On Thursday and Friday Tom Mante former Yale University Punter, Kicker and Kickoff Specialist was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a Punting and Kicking Lesson. In 2009 Tom attended my PRO Development Camp at Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota. At that camp I noticed very quickly that Tom had a very lively leg and some NFL potential.
He mentioned at the end of the camp that he wanted to get together for a Punting and Kicking Lesson after the 2009 season however, school the NFL draft and his training took a priority.
After the 2010 draft Tom was invited to a Chicago Bears Mini Camp with several other specialists in May. Tom felt he did pretty well but did not get invited back.
Since that the mini camp Tom has not received any contact or encouragement from any NFL, CFL or UFL teams. That is why a couple of weeks ago Tom gave me a call and said he wanted to do a One on One Punting and Kicking Lesson.
Like many specialists that go through the draft process and have some early interest by many or several NFL teams eventually hear nothing after the draft or mini camp this time of the year. Like everyone else, Tom was wondering, Why?
Like many specialists that go through the draft process and have some early interest by many or several NFL teams eventually hear nothing after the draft or mini camp this time of the year. Like everyone else, Tom was wondering, Why?
He mentioned that it was a dream of his to play professional football and was going to give it his all. But if he didn't have the potential or talent he wanted to move on with his life.
Many players and parents have called me and asked me the same questions. Do I have the talent or am I wasting my time. That is a very hard answer for me to give. As I tell all specialists, that it is not an easy road making it onto a professional football teams roster. It takes talent, a lot of hard work, and being in the right place at the right time. And many times it's just someone or some team giving you a chance.
Life is too short to waste time. However, I believe it is important for any young person to try to achieve his goal or dream. And if that dream is getting to the NFL then go for it.
After working with Tom for the last two days I believe he has NFL, CFL or UFL potential. He also has a degree from Yale. I believe all of us would agree a guy graduating from Yale would have a lot going for himself .
Tom also has a dream and desire to make to the NFL.
After two days of Punting and Kicking Lessons I believe Tom also has a better idea of how good he can be. I believe the technique and drill work we did was very beneficial.
I saw improvement and Tom felt improvement. I believe that Tom is now punting and kicking off with better consistency. The punts and kickoffs were going higher and further. He even surprised me with how much better he kicked his field goals.
I believe the technique and drill work we did in the last two days has made Tom punt and kick more naturally. His true punting and kicking skills have now come to the surface. I believe with a lot of drill and hard work Tom will take his game to the next level.
I saw improvement and Tom felt improvement. I believe that Tom is now punting and kicking off with better consistency. The punts and kickoffs were going higher and further. He even surprised me with how much better he kicked his field goals.
I believe the technique and drill work we did in the last two days has made Tom punt and kick more naturally. His true punting and kicking skills have now come to the surface. I believe with a lot of drill and hard work Tom will take his game to the next level.
Tom Mante Working the Drop Progression Drill
Tom Mante Working Kickoff Technique
Tom improved a lot during the two days of One on One Lessons. I told him he needs to go back home and work on his techniques for two to three weeks and see how much more improvement he can make.
A couple of times during the lessons Tom started thinking a little too much and becoming a little to mechanical. After a couple weeks of training I believe his muscle memory will become more automatic and his natural ability will kick in or punt in.
It was a real pleasure working with Tom the last two days. I wish him the best of luck in his quest to secure a professional football career. No matter what happens with his football career I know he will be successful in whatever he decides to do in life. Good luck Tom.
Click to listen to Tom Mante's (Yale University) testimonial after working a One on One Lessonwith Coach Zauner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Click
Click to listen to Tom Mante's (Yale University) testimonial after working a One on One Lessonwith Coach Zauner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Click
Stay Tuned for More of Coach Zauner's Blog!
Visit: www.coachzauner.com
Follow Coach Zauner on www.twitter.com
