Learn Football with David
💰$31 weekly lessons
With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for developing young athletes, I am the ideal choice to coach kids of all ages in football and track and field. My extensive background, rooted in both collegiate athletics and years of high school coaching, demonstrates a proven ability to transform talent into success, both on the field and in competition. In football, I specialize in analysis and film work, giving me a unique edge in preparing athletes and teams for competition. As a former collegiate athlete, I bring firsthand knowledge and strategic insight to my role as a defensive coordinator, a position I have held for years at a local high school. My expertise lies in coaching defense, particularly linebackers and defensive backs of all types, as well as running backs and fullbacks. Through meticulous film study and tailored training, I have helped countless players refine their skills, improve their decision-making, and excel in their positions. My defensive units are known for their discipline, toughness, and ability to dominate games, while my offensive skill players have developed into versatile, impactful athletes ready to take on higher levels of competition. In track and field, my focus is on throwing events, specifically discus and shot put, where I excelled as a collegiate athlete and have coached at the high school level for years. My coaching has produced school record holders and state champions, with several athletes earning spots on college teams and achieving remarkable success at the collegiate level. I take pride in my ability to teach technique, build strength, and instill the mental fortitude needed to compete at the highest levels, ensuring that every thrower I coach reaches their full potential. What makes me the best choice for your child is my ability to connect with athletes of all ages, combining my extensive experience with a genuine commitment to their growth. Whether I’m breaking down game film to sharpen a linebacker’s instincts, designing drills to enhance a defensive back’s coverage, or guiding a young thrower through the nuances of discus technique, I bring energy, expertise, and a results-driven approach. My years of coaching have not only produced standout performers but also instilled lifelong lessons in leadership, perseverance, and teamwork. Choose me as your coach, and you’ll partner with a proven leader who has lived the life of a high-level athlete and dedicated their career to mentoring the next generation. Together, we’ll build a path to greatness in football and track and field, one step, one play, and one throw at a time
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches: Adults, Seniors
🎓12 years playing
🔥New to TeachMe.To
⭐️Led three playoff runs out of four total years
New to TeachMe.To
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Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:1 location available
Thrive Park
2101 Stadium Wy, San Diego, CA 92108, United States
1948.9 miles awayOutdoors
Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
8 AM - 8 PM
mondays
8 AM - 8 PM
tuesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
wednesdays
8 AM - 8 PM
thursdays
8 AM - 8 PM
fridays
8 AM - 8 PM
saturdays
8 AM - 8 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonLesson 1: Introduction to Football Fundamentals
Objective: Familiarize the student with football basics, equipment, safety, and simple skills.
What It Includes:
Welcome and Overview: Explain what football is, its objective, and key positions (e.g., linebackers, defensive backs, running backs). Discuss safety and the student’s goals.
Equipment Check: Ensure the student has proper gear (cleats, athletic wear, optional helmet/mouthguard). Teach how to wear and care for it safely.
Warm-Up and Stretching: Lead a dynamic warm-up (jogging, high knees, arm circles) tailored to the student’s fitness level.
Basic Skills Introduction:
Teach a proper athletic stance (feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, head up) for offense and defense.
Practice ball handling (e.g., holding and carrying the football for running backs). Use you as the coach to simulate handoffs or short tosses.
Safety Rules: Emphasize no tackling without proper gear, hydration, and listening to feedback.
Closing: Cool-down (stretching) and a one-on-one discussion to address questions. Assign watching a short football video to identify positions.
Duration: 45-60 minutes. Focus: Building confidence and understanding.
Lesson 11+For Lessons 11 and beyond, the curriculum transitions to intermediate and advanced training, preparing the student for team play or higher-level competition:
Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in the student’s preferred position (e.g., mastering linebacker tackling form or defensive back interception techniques). Drills become more technical and physically demanding.
Advanced Film Analysis: Regularly analyze professional and simulated footage to teach opponent scouting, play anticipation, and personal improvement areas.
Tactical Strategy: Introduce complex defensive and offensive strategies, such as blitzing, coverage schemes, and running schemes. The student will learn to adapt to different scenarios you present.
Physical Conditioning: Incorporate strength, speed, and endurance training to prepare for competitive play, adjusting to the student’s fitness level.
Mental Toughness: Teach visualization, focus, and pressure-handling skills, drawing on your coaching experience to build a competitive mindset.
Preparation for Teams: If the student is interested, guide them toward joining a local league or school team, providing drills and strategies to ensure they’re ready.
