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Post by Coach Vint on Jul 11, 2013 10:46:42 GMT -6
It all starts with building strong relationships with your players. Once you establish trust and they know you care about their best interests, they will run through walls. To build trust, there must be a set of standards and accountability. Winning is a byproduct of all of this.
I was in a similar situation about 15 years ago. We took over an inner city program that had only 18 kids in the program and had lost 27 games in a row. They had never had a winning season in football. We established a set of core values, and worked hard each day to get our kids to help our kids to live their lives by these values. Discipline and structure do not have to be a negative. We were passionate and enthusiastic each day. On important aspect was that we didn't allow the mistakes our kids made turn into fatalities. We helped them work through mistakes and grow as people. We set very clear standards for our kids. If they cut class or cut school, there was a consequence. If they were late, their was a consequence. Everyone was expected to be in the weight room after school. Everyone was expected to be in study hall. Our standards were clearly laid out, as were the consequences. We also fundraised constantly, which allowed us to buy brand new gear. That helped give the kids pride in the program.
We made a lot of mistakes, but one thing we didn't do was sacrifice standards for numbers. If kids know you care, and you are going to look out for their best interests, you will see numbers increase. And, you will win more games. This was an inner city school with nearly 4,000 kids and very low expectations. We sold kids in the hallway on our vision. There were days when it felt like we weren't making any headway. Then all of a sudden you have a breakthrough. We didn't have a feeder program. Our kids had open enrollment, so they could go to any one of about 50 high schools within 5 miles of our building. We went out to the middle schools in our neighborhood and did a presentation. We had a couple of free camps for 4th through 8th graders as well. That gave us a chance to build relationships with those kids and their parents.
There is no quick fix. It takes time. We broke that losing streak and went on to enjoy tremendous success. And while that is important, what really matters is the impact the program had on our kids. That is our job as coaches. To have a positive and profound impact on the young people we coach. If you have great energy, passion, and enthusiasm each day, and you believe in the core values you set, kids will be drawn in. They will gravitate towards your program. The key is a willingness to never give in to the acceptance of mediocrity...
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Post by Coach Vint on Jun 25, 2013 20:57:57 GMT -6
It's all about the details, and emphasizing the little things are vital to success. Great coaching points: Eyes up, lock in the lower back, spread the chest. On parallel squat makr sure your guys understand the definition of parallel (top of thigh parallel to floor) and emphasize they get there. If they don't, the rep doesn't count. Heels must be on the floor, knees over the toes. Coach these details everyday.
The weight room is when you establish the importance of the details. School size is irrelevant, any coach can emphasize the little things.
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Post by Coach Vint on Jun 1, 2013 6:54:50 GMT -6
Swearing is a choice, regardless of circumstance. Our head coach doesn't want us swearing around our kids. I have found I can generally get my point across without an f word. There are times I want to go on an absolute tirade. I now just save it for the golf course!
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Post by Coach Vint on Mar 11, 2013 8:45:25 GMT -6
Brookwood Camps is near Port Jervis and they do a great job. Scott Fiedler runs the camp. We used Kinder-ring when I coached out east and it was good. There are several camps in Wayne County PA that host high school teams. The one thing you may want to do is drive out to wherever you go to check out the bunks and fields. Some camps have crappy fields.
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Post by Coach Vint on Feb 18, 2013 14:27:30 GMT -6
Well said Coach Huey!
I have made some of my best friends in coaching at Glazier Clinics. Looking forward to Houston this weekend!
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Post by Coach Vint on Feb 13, 2013 14:04:39 GMT -6
Let him play. If he's a turd, you flush him. If not then good for him for being serious about playing. Don't beat yourself up about saving 'em all. Just remember Jesus only got 11 out of 12. Ya can't save 'em all. Also remember that Jesus picked men that had flaws. To model redemption you need men who have been redeemed.
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Post by Coach Vint on Dec 17, 2012 14:27:15 GMT -6
I have done several of these, but I don't do it to get rich. Typically I received travel expenses and $600 for two days, but that varied. Most of what I did this was a camp and clinic, where I ran a clinic for coaches for 4 hours the first day after arriving. The second day we spent 2 hours with the coaches, 4 hours with the kids, and 2 hours with the coaches.
