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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 21, 2013 17:35:47 GMT -6
Schedule any game in which you feel that you can be competitive. Only you know what your kids can/can't handle. Put them in a position to be competitive and then let the chips fall where they may.
Kids know when you play a quality opponent and when you don't. The satisfaction over a soft schedule will be short lived. In the same sense, the pain will linger if they are getting throttled all year long.
If you search for a competitive schedule (even if you are slightly overmatched), it will be one of those underdog wins that will be the defining moment for your turnaround.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 21, 2013 17:04:49 GMT -6
I think some try to ignore momentum if it isn't going in their direction. Or, deny its existence to help stay focused on the task at hand. I get that part.
However, I don't think many of us would deny some sense of "energy" that is felt when we recover a fumble, make an interception, or convert a third and one, with a minute left on the clock, inside the ten yard line, down by six, 4th quarter, no timeouts, going for a win that will get us into the playoffs.
Momentum may be a term for the people in the stands (fair enough), and as coaches we can rationalize it any way we want, but those 15-18 year olds running around out there know what it is that they feel. They're going to categorize it as only one thing...momentum.
P=mv
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 18, 2013 20:40:04 GMT -6
I was listening online to a state semi-final game in Minnesota this past weekend. During the half time interview, the HC made an interesting statement. The reