BREAKING IT DOWN
Week to week the Venice Indian defense has improved their play. A tremendous amount of time and preparation go into the defensive game plan. Coach Larry Shannon, Venice’s Defensive Coordinator and his staff, have these boys well prepared when they step onto the field Friday night. We took a moment to go over this well thought out process.
According to Coach Shannon he starts preparing for an upcoming game on the Wednesday of the week before. “I start early so I can get a look ahead at what an opponent does, and break down their tendencies.” On Saturday mornings the entire defensive staff meets to game plan for that weeks opponent. Assistants Mike Bartlett and John Ryan make up the tri-fecta that is the Indian defensive coaching staff. “On Saturdays we continue to input data and organize it. This way we can present it to the kids and prepare our scouting reports.”
The scouting report is a huge part of why Venice is so successful. It is an extremely detailed report with as much info on opposing teams that the coaches can possibly fit into it. “We try to give our players enough info so they know what is going to happen on game night.” Coaches include depth charts, how big or fast an athlete may be, and any extra info they deem necessary. “We try to give our kids every advantage possible.” Players will receive their reports on Monday morning, or sometimes as early as Saturday afternoon. One of the first things they do at Monday’s practice is walk through the report on the field. From there the defense gets together at least twice a week to watch game film. On game days, players are tested on the scouting report. If they don’t make a passing grade, then they don’t play.
If you looked at other programs in the state, you would be hard pressed to find a staff as thorough as Venice. Coach Shannon feels however, that no matter how much time they spend on scouting reports and game films, it is ultimately up to the kids. If they don’t buy into it then there is no payoff. “Fortunately we’ve had success, so that’s the motivation they need. Our kids have taken the expectation we have given them to a whole other level.”
Tonight as the Indians play Charlotte in the Regional Semi-final, there are high expectations. Venice’s 11-0 record is on the line, as well as their hopes of making it to a state title game. The last time these two teams met it was a battle of the unbeatens, and Venice came out on top 56-26. Look for the Tarpons to put up a fight, and keep it closer this time around. A lot is on the line for these two teams. The defense will make a huge difference, and we know the Indians are well prepared
Week to week the Venice Indian defense has improved their play. A tremendous amount of time and preparation go into the defensive game plan. Coach Larry Shannon, Venice’s Defensive Coordinator and his staff, have these boys well prepared when they step onto the field Friday night. We took a moment to go over this well thought out process.
According to Coach Shannon he starts preparing for an upcoming game on the Wednesday of the week before. “I start early so I can get a look ahead at what an opponent does, and break down their tendencies.” On Saturday mornings the entire defensive staff meets to game plan for that weeks opponent. Assistants Mike Bartlett and John Ryan make up the tri-fecta that is the Indian defensive coaching staff. “On Saturdays we continue to input data and organize it. This way we can present it to the kids and prepare our scouting reports.”
The scouting report is a huge part of why Venice is so successful. It is an extremely detailed report with as much info on opposing teams that the coaches can possibly fit into it. “We try to give our players enough info so they know what is going to happen on game night.” Coaches include depth charts, how big or fast an athlete may be, and any extra info they deem necessary. “We try to give our kids every advantage possible.” Players will receive their reports on Monday morning, or sometimes as early as Saturday afternoon. One of the first things they do at Monday’s practice is walk through the report on the field. From there the defense gets together at least twice a week to watch game film. On game days, players are tested on the scouting report. If they don’t make a passing grade, then they don’t play.
If you looked at other programs in the state, you would be hard pressed to find a staff as thorough as Venice. Coach Shannon feels however, that no matter how much time they spend on scouting reports and game films, it is ultimately up to the kids. If they don’t buy into it then there is no payoff. “Fortunately we’ve had success, so that’s the motivation they need. Our kids have taken the expectation we have given them to a whole other level.”
Tonight as the Indians play Charlotte in the Regional Semi-final, there are high expectations. Venice’s 11-0 record is on the line, as well as their hopes of making it to a state title game. The last time these two teams met it was a battle of the unbeatens, and Venice came out on top 56-26. Look for the Tarpons to put up a fight, and keep it closer this time around. A lot is on the line for these two teams. The defense will make a huge difference, and we know the Indians are well prepared
