Michael Geiger commits to Michigan State!

December 9, 2012 By

Number 1 ranked Chris Sailer Kicking standout Michael Geiger has committed to Michigan State University. This news comes as a bit of a shock, not cause of Geiger’s talent (he has a ton), but the fact that he was previously committed to Boston College.

The 5’9″ Geiger will have an opportunity to compete for the starting kicker role in 2013, since Michigan State’s current kicker Dan Conroy is a Senior.

Look for Geiger to make an early impact in 2013 for the Spartans!

http://youtu.be/flcMMX5y2o0

(147)

Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Kicking, Recruiting Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Ryan Allen wins the Ray Guy Award!

December 7, 2012 By

Ryan Allen has done it again!  He was won the Ray Guy Award, awarded to the nations top punter in the NCAA FBS division!

Allen is the second two-time winner of the award, the first being Daniel Sepulveda.  He had the longest punt in the nation this season with an 85-yard punt against New Mexico State. Over 46 percent went for over 50 yards and over 44 percent were inside the 20.

Allen also was named to the AFCA FBS Coaches’ All-America Team the week before, the second-straight year he was named All-American.

A long time Chris Sailer Kicking student, Ryan has been working with us since his Sophomore year of High School.

Ryan Allen Punting

(267)

Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Punting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Dean Crozier has Committed to Rutgers!

December 6, 2012 By

Every February, on a yearly trip to Australia to evaluate Australian Punters, Chris Sailer Kicking discovered Dean.  He had only been punting for a few months when we took him on and trained him just February of this year.

During his training, realizing he was a special kicker, he was encouraged to attend our 11th Annual National Kicking Spring Event in Las Vegas, which happens in May.  Coming from Aussie football, he really performed at a high level and impressed everyone.  Chris Sailer Kicking then got him publicity by getting him all over the National Radar for schools looking for a punter of his caliber.

Dean may end up being one of the best punters to ever come through Chris Sailer Kicking.  He has the physical size and strength to dominate the D1 level.  Even though he just has recently picked up punting, he has made tremendous strides in a short amount of time. A big time prospect that has NFL written all over him with hard work.  At 6’7″ tall and 242lbs, he is a very big prospect for kicking!

Dean Crozier is the second of CSK’s Australian Punters to commit in this class (we have 3 per year).  Daniel Cadona committed to Lousiana Lafayette early this year also.

Here is a link to Dean’s Chris Sailer Kicking Profile.  Take note that his National Rank is currently 9th!

Watch this video now and see for yourself!

(169)

Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Promotion, Punting, Recruiting, Training, Video, YouTube Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Going to Las Vegas in 2013

November 29, 2012 By

Making Vegas Travel Easy…
After 10 years of holding the Chris Sailer Kicking Annual National Kicking & Snapping Event at UNLV in Las Vegas, things have finally changed.  Although change sometimes isn’t easy to accept, we will make this transition as easy as possible for all of Kickers, Punters, and Long Snappers.  The NCAA has enforced a new rule that states outside services can no longer run camps on D1A college campuses.  So we move on.

The 11th Annual National Kicking Event will take place at Faith Lutheran High School.  After months of research, we have found the ideal campus to host this huge event.  The days events and all scheduling will run just like in the past…exactly the same way you are used to.

After hundreds of emails and phone calls answering questions about the location, hotel, etc., I decided it would be best to take a trip and map out exactly what it is you should expect.  Take a look and plan your weekend accordingly.

Continue reading “Going to Las Vegas in 2013” »

(152)

Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting, Traveling Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Making Vegas Travel Easy…

November 19, 2012 By

Making Vegas Travel Easy…

After 10 years of holding the Chris Sailer Kicking Annual National Kicking & Snapping Event at UNLV in Las Vegas, things have finally changed.  Although change sometimes isn’t easy to accept, we will make this transition as easy as possible for all of Kickers, Punters, and Long Snappers.  The NCAA has enforced a new rule that states outside services can no longer run camps on D1A college campuses.  So we move on. 

The 11th Annual National Kicking Event will take place at Faith Lutheran High School.  After months of research, we have found the ideal campus to host this huge event.  The days events and all scheduling will run just like in the past…exactly the same way you are used to. 

After hundreds of emails and phone calls answering questions about the location, hotel, etc., I decided it would be best to take a trip and map out exactly what it is you should expect.  Take a look and plan your weekend accordingly. 

