Teaching football in a college classroom

This method of TEACHING Football was suggested to the students:

THEORIES OF LEARNING:



There are two broad theories of learning. In one, the teacher gradually builds up a total picture by teaching the “parts of the whole”, one at a time. In the other “broad-based” (“whole-part-whole”) theory, the teacher presents the larger picture first and then fills in the details. While I have witnessed both approaches used in football, I am convinced that the better is that of working from the broadest possible base. Consequently, we literally overwhelm our players with terms, techniques, formations, plays and theories of the broadest possible range.



Thus they are exposed to a broad concept of football and are required to fight their way through a maze, but in the end they better understand the total picture. Eventually, they will even master the specific details as well as the students who started with the details, that is, the “part of the whole” system. Again, it is our conviction that we must teach far more football strategy than is likely to be required. A study of these two approaches over the years has persuaded me that when a player is exposed from the very beginning to the widest possible base;

1. he can adjust to changes much more easily;

2. he is rarely overcome by the unexpected situation because he has been exposed to so many “looks”;

3. he probably gains a greater understanding of the system.



The teaching of football from the broadest possible base allows us, the coaches, to be much more versatile in our planning for a particular game; also it causes our opponent greater concern as he must prepare, in a short time, to defend or attack the many looks we have mastered.



Another point recommending the broad-based teaching approach is that, through their exposure to many styles of football, our players begin to teach us. Sooner or later it becomes clear that certain players are geared to certain phases of the game and, within that game, to certain styles. This point, that a particular combination of players dictates the style of offense and defense – through their own strengths and weaknesses – is perhaps the most important factor in a coach’s style and strategy.