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Post by Coach Vint on Dec 6, 2012 11:53:18 GMT -6
This business is all about building men. I also believe that you will get the most out of your kids, and they will get the most out of themselves and each other, if you teach core values. Joe Ehrmann is outstanding, and his new book is called Inside Out Coaching. It is a very good resource. You have to have a process in place to teach a set of core values to your players. There are several ways to build values, but at the end of the day you must do so with intent. You have to have a process and a plan, and you must live the values you are instilling in your players. The difference between success and failure is often the ability to overcome obstacles. Without a strong value system you will fold under pressure. This is where teaching character and building men comes into play. Over the last several years I have had an opportunity to share our process for building a character education program. Below is a link to an interview I did on building a character education program. There is also a presentation you can download. www.compusportsradio.com/shows/coachscornervol61.asp
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Post by Coach Vint on Nov 27, 2012 12:05:10 GMT -6
If you are looking to coach college football, go to the AFCA convention. Also, work college camps to make connections. Be willing to work for very little money.
If you are looking for a high school job, get your teaching certification in a couple of states you want to coach. Then go to the state association convention and make contacts. Also go to clinics, as they always have a job board.
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Post by Coach Vint on Sept 2, 2012 21:38:26 GMT -6
We grade film as a staff, and watch our opponent as a staff. We typically grade our fil ftom 8 to 10 Sat. morning, then players are in from 10 to 12. We watch our opponent and start working on game plan until 4 or 5. We are in from 2 to 7 Sunday to finalize. I think you need to watch film as a staff.
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Post by Coach Vint on Aug 21, 2012 9:43:25 GMT -6
Great organization worthy of our support.
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Post by Coach Vint on Jul 26, 2012 14:11:08 GMT -6
It is a great experience and if they ask I would tell you to say yes. I have spoken at many Glazier Clinics over the years and Chris and his guys do a great job. It has helped my career in many ways.
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Post by Coach Vint on Jun 14, 2012 13:55:54 GMT -6
I am a firm believer that you get what you are either coaching it to happen, or allowing it to happen. Keep in mind it will not change overnight. The fact is, if they are not hustling, or they are going through the motions, need to change it, and change it immediately.
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Post by Coach Vint on Jun 12, 2012 7:42:29 GMT -6
This is why it is vital for a coaching staff to meet and be on the same page. You need to have a process in place for coaching kids. You coach your position. Period. If you are coaching my guys, who is watching yours? Also, you need to meet. We meet during the off-season, we meet before practice, and we meet after practice. We made darn sure we were on the same page. No debates and no coaching clinics are allowed on the field. If you don't like the way something is done, bring it up in the meeting room. When the decision is made, go with it, regardless of how you feel. That is what being a team is about. And we as coaches must set the example for the kids.
Egos will kill a football program faster than anything else. You have an ego problem and a passive aggressive lack of leadership issue. I wouldn't bring it up in a staff meeting if I were you. He will feel attacked, and it's not your role. The head coach should handle this behind closed doors. If the guy doesn't get it, then he goes. If it doesn't get fixed you may want to update your resume.
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Post by Coach Vint on Jun 11, 2012 8:07:22 GMT -6
This is a tremendous forum with unbelievable information. You can post a question on this board, and within an hour have several answers from outstanding coaches. That is what this business is all about. I appreciate Coach Huey and all the coaches who dedicate their time and energy to keeping this board going!
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Post by Coach Vint on Apr 20, 2012 18:59:50 GMT -6
We took the best stuff from several sources and created a program called Champions for Life. We modeled it after the stuff from DW Rutledge and Dennis Parker. We are constantly adding to it as it is a living, breathing program.
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Post by Coach Vint on Mar 7, 2012 19:44:02 GMT -6
When I was coaching college ball we had a couple of kids we were recruiting in the past, and they were very limited on aid they could receive. They did need to get a student visa, and had to prove they had the means to pay for school. Once they got a student visa I believe we could give them some football money. I was at a private school at the time.
Your best bet is to contact a couple of schools and ask the process. Also reach out to a legal aid society or consulate. They can often provide free or cheap legal advice.
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Post by Coach Vint on Mar 7, 2012 15:32:17 GMT -6
Appreciate you sharing. For those of you looking for guidance on building men, Coach Plaa doesn't just talk it, he lives it everyday.
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Post by Coach Vint on Feb 27, 2012 15:40:48 GMT -6
Anyone heading to Orlando this weekend for the Nike Clinic?