Flight:
The amount of time it took me from the time the plane pulled in to get to baggage claim: 10 Minutes, 11 Seconds


The amount of time it took me to get my bags (2) from baggage claim once I arrived at baggage claim: 1 Minute, 4 Seconds



Rental Car:
The amount of time it took me to get from baggage claim to the Enterprise Rental Car Station: 12 Minutes, 1 Second


The amount of time if took me to get my rental car: 11 Minutes, 6 Seconds

Commute:
The amount of time it took me to get to Faith Lutheran High School from Enterprise: 19 Minutes, 40 Seconds
The number of miles from Enterprise to Faith Lutheran High School: 18.1 Miles

Hotel:
The amount of time it took me to get from Faith Lutheran to the Marriott Hotel: 6 Minutes, 35 Seconds
The number of miles from Faith Lutheran to the Marriott Hotel: 3.4 Miles

 
Everything ran very smooth, but as you know that may not always be the case.  Make sure to leave    plenty of time in your planning for any unexpected delays.  Faith Lutheran and the Marriott hotel are   ideal locations for the 11th Annual National Kicking & Snapping Event.  You will be very happy with the largest Kicking, Punting, & Long Snapping Event in the world!  See you January 19-20, 2013!

(119)

Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Punting, Traveling Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Recruiting Tiebreakers

October 26, 2012 By
Recruiting Tiebreakers
Chris Sailer Kicking sees more kicking, punting, and long snapping prospects per year than anyone in the business.  With the National Events in Las Vegas, Regional Nike Camps, College Camps with major programs such as Alabama, Oregon, LSU, Texas, and UCLA, overseas camps in Australia, etc. it is rare that a specialist prospect looking to play college football doesn’t pass through our program.  Having said that, believe me when I say there is a great college home for everyone that shows decent potential and understands the world of recruiting.

Did you know that over 800 colleges nationwide have football programs.  My advice for you is to use football to help you get into a college and graduate with a degree you might have otherwise never received.  It isn’t as difficult as you might think.  Hard work and reaching your full potential on the football field is the obvious first step.  Where most prospects miss the boat is understanding the tiebreakers.  What is a tiebreaker?  When all things are equal on the field, what does a college coach look for to make his choice! Take a look. 

1. Grades and Test Scores

Take school very seriously.  Make it your #1 priority.  Get the best grades that you can possible get and work hard to keep them there.  This starts freshman year and ends the last day of your senior year.  Even if you think your grades are high enough, work harder.  A 4.0 grade point average always beats a 3.90 grade point average.  It is that simple.  Also, take the SAT and ACT tests and take them both twice. Grades and Test Scores are the #1 tiebreaker.  Make is easy on yourself.  Reach your full potential in the classroom.  *Note: The classes you choose to take also play a major role, so don’t take the easy way out.  Honors classes are a major plus.

2. Character

It should go without saying that you better stay out of trouble.  Arrests, school suspensions, etc. are a major red flag.  Nothing will end your college football career faster.  When you are being recruited a college coach can and will talk to every character reference possible (high school coach, principal, teachers, kicking coach, etc).  They are making a major investment in you.  Be a leader and a great example in everything that you do.  If one person doesn’t like you, that could be the end.  *Note: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. is your online resume.
3. Qualified Recruit
Understand what it means to be qualified.  The sooner you know this, the better (yes, even you freshman).  Visit www.NCAA.org. Talk to your high school coach.  Talk to your high school academic counselor.  Know what it takes to be cleared at a minimum by the NCAA and know what it takes to be admitted to every single college that you may hope to one day play for.  Class requirements, GPA requirements, test score requirements, etc.  A coach loves to recruit a player that is ready to go, not one that is months behind taking care of business. 
4. Combo Players
If you are a kicker, at a minimum I highly recommend that become an adequate punter.  If you can help the team in more than one position, that makes you valuable.  In most every case you will be expected to be the team’s backup punter.  If you can excel at both kicking and punting positions, you hold the golden ticket.  If you are a punter only, you are already valuable.  But I can tell you that a punter that can also kickoff is a deadly combination. 
5. Extracurricular Activities
The more that you have to offer a college, the better.  Class president, leadership programs, service, Eagle Scouts, other sports, etc.  If your resume is impressive, a college coach has a much better chance of getting you accepted.  
Football is a very powerful tool that can and will help you get into college if you take the necessary steps.  It is up to you!  Set your goals as a freshman and refuse to be outworked by anyone.  The above tiebreakers will come into play at some point.  Print this out and hang it up in your room or on your refrigerator.  Make sure all the tiebreakers play out to your advantage.
 
