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Post by shocktroop34 on Aug 13, 2015 20:11:57 GMT -6
I'm terrible with names. I don't like using or creating nicknames (if I can help it) because you don't always know if the kid likes the name or not.
I'm looking for a technique or learning strategy that you use on your team or in your classroom (or job) that might help.
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Post by coachwoodall on Aug 13, 2015 20:28:04 GMT -6
That's why their jerseys have numbers.
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Post by natenator on Aug 13, 2015 20:36:12 GMT -6
Tape on their helmet with their name helps.
Like it or not, the reality is I remember the names of players a lot faster if they play well. They're giving me a reason to remember them.
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Post by fantom on Aug 13, 2015 20:48:43 GMT -6
Tape on their helmet with their name helps. Like it or not, the reality is I remember the names of players a lot faster if they play well. They're giving me a reason to remember them. Sometimes they're so bad that you can't help but remember them whether you want to or not.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Aug 13, 2015 21:23:26 GMT -6
Repeating names and remembering them are two different things.
I was walking through the mall today and saw three former students (maybe 2-3 years removed). I couldn't remember their names to save my life. Though I did remember one...when I got to my car.
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Post by natenator on Aug 13, 2015 21:38:54 GMT -6
Tape on their helmet with their name helps. Like it or not, the reality is I remember the names of players a lot faster if they play well. They're giving me a reason to remember them. Sometimes they're so bad that you can't help but remember them whether you want to or not. Haha that's a fair point too! Players if you're reading this then the lesson is mediocrity is not going to get you noticed. You can be good or horrible, but not average!
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Post by natenator on Aug 13, 2015 21:40:15 GMT -6
Repeating names and remembering them are two different things. I was walking through the mall today and saw three former students (maybe 2-3 years removed). I couldn't remember their names to save my life. Though I did remember one...when I got to my car. That's when you pull out the old 'hey guys' or 'hey buds' salutation lol
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Post by 19delta on Aug 13, 2015 21:41:08 GMT -6
Repeating names and remembering them are two different things. I was walking through the mall today and saw three former students (maybe 2-3 years removed). I couldn't remember their names to save my life. Though I did remember one...when I got to my car. Happens to me all the time. What I have started doing is once I remember who that person is, I go and find them if I can (often on Facebook) and apologize for not remembering them at the moment. On more than a couple occasions, I have told someone, "I know I know you but I can'y find your name right now". Usually, that gets a laugh and a nice conversation.
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Post by 19delta on Aug 13, 2015 21:44:14 GMT -6
I'm terrible with names. I don't like using or creating nicknames (if I can help it) because you don't always know if the kid likes the name or not.
I'm looking for a technique or learning strategy that you use on your team or in your classroom (or job) that might help. For kids whose names I am really struggling to remember, I make a point of noticing something about them before practice...color of t-shirt, socks, style/color of cleats..whatever and then I make a point of addressing that kid, by first name, at least 5-6 times during practice. Usually does the trick. Numbers on practice jerseys is another great way to do it.
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Post by 19delta on Aug 13, 2015 21:45:31 GMT -6
Right now, I have identical twin brothers. One has a Schutt helmet, the other has a Riddell. I often have to get close enough to read the back of the helmet before I address either one.
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Post by Coach Bennett on Aug 14, 2015 6:00:51 GMT -6
You can associate a physical attribute or personal characteristic in conjunction with the same consonant (or sound) as their name. For instance, big Bob or quick Kevin.
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Post by CoachWeitz on Aug 14, 2015 6:11:45 GMT -6
I'm terrible with names so I make sure all of the kids know that first day which also makes the pay off bigger when I remember a kids name.
I started using word associations, sometimes they're 3-4 steps long but it makes me think through it and I remember. Hard to think of a good one off the top of my head but one player never knew where to go on any plays, his last name sounded like Garmin (the GPS thing) so I made that connection. Beyond that I'm a big rote memory guy so I will say everyone's name as many times as possible throughout the day.
Another thing we've done is take pictures of the incoming frosh when we do our Middle School Academy and put their name as the file name, that way you can go through and quiz yourself.
It also never hurts to have a kid you know pretty well to help you out, if they don't know the name they'll normally just go ask and tell me.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2015 6:21:29 GMT -6
I'm terrible with names. I don't like using or creating nicknames (if I can help it) because you don't always know if the kid likes the name or not.
I'm looking for a technique or learning strategy that you use on your team or in your classroom (or job) that might help. Talk to the kid on an individual basis. I am as bad as they come w/ names, but having a conversation, a real conversation cures forgetting their name. And It shows you care as well.
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Post by newt21 on Aug 14, 2015 7:11:18 GMT -6
I'm terrible with names. I don't like using or creating nicknames (if I can help it) because you don't always know if the kid likes the name or not.
I'm looking for a technique or learning strategy that you use on your team or in your classroom (or job) that might help. Talk to the kid on an individual basis. I am as bad as they come w/ names, but having a conversation, a real conversation cures forgetting their name. And It shows you care as well. I do this as much as I can, I also do a roll check where the kids have to come check in and tell me their last name. When they say their last name, I say something along the lines of "how ya doing Johnny, good to see you today". We do this regardless of if I know their name, and they know I know their name.
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Post by natenator on Aug 14, 2015 7:24:42 GMT -6
Jack Lengyel believed in the redbook...
