2013 Harrison Data Example

In our book, Saturday Morning Wake-Up Call, we discussed processing data to help coaches make better decisions on 4th down. In writing the book, we developed a couple of templates for easy processing of the play data from a high school season. In the time since then, we have modified and expanded on the tools that were developed. This post will show you some of the results when the 2013 Harrison Goblin play data is used.

The 2013 Harrison Goblins database for plays that we used had 306 runs and 281 passes. The probability distribution functions (PDFs) for the data are found in Figure 1. The PDFs provide the probability of the yards gained for a play within the Harrison offense last season.

Figure 1. Probability Distribution Function for 2013 Harrison

There are two other distribution functions (the cumulative distribution function [CDF] and the complementary cumulative distribution function [CCDF]) derived from the same data. Those functions are found in Figure 2 and Figure 3.

Figure 2. Cumulative Distribution Function for 2013 Harrison

Figure 3. Complementary Cumulative Distribution Function for 2013 Harrison

The most useful data to a coach in the 4th down decision making process are the CCDFs. Essentially, the CCDF will describe the probability that a team will gain AT LEAST a given number (X) yards. We have built an Excel tool to query the CCDF to give a coach the probability of gaining the yards needed for a 1st down with either a run or a pass play. Figure 4 shows a screen shot of the data query sheet of the Excel tool.

Figure 4. Screen Shot from Excel Decision Tool

The tool does not provide a coach with much help on a Friday night, but a table for inclusion on a play call sheet is easily created. A sample table created using the data and tool above is found in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Sample Play Sheet Table Using 2013 Harrison Data

The table above would fit in a corner of a play sheet allowing a coach to assess the degree of "gambling" with a given play call. However, the full degree of gambling is not known unless he includes the points the other team is likely to score if a conversion fails. We discuss this analysis technique (and a couple of others) in the book.

We are looking forward to a great 2014 high school football season in the Natural State. To learn more about decision making tools for high school coaches, pick up an eBook copy of Saturday Morning Wake-Up Call at your favorite bookseller for just $0.99.

• Smashwords
• Apple iTunes
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Kobo
• Versent
• Inktera
• Blio

The paperback version is also available in these retail outlets:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• CreateSpace

2014 Pre-Season Notes for Arkansas High School Football

Now that teams have finished the 7-on-7 circuit for 2014, they are just about to start up the real football season. Most schools in Arkansas started classes today while the football teams have already been sweating and hitting for about 2 weeks. We are gearing up for the season by publishing our annual conference-by-conference version of the 2014 Arkansas high school football schedule available on one of our page links in the left column. In addition, we have completed the scoreboard links for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 page (also in the page links).

The schedule page contains an open date summary for those still looking to fill a schedule, but that will go away as the open dates pass. The schedule page will also morph to the 2014 Arkansas high school football scoreboard page as the games are played. Each week during the season, we will have an individual post for the games scheduled that week and a results page. We will once again highlight the high scoring teams and identify any surprises.

In the next few days, we will be going through an example of some of the statistical analyses that can be done using the techniques described in our book, Saturday Morning Wake-Up Call (see this post for the current outlets).  We are looking forward to a great 2014 season. Hopefully, you will take the ride along with us.

Current Outlets for Saturday Morning Wake-Up Call

Before the summer 7-on-7 season kicks off in a couple of weeks, we thought we would highlight the retailers currently carrying Saturday Morning Wake-Up Call. The book is carried by all major (and some minor) retail outlets. As always, we recommend purchasing the book from Smashwords for a few of reasons: (1) Smashwords pays us higher royalty percentages; (2) When you purchase from Smashwords, you can switch eBook eco-systems without having to buy your books again (you own the book, but you don't have to use a Kindle, Nook, etc.); and (3) Smashwords supports independent authors in ways not found at the other big book sellers. In any case, we are happy with any purchases. Here are the links for the eBook pages for these retailers:

• Smashwords
• Amazon
• Apple iTunes
• Barnes & Noble
• Kobo
• Versent
• Inktera
• Blio
• Flipkart
• For those in India

Saturday Morning Wake-Up Call is also available through these "Netflix for eBooks" type apps:

• Oyster
• Scribd

If you prefer the paperback version, here are the links to find it at the best prices:

• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• CreateSpace

We have enrolled the book in the "Kindle Matchbook" program with Amazon. If you buy the print edition through Amazon, then you can buy the Kindle edition of the book FREE. If you choose to buy from another retailer, then let us know. We will send a gift copy of  Saturday Morning Wake-Up Call from Smashwords.

2014 Henderson State University Camps

The Henderson State University coaching staff will be conducting several football camps for athletes this summer. Below is a summary of the camps and dates. For more information, visit the Reddies website. There is some urgency to register if you wish to attend the May 24 Jr/Sr camp because it is less than 2 weeks away.

