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Post by dsqa on Apr 20, 2009 9:41:18 GMT -6
sweep26 is spot on. That is a great point.
The number of reps depends heavily on the athlete's sense of feel for what you are asking him to do.
Talent is the ability to process a request and apply it quickly. The teaching can be complicated, and the reps even tougher, so talent plays a huge role for sure.
I am also going to add maturity to the discussion as well. That is a big factor in the willingness of the athlete to process new material.
I have seen this over and over again in our training. The more innate ability the athlete possesses, the easier time he has implementing a teaching point. It does not mean a lesser talented athlete can't get it, it just takes more time.
Reps are important, but if you can inform those reps with teaching that produces understanding and feedback in the athlete, the number required for lasting change reduces dramatically.
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Post by dsqa on Apr 17, 2009 8:48:24 GMT -6
All great posts...Just recommend that you choose the things at first that will be non-negotiable - only a few things, and handle the rest on a stepped basis. Then communicate positive reinforcement when they do anything well. Make them want to be great for this team. Some will rebel no matter what, and you need to show them the door - swiftly. But, in the end you may only have 20 kids, but those 20 will walk on broken glass and hot tar for you.
Easy to talk about here, tough to walk it out where you are. I wish you the best.
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Post by dsqa on Apr 12, 2009 19:17:52 GMT -6
Having put in over 10,000 hours into what I am doing, I can tell you whole lot more about what not to do in your quest to be an "expert".
I think the "expert" moniker is like greatness. You cannot attribute it to yourself. Like respect, it is earned, and not easily. I have 21 years in one industry, and I just believe I have scratched the surface. For functional purposes, I have to "play" the expert, but expertise is couched in one very important attribute I do not possess - humility.
I do believe that expertise is not the acquisition of knowledge. I believe it is fleshed out in character, passion, and capacity to deliver that knowledge in a meaningful way that eclipses others in the same industry, position in some fashion. This is why it is so difficult to master the entire game of football.
Even then, if no one "knows" you're an expert in a particular field - it just reminds you that the real "expert" is the one who probably doesn't know he is, not many people know who he is, and he more than likely doesn't care if that ever changes.
One thing is for sure, if he is an "expert", you should expect a few things from him:
A willingness to share what he knows, (a servant at heart with his gift, not a man overly impressed with his knowledge who fears it will be "taken")
a heart that listens as one of those present, not the one who matters most, (He understands that knowledge, while helpful, is and always will be trumped, by care for others)
and he is probably the one who doesn't need to say a lot. He has mastered not only his industry, but he has grasped the economy of words to deliver it. (Self control is an important attribute of the expert, because it is evidence of disciplined thought and humility)
He will not be the smoothest personality, or the GQ look, chances are, the "expert" will be a bit eccentric in his lopsided view on some things. An occupational hazard in pursuing the same thing for quite a while. (So, chances are, he won't be a mainstream voice early on in his life - as it will take some time for the ideas he has to penetrate a culture.)
Oh, and what he says, you should be able to understand. ( I think that is the most overlooked attribute of an expert - He can say things that are very complex, that even a child would understand - at least in concept.)
I am afraid that these requisite attributes alone would disqualify volumes of self titled experts - me included.
But, while I aspire to grow in these things as a man, it won't be the knowledge I gather that will bring the change needed to make me an expert, it will be the kind hand of God that permits me to see from time to time, that any legacy worth leaving is not left by those who claimed to be "experts" among men because of what they knew, but rather those who were willing to serve other men with what they knew, in spite of themselves.
That is where respect is earned, greatness is attained, and the label of "expert" resides, and it is a rare few that attain that in life. And they will only be known as "experts", by those who knew them, and having interacted with them, can say that they were "experts."
That is why I would imagine that if you have the chance to meet someone who you consider an "expert" in your life, camp out on his doorstep. He probably will offend you, challenge you, upset you, and confuse you, but one thing is for sure, he will change you for the better. I have met a few of these guys, and they aren't in football, but nonetheless, I am a different man because I know them.
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Post by dsqa on Apr 7, 2009 9:03:30 GMT -6
I played there '84-87, and my son is joining the UCF Knights this fall as a receiver. He is walking on in the 105. Colleges don't typically offer my type of kid at receiver, but LSU had him coming in as a preferred, so I think that helped some. George has been very nice to me each time I have spoken to him. I am excited to see if my son can earn a spot. They think he can play, so we will see. It would be fun to see my son play for the old Black and Gold. UCF has sure grown since when I played, I was showing my kid around after practice the other day, and where we practiced is now a parking lot! LOL We played so far back that we had to dress in the baseball locker room in shifts...it is definitely a new day out there - it is just absolutely incredible what they have done.
