First Down to Touchdowns: Recent Episodes

Coach Mikki

The game of Football taught by a Coach who is also a Mom! Learn about the game, meals, gear, along with interviews and insight from Coaches, Players and Moms ranging from Pop Warner to the NFL!! Start Strong - FInish Strong!!

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Navigating the thrilling yet daunting world of your child's first football season can feel like a complex playbook. , Coach Mikki is here to break it down play-by-play. From the physical demands and safety on the field to the importance of joy and camaraderie, we tackle the essential questions on the minds of parents ushering their little athletes into the sport. It's a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows, providing insights on how to discern if football is the right fit for your child, and the measures taken to ensure their experience is as rewarding as it is secure.

Beyond the gridiron, the episode journeys into the life lessons that high school football imparts, blending the rigors of academics with the discipline of athletics. We share personal anecdotes and success stories that illustrate the power of peer support systems like study halls and tutoring, and the indispensable roles parents and community members play in enriching the high school football experience. The ties formed in the stands and on the field last a lifetime, and this conversation is a testament to the character-building and transformative power of youth sports. So, lace up your cleats and join us for an episode that celebrates the spirit, dedication, and community that make Friday nights under the lights truly magical.

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When Coach Rob Robbins steps onto the field, it's not just the echo of a whistle that follows; it's the weight of a unique legacy, bridging athletic prowess with life-saving medical acumen. In our latest episode, we sit down with this former football player turned emergency medicine professional, as he shares a journey that's as much about the grit of the game as it is about safeguarding the players within it. His stories are a playbook of passion, safety, and the undeniable link between football and academic success.

Navigating the rough-and-tumble world of football, Coach Robbins doesn't shy away from the hard hits, particularly when it comes to discussing young athletes' safety. With a candid look at the neurological dangers lurking behind every tackle, listeners gain a front-row seat to the measures being taken to protect these players. It's a conversation that sheds light on the evolution of the sport's practices, tackling techniques, and the sobering statistics that have shifted the landscape of youth football. All the while, Coach Robbins emphasizes the role of coaches in championing a safer field for everyone.

But it's not all about the gridiron; the episode also underscores the importance of having a game plan for life beyond the cleats. Through personal anecdotes and heartfelt advice, Coach Robbins drives home the reality that, for many student-athletes, the end zone lies beyond professional sports. He highlights the significance of academics, offering guidance for leveraging athletic talent toward educational opportunities and career development. Our sit-down with Coach Robbins is a must-listen for those invested in the future of football and the young athletes who live and breathe the game.

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Hey there, gridiron enthusiasts! Coach Mikki here, tipping my hat to the MVPs off the field—team moms. Today, you're getting the ultimate playbook on the multifaceted role of team moms, from the logistics of equipment management to the nuances of nourishing team. Whether you're a rookie to the role or a veteran looking to up your game, this episode is your ticket to mastering the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps the cleats on the turf and the parents in the loop.

I'll walk you through my tried-and-true methods for juggling the intricacies of Pop Warner responsibilities, from the crucial first step of background checks to the art of jersey customization and the sage advice of always keeping a stash of extra mouthpieces. Get ready to pick up pro tips and personal anecdotes that will help any team mom—or dad—navigate the season like a champ.

But let's not forget the heart and soul that team moms pour into our teams, often without the fanfare they richly deserve. As we wrap up, I'm laying out the red carpet to celebrate these unsung heroes, sharing heartfelt ways to express gratitude that extend far beyond the final whistle. Tune in as I discuss the power of a simple thank you card, the lasting impact of well-planned year-end celebrations, and the importance of fostering a supportive community for our young athletes. Every play counts, both on and off the field, and together we're building more than just football skills; we're crafting lifelong memories and lessons in teamwork.

Let's cheer the team moms who help make every season possible.