Scott Maxwell Junior/Senior Football Camp

• May 24 OR June 28
• 11:00 am - 4:30 pm
• Rising Juniors and Seniors
• $50

Registration begins at 11:00. Lunch will be provided. For additional information, contact Coach Matt Gordon (Camp Director, gordonm@hsu.edu). The registration form for the camp can be found at this link.

  HSU Youth Football Camp (Girls & Boys Ages 5 - 15)

• July 16, July 17, and July 18
• $50

Contact Robert Espinoza (espinor@hsu.edu) for additional information on this youth camp. The registration form for this camp is found at this link.

NOTE: It isn't clear to us whether or not this is a 3 day camp or 3 different camps.

2014 Steve Campbell Football Camps (University of Central Arkansas)

University of Central Arkansas head coach Steve Campbell and his staff will be conducting several football camps for athletes this summer on the UCA campus. Below is a summary of the camps and dates. For more information, visit the UCA Bears website or contact Stephanie Crain (501) 450-3153 or scrain AT uca DOT edu.

Senior Camps

• June 13
• 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• 2015 Graduating Class
• $40

• June 14
• 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• $40

These camps focus on position specific fundamental instruction and offensive & defensive technique development. No football gear will be needed. Click here for the registration form.

Lineman Camp & Skills/Team Camp

• June 15 - 17
• Rising freshmen through seniors
• $175 for Overnight 
• $150 for Commuter

The objectives of the lineman camp for offensive players are to teach fundamentals of drive block, reach, zeer, trap, zone, combo, down, and three- and five-step, as well as bootleg and sprint-out protections. Offensive linemen will work on individual blocks, as well as work in combination with other offensive linemen.

The objectives of the lineman camp for defensive players are to teach fundamentals of reading blocks, escaping blockers, getting off the ball, hat and hand placement, use of hands, defeating the trap or kick-out block, squeezing blocks, and rushing the passer. Tight ends and linebackers will get specialized attention from the UCA position coaches.

The skills/team camp will teach position specific fundamentals for Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Wide Receivers, Linebackers and Defensive Backs. A 7-on-7 competition is included in the skills/camp.

The brochure for these camps can be found here. Registration is due by June 4 and is limited due to space, so early registration is recommended. Itinerary and other details are available in camp brochure.

Youth Camp (Grades 3 - 8)

• June 9 - 11
• 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
• $75

This camps focuses on agility & athletic development, position specific fundamental instruction, and offensive & defensive technique development. There will also be team competitions. Click here for the registration form.

2014 Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys Camp Dates

The Arkansas Tech University coaching staff will be conducting several football camps for athletes this summer. Below is a summary of the camps and dates. For more information, visit the Wonder Boys Football Camps website.

Team Camp

• June 10
• 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
• $100 per Team (includes Camp T-shirt)

"Team camp allows each team the chance to receive valuable live repetitions against other schools. Teams will practice in all phases of practice including: inside drill, 1-on-1’s, skeleton, and scrimmages. Drills take place on Tech’s practice fields and will be supervised by Tech’s football staff. Full pads and mouthpieces must be worn and provided by each camper."

Youth Day Camp (Ages 6 - 12)

• June 16 - 18
• 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
• $100 (includes Camp T-shirt)

"Campers ages 6-12 will learn basic football skills and movements in this beginning football skills camp. Campers will go through agility stations, stretching techniques, punt, pass, and kick competitions and flag football games. Tech football players will share their experiences of playing college football during a Q&A session."

17th Annual Lineman Camp

• June 22 - 25
• 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Positions: ILB, OLB, ROV, DL, OL, TE
• $260 for Overnight
• $200 for Commuter

"The Lineman Only Camp is designed to be fun and develop fundamental skills which enable tight ends, linebackers, offensive and defensive linemen to be successful. The size of Tech’s coaching staff will enable individuals of different ages and experience and skill levels to receive appropriate instruction...Full pads and mouthpieces must be worn and provided by each camper."

Senior One Day Skills Camp

• June 28
• 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
• College-Eligible Seniors 2015 Graduating Class
• $40

"Senior Skills Camp provides testing and evaluation of football skills for college-eligible seniors (2015 graduating class) by Tech’s football staff."

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Additional information:

• All campers must remain on campus unless checked out by a parent, guardian, coach or staff member.
• Overnight campers must bring bedding, towels, personal items, and clothes necessary for a three-day stay.
• All campers must arrive with a physical form bearing a doctor’s signature (physicals within the 2013-14 school year will be accepted).
• Each camper must be covered by school or personal insurance. Secondary insurance related to camp injuries (not illness) is included in the camp fee. The policy pays the expenses not covered by the campers’ primary coverage.

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We are going to be attempting to highlight upcoming camps over the next coming weeks. Check back often (or subscribe to our feed) to find out the camp dates around the state of Arkansas.