how to become a better tight end?

Question
hi my name is Dainen Green. I am in 10th grade at Glassboro high school. This is my first year starting at tight end. We have made it to the playoffs and I think I've been doing a good job but not good enough. I have good hands and a size of 6"2, 230lbs. But I can only bench maxing at 225 and I know I should be doing more all though I squat 315.I'm not very fast but a decent blocker what do I do to get better?  

Answer
Dear Dainen Green,
There are 3 characteristics a tight end must have. A tight end must demonstrate a strong ability to block the defensive player, consistently get opened on pass patterns, and he must be able to prove (time and time again, to all) that he has sure-hands. If you can consistently turn a third-down into a first-down you will be the go to guy on any team.

Let us start with blocking, blocking is nothing more than hard work and never giving up. What you need to do is spend more time in the weight room (during the summer) this will make you stronger.

I would also work on my conditioning and my ability to react to the ball. playing a lot of handball and basketball will help you developed these skills. Handball and basketball will make you quicker and better conditioned.

Next, I would work on pass patterns. A receiver must get opened before he can catch the ball. I would work on the quick out, slant, and the seam pass. These quick patterns are a must have on most teams. And great tight end patterns.

Remember when running your patterns, the biggest mistake you can make is to slow down when catching the ball. If you slow down before you catch the ball, you will be giving the defensive back time to catch up with you.

You must run your pattern as fast as you can, while still keeping under control, and let the quarterback lead you. It is up to the quarterback to get you the ball when you are open.

Quick Out (1):

This is a 5-8 yard route forward then the receiver cuts out towards the sideline then looks for the ball.

Slant (2):

This is a 3-5 yard route forward then the receiver breaks towards the middle of the filed on a 45 degree angle and looks for the ball.

Seam (3):

This route is run straight up the field with the receiver looking for the ball after he gets past the line of scrimmage.

The most important skill that a receiver can master is strong desire to catch the ball. A receiver should concentrate on looking the ball into his hands (all the way into his hands).

A receiver must be able to shut everything out of his mind by focusing all his attention on looking the ball into his hands.

A receiver must watch the football until he catches it and puts it away before he starts to run with it. The catch is more vital than the run after.



The last twelve inches of the flight, of the ball, are the most important of all, this is where most receivers take their eyes off the ball and drop it.



Here is a list of drill you can work on. You will need someone to play quarterback-B. All passes will be no longer than 3-5 yards at first. When you get good, at catching the ball, at this distance, move up to 8-10 yards.

1.Have the quarterback throw the ball over your left shoulder (catch the ball with your right hand only) 5-10 passes per-practice.

2.Have the quarterback throw the ball over your right shoulder (catch the ball with your left hand only) 5-10 passes per-practice.

3.Two handed catch over your right shoulder (5-10 times).

4.Two handed catch over your left shoulder(5-10 times).

Always catch the ball with your hands only (do not trap the ball against your body it will bounce off your shoulder pads. Try this for about a week or two, 20-30 minutes a day. Short passes only. At first you will drop a lot of passes but don't give up. When you are ready, move on to (a little) longer passes.

Good luck, your friend Coach Louis.