Trenchometry

Paul Horne aka The Trench Doctor

Welcome to "Trenchometry," the podcast where football's most crucial battles are won and lost. This isn't just another coaching show; it's a deep dive into the art and science of controlling the line of scrimmage. Join veteran offensive and defensive line coaches as they pull back the curtain on their most effective techniques, strategies, and drills. We'll share proven methods for developing the next generation of trench warriors—from Pop Warner to high school. Whether you're an O-line coach looking to create a dominant run game or a D-line coach focused on unlocking a relentless pass rush, this podcast is your ultimate playbook. Tune in to learn how to enhance your line's performance, elevate production on the field, and turn your unit into the backbone of your team.

  1. 8H AGO

    #36 Ian Tatum: Coaching Through C.A.R.E.E.E.

    In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne welcomes Ian Tatum, an experienced offensive line coach and social media influencer, to discuss the intricacies of coaching offensive linemen. Tatum shares his journey from playing high school football to becoming a coach, emphasizing the importance of understanding the game from both a player and a coaching perspective. He highlights the significance of social media in connecting with other coaches and sharing knowledge, as well as the value of community in the coaching world. Tatum also discusses his coaching philosophy, which revolves around a core system focused on gap schemes and the importance of teaching fundamentals to his players. Keywords offensive line, football coaching, gap schemes, coaching philosophy, social media in sports, youth football, coaching community, football fundamentals, Ian Tatum, Trenchometry Takeaways "Playing offensive line isn't just blocking; it's chess at light speed." "Twitter is my LinkedIn; that's how I meet coaches and grow my network." "We want to be the most aggressive team that anybody sees all year." "If you're not learning, you're getting worse." "I treat my players like they're my kids; I adapt my teaching style to resonate with them." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trenchometry and Offensive Line Play 00:56 Meet Ian Tatum: Journey and Social Media Influence 02:57 The Importance of Coaching Philosophy and Community 07:04 Daily Drills and Techniques for Offensive Linemen 18:02 Motivating Players and Creating Competitive Environments 31:26 The Challenge of Coaching at Any Level 32:29 Finding Motivation and Creating Edge 33:50 Leadership Training and Team Culture 36:50 The CARE Philosophy in Coaching 40:06 Aggression and the Mindset of an Offensive Lineman 44:00 Drills: What Works and What Doesn't 46:43 Essential Drills for Offensive Line Success 49:39 Building Relationships and Team Bonding 56:11 Music and Mindset Before the Game 59:51 Engaging with the Coaching Community on Social Media

    58 min
  2. MAY 20

    #35: Tony Shiffman: I'm a Ground Up Type of Guy

    In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne welcomes Coach Tony Schiffman, an experienced offensive line coach with a rich background in football. They delve into the intricacies of coaching offensive linemen, discussing the importance of foundational skills like stance and starts, and the significance of muscle memory in executing plays effectively. Coach Schiffman shares his journey from aspiring player personnel to becoming a dedicated coach, emphasizing the lessons learned from various coaching positions across the country. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and adaptations required in different regions of the U.S. regarding football styles and strategies. As they explore coaching philosophies, Coach Schiffman reveals his preference for simplicity in drills, focusing on a few key techniques to ensure players master their skills. He discusses the importance of film study in improving player performance and the value of creating a supportive team environment. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion about the camaraderie and humor found within offensive line rooms, showcasing the character and bond that develops among players. Coach Schiffman also introduces his new podcast, "False Start," where he analyzes football movies from a coach's perspective, adding a fun twist to the serious world of football coaching. Keywords offensive line, football coaching, coaching philosophy, stance and starts, football drills, film study, high school football, coaching journey, football podcast, Trenchometry Takeaways "You master the trenches, you win the war." "I'm a ground up kind of guy, so I'm always going to do stance and starts first." "I want you to have tools for your tool belt." "You can't have a different stance for a run play or a pass play." "I'd rather practice one kick a thousand times than try to be a drill guy." "There's zero value in blocking an inanimate object." "You have to take it as much as you can dish it out." "The best part about the offensive line room is the camaraderie and humor." "If it didn't work Wednesday, it was off." "You have to know when you make a mistake how you can fix it." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Offensive Line Play 01:06 Coach Schiffman's Journey into Coaching 04:09 Differences in Football Styles Across Regions 09:29 Foundational Skills: Stance and Starts 15:04 Contact Techniques: Striking and Blocking 25:43 Pass Protection Techniques 27:46 The Importance of Film Analysis 33:26 Scripting and Game Preparation 33:55 The Art of Play Calling 39:29 Drills and Techniques for Success 43:59 The Shift to Gap Schemes 48:08 The Humor of the Offensive Line Room 53:28 Musical Motivations and Personal Touches 57:43 Looking Ahead: New Projects and Podcasts