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Post by dsqa on Apr 2, 2009 22:32:48 GMT -6
Got 3 sons and two daughters. The boys were disciplined straight up old school with new school self control. In other words, never in anger, but we brought the wood when necessary. The girls just freak when its suggested, so they are a bit more responsive.
I can tell you this unequivocally. While the discipline certainly kept my children obedient into their preteen years, when they became teens, the game changed dramatically.
I have an 18, 17, and 15 year old, and I can say from my CURRENT experience, that the key to disciplining a teenager, is that you MUST have their heart, and you must have HEART. You cannot yell it into being, and no anger will bring it.
It requires things entirely foreign to me, things like humility, patience, a listening ear, a strong personal character example, extended times of interaction where I talk the least. IT requires firm, but fair discipline with a purpose, and an occasional kick in the you know what to set them straight. But, be careful, they are watching you. You can't be busting them for things you aren't willing to do.
Needless to say, I have gotten my hypocrite backside kicked up one side and down the other, and while I am grateful for progress, there are a few things I know: you have to be:
INTENTIONAL IN THEIR AWKWARD RELATIONSHIPS,
RELENTLESS IN ROOTING OUT THEIR PITIFUL DECISION MAKING,
WILLING TO GO FARTHER AND DEEPER THAN THEY COULD EVER TAKE YOU INTO THEIR OVERLY EMOTIONAL WORLDS, AND
YOU MUST BE HIGHLY INVOLVED IN WHAT MATTERS MOST. (WHAT MATTERS MOST ISN'T THEM, ITS WHAT THEY MUST BECOME)
...and that will just get you started...LOL
OH, AND ONE MORE THING. YOU WILL ACTUALLY DO IT WRONG, MORE THAN YOU WILL DO IT RIGHT, AND YOU HAVE TO BE WILLING TO ADMIT THAT AND CHANGE. NOT FOR THEIR COMFORT MIND YOU, BUT FOR THEIR SANITY'S SURVIVAL.
I AM SERIOUS, THERE IS A REASON THEY ARE AS STRANGE AS THEY ARE, AND IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, YOU WILL RECOGNIZE QUITE A BIT OF SOMEONE YOU KNOW PRETTY WELL. YOU WILL FIND IN A LOT OF SITUATIONS THAT YOU ARE REAPING WHAT YOU SOWED, AND WHILE I HAVE SOME GREAT KIDS, I HAVE REAPED MY SHARE OF THE WHIRLWIND. A WILLINGNESS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WILL GET YOU SOME SERIOUS TRACTION WITH YOUR KIDS.
I guess I found that if I tried to come alongside them as someone who is still trying to pull it together, rather than acting like I was better than them and making them feel like they couldn't do anything right, we could make progress. That was one thing I got right - a little.
I would guess, since many parents have made a decision to forego these duties on the grounds that it is too hard, and that many of their own pursuits are more important, that on some level, certainly not as familial, we must be that way as coaches on our teams if we hope to capture some of them. Can't get them all. But, hopefully we can get the ones we really need to make it go.
Just my two cents. And honestly, that is more than my "expert" parenting is worth...
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Post by dsqa on Apr 2, 2009 8:07:10 GMT -6
Thanks coach gordon and endersgame. From day 1 on this board, and I was here Day 1, I have purposed to do what I can to avoid that approach out of respect for what Coach Huey and tog were trying to do with this board, and I am grateful for your comment, it means a great deal. For the record, if you ever see that change in a way that would seem inconsistent, you have my permission to PM me and call me on it. I can't do anything about what others say, but I do want to continue to be a legitimate help where I can, without sounding like a pop up ad. I have benefitted from so many, so much more than I have contributed, and that is what makes this so much fun!
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Post by dsqa on Mar 26, 2009 6:49:10 GMT -6
I have been shown the door before, and it does hurt. I actually got let go 6 months before I left, so I had to finish some huge projects for the school, knowing I wouldn't be there to enjoy it. Pretty tough. Not because I lost a job, I just felt like I lost the confidence of the people I most tried to serve. That was hard. Makes you angry, makes you frustrated, makes you question what you did, and generally feels like you just got kicked in the...well, you know what I mean.
I was AD, HC, and had built a 20 acre athletic complex, done all the GC work, pulled all the permits to save money, and as soon as I was done they wanted somebody else to run it all. It was tough.
Here are a few things that I had to get perspective on, and that I did that helped me:
1) I cannot control what others think, but I know I gave my very best at all times, and to the best of my knowledge, it was for the right reasons.
2) Don't make the job seem more than it was. I tend to romanticize the past as better than it actually was, and it leads to a skewed sense of how hard you actually had to work to please the people who just let you go. It was actually probably a good thing I got out of there, for a lot of reasons.
3) I made a punch list of those things I would do differently, if I got another job. This is a good discipline of humility to acknowledge that we all need to improve, and it might be a good time to assess what we can take away from the experience to get better. Be sure to include what you felt you did well. Talk to any of your friendly staff for input either way as well.