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Post by Coach Vint on Feb 20, 2012 12:33:29 GMT -6
You create the culture and have control over it. My question is, what have you done to create your culture? What is your vision? Is it written down? Do they players know it? What leadership training have you done? What accountability standards do you have in place?
I firmly believe you get exactly what you coach. If you want it to change you change it. It takes time, and every single coach must be on board. Winning is a process, and great teams understand this and do everything they can to build that process.
Put them into teams for the next 8 months. If a player misses a workout, that team pays. Give them points for attendance, grades, work ethic, attitude, and community service. Force them to learn to rely on each other.
The other deal is that if they aren't going to workout, they are not going to play. Period. Sometimes you have to kill the cancer before it spreads.
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Post by Coach Vint on Jan 23, 2012 23:06:03 GMT -6
I might be heading to Dallas this weekend. Anyone else heading that way?
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Post by Coach Vint on Jan 17, 2012 20:56:38 GMT -6
Every single day I feel blessed that God has given me the opportunity to be called coach. We have a tremendous opportunity to positively influence our students and athletes, and that is what this is all about. With the lack of a father in so many kids' lives, our job is even more vital. For many we are the only positive role model they might have.
Coaching is about getting kids to do more than they thought possible. It is not about teaching a kid how to block or tackle. It is about teaching them how to handle adversity, overcome obstacles, and how to let go of themselves and become a part of a team. It is teaching them lessons they will remember and use to become a better father and husband in 10, 15, and 20 years.
I used to think it was all about me. Nope. It is all about the kids. You build strong relationships with them, and care about them as people. You love them for who they are, not what they do. You show that love unconditionally, regardless of action or circumstance.
I don't know very much, but I know that if you have a goal of helping each of your students reach their dreams, you will be successful. Not coincidentally, you will also win a lot more games.
What makes it worthwhile? Everything. Sitting with the kids after workouts and talking about things other than football. Seeing them graduate. Being there when they get married. Getting the phone call when they are going to be a daddy.
Everything we do to affect positive change in kids makes it worth it. I am still a young coach with only 17 years of experience. But if there is one thing that I have learned, is that you will get exactly what you give. So give each and every kid every ounce of love you have.
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Post by Coach Vint on Jan 17, 2012 10:39:22 GMT -6
I spoke at that clinic in 2008. It was a great clinic, and is very well run! The TGI Fridays was packed with coaches talking ball. Tip: Keep your napkin dry or the ink smudges!
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Post by Coach Vint on Dec 20, 2011 12:19:31 GMT -6
Several camps in Wayne County, PA host teams, as well as several camps in upstate NY. Chen-A-Wanda has good facilities in PA. In NY Brookwood Camps hosts football teams. Scott Fiedler is the owner, and he is the brother of former NFL QB Jay Fiedler. They are good people. If they don't have space they will know other camps who will.
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Post by Coach Vint on Oct 18, 2011 21:00:55 GMT -6
Have you thought about forming a leadership council and teaching leadership?
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Post by Coach Vint on Oct 17, 2011 22:30:13 GMT -6
I took this when we went back into the locker room before our opener. It was 20 minutes until kickoff and the place was packed.
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Post by Coach Vint on Oct 17, 2011 22:28:41 GMT -6
Moving down to West Texas I take in the atmosphere every game night. I also share with our players how lucky they are. They get to play in front of big crowds in beautiful stadiums. The pageantry of high school football is amazing and I feel blessed each day. Before the season we had a chance to scout our first opponent scrimmaging at Permian. It was awesome to walk into their stadium!
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Post by Coach Vint on Oct 7, 2011 7:58:59 GMT -6
Build a coaching network. When you go to a clinic or state association meeting, introduce yourself to people. Your network will help open the doors to new jobs.
Make sure you join your local and state coaching associations and the AFCA.
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Post by Coach Vint on Oct 7, 2011 7:56:15 GMT -6
Have your district coaches get together and set a standard of exchange that everyone must follow. Then follow it.
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Post by Coach Vint on Jul 31, 2011 20:54:47 GMT -6
We start middle school camp tomorrow and our high school kids will start August 8th. Our teacher in-service days start August 10th, but school doesn't start until August 22nd. We have 9 in-service days and only two days of two-a-days.
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