Lessons 11+ are flexible, adapting to the student’s progress, goals, and available resources. The focus is on transforming them into a knowledgeable, confident player ready for team environments or advanced training, all while maintaining safety and engagement.
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Skill Refinement and Film Analysis
Objective: Refine skills and introduce basic film analysis.
What It Includes:
Warm-Up: Quick warm-up and stretching.
Skill Review: Revisit stances, footwork, and position skills. Adjust based on the student’s progress.
Position-Specific Drills:
Linebacker: Practice reacting to your movements as an offensive player.
Defensive Back: Work on intercepting or defending against a soft toss from you.
Running Back/Fullback: Practice juking or maintaining balance while running.
Film Analysis: Show a short clip of a professional play, teaching the student to watch for body position and timing. Discuss how it applies to their drills.
Feedback: Provide detailed, positive feedback and correct any recurring issues.
Cool-Down: Stretch and review progress.
Duration: 45-60 minutes. Focus: Skill improvement and strategy intro.
Lesson 5: Practice Application and Self-Assessment
Objective: Apply skills in a simulated scenario and assess progress.
What It Includes:
Warm-Up: Standard warm-up and stretching.
Skill Recap: Briefly review all prior skills and ask the student which position they prefer.
Simulated Play: You and the student simulate a simple play (e.g., you as quarterback, them as linebacker or running back). No contact—focus on positioning and reaction.
Film Debrief: Show a clip of their performance (if recorded) or a professional play, discussing strengths and areas to improve.
Goal Setting: Set personal goals for future lessons (e.g., “master backpedaling” or “improve handoff reception”).
Cool-Down and Celebration: Stretch and celebrate progress with positive reinforcement.
Duration: 45-60 minutes. Focus: Application and confidence building.
Overview of Lessons 6–10 for a Single Beginner Student Athlete
For Lessons 6–10, the focus shifts to deeper skill development, strategy, and preparation for competitive play, tailored to the individual student:
Lesson 6: Advanced Positioning Drills – Refine position-specific skills (e.g., linebacker reads, defensive back coverage), introduce agility exercises, and use film to analyze reactions.
Lesson 7: Defensive Strategy – Focus on defensive concepts (e.g., gap control, zone coverage), with you simulating offensive plays. Introduce mental preparation techniques.
Lesson 8: Offensive Strategy – Teach running back/fullback roles in more detail (e.g., reading blocks, catching passes), using you as the quarterback or blocker.
Lesson 9: Simulated Scenarios – Practice game-like situations one-on-one, emphasizing quick decisions and endurance. Use film to review and adjust strategies.
Lesson 10: Progress Evaluation – Simulate a full play sequence, assess all skills learned, and set long-term goals. Celebrate improvements and prepare for intermediate training.
Focus: Build technical proficiency, strategy, and confidence for the student to handle more complex plays and scenarios.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Introduction to Positions and Roles
Objective: Help the student understand potential roles and practice position-specific basics.
What It Includes:
Warm-Up: Quick warm-up and stretching.
Position Overview: Explain linebacker, defensive back, running back, and fullback roles, focusing on which might suit the student best based on their interests and abilities.
Position Drills: Work one-on-one on:
Linebacker: Reading a play (you act as an offensive player) and taking a step toward the ball.
Defensive Back: Backpedaling and turning to sprint (you simulate a pass).
Running Back/Fullback: Receiving a handoff from you and running a short distance, focusing on balance.
Feedback: Provide immediate corrections and praise to build confidence.
Cool-Down and Reflection: Stretch and discuss what the student found challenging or exciting.
Duration: 45-60 minutes. Focus: Position awareness and early skill development.
Lesson 3: Basic Defensive and Offensive Concepts
Objective: Teach the difference between offense and defense, focusing on simple strategies.
What It Includes:
Warm-Up: Standard warm-up and stretching.
Concept Explanation: Use a diagram or whiteboard to show how offense scores and defense stops them. Focus on your defensive specialty, explaining how positions work together.
Drills:
Defensive: You act as a running back; the student practices “tackling” (no contact, just wrapping arms around a padded dummy or slowing you down) as a linebacker or defensive back.
Offensive: The student practices receiving a handoff and running a short route, avoiding your “defense.”
Film Intro: Show a short clip of a defensive play, pausing to discuss what the player did well.
Feedback and Goals: Stretch and set a small goal for the next lesson (e.g., “improve backpedaling speed”).
Duration: 45-60 minutes. Focus: Understanding game flow and strategy.