4) I made a few contacts with those I was close to in the job, but didn't have anything to do with the decision that was made, and I thanked them for their support and help. It helps them know they did a good thing, and you get to forget about how you feel for a little while as you thank and encourage someone else. One thing to avoid here is talking about the decision made, and the person who made it. That friend is still at the school, and it doesn't do them any good to have a less opinion of the administrator.
5) Finally, This gave me a chance to really think about what I was doing and why. It will give you a chance to really think about what you want to do next in coaching, or something else, and either way, it will strengthen your convictions about what you do and why. This can lead to some personal goal setting that may not have been done for a while because you have been so busy.
The emotions will subside. Just try to avoid that self pity monster, through keeping yourself busy in helping others while you have some extra time and are looking.
Oh yeah, if you're married and you have some extra time, help her out with stuff on the honey-do list, and make sure you have a lot of s3x. That'll make you right as rain.
I am not a psychoanalyst, but I have been where you are, and while your emotions will betray you at every turn in how you want to feel about this, I found that a few productive steps helped me get the ball rolling in some other directions.
Hope that helps, and good luck.
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Post by dsqa on Mar 17, 2009 7:31:10 GMT -6
0 refers to the 0 we teach, and it says, "You're new lucky number" underneath it. The shirts and blog reflect a renewed effort to encourage folks to engage the material, and hopefully experience the amazing things that are happening for many coaches and young men that have already bought in. Its fun too. We have a great time traveling as a staff together, training new coaches, and meeting all kinds of people. The guys will have clips up shortly of those things. We will have online ordering up shortly for the shirts.
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Post by dsqa on Mar 12, 2009 21:52:07 GMT -6
poorbob,
It is muscle, it is technique, it is timing, and YES, it can be taught.
The young man noted in the quick release video threw for around 2K last year - he was top 5 in the regional elite 11 in Orlando, and probably should have been top 3 - he is just relatively unknown - Trevor Siemian.
And BTW, the release speed can taught as well, that's not just age. If you know what to move when, you can do it faster than you ever imagined.
The "goofy guy" is known as "the magnet." Will Hewlett, Aussie born, American football bred, He is a great coach and a master certified instructor in the Academy, but he is probably best known for the UNBELIEVEABLE impact he has on the female species on the road! Seen the Axe commercials....?
He is very married and we have to act as his bodyguards...they think I am his dad!!! I usually feel really old in those moments around him, right up until we throw against each other in the camps, and that is where I am still able to keep the dream alive, if only for a little longer...LOL
utchuckd,(DH) Will and I are headed for a Dallas Power Camp tomorrow, and I'll be sure and pass along your question ;D
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Post by dsqa on Mar 5, 2009 10:26:42 GMT -6
I really appreciate what that coach offers as a definition of a man. There are a lot of boys in our culture of coaching, but when it comes to manhood, in my opinion, it has little to do with age.
Manhood starts when you realize that life, and how it should be lived, is not about you, or for you. It doesn't mean you don't care for yourself and the needs you have, it means that you understand that your God-given talents and gifts exist for those you have the privilege of knowing and serving.
I may aspire to be the best at something, but the only reason it would really matter is for the one benefitting from what I do. If I want to the be best QB coach, I don't get a certificate, or a trophy, if there was such a thing, I just get another opportunity to ask myself the hard question that a real man must answer every day of his life.
Is it worth it to get up one more time and go do what I must for someone else?(ie. a kid, a business, a school, a wife, a child, etc.) And by the way, the chances are, you won't be thanked; you might get paid, but it won't be enough; you will likely experience some level of physical, or mental, suffering as you do it, and you will probably go unnoticed in the effort. But, you still must decide...is it still worth it? Oh, and one other thing, you will likely have to give up something you really want to be doing instead of that thing you are deciding to do, and you will most assuredly have to keep making that decision in that context, every day, for the rest of your life...still worth it?
This is by no means an easy, or readily accepted, thought process by males in our society, as they often don't get past the first question, much less down to the "rest of your life" thing - the hard ones, but those we respect the most as men in our lives, have made it to the bottom of that decision tree, and do so on a regular basis in their lives.
They have cracked the code on the truth that there is no greater fulfillment in life for a man, than to give themselves away for something bigger, and more important, than themselves.
This is the core truth that remains unchanged in the greatness of this game, and in the greatness of a man. There is no sport, in my opinion, where this fact of, its not about you, is more readily tested, than between the lines in every facet of practice, preparation, and on game day.
Forget what the sportswriters attempt to do in drawing attention to one man over another, it still comes down to whether or not you, as a player or coach, are willing to do what is necessary to make sure that the guy next to you succeeds.