Start Strong, Stay Strong, Finish Strong! - Coach Mikki
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Uncover the secrets of football's most elusive position as Coach Mikki and the knowledgeable Coach Jay Williams break down the anatomy of a powerhouse running back. Get ready to elevate your understanding of the game as we impart the blend of speed, agility, and mental prowess required to excel on the gridiron. This isn't just about brute force; we're talking about a lion's heart and a saint's patience, the vision that starts beyond the line of scrimmage, and the instinctual 'running to daylight' that separates the good from the great.

Join us on a tactical journey through the battlefield of modern football, where Coach Williams shares his rich insights on how smaller, quicker running backs are shaping the future of the sport. You'll learn why football IQ and vision drills are more critical than ever and how the art of reading blocks can make or break your path through the chaos. But it's not just about what happens on the field; it's also about setting personal goals and pushing the limits of your potential - this is where true legends are made.

Feel the adrenaline as we dissect the strategies that keep running backs one step ahead of the opposition. From pre-snap reads to the split-second timing of cuts that can throw off even the most formidable defenders, we're peeling back the layers of what it takes to thrive amidst the evolving responsibilities of today's offensive formations. Coach Mikki and Coach Williams serve up a compelling playbook of commitment, vision, and decision-making that will inspire any athlete, coach, or football fanatic to look beyond the stats and appreciate the cerebral game played by those who carry the pigskin.

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You kid comes home and announces at the dinner table, "I want to Play Football"
So what's all involved?  
This podcast is full of tips and insight that will help you and you child decide if Football is for them. You can find more info on our website. 
Start Strong - Stay Strong - Finish Strong! - Coach Mikki 

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Team Mom!! One of the most needed and Valuable People on your team!!
I share from experience as a Team Mom and as a coach what responsibilities the team mom plays in having a successful season.
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As a Coach I am extremely grateful for those of you who volunteer to be  Team Mom!!! 

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As Football is about to begin.. Summer practice can be brutle!! As a Coach and a parent I have shared what you can do help beat the heat and have a safe practice in hot weather.
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Join Coach Mikki with Run Game Coordinator Coach Jay Williams as they discuss what it takes to be a Running Back.  Learn what Bend, Bang and Bounce means in the run game. 
Do you have Field Vision and so much more! 

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If you are SERIOUS about Strength and Conditioning training as an athlete, Coach or Parent.. this is a MUST listen to podcast!!!  Thank you John Defendis for sharing such valuable information for any athlete in any sport.  John has been training athletes for 40 years. He is Founder of Ultra Fit,  ISSA President Council, Fitness Hall of Fame, Body Building Hall of Fame, Trainer of the year ( 9 Years), Mr. USA and Current Strength, Conditioning & Nutrition Coach to countless athletes. 

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The Key to a  Winning Team is....incorporate Life skills and Mindfulness as a drill in your practice.  Football is 80% mental!!!
Coach Tra has incorporated this skill with every team he has coached. Bringing many of them to the champion level.  He is currently in East St. Louis working with kids and high school teams implementing this skill.  If you would like his contact info to help your program, please visit - Firstdowntotouchdowns.com  - contact page We will pass on your information. Thank you for being on our field -Start Strong - Finish Strong! - Coach Mikki 

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Join Coach Mikki and  Coach Rob Robbins as they discuss how to stay safe through the years of playing football. 
Coach Robbins played football for 17 years beginning his football journey at age 5 in Houston Texas. He walked away from football in 1986-87 after being cut as the #3 quarterback for the Houston Oilers and declining the opportunity to play during the NFL players lock out. I was blessed to be coached by Head Coach Jerry Glanville, Bill Walsh, and QB coach Gary Huff. For the next 25 years after walking away from football, Coach Robbins pursued his other passion for Emergency Medicine.

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Join Coach Mikki and Coach Jay William as we discuss the different levels of Football! 

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Coach Jay Williams 
University of Nebraska - Running Back - Running Back Coach 
 "Fundamentals Are The Foundation for a Winning Game"
This practice (episode) is full of insight on why fundamentals and understanding your players are a vital part of you having a successful season!
Start Strong - Finish Strong!