ENGLEWOOD, Colo -- The Denver Broncos held a coaching clinic at Dove Valley Wednesday for more than 150 youth, high school and junior college coaches from across the country.
Members of the Broncos’ coaching staff spoke to the audience about various techniques, approaches and drills that they use when coaching players at the NFL level.
Prior to the start of the clinic, Broncos Head Coach John Fox welcomed the crowd to Dove Valley.
"I want to commend you guys on being here," he said. "I think at this level, and in this area, you guys are the life blood of football in our country, and I want you to know that I appreciate what you do."
The panel featured Fox, Special Teams Coordinator Jeff Rodgers, Assistant Secondary Coach Sam Garnes and Wide Receivers Coach Tyke Tolbert. The coaches offered tips on how to get the most out of their players in practice and in team meetings, and they provided insight into how they coach their respective positions.
Rodgers taught the importance of positioning on special teams plays and showed the audience a number of drills that can help players be more aware of their position on the field. Garnes talked about how defensive positioning can make or break a play, while Tolbert discussed various techniques to improve route running for wide receivers. Each coach also fielded questions from the coaches in attendance and invited them to share their comments.
Coaches in the audience, many of whom are from programs in Colorado, relished the opportunity to learn from NFL coaches. Bobby Zimmerman, a coach at Frederick High School in Frederick, Colo., said there was much to be taken from the experience.
"I thought the clinic was great," said Zimmerman. "The coaches were excited to talk to us. They brought information that we could take and use back at the high school level — techniques, terminology. The overall environment was great for football learning."
The clinic was hosted by Hudl, a Nebraska-based company that aims to optimize the way coaches compile, share, edit and view game film. The company designs software that simplifies the process of organizing, analyzing and distributing game film.
After the clinic, the visiting coaches were invited to take a tour of the Broncos training facility at Dove Valley.