The scores, stats, and records have slowly placed an ever thickening plaque of self promotion in the arteries of the heart of the game, and like the body part, it can lead to diseases of every kind in the adult stages of life(pros), but at the levels where youth is still learning to crack the code of what matters most, there are still those epiphanal experiences we get to enjoy as coaches, when you see the corners of a kid's mouth rise in a knowing smile, and he understands what must be done - he has to give more, and he decides he is okay with that.
The most depressing part of this process is seeing how many kids are missing the value of this kind of selflessness, playing the game their entire career thinking that talent is actually what makes a man great, never realizing that all that talent really does is make a man famous, and those are two entirely different concepts. Greatness is imputed to someone by others, because they know the man, fame is when people know of the man.
Fame is easy, greatness requires suffering. The sacrifice through self-denial of a kind that doesn't even know it is denying itself. That kind of pure determination and love in a man's heart that would not consider himself to matter in the decision being made. It only matters who is being helped, and where we are helping them go. This is the kind of manhood that when it is demonstrated on behalf of another, that man who is the recipient of that service will often break down and not be able to finish his testimonial. Why? Because he knows that the man that served him, is the better man, and it is an honor to have had the privilege of his service.
This is what makes the military what it is, and it is what makes football the greatest game. Men of varying background and color, decide to come together, on behalf of one another, to do something great for each other. The game, when that happens, ceases to be a game, but rather a conduit to the future of what the potential of life can be, when men decide to put away what matters most to them, and devote themselves to improvement of those around them.
The game will end, but that is just the beginning for the men we are building. If they don't crack the code on this now, they will end up missing what they are here for in their lives. We know where that leads...bad marriages, parents who are nightmares for coaches of the next generation, selfish kids who cannot understand why you won't give them what they haven't earned...and the list goes on.
Manhood is advanced citizenship in life, and it is not for the faint of heart. There is no 3-a-day practice season I ever endured that can come close to the daily decisions I have to make about my willingness to serve my wife, children, coaches, staff, kids, and basically everyone I meet, and I am afraid that true manhood eludes me on a regular basis, no matter how much I desire to be a better man.
Maybe I need to don a helmet, and get into a little blitz pickup session as a QB to remind myself that despite the hits I am going to take, I can, and must, get that ball out of my hand. I will never forget how helpful those sessions were in reminding me of my need to put aside my self preservation. Nothing like a little smack in the mouth to remind you what life can be like, and the need to get up and go again.
I love football...but as a man, I have learned that if I am to truly benefit from what this game wants to teach me, I must learn to move on from my love for this game, to a willingness to love the guys I play with more than I love myself.
That is life.
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Post by dsqa on Mar 3, 2009 16:27:41 GMT -6
There is no better definition of sportsmanship and genuine respect for an opponent than this. I read it too, but was absolutely blown out by the video.
This coach understands that while the game must be played, must be won, he didn't succumb to the fear of these kids who had genuinely made mistakes, failed, and were paying for it.
He reached out with the love of God and showed them that He serves the God who doesn't only give us a second chance, but He is willing to cheer us on in the midst of that new opportunity.
Like the prodigal, I have not seen a more effective demonstration of those timeless and hope filled truths in this great game, than I did in this simple gesture of humble kindness.
What a privilege to watch. Thank you for posting it.
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Post by dsqa on Mar 2, 2009 8:01:14 GMT -6
One policy that is always helpful at the outset of the season, and I am adamant about it, is that I don't discuss playing time or depth chart with parents.
"Your boys need to be men, and if they feel something is unclear, or unfair, in their opportunity to play here, they need to come directly to me, my door is open. That is what men do, they discuss things face to face. I realize your son is a boy, but I am trying to help you build a man, and I know that is what you want, and I assure you that I will not play games with your son's heart.
I will tell him why he isn't playing, or why he isn't starting, and you can talk to him. If you feel at any time that my responses to him are harsh, inappropriate in terms of language, or untruthful during that meeting, then you may return with your son for a meeting, and we will sit down and discuss those concerns. Otherwise, this is your son's opportunity, and he must earn it from me, and my staff.
If you do get frustrated and want to complain, I understand, and to some degree that is unavoidable, because we are human, but if you draw others into that discussion in a manner harmful to the program, I will approach you as a man, and seek to understand why you haven't sent your son to me as I requested. I am merely asking that we avoid any confusion and frustration, and have your son come to me.
I have been asked to make the decisions for what is best for this team, and I will be the one deciding how your son can best serve this team as a player. Your son needs to schedule a meeting, and talk to me about that, and then you can talk to him."
Also a few other helpful steps:
When it comes to something as sensitive as the quarterback position and the potential backlash, make sure your staff is giving input together on the decision.
If it is really close, then I would have the captains involved as well. They are not making the decision, I would be clear about that, but I would want their sense about the situation. They may know something I don't about what is happening, etc.