 

(128)

Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

10 Things a High School Coach Should Know About Their Kicker/Punter

September 29, 2012 By

10 Things a High School Coach Should Know About Their Kicker/Punter

1. A K/P is unique just like any other position player in the off season.  They should train as athletes first.  But they should also train specifically for their position.  They should not be expected to just jump into any group and train like a lineman or defensive back that day.  Take the time to structure an off season schedule for your K/P.

2. A K/P is only as good as his special team unit, especially the long snapper and holder.  Kickers and punters should begin working with next year’s snapper and holder the day the season ends.  An entire offseason is necessary to ensure a successful season.  Don’t wait until the first day of camp.  Also, the snapper and holder need to be players that actually want to play the position and spend the necessary hours working on and perfecting these key skills.  Tip: chose the punter to be the holder.

3. Set a date and time to meet with your K/P as early in the off season as possible.  Talk about season goals, specialist camp goals (Chris Sailer Kicking & Rubio Long Snapping), offseason schedule, in season schedule, snappers and holders, etc.  Meet early and get on the same page and the team will dominate that third of the game we call “special teams”.

4. Your word goes a long way with college coaches.  Please put in the time and effort to help your K/P find a college home.  There are more colleges that need K/P’s then are there are good K/P’s out there to fill those needs.  Believe me when I say, “Kickers, Punters, and Long Snappers” get scholarships for their specialty position.  Help your K/P get a scholarship and take a portion of the credit.  This is a great way to build your program.

5. K/P’s are like starting pitchers in baseball.  They cannot kick/punt all day, every day.   They have a K/P count, just like a pitcher has a pitch count.  Focus on quality over quantity and have a plan.  There a plenty of things for your K/P to do to improve their skills including muscle memory drills 7 days a week and film study each day.  Provide a basic digital camera if possible.

6. If you want your kicker to be successful on the field during games, preparation starts during practice.  Make time to give your K/P live reps during practice with the team.  You cannot expect perfection in a game if you haven’t practiced it enough.  Take more time to work on special teams during practice with live reps.  If possible, work special teams right after early outs and stretching.  See number 5.

7. Specialists need the full field for a portion of practice.  Create an early outs session where all the kickers, punters, snappers, holders, and returners take the field before the rest of the team.  20-30 minutes time will do wonders.

8. Allow your K/P to determine the size of the kicking tees they use.  Good kickers work extremely hard in the off season and know which size tee they have confidence using.  Monitor the success rate of the kicks, not the tee size.

9. K/P’s are trained to be their own coach when it comes to technique.  Unless you know what you are talking about, leave your K/P alone when it comes to technique.  Again, monitor the success of the kicks, don’t analyze the technique.

10. Have your K/P’s back.  Encourage, don’t discourage.  There will come a time when a K/P will miss a big kick, shank a punt, etc.  It happens to everyone.  Your going to need your K/P to step up next time.  Tell your K/P that you believe in them and get them back on the horse.  If your K/P knows that you believe in them, they are 10 times more likely to have success.

(160)

Filed Under: Article Archives, Coaching, High School, Kicking, Punting, Training

Tips To Make a Kicking / Punting Highlight Video

July 17, 2012 By

Tips To Make a Kicking / Punting Highlight Video

Making a highlight video is one of the major responsibilities an athlete has when it comes to recruiting.  Here are some simple tips that will help you start the process.