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Post by fantom on Aug 14, 2015 8:00:27 GMT -6
When we do our testing in the weight room I do the recording on my laptop. The protocol is that, when they get a result, they immediately bring it to me and start by saying their last name. I tell them that it's because I'm looking at tghe screen but the real reason is so that I learn the names of the new guys.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Aug 14, 2015 8:01:09 GMT -6
Great suggestions, men. It sounds like I'm hearing: Repetition, identifiable traits, word association, a building a solid rapport. Got it! I really think making an association with a characteristic along with the consonant sound as Coach Bennett suggested could be helpful. I kind of do that sometimes and didn't realize it was a learning strategy. But I need to do it more, with more people. I have noticed, when starting a school year, that my year starts off better when I learn their names quickly. The input is much appreciated.
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Post by coachphillip on Aug 14, 2015 8:04:44 GMT -6
I'm pretty good about remembering names while they play for me and up to a year or two afterward. After that, it gets pretty hazy. Unless a kid had a great relationship with you as a player, they typically are pretty good with the "I'm so sorry. I know you, but your name is escaping me for some reason." I still remember all my position group kids.
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Post by WingTheT on Aug 14, 2015 9:34:55 GMT -6
For some reason, I remember the lazy/not so talented kids' names faster than my other ones....probably cuz I have to get on their case more I reckon.
What's helped me is that I would associate names of the old players I had & their number with the new kid.
EG: Old player is Jimmy Dean #92 and new player with that number is Bob Saget. I would think Jimmy Bob Saget #92. It's really weird but helps me somewhat. Don't ask me how, it just works. I'm weird like that!
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Post by coachwoodall on Aug 14, 2015 18:03:49 GMT -6
I never have trouble calling out the guys at at our giant coaching association conference, I never get any one's name wrong.
"HEY, Coach how you doing...."
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Post by shocktroop34 on Aug 14, 2015 18:17:50 GMT -6
I'm pretty good about remembering names while they play for me and up to a year or two afterward. After that, it gets pretty hazy. Unless a kid had a great relationship with you as a player, they typically are pretty good with the "I'm so sorry. I know you, but your name is escaping me for some reason." I still remember all my position group kids. I've definitely done the whole 'dude, your name just slipped my mind...' bit. The funny thing is, I'm so bad that my wife instinctively knows when I can't remember a name, so she will bail me out when I say, "Hey you remember my wife right?" She will jump in and say something like, "I remember your face, but what was your name?" Boom. As soon as I hear the name, it will start coming back to me. When we walk away and she'll just laugh and shake her head. Too many ISO blocks as a fullback, I guess.
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Post by brophy on Aug 15, 2015 7:26:45 GMT -6
Helmet tape is always a winner, but it seems folks don't do that anymore. That said, write everyone of your players/group names down and carry it with you on your practice plan, making sure you talk to each one individually every practice. Ask them open ended questions where they can explain their home life or ideas (once you can connect their personality with their face, its much easier to remember). You should know everyone's name before the first week of camp is over. Go out of your way to include their name when you are around them. Don't just say "good hit", say "good hit, Jefferson!"
You're talking AT the kids instead of TO the kids when you don't use their names. There is tremendous benefit (magnifies your coaching reach) with using their names. People naturally feel more engaged when you are personal with them.
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Post by fantom on Aug 15, 2015 9:29:03 GMT -6
I never have trouble calling out the guys at at our giant coaching association conference, I never get any one's name wrong. "HEY, Coach how you doing...." Best thing about clinics and camps.
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Post by coachbdud on Aug 15, 2015 11:51:14 GMT -6
i have a gift, i am really good with names/faces
but it helps that i am a teacher
i see the kids on our team all day long... and have since they were freshman
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Post by mariner42 on Aug 15, 2015 12:32:15 GMT -6
I spent a few years working at a summer camp where I would have to memorize ~16 names every 2 weeks. I'm pretty good at learning names now because it's a skill I had to get good at.
For me, it mostly comes down to saying their names to their faces and having memorable interactions. For example, we started school Thursday. I can already remember one of the girls in my 6th period because I made a joke about her being 90 lbs of fury, she laughed, I looked at the name on her schedule and it was Madison so I called her Mad-Dog and that's that.
The other thing is to take a risk. If you get it right, it'll help cement it because you'll be glad you got it right, if you get it wrong, they'll correct you and you'll feel lame and you'll be determined to remember.
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Post by blb on Aug 15, 2015 13:36:34 GMT -6
You have to work at it, especially if you're a "Walk-On" (not in the building) coach.
Lots of good suggestions on this thread.
Tough to build relationships (most important)-motivate kids if you don't even know their names.
Also, talking to them by their first name is much more effective - and what we should be doing as teachers-coaches anyway.
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Post by mariner42 on Aug 15, 2015 14:18:22 GMT -6
Tough to build relationships (most important)-motivate kids if you don't even know their names. This is kind of an understated point, but it's pretty huge. My former HC is a terrific person, very loyal to his assistants, does a great job delegating and empowering, but is disconnected from the players at times. When you hear "Great job #89! Nice tackle!" during a drill with 3 games left in the season, you've gotta worry a bit.
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Post by PIGSKIN11 on Aug 15, 2015 19:56:48 GMT -6
Take roll daily...
and walk around during stretch lines while doing it...
My dad taught for 39 years and coached for 48 years... no matter where we go someone knows him....
great line he had and it makes the kids feel good... "I remember your face but not your name"... Then they tell you and its awesome...
Another good one if you forget their name is to do the following: Hey how are you? How you been? Remind me what your name is? "Jim" No, Jim, I know your first name, I meant your last name... "Smith"... That's right! How are you?
Now you have first and last name.
Your welcome!
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Post by 19delta on Aug 18, 2015 4:21:44 GMT -6
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jeremiahd86
Freshmen Member
Poise Gentlemen... Champs Dont Choke
Posts: 40
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Post by jeremiahd86 on Aug 21, 2015 5:03:53 GMT -6
Every morning before we start two a days i have the kids check in at a table before entering the locker room and i take attendance so we can put a face to a name.
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