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Post by groundchuck on May 29, 2008 14:53:55 GMT -6
When taking over a down program (5-22 last 3 years) what are the most important things not to screw up that first year?
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Post by oguru on May 29, 2008 15:38:31 GMT -6
Organization. You have to be organized especially when rebuilding a program.
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Post by coachdjenkins on May 29, 2008 15:58:19 GMT -6
Hiring Coaches who are loyal and have common goals of improving the program.
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Post by airman on May 29, 2008 16:55:11 GMT -6
I think attension to detail in every thing. I am talking every thing. make them sweep the locker room after practice, make them line up in straight lines at all times. I am a detail guy. you run a route poorly, you do it again and again until you get it right.
If you instill a detailed approach to coaches and players you will improve.
Fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. practice with out a ball. on field only 1 guy has the balll so what are the 21 other players doing?
never promise some thing which you can not deliever.
get a ball and have the players and coaches write the excuses on what they have not been successful in the past and give it a funeral.
conditioniing, conditioning, conditioning. might not be the best
team but we will play all 4 quartes.
Personal
Responsibility
In
Daily
Effort
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Post by phantom on May 29, 2008 17:11:11 GMT -6
When taking over a down program (5-22 last 3 years) what are the most important things not to screw up that first year? Discipline. It's no different from the classroom. If you don't establish discipline early it's hard to pull them back in later. Except that in the classroom it's only for one year. You're establishing the program with kids that will be there for four years. I'm not disagreeing with those who say organization. I see that as part of discipline for you and the staff. |
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Post by FlexboneOne on May 29, 2008 17:35:01 GMT -6
I would say that you need to lay a STRONG foundation at your lower levels, and to make a true commitment to any feeder programs that you may have (not just the token appearance at one or two games). That kind of thing goes a long way to winning a community, not to mention the loyalty of the kids.
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Post by poweriguy on May 29, 2008 21:15:12 GMT -6
I agree with flexboneone. Your Frosh/JV's need to be in order. That's your future.
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Post by touchdowng on May 29, 2008 22:06:55 GMT -6
The biggest thing to not screw up is
TRUST
Without that, you have nothing.
TRUST between coaches
TRUST between players
TRUST between coaches and players
If that breaks down, all of the other assets or attributes will be hollow.
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Post by schultbear74 on May 29, 2008 22:31:16 GMT -6
Trust is important.
Organization is critical.
Look to the future is primary.
The seniors you inherit are either with you or against you, find out early and focus on the future. Juniors, sophmores and freshmencan either be led ot tainted.
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Post by coachbdud on May 30, 2008 1:12:55 GMT -6
its much easier to start out hard then ease back on them
then it is to start out nice and easy then try to crank it up
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Post by threeback on May 30, 2008 6:34:52 GMT -6
I agree with everyone on discipline. Without it, you're screwed. Also surrond yourself with good coaches.... a guy that just "fills the position" will cause an absolute headache to you and your kids. Also, work on the feeder programs- future of your program. Organization- have a plan and stick to it no matter how many times you here "Fire the coach!" from the stands. I would also implement some type of study hall/academic program for the team. A guy can't help you if he's flunking out.
BTW- Went through this- team we inherited had won 3 games the previous three years before we got there. We went through some very tough times the first couple of years, but when we got it turned around, there was no better feeling as a coach. No matter how many times you think about shooting yourself in the face, stay positive no matter what happens.
Good luck.
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Post by lsrood on May 30, 2008 6:58:03 GMT -6
Belief in yourself, your system and your way of doing things, no matter how many naysayers there might be. The toughest part of taking over a losing program as others have mentioned is changing the culture of losing. I am going through this with my staff right now. Team had won only 3 games in 3 years and had been 0-10 prior to our first year. We have made steady progress in each of the first two years and are looking forward to a breakout year with our 1st group of seniors that have been with us from the beginning.
There are going to be times you struggle (We got mercy ruled 4 times that 1st year and started the 2nd year off 0-4), but you have to have faith in your approach and that you are doing things the right way (managed to finish 5-5 both years and qualify for the playoffs with two 2nd place finishes and a 9-3 overall conference mark). We heard it from the parents and the fans (it got ugly at times), but held our ground and continued to do things our way. Don't let those who are not connected with your program shake your faith.
All the other posts have offered good points on organization, discipline, hiring good coaches etc., and I would echo them. But to me the one point that has allowed us as a staff to persevere is our belief in each other and what we are doing. It provides that bedrock foundation that everything else can be built on.
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Post by brophy on May 30, 2008 6:59:10 GMT -6
the first 6 months.
Starting from a dead stop is difficult, you will never be able to regain the first (impression) 6 months, so use it to generate as much momentum as possible with support, cooperation, contacts, networking, financials - so use the time wisely and passionately.
To do that, you have to be organized and have your ducks in a row before you even get the job.
Why? Because after 6 months you become just another coach / teacher and the honeymoon is over - everything you gain now comes the 'hard way'.
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