Advanced training plan
Your first lessonLesson 1: Assessment and Advanced Position Review
Objective: Evaluate the student’s current skills, refine position-specific knowledge, and set goals.
What It Includes:
Welcome and assessment: Observe the student’s stance, footwork, and position skills (linebackers, defensive backs, running backs, fullbacks) through drills.
Review advanced roles: Reinforce linebacker responsibilities (stopping runs, covering, blitzing), defensive back duties (pass coverage, interceptions), and running back/fullback roles (ball carrying, blocking, receiving).
Warm-up: Dynamic stretching and agility drills tailored to their fitness level.
Position-specific drill: Focus on one position (e.g., linebacker reading a play, defensive back backpedaling and breaking on the ball). Use you as the opponent to simulate high-pressure scenarios.
Film analysis: Show a pro clip of their position, discussing advanced techniques (e.g., reading quarterback eyes, anticipating routes).
Cool-down, feedback, and goal setting (e.g., “improve reaction time” or “perfect coverage angles”).
Lesson 11+For Lessons 11 and beyond, the focus shifts to elite-level training, competitive strategy, and preparation for high-stakes play, ensuring the student is ready for college-level or professional aspirations. Here’s a general overview:
Elite Skill Refinement: Focus on minute details of their position (e.g., linebacker reading pre-snap alignments, defensive back anticipating route combinations, running back exploiting defensive weaknesses). Incorporate advanced strength, speed, and agility training.
Comprehensive Film Analysis: Analyze extensive game footage, including opponent scouting reports and their own performances, to develop sophisticated game plans. Teach them to predict plays and counter strategies.
Tactical Mastery: Introduce cutting-edge defensive and offensive schemes, such as hybrid coverages, disguise blitzes, and option reads. Practice against complex scenarios you simulate, emphasizing adaptability and split-second decisions.
Competitive Preparation: Simulate game conditions with increased intensity, potentially including light contact if safe and agreed upon. Focus on leadership, sportsmanship, and performing under pressure.
Physical and Mental Peak: Design workouts to maximize athletic performance (e.g., plyometrics, endurance sprints) and mental sharpness (e.g., visualization, stress management), drawing on your experience as a defensive coordinator.
Path to Higher Levels: Guide the student toward college recruitment, all-star teams, or professional training camps. Provide mentorship on film breakdown, play design, and career development in football.
Lesson 4-10Simulate high-pressure situations (e.g., late-game defense, critical third-down offense). You act as the opposing player, increasing complexity.
Drills: Focus on speed, decision-making, and endurance, tailoring to their position.
Film review: Analyze their reactions and suggest elite-level adjustments.
Cool-down and reinforce mental toughness strategies.
Lesson 10: Culmination and Advanced Assessment
Objective: Assess overall progress and prepare for competitive play.
What It Includes:
Warm-up.
Full simulation of a play sequence (defense and offense), emphasizing all skills learned.
Use film to conduct a detailed debrief, highlighting strengths and setting advanced goals (e.g., mastering a new coverage scheme).
Discuss readiness for team play, tournaments, or higher-level training.
Cool-down, celebrate progress, and provide a personalized training plan for the future.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Defensive Strategy Deep Dive
Objective: Enhance defensive skills with complex strategies and film analysis.
What It Includes:
Warm-up: Quick agility and strength exercises.
Teach advanced defensive concepts: Zone vs. man coverage for defensive backs, gap control and blitz schemes for linebackers.
Drills: Practice reacting to your simulated offensive plays (e.g., linebacker blitzing, defensive back covering a deep route). Use pads or dummies for safe, controlled contact if appropriate.
Film review: Analyze a game clip focusing on defensive adjustments, teaching the student to identify offensive tendencies.
Cool-down and discuss mental preparation for high-pressure situations.
Lesson 3: Offensive Skills Refinement
Objective: Strengthen offensive capabilities (running backs, fullbacks) to complement defensive expertise.
What It Includes:
Warm-up.
Focus on advanced offensive skills: Running backs practice reading blocks and executing cuts; fullbacks work on blocking and short receiving routes.
One-on-one drill: You act as a linebacker or defensive back, and the student practices evading or breaking through. No full contact—focus on technique.
Film analysis: Show a clip of a running back/fullback making a big play, discussing timing and vision.
Cool-down and set a tactical goal (e.g., “improve route reading”).
