Brian Heinz goes out on Top!
Brian Heinz, Punter, Catherdral Catholic HS (San Diego, CA) had a huge day punting 4 punts, one was 48 yards! Brian also had 4 touchdown receptions!
Brian Heinz, Cathderal Catholic Punter, Interview October 2011
In this episode Brian Heinz, from Cathederal Catholic HS (San Diego, CA), talks about his season, how he handles punting and playing wide reciever, his future plans and his goals for the rest of the season. Your host, San Diego kicking coach, John Matich
Carl Westin, Westivew HS, Kicker – Game Winning Field Goal – Interview
In this segment Carl Westin, Westview HS (San DIego, CA) kicker, talks about his game winning field on October 14th, 2011 vs Torrey Pines HS. It was Westview’s first win against Torrey Pines.
David Akers, San Francisco 49ners, Kicker, Interview Oct 2011
In this episode, David Akers, NFL kicker, from the San Francisco 49ners, stops by to chat with hosts John Matich and Tim Valencia. Akers talks about how his day to day life of kicking in the NFL, simple kicking techniques, mental preperation, his career and how to make that next step in your kicking game. Cool content for all levels of kickers and punters! It will blow your mind!
7 Steps to Creating Success in the Kicking Game!
By John Matich
We have been busy this week at TKS. Firing out new blog posts and valuable information all the time! Here is a teaser from our new TKS Kicking Book. Enjoy!
Here are seven suggestions to maintaining a consistent approach in the kicking game. Some of these are great ideas for mental preparation:
1. Visualize the positive. Imagine the ball going through the uprights before each kick.
2. Don’t overdo it. Set a limit on the number of kicks you do in a practice. There is no need to do 100 kicks in a session. Work on specific areas and increase the intensity. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself; compete with older kickers. Attend camps where there are competitions. Put yourself in pressure situations; you will find you will gain confidence.
3. Find someone you look up to. If you know or meet an NFL kicker or an outstanding college kicker, find out what helped him or her and ask for advice on how to achieve greatness. Don’t worry about not knowing all the answers or bothering them, everyone likes to talk about themselves and give advice about something they know and love.
4. Be creative. Create new drills and/or just have a fun day kicking where you won’t worry about making or missing kicks.
5. Create your own style. Discover a style of kicking that is fundamentally sound and is comfortable for you. Do not imitate the professionals! Everyone has his or her own individual style that is unique.
6. Develop a routine. Every time you prepare for a kick keep a mental checklist. For example: target line, checking for wind, taking your steps, etc.
7. Have fun. Enjoy the game!
Want more? Visit www.kickingsystem.com
Mental Preparation…
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.
Mike Widnt, San Diego Charger, Long Snapper, Intervew
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!
Chris Koepplin, UMASS & Patriots, Kicker, Interview
In this show, Chris talks about his life as a free agent kicker. He explains how hard it is to make it in the NFL, what he is doing to help stay in shape, and much more. Great segment for all you free agent kickers! Chris spends a few minutes with TKS Host and Kicking Coach, John Matich of San Diego, CA.
Brett Maher, University of Nebraska Kicker, Interview
In this episode, Brett Maher, kicker from the University of Nebraska, talks about his daily practice routine, kicking and punting at the college level and how to handle the rigors of college football. A must listen! Join host, TKS Owner, John Matich on a road of information…http://blog.kickingsystem.com/
Kaeding, Scifres, San Diego Chargers Special Teams, and Nick Novak?
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!
San Diego & Orange County Kicking Coach: Started in 2004 TKS has placed over 60+ kickers to schools around the country.