•    A simple highlight video is what a college coach wants to see from an athlete.  You DO NOT have to pay hundreds of dollars to hire a videographer.  You can make the video yourself.  It is all about the content, not the fluff.
•    Get a digital camera and ask your friend to film for you.
•    Start by standing in front of the camera and say, “My name is _________.  I go to _________ High School in _________ and will graduate in the Class of ____.
•    Make sure to be wearing your Chris Sailer Kicking T- Shirt at all times. This will show that you have been to my camps and have been taught properly.
•    Insert simple graphics (Name, High School, State, Grade Year, Simple Stats, References (Chris Sailer & High School Coach), Reference Phone Numbers (Chris Sailer 818-209-8921), and your cell phone number. Have it as a set screen so they can pause on it to see. Do not have it as a scrolling screen.
•    Put your best footage first.  If you have one or two GREAT game highlights, add those first.  If you do not, add some practice footage here.  I recommend one field goal off the ground, one kickoff, and 1 punt.  This should capture the very best of what you are capable of doing.
•    Next add a simple graphic that says, FIELD GOALS.  Add game field goals first.  Add practice session field goals to complement the game footage.  If you do not have any good game footage, just add practice footage.  If you can kick well off the ground…do it.  If not, use a tee.  Film these kicks from directly behind the kicker.
•    Next add a simple graphic that says, KICKOFFS.  Add game kickoffs first.  Add practice session kickoffs to complement the game footage.  If you do not have any good game footage, just add practice footage. Film these kicks from the bleachers.
•    Next add a simple graphic that says, PUNTING.  Add game punts first.  Add practice session punts to complement the game footage.  If you do not have any good game footage, just add practice footage. Add a few directional punts and Inside the 40 punts.  If you are just a punter, you will want to add more punts than a combo player.  Film these punts from the bleachers.
•    Finally, add simple graphics to close your highlight video.  I would recommend copying and pasting the Chris Sailer evaluation from your CSK Player Profile page.  Also add all of your contact information (Name, Cell Number, Email Address, Home Address).
•    The video should be no longer than 3-4 minutes total.
•    Do not include any more than 1-2 extra points.
•    DO NOT have any background music playing.  It is distracting and coaches do not want to hear it.
•    DO NOT add statistical graphics or voiceover to your highlights.  Coaches want to time kicks themselves.
•    Cut the video well.  Get rid of downtime.  Coaches don’t need to see you setting up the ball or chasing down the ball before and after kicks.
•    Only add highlights.  Don’t force game footage to the video if the footage does not represent what you are capable of doing.
•    Immediately load the video to www.YouTube.com  I highly recommend creating your own channel and adding new workout videos as often as possible.  This is a great way for a college coach to search you and get immediate access to your videos.  They want to see progress, so do not be afraid to keep old videos up. Simply date them when you add them.  Tag Chris Sailer Kicking when you add a video.
•    Send me the online link.  I will add it to add it to your Player Profile Page.

Good luck.  Do not be intimidated by this process.  It really is not that difficult.  Start making videos your freshman and sophomore season for the experience and to show progress.  College coaches will really start to pay attention your junior season.

(325)

Filed Under: Article Archives, High School, Kicking, Promotion, Punting, Video, YouTube Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

College Camps – Part 2

June 4, 2012 By

College Camps – Part 2

It is that time of year again.  College Camps begin this weekend.  I wrote a blog on what to expect last year at College Camps.  Before reading this, make sure to go back and read my blog on COLLEGE CAMPS.

This blog will focus on exactly what to do before, during, and after a college camp.

Before
1. Be realistic when it comes to which camps to attend.  If you want to attend these camps simply to enjoy being on a college campus, that is fine, but there is no reason to read this blog any further.  Make no mistake about it, these camps are tryouts for that school.  If you are not a prospect at that level, you will NOT be looked at.  Advice: If you have been ranked a 4.5 Star Chris Sailer Kicking player or higher, the D1A camps are for you.  If you have been ranked a 3.5 Star Chris Sailer Kicking player or higher, the D1AA – D3 camps are for you.

2. Contact the Special Teams Coach AND Recruiting Coordinator about 2-3 weeks before attending.  Do so via email and phone call.  The odds of them answering your phone call are slim, but call and leave a message anyway.  The intent of the call and email is to inform them that you will be attending their camp and expressing your interest in the program.  The more they hear your name and intentions, the better.  Feel free to include in your email: general info, GPA, Test Scores, References (Chris Sailer – 818-209-8921) & YouTube Highlight Video Link.

3. Set up an unofficial visit a week, two days or even a day prior to camp.  Make a trip of it.  You can do so by calling the football office.  You will get to see the campus, meet with academic counselors, see football facilities, and possibly even meet with a football coach.  This is HUGE.  Not only will you see if the school is a fit for you, but you are showing your strong interest, and making your name known to the program.

During
1. Find a good time to say hello to the Special Team Coach and / or any coach that you met on your unofficial visit.  Simply introduce or reintroduce yourself and tell them how excited you are to be there and show them what you can do.  Make sure to find the right time.  There is a right time.  This should be you and you alone, not your parents or coach.

2. Be ready to kick / punt many balls.  There will be a lot of kids at these camps.  It is not easy to get noticed.  Watch your reps and kick / punt when the time is right.  Quality over Quantity.  If you are someone they are looking at / recruiting, believe me when I say that they will see every kick that you hit.  There are eyes everywhere (even the sky).