Create clear milestones that you will be evaluating in each player for their opportunity. Scrimmages, preparation, consistency, team chemistry, etc. Just so they know how you will arrive at your decision. There is no need to hide the fact that this is a competition, to some degree, and that openness will keep things from seizing up.
Make sure #2 understands that just because he isn't starting game 1, if he is in fact good enough to play, he will play when #1 isn't producing. This isn't a permanent arrangement.
On that last point, players want to win. They don't play the we have to have so and so in the game to do it. If that is the case, then you already have your starter. If the #1 isn't producing, they aren't going to begrudge the presence of #2 in huddle. Now, if #2 does something better than #1, like run the ball, etc. They won't struggle at all, because they understand what you are doing.
The challenge begins when there is a set number of plays each will play, the QBs are still competing with each other, and it appears there is no decision. Players don't mind if the staff changes their mind once the season starts and they discover they were wrong about the starter, but they don't appreciate it when the staff appears indecisive. Just my experience.
BTW, Dad is never a factor, and make sure to have that at some point, you have that chat with him. Ask him if he is clear on the playing time policy? Is his son clear on the policy and the opportunity as best as he knows? Does your son understand that if he has any questions about his opportunity he can come to me directly? Good, I just don't want there to be any confusion as we go forward...
Hope that helps.
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Post by dsqa on Feb 23, 2009 16:57:18 GMT -6
No worries coache67, glad you benefitted. I really respect Dub as a coach, and I want coaches to know what value he brings,
as for the burr, unfortunately, I do have to work harder than average to keep that sales mode perception limited. thanks for your patience with me.
D
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Post by dsqa on Feb 21, 2009 22:00:28 GMT -6
If you missed Dub Maddox, you missed a great opportunity.
For the record, and you probably aren't aware of this, so I am not holding you entirely responsible for that, we have been on this board informing openly and willingly any coaches who desire to understand R4 and the like, and while I take deep exception to the idea that what we are trying to offer is only a sales presentation, if you consider attempting to get coaches a competitive advantage through a system that is tried and effective a "sales presentation" then I guess that is what we are all about, but I am sure with some investigation you will find that is not the case.
As for Maddox, you will not find a coach more committed to helping kids and coaches crack the code on the benefits of these concepts than Coach Dub Maddox. He is one of the most intelligent, creative, passionate, teachers of the game I have had the privilege to know.
I happen to know that he spent 12-15 hours a day for 2-3 weeks preparing E4 to be ready to serve coaches, and there is no DVD series available yet for sale. He felt, as I did, that is was worth it, to work overtime to get the system ready for teaching, so coaches could benefit now from the concepts, despite the fact that there is nothing to sell.
His ever increasing knowledge of this game, coupled with his capacity to deliver clearly and concisely in an organized fashion, makes him one of the best presenters you will hear.
I am just sorry you didn't feel well, he is a special coach.
One more thought on the "sales presentation," I am sorry you feel that is all you sense this is...it is obvious you haven't really been exposed to the content of these offerings, or the manner in which the material has been shared openly on this board, but I will extend the benefit of the doubt, and chalk this up to a fair question from a coach who hasn't been exposed to these things too much, and has probably been burned in the past by subpar presentations, with little to no content, from coaches who have little to offer. I am sorry that has been your experience...
BUT, if Dub were "selling" something, you would do well to buy everything he is offering because you won't find anyone who is more committed to doing things right with integrity, for the betterment of coaches and players at all levels, and I am privileged to know him.
Hope you are feeling better and can search these things out on the board.
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Post by dsqa on Feb 10, 2009 11:08:23 GMT -6
Thanks for including me, and I do remember you. I am sorry we couldn't get together, but I am glad you are still benefitting in some way. I am honored. Good Luck.
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Post by dsqa on Jan 28, 2009 9:41:07 GMT -6
In order to make leadership development work in a kid, you need three things as a man (manhood is what matters here in the final analysis - coaching is what a man does)
Humility Clarity of message Passion
Simply put, leadership cannot be "coached." It must be modeled, demonstrated, walked out, and then it must be appealing. You have to create an environment that young men want to follow.
The fact of the matter is, leadership has no starting point, and no ending point. It is an inescapable fact of life - right now. We are leading. We may be doing it poorly, we may be doing it well, but make no mistake, leadership happens. To suggest to an athlete that he "start" leading, or "stop" being quiet and reserved is brain damage to them. It is who they are.
Leadership is inspired through example more than education. The example is informed by education, but education without example is pointless drivel.
I have found out the hard way that the best method to affect leadership in younger men isn't to work harder on the message, but on the man leading. I need to seek to understand where my leadership is failing and to, with God's help, work through it so I don't hinder others from their pursuit of excellence. It isn't so much about what I tell them they need to do, but how I come alongside and serve them as men themselves. By showing respect to them, drawing them out, seeking their input, treating them as growing equals, I accelerate the process toward long term change, but the problem isn't them, it's my pride.
