my inbox went crazy, “How do I get in the NFL?”

11) I am still waiting for my phone call – either as a player or coach, I’m flexible, I was ready with or without a CBA in place!
Till next time…

Yes you heard it right! For the second year in a row – TKS will be offering a football kicking camp and lessons during the week of August 22nd-27th, 2011

If you are interested in attending please call us at 619-994-2364

TKS will be on the island of Kauai during this time frame!

Paul Hundley of Saints HS, in San Diego, CA signed his paperwork today to become a member of Cal Poly Football program!

Congrats Paul!

Here is a great video of a private kicking session with Mike Gruber a DII Kicker from UNK!

This video is for a new site call Myfootballmentor.com

Enjoy!