Friday Drives at Linfield, led by Offensive Coordinator Brett Elliott, have become a major component of pre-game preparation. Unlike traditional walkthroughs or highly scripted practices, Friday Drives are designed as a “final dress rehearsal,” offering players a game-like experience that boosts both their confidence and readiness for the upcoming game. They utilize this as part of the “Fast Friday” practice format.
Benefits for the Players: Game-Flow Familiarity and Confidence
For Elliott, Friday Drives offer players invaluable benefits that go beyond typical practice routines. He explains, “We start out in red zone situations, work on third downs, and then script out full-field drives.” This layout lets players experience the flow of a game and prepare for situational play.
Enhanced Confidence and Game-Flow Familiarity
“It’s about getting them used to the signal, finding the ball, and adjusting to the more complex parts of the game plan,” says Elliott. By allowing players to simulate the entire drive, Friday Drives give them a feel for game situations that require quick thinking and adaptability. This realistic context of a full-field drive fosters confidence, especially in the quarterbacks. As Elliott shares, “Our quarterbacks get a little nervous because I like my drives to go smooth, so it’s a confidence day.”
Improved Coordination and Communication
One component of Friday Drives is the emphasis on full-team communication. Elliott shares that they include specific plays requiring more mental frequency, such as red-zone plays and complex personnel shifts, which help the team rehearse real-time substitutions and adjustments. This focus on communication gives players a sense of game-day pace and sharpens their focus on “getting lined up, getting the signal, [and] a lot of the operational stuff,” according to Elliott.
Building Team Camaraderie Through Tradition
Beyond technical benefits, Friday Drives help bring the team together. Elliott notes a growing tradition of playing Sir Charles Jones’ “Friday” song to wrap up the session. “The work week is done—now’s your time,” he says, marking the end of practice with celebration and a sense of accomplishment. This tradition has built a fun ritual that players look forward to, enhancing camaraderie and a positive team culture.
Benefits for the Playcaller: Developing Strategy and Situational Awareness
Friday Drives also offer distinct advantages for Elliott himself as a playcaller, allowing him to refine his strategies and establish a sense of game flow before stepping onto the field.
- Opportunity to Test Complex Plays: Elliott uses Friday Drives to work in complex or unique plays that might not be part of the typical weekly practice. “We try to get the complicated stuff in there, the one-off type plays, not your base plays that you’re running 50 or 60 times a year,” he says. This rehearsal with specific situational plays helps him identify which strategies work best and where adjustments may be needed.
- Refining the Flow of Playcalling: For Elliott, Friday Drives provide a chance to organize his playcalling rhythm in a game-like setting. He mentions how they “script it out from the yard line it’s going to be on to the hash,” and even leaves some decisions up to the ball spotter, adding an element of unpredictability. “As a play caller, you’re able to work your kind of layout of how you see the game playing out,” he adds, emphasizing that it helps him find his flow and adaptability ahead of game day.
- Addressing Sideline Adjustments and Operational Details: Friday Drives allow Elliott to work on post-drive sideline adjustments, mimicking game-day interactions. After each series, the team comes together, reviews the plays using sideline technology, and discusses any issues that arose. Elliott points out that this is especially valuable for new players who need to understand “where you sit on the bench to review things and get into a game.” Practicing this operational routine reduces chaos on game day, helping both Elliott and his team stay focused and organized.
A Game-Ready Mindset and Team Tradition
For Linfield, Friday Drives are more than a practice session; they’re a tool for mental and tactical readiness, team bonding, and pre-game focus. Elliott summarizes the purpose and impact: “The work week is done—now’s your time.” Through these weekly drives, Elliott has built a structured yet spirited routine that has proven invaluable to both his players and his playcalling strategy, setting up his team for a strong start each game.
D3 Defensive Coordinator of the Week
Coach Elliot was named the Week 9 Coach and Coordinator Ofensive Coordinator of the Week presented by Hansen Ratings. Joseph Smith is the Head Coach, and Elliott is assisted on offense by Bob Barnes, Greg McAnally, and Wyatt Smith.
Notable Stats
Brett Elliott | Linfield | 68-28 vs. Pacific
- 3rd game this season with at least 60 points
- Scored on 6 of 7 first half drives (5 TDs)
- Over 200 yards passing & rushing
- 13 different players rushed the ball & seven different players scored TDs