I know this seems a little backwards, but follow the logic. Think about the people who have led you in the past. Did it appear that they were "trying" to lead you? No, they just did. They fought through their own selfishness and pride, and lived their lives in front of you in a manner that in some fashion inspired you. When you were with them, you didn't feel like you were being led. They served you, and in that process, they made you feel important, signficant, and valuable to them. Now, there was certainly instruction, but it was input that never left you feeling less, but rather it seemed simple and easy to do. I know for me, it almost felt elementary what they would have me do. At times, I found myself thinking that they were actually beneath me, that I had the superior intellect, and that I was better in some strange way. The truth was, they were beneath me, holding me up, serving me, and making me believe what I never thought I could. They were believing in me, until I believed what I couldn't see myself, and when I finally saw it. They just smiled and moved on saying, now, you go do it for someone else. And I am left reeling from the respect and gratefulness I feel for those incredibly kind men who led me - by serving me, even when I didn't deserve it.
Actually, I would probably bet that you were more inspired by how they themselves handled adversity and still led, than from all the speeches they gave combined.
Leadership isn't a heart throbbing, adrenaline filled, series of rants, speeches, and coaching up football players on a field, it is your life lived in front of a very astute and observant bunch of young men who can see through every false front to the genuineness of the core. They would never say what they really think about you to your face out of respect, or just plain fear, but their actions, and responses towards you and your staff are a reflection of how effective the leadership you are bringing is.
I have 3 teenage sons, and honestly, I am getting my backside kicked right now, as I observe the mirror like reflection of my failures and weaknesses in them. It is painful, and quite frankly, embarrassing to me. I know it is just the pride talking, but I really believed in some fashion, that strength of speech, could make up for weakness of character - I was wrong.
I have learned that projecting leadership where there is none, is probably the worst kind. In other words, "do as I say, not as I do" leadership. This is where I will present my self as the "model" for what I am correcting others about self righteously. This is why my rants on the board are so dangerous to real leadership. There is nothing wrong with speaking the truth, but in the absence of some measure of humility in the speech, and a desire to communicate the hope of change, it becomes bitterness to the hearer - a condemnation. This is what I see a lot of coaching becoming today.
Coaches feel, in some sense, that they are the masters of their domain, and possess a "do no wrong" mentality in their effort. They have genuinely convinced themselves that parents are always the problem, and that kids are basically stupid. They get this way through isolation from input to their character on a regular basis, and by adding a little bit of success to the mix, you get the first stages of a monster.
The worst part about this situation, is that apart from an act of God, the coach cannot see what he has become - he only sees himself as a "victim" of some vast conspiracy of parents and administration to oust him from his lofty perch. When really all they are looking for is for the coach to "love" their kid, be fair and honest, and make them a better man.
Contrary to popular belief, and I experienced some this as a parent this past season, not all parents think their kid is a future all star. Truth be told, most parents really don't have the "high" estimation of their sons as you see the few that seem to rule the booster clubs in this country. I understand there are those who just swing the pendulum of stupidity to all new levels, but that often leads immature coaches to sweeping generalization and compartmentalization of all parents. For the failure of a few, they write off the whole as uninformed and useless. This is incredibly irresponsible and immature, but it happens all the time in schools everywhere. Why, because the coach lacks the things I started with as a man - Humility, Clarity of message, and passion.
When you see a kid, who has the "IT" as Mike calls it, that is fun because that athlete has been led by someone before you got them.
Like finding things that are wrong is easy, picking out the "IT" guys is easy too, but that wasn't the question jblair is asking - How do you build them? That was the question.
I think changing the QBs mechanics of the Pros is easier than what I am discussing now, and I think it is irresponsible to assume otherwise.
Leadership development is not an exact formula, because each person we seek to make a leader is different, and needs different things. However, there are things that are common to leadership development, that must be employed, but what I am finding is that the common leadership development attributes are not deliverable through a speech, or the written word. They are not accessible on the internet, nor are they available on ebay. They are not software programs to be installed like Windows and the kid can operate in complicated situations.
Actually, in order for leadership to impact the led, the greater work must be done in the heart of him who is leading. You cannot export something you don't have. If you have not been led effectively by others, you cannot lead effectively. I am talking about living as one under authority, not as one in authority. That starting point in a developing leader is mission critical. If I am in charge, I must make myself accountable to other leaders in my life as a man who excel in ways I do not, so that I am "in effect" under authority - submitted. This is the step that allows the three things I mentioned to grow in me, whereas, the absence of that accountability leaves me rudderless and frustrated by my own ignorance as to why people won't do what I ask. I am frustrated because I am not seeing what is failing in my character to encourage this unresponsiveness in others.