    52 min
  3. MAY 13

    #34: Andy Hertlein: From the First Base Bag to the Right Guard Gap

    On this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne dives deep into the "chess at light speed" world of offensive line play with Indiana State’s own Andy Hertlein. A former standout from Parkway South (Missouri) and a multi-sport athlete, Andy shares his journey from the baseball diamond to the Division I trenches. We explore the technical and mental hurdles of transitioning from center to guard, the reality of the transfer portal, and what it takes to earn a starting spot in a high-tempo, no-huddle offense. In this episode, we discuss:The Position Swap: The steep learning curve of mastering "pulls" and adjusting footwork when moving from center to right guard.Football vs. Baseball: Why a 295lb first baseman decided to hang up the cleats and embrace the "pure violence" of the gridiron.Spring Ball Realities: How Andy bounced back from a "cloudy" first day of practice to dominate his reps and climb the depth chart.The ISU Culture: Navigating the transfer portal era and building genuine brotherhood within the Fighting Sycamores’ locker room.Special Teams Grind: The unsung role of the "boundary guard" on PAT and field goal units."You master the trench, you win the war." Enjoying the show? Subscribe for more deep dives into the most undervalued position in football.Drop a comment: What’s the hardest transition for an O-lineman—moving from Tackle to Guard or Center to Guard? Key topics Position transition from center to guardSpring ball experience and team cultureTechnical aspects of offensive line playMental approach to practice and gamesBalancing academics and athletics Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trenchometry and Offensive Line Dynamics 02:44 Spring Ball Experience and Position Transition 05:54 Challenges of Playing Offensive Line 08:46 Adjusting to College Football Speed and Technique 11:50 The Shift from Baseball to Football 14:43 Building Relationships in a Changing Team Environment 17:36 Depth Chart Dynamics and Competition 20:39 Practice Insights and Team Culture 23:48 Special Teams Responsibilities and Drills 26:43 Drills and Techniques in Offensive Line Practice 30:04 The Art of Timing Your Punch 35:05 Understanding Arm Length and Technique 39:21 Transitioning to College Football 45:37 Life in the Dorms vs. Off-Campus Living 50:35 Game Day Rituals and Focus 54:14 Finding Your Home in College Football #Trenchometry #OffensiveLine #IndianaState #Sycamores #CollegeFootball #O-LineLife

    50 min
  4. MAY 6

    #33 Dustin Simmons: Start it Simple, Keep it Simple, Reap the Rewards

    Summary In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne speaks with Dustin Simmons, a former first responder turned youth football coach, about the intricacies of coaching young athletes, particularly in offensive line play. They discuss the challenges of building a competitive team, the importance of simplifying techniques and play calls, and the role of parents in youth sports. Simmons shares insights from his experience coaching a U-10 team that competed in the FBU National Championship Series, emphasizing the need for confidence, work ethic, and effective communication in developing young players. The conversation also touches on the significance of pre-game rituals and the joy of coaching youth football. Takeaways Offensive line play is crucial for success in football. Building a competitive team involves navigating political aspects. Coaching youth football requires simplifying techniques and language. Parents play a significant role in youth sports dynamics. Confidence and work ethic are essential for young athletes. Injury risk is a reality in youth football. Effective communication is key to coaching young players. Creating a fun and engaging environment helps maintain attention. Pre-game rituals can energize and motivate players. Coaching is about impacting young lives positively. Chapters 00:00 Mastering the Trenches: The Importance of Offensive Line Play 01:22 Building a Championship Team: The Journey to Naples 07:14 Haka Dance and Team Spirit: Motivating Young Athletes 09:06 Coaching Philosophy: Balancing Fatherhood and Coaching 11:37 Techniques and Priorities: Maximizing Limited Practice Time 17:09 Developing Skills: Teaching Youth Football Fundamentals 22:47 Overcoming Challenges: Coaching Young Athletes 27:54 Building Confidence: The Key to Youth Football Success 31:32 Building Work Ethic and Confidence in Youth Sports 33:12 The Role of Adversity in Sports 34:45 Parental Influence on Youth Sports 36:29 The Reality of Making It in Sports 40:10 The Importance of Letting Kids Play 41:39 Engaging Young Athletes in Practice 45:34 The Joy of Coaching and Mentoring 51:49 The Fun and Challenges of Coaching Kids 55:44 The Power of Music in Sports Motivation 59:27 Creating Competitive Opportunities for Youth Keywords offensive line, youth football, coaching, FBU, team building, football techniques, parent involvement, player development, confidence, work ethic