3. Great programs will be watching your attitude and character more than your actual performance with a football.  What do you do when you shank a ball?  Who are you hanging out with? How do you warm up? What do you do when you win a competition?  What do you do when you lose a competition?  Which kicks are you choosing to kick / not kick?  How are reacting to coaching?  Are you paying attention at the meetings?  What are you doing at lunch time?  This list goes on and on and on.  If the answer is negative to any one of these questions, the guy next to you got the scholarship.

4. No matter what happens, stay positive.  You will get your chance.  Yes, there may be bigger names than yours coming into camp, but that doesn’t mean that they will be the bigger name leaving the camp.  Whether you think they are looking or not, you will get the chance to chart and compete in competitions.  Simple: STEP UP and you will get noticed.

5. Fine the right time to say goodbye and thank you to the staff, especially the Special Teams Coach, any other University Coach, and the Kicking/Punting Coach.  They are watching and still recruiting. It is easy.  Shake their hand, and say, “Thanks again coach for the opportunity to attend the camp.  My name is …… and I really enjoyed the camp and love the school”.

After
1. Follow up.  Wait a week or two and follow up with an email and phone call.  This is a chance to once again express your interest in the school, ask for an evaluation of your performance, and let them know that you would enjoy staying in touch and coming to a game in the Fall.

2. At the end of summer, call / email again and let them know how your summer went.  Also let them know that you would like to be added to their recruit list for the upcoming season so that you can attend the games.  Let them know that they are on your very short list of schools.

Good Luck!

(386)

Filed Under: Article Archives, College, Kicking, Punting, Recruiting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Game Winning Kick

April 14, 2012 By

The Game Winning Kick

It is what we live for, what we dream of, and for most of us the reason we choose to be a kicker…THE GAME WINNING KICK.  Of course in our dreams we always make the kick.  Reality says that its possible to make or miss that game winning kick and the result may effect the rest of your kicking career.  Great kickers are best judged by the ability to kick under the most extreme pressure situations.  These kicks account for less than 5% of what kickers actually do, but these are the kicks that are remembered the most.  So, the question is, how can you put yourself in the best possible position to make these kicks.  There is no simple answer, but there are ways to give yourself the best odds.

    •    Play multiple sports from a young age (both individual & team).  The more you put yourself in competitive situations growing up, the more confident and prepared you will be down the road.  It is is fact!  The best athletes are the best kickers.  Of course there are exceptions to every rule, but the percentages are clear.  Athletes are the kickers that college coaches want to recruit and NFL scouts want to sign.  See the blog on What Qualities Make Up The Best Kicker: CLICK HERE
    •    Learn proper kicking techniques from a young age (I suggest 7th/8th grade). See the blog on When To Start Kicking: CLICK HERE Creating good habits and avoiding bad habits is one of the best ways to establish great muscle memory.  The longer you wait, the harder it is to break bad habits. 
    •    Kick with confidence.  This comes from preparation.  Kicking is a year round sport.  Once you start kicking in high school, if you want to be the best, there is no offseason.  This doesn’t mean that you cannot play other sports.  This means that you have to make time for kicking no matter the season.  Kick 3-4 days per week, watch film, lift regularly, focus on flexibility, and do your muscle memory drills seven days a week. 
    •    Muscle Memory!  A great kicker does, he doesn’t think.  Do your muscle memory drills seven days a week.  When the time comes, your muscle memory will take over.  No matter how nervous you may get, your body will only know ONE way to kick.  And you will make that big kick. 
    •    Routine, routine, routine!  Practice the way that you want to play in games.  Treat every kick the same from the first kick in practice to the last kick of your career.  Create a routine, both mental and physical, in your setup.  Go through the same mental process.  Once you get used to doing this, you will be able to block out fans, the size of the stadium, the lineman yelling at you, the hash mark you are on, the distance you are kicking from, and most importantly the magnitude of the kick you are about to attempt. 

There is no guarantee that you will make every game winning kick that you will attempt in your career.  In fact, even the best of the best miss from time to time.  But there is a formula for making more of them than you miss.  Never focus on your last kick and always focus on your next.  Work hard, kick with confidence, and train like a pro.  I’ve seen hundreds of Chris Sailer Kicking students hit game-winners, and I’m looking forward to seeing thousands more join that list.  It is the best feeling in the world! 

(124)

Filed Under: Article Archives, Kicking, Promotion, Video