So, as one "under authority", I can begin to work through how I can serve more effectively as a leader in these 3 ways...
Humility is leadership's fuel. The endless supply of God given awareness of your own propensity to failure, weakness, and selfishness. This awareness measures a man, making him approachable, reasonable, and touchable.
Clarity of message is the integrity of leadership. The truth is not optional in seeking to lead others. In the wrong heart it is wielded with words like a sword that cuts others, but in the right heart it is a scalpel of compassion that serves to cut away the damaged tissue of another's heart, without cutting the person. And it takes the rock solid skill of a surgeon to stay on message, without cutting too much. In other words, you speak the truth in love, but only when absolutely necessary, and in a context that serves to encourage a man, not berate him in front of others -EVEN IF HE DESERVES TO BE TAKEN DOWN IN FRONT OF OTHERS.
Passion is the will to finish leadership. Passion is leadership's clearest attribute in the leader. It can be observed most easily, and is the non-negotiable to genuine leadership. The problem is that we really don't understand what it means. Passion's latin root - is Passio - meaning - "to suffer". It carries a religious tone, in that in the first century is was associated with the suffering of Christ for his followers, hence the beginning of passion's association with love.(ie. The Passion of the Christ) Christ loved, therefore he suffered for men. Without preaching here, I am merely seeking to point out that we would be hard pressed to find a better example of passion's true essence forming a question that everyone who desires to be a leader must answer -
What are you willing to suffer for those you claim to love?
Are you willing to do what others are not, to make another person successful. This is why coaching still carries a measure of purity for us. It is true suffering at times. We are trying to love others who try our will to its absolute core - and the fact that they aren't our kids makes it even harder because you observe parents who lack any real passion for their kids themselves. So we are continually asked, Are you okay with the fact that you may be the only person willing to suffer for this kid's immediate future? Do you love them enough to go deep with them, one more time? Even if they never thank you?
That is Passion. Not yelling at players, lording over them with some strange power trip, but rather fighting through the fear of being rejected in your efforts to reach out to them. Disregarding the absolute disrespect and venom that rears its head against every attempt to genuinely help them. Being willing to be thought less of through speaking the truth with compassion about their need to change and become a man on the field and in their lives. Standing firm to defend them against the hopeless criticisms of those who neither care about the kids, or what you are trying to do with them. The constant emotional drain of a daily expression of willingness on your face, when your heart can barely breathe beneath the weight of administrative pressure, parental pressure, and expectations. The strength sapping responsibility to keep your fellow coaches encouraged in their war, despite the fact that you can barely lift your arms yourself for all that is on your "plate." There is no treaty in sight, no end to this war, and there is no relief for those who fight it. There is no immediate reward, but for periodic bright spots of the "IT" boys who alleviate the pressue on you for a little while, only to graduate, leaving you to wonder why you can't have a whole team like them. This is passion's legacy, far greater than the ebb and flow of adversity, and the fleeting joys of momentary victory, it is the faint and often times missed, smile on the face of beaten down young man as he discovers, through your willingness to believe it mattered to show up today, that he can go do what he must, and he knows because of you, that he isn't alone.
That is the privilege of leadership, and the pain, because while that young man may leave that moment smiling that he isn't alone, you are often realizing that the effort you made, and the sacrifice it required, had to be done, alone.
Leadership is simply serving, and honestly, it is not for the faint of heart.
Welcome to leadership, you've been here all along. Maybe, with a little encouragment, we can commit to doing it better. For those of us who desire to lead as men, the question is ever before us, "What are you willing to suffer for those you claim to love today?"
Not sure that is what you were looking for, but just my two cents as always.
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Post by dsqa on Jan 1, 2009 9:26:26 GMT -6
Spend some time in the staff of coaches who know their stuff. You can learn a great deal just by being around quality coaches doing their thing. You may also find out which position you feel drawn to more specifically.
Nothing fancy, just my two cents.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 20, 2008 18:52:57 GMT -6
Coach Blair,
I will be in Houston, not LA this year. I will also be in Boston, Baltimore, and Seattle. Hope to meet you.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 18, 2008 17:24:47 GMT -6
There can be. Please e-mail me and we will workout some time that can work for you. I don't want anyone to miss out.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 17, 2008 9:08:28 GMT -6
Coach, that is an amazing story, congratulations! Thanks so much for sharing that with me, I am glad you found us helpful. I do look forward to seeing you again real soon.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 16, 2008 21:39:57 GMT -6
The price was mentioned above in one of my posts. I would encourage you to check it out.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 15, 2008 23:03:39 GMT -6
Sorry for th delay in getting back, was in LV for a camp.
no worries sbv, I just needed to make sure we clarified that. We're good.