    56 min
  5. APR 29

    #32 Cody McDaniel: A Scoop of Stance & A Heap of Violence

    Summary In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne and guest Cody McDaniel delve into the intricacies of offensive line play in football. They discuss foundational training techniques, the importance of stance and body movement, and the various drills that help develop young offensive linemen. McDaniel shares insights on coaching philosophy, the significance of communication within the team, and personal anecdotes that highlight the bond between players and coaches. The conversation also touches on the creation of a comprehensive journal for offensive linemen to track their training and nutrition, emphasizing the holistic development of players both on and off the field. Takeaways Offensive line play is crucial for winning games.Establishing a strong stance is foundational for offensive linemen.Drills should focus on body movement and power angles.Coaches must adapt techniques to individual players' body types.Repetition and consistency are key to mastering skills.Communication among offensive linemen enhances performance.Understanding the mental aspect of the game is vital.Players should be encouraged to self-correct during games.A comprehensive journal can help organize training and nutrition.Building a strong team culture is essential for success.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Offensive Line Play 02:59 Foundational Skills for Offensive Linemen 05:54 Drills and Techniques for Development 09:00 The Importance of Stance and Body Movement 12:05 Pass Protection Fundamentals 14:43 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics 17:54 Advanced Techniques in Pass Blocking 25:10 Coaching Beyond the Game 27:57 Developing Young Athletes 30:33 Run Blocking Fundamentals 35:16 Creating Space in Blocking 39:17 Maximizing Practice Efficiency 41:11 Adapting Play Calls 48:59 Building a Flexible Offense 51:35 Building Relationships with Players 53:52 Coaching Philosophy and Game Strategy 57:11 Play Calling and Game Preparation 01:01:03 The Importance of Player Well-being 01:01:58 Humor and Team Bonding in Coaching 01:08:15 Music and Mindset: Player vs. Coach 01:11:29 Developing a Comprehensive Coaching Resource Keywords offensive line, football coaching, training techniques, run blocking, pass protection, coaching philosophy, player development, team dynamics, drills, football fundamentals

    1h 7m
  6. APR 15

    #30 Hayden Raley: The Underdogs of Football- Loyalty, Leadership, & Hamburger Patties

    In this episode of Trenchometry, host Paul Horne welcomes Hayden Raley, an offensive lineman from William & Mary, to discuss the intricacies of playing on the offensive line in college football. They delve into the unique challenges faced by college athletes today, particularly with the advent of the transfer portal and NIL deals. Hayden shares his perspective on the importance of loyalty to one’s team and the pressures that come with the modern college football landscape. He emphasizes the value of education and personal growth over simply chasing opportunities at larger programs, highlighting his commitment to the Tribe and the relationships he has built with his teammates. The conversation also touches on the physical and mental preparation required for the upcoming season, including winter workouts and spring practices. Hayden discusses his leadership style, influenced by his father, and the importance of fostering a supportive environment among teammates. The episode wraps up with light-hearted anecdotes about the offensive line culture, including food traditions and favorite plays, showcasing the camaraderie and unique personalities within the team. Overall, this episode provides a deep dive into the life of a college offensive lineman, blending serious insights with humor and personal stories. Takeaways "Master the trench, you win the war.""The degree and network you gain here is far superior to any other opportunity.""It's a gamble entering the portal; many end up stranded.""Why sacrifice loyalty for a few extra dollars?""Servant leadership is about building guys up and encouraging them.""Inside zone is my favorite play; I love taking defenders for a ride.""We measure who ate the most by number of patties at Freddy's.""I listen to 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Metallica before games.""The offensive line room is full of characters and funny stories.""There's no worse feeling than seeing Richmond take the cup after a game."

    52 min
  7. APR 8

    #29 Heath Fullerton: Conquering Football & Life Challenges

    Prepare to be inspired by a story of resilience, leadership, and a lifetime of coaching mastery. Heath Fullerton, a seasoned football coach with over 30 years of success— including two state finals appearances and a championship—shares his unique approach to building champions on and off the field. From navigating the physical and mental toll of a rare neurological disease to inspiring his players through every challenge, Heath’s journey exemplifies true resilience and passion for the game. In this episode, discover how Heath’s small-town roots and innovative coaching techniques—like mastering the wing tee offense and cultivating a culture of accountability—turn ordinary athletes into extraordinary teams. We break down detailed offensive line drills, footwork secrets, and game-day strategies that any coach or aspiring player can adopt. Heath shares stories that highlight the importance of discipline, communication, and toughness—qualities that transcend football and shape character. You'll learn about the critical skills he looks for in offensive linemen, how to develop explosive power and technique, and how to adapt to any adversity—including health setbacks. Heath’s anecdotes about legendary coaches, community ties, and the deep bonds formed through sport underscore that football is more than just a game—it's a lifelong lesson in perseverance and camaraderie.Why does mastering the trenches win the war? If you’re a coach, player, or fan eager to unlock the secrets behind a disciplined, winning mindset, this episode is your playbook. Perfect for those serious about football, leadership, and personal growth, Heath Fullerton’s story will leave you motivated to push through your own hurdles and lead with courage.Tune in to hear a coach who embodies grit, humility, and ingenuity—showing us that the true victory lies in how you face every challenge and lift others along the way. Don’t miss this rare glimpse into a life dedicated to inspiring greatness both on and off the gridiron.

    58 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Trenchometry," the podcast where football's most crucial battles are won and lost. This isn't just another coaching show; it's a deep dive into the art and science of controlling the line of scrimmage. Join veteran offensive and defensive line coaches as they pull back the curtain on their most effective techniques, strategies, and drills. We'll share proven methods for developing the next generation of trench warriors—from Pop Warner to high school. Whether you're an O-line coach looking to create a dominant run game or a D-line coach focused on unlocking a relentless pass rush, this podcast is your ultimate playbook. Tune in to learn how to enhance your line's performance, elevate production on the field, and turn your unit into the backbone of your team.

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