Youth players
Working with kidsWhen I’m coaching kids, I make sure to keep things simple, fun, and encouraging because I know they’re just starting out and need to build confidence. I use easy language to explain football and track and field, like telling them that linebackers stop the person with the ball or that throwing the discus is like spinning like a top and launching it far. I make the sessions enjoyable by turning drills into games, such as tag for football to teach positioning or challenges with rewards like stickers for track throws, so they stay excited and engaged. I keep the activities short and varied because I understand kids have shorter attention spans, so I might switch between football footwork, ball handling, and stretching, or mix discus spins with running games. I focus on praising their effort rather than perfection, so I’ll say things like, “Great job staying low—that’s perfect for a linebacker!” or “You’re getting stronger with each throw!” to build their confidence. Safety is my top priority, and I’m patient with their mistakes, using them as teaching moments, like, “Let’s try that spin again—it’s tricky, but you’ll get it!” I also take time to connect with them personally, learning their names and interests, and I might share a story, like, “When I was a kid, I loved throwing the discus because it felt like I was a superhero!” to make it relatable. I don’t rely too much on film or strategy with kids; instead, I might show a short, exciting clip and ask, “What did you like about that play?” to keep it light. My goal is to ensure they have fun, develop basic skills, and build a positive love for the sports, setting them up for long-term success under my guidance.
Working with teenagersWhen I’m coaching teenagers, I challenge them with more complex strategies and techniques because I know they can handle it and are eager to improve. I dive deeper into football strategies, like teaching zone coverage or blitz packages for linebackers and defensive backs, or offensive plays like reading blocks for running backs, and for track, I explain the biomechanics of discus and shot put, such as the angle of release or rotational power, and talk about competitive strategies. I encourage them to think critically by using my film analysis skills, so I’ll show them clips of games or throws and ask, “Why do you think that linebacker missed the tackle?” or “What could this thrower do to add distance?” to get them involved in problem-solving. I balance pushing them hard with support, setting high but achievable goals, like mastering a new coverage scheme, and I give constructive feedback, such as, “Your footwork is excellent, but let’s work on speeding up your transition to the ball.” I introduce competition to motivate them, like simulating game situations where they defend against me or aim for a personal best in discus, and I celebrate their achievements while preparing them for setbacks by teaching resilience. I respect their independence by asking for their input, like, “Would you rather focus on speed today or technique?” and I guide them firmly but fairly, drawing on my experience to help them grow. I focus on their long-term development, sharing stories from my own playing days or my coached athletes, like state champions or college recruits, to inspire them. I also check in on their motivation and pressure, offering support and teaching stress-management techniques like visualization, and I use more extensive film analysis to show them how to break down opponents’ strategies, making them active partners in their improvement. My approach ensures I challenge them to reach their potential while building trust and preparing them for competitive play in football and track and field.
What you need to bringFor Football Workouts:
Appropriate Clothing and Footwear: Students should bring athletic wear suitable for physical activity, such as moisture-wicking shirts, shorts or pants, and cleats specifically designed for football. Turf shoes or sneakers can be used if cleats aren’t available, but cleats are preferred for optimal traction and safety on the field.
Protective Gear: Depending on the intensity and focus of the session (e.g., contact drills), students may need to bring a helmet, shoulder pads, and mouthguard. For non-contact drills or film analysis, this gear might not be necessary, but it’s good to have on hand if we progress to more advanced training.
Water and Hydration: A reusable water bottle is essential to stay hydrated, especially during intense practices. I recommend sports drinks for longer sessions, but water is sufficient for most workouts.
Notebook and Pen (Optional): For older students or those focusing on film analysis and strategy, bringing a notebook and pen can be helpful to take notes on plays, positions, or feedback I provide during the session.
What I can bringI bring a dynamic, results-oriented approach to every workout, tailoring my tools and methods based on what we’ve been working on and what equipment or preferences the athletes or their teams have. My workouts are variable and flexible, incorporating a mix of drills, film analysis, strength training, and sport-specific techniques. For football, I might bring detailed game plans, playbooks, and video analysis to break down opponent strategies or refine defensive and offensive skills. For track and field, especially throwing events like discus and shot put, I bring training aids such as weighted implements, technique charts, and agility equipment to enhance performance. I also adapt to available resources, whether that’s using school facilities, outdoor fields, or athlete-provided gear. My goal is to create engaging, effective sessions that challenge athletes while ensuring they have fun and stay motivated. I emphasize safety, progression, and individualized attention, ensuring that every workout is purposeful and impactful.
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
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If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
DK
Football with David KatzNew to TeachMe.To