Thanks otowncoach, we believe this program will help a great many coaches, and now you know we made it affordable.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 11, 2008 22:45:52 GMT -6
For the record, this product was originally designed to be used at the higher levels with broader goals and was thus not as directionally focused in terms of ease of use and workflow. That has all changed.
One coach has already told me that his pursuit of one company for a product just like this got him a quote of over 100,000 dollars. They told him that to get him off the phone, he said.
We won't do that, just ask the guys who have already called.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 11, 2008 22:06:41 GMT -6
We rectified that issue first with the Zone software program that allows the coach to receive detailed and timed results of every test taken. It is the most advanced network for connecting athletes and coaches with 3D training ever created, and it is all custom. The coach will see exactly what the athlete chose, did, called, etc. and how long it took, etc.
Also, before, there was only one player, the quarterback, who could be tested with no results. Now, we can test every player, at every position, simultaneously, with detailed timed results in the office locally, or from home. The athlete can practice and get immediate feedback about whether he did it right or not, with specific expectations clearly spelled out, and after each question, the athlete and review what he did right and wrong.
Like most software, given time, and the right input, the process is always improving. We have taken this program well beyond anything that has ever been considered possible at the high school level - just because of costs. Like many of the things we have done, we continue to seek how we can stay on the cutting edge of offering the best, most affordable, resources we can to bring competitive advantage to the coach and athlete.
You are hearing coaches on this board say this very thing, even after they have seen and heard the webinar. That should assure you that things are as advertised.
Coaches, there is no attempt to sustain any secrets about anything. We have been on this board since the day it opened, and I haven't tried to "entice" anyone, besides, we really aren't supposed to.
But, if you want to hear it straight, I have been selling my backside off on this board, trying to get every coach who would listen, to buy into what we are doing, but I try to do it as respectfully as I can.
The most difficult part of all that effort, is that for every one that sees the value and benefits, there are dozens of others who aren't as convinced, and they turn to what they know and think we are just like all the others who claim and can't deliver.
I would imagine that the bulk of what has been passed off in the name of the "newest thing" and "expertise" has left most of us wanting to puke, thus making it even more challenging to offer a strong perspective with authority on just about anything without causing questions.
Packages for the Gameplanner begin around 3K, with the opportunity to secure additional licenses, and a full program testing battery for up to 100 athletes with the Zone software in other offerings. Full installation of your playbook, roster, and tutorials assistance is included at different levels as well.
Bottom line, we are busting ours to serve you with every possible sales, selling, promotional, advertising, marketing effort we can to get every coach to realize that we aren't kidding when we say that every program needs what we are offering.
Hope that clears some things up for you and others who might be wondering.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 11, 2008 11:46:10 GMT -6
Coach you just need a phone and connection to the web. The e-mail confirmation you receive, should have all the details there for you. We use the phone for communicating because it is clearer.
Look forward to talking with you later.
Coach Slack
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Post by dsqa on Dec 9, 2008 13:43:12 GMT -6
I've already heard from you're entire district, airraider - LOL!
I don't want to forget the guys who win championships!
Here is a sample of how the defense looks with GamePlanner. This is some really fun stuff, guys, and your kids will go crazy for it. Remember, they can control everything they see, just like you drew it up.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 9, 2008 13:03:52 GMT -6
Here is the option video I promised, and I included a rollout concept with the smash with teaching tools demo
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Post by dsqa on Dec 9, 2008 12:21:44 GMT -6
trying, the video is taking some time on YouTube to process. Thanks for your patience.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 9, 2008 11:59:25 GMT -6
To go to the webinar signup www.genesissportstraining.com/gameplannerclick through, and the signup page will be there. Next one is at 6:00 Pm eastern tonight It costs less than you think. Affordability was, and is, a priority. I haven't lied to anyone on this board, and I am not going to start now, but give us a chance to share all it will do for you, and then you decide.
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Post by dsqa on Dec 9, 2008 10:01:17 GMT -6
Coach, DSV is your video editing machine, this is what you will use to get your DSV tendencies output numbers and cutups. Right now, your players have to visualize in their minds what you are saying a team is going to do against you from those game film cutups. In this situation, you put your play against what the defense will actually do based on DSV film and tendency, and your players will see themselves executing the very play you are talking about, as themselves in jersey number, skin tone, handedness, speed, size, weight, etc. You are in control of everything, and the scenarios are infinite based on what you want to do.
Your staff meetings will never be the same, as you can draw up what you are seeing on film and work scenarios with blocking, route spacing, timing, etc. It energizes the video editing resource.
Want to talk about having your kids attention in a meeting! Your offseason program will allow you to have every player in your program up to speed on your playbook before the first day you hit the field!
The net connection is only for the Zone network testing. The program operates on a local computer with multiple export capabilities, which includes a robust testing feature for online use. Nothing else is dependent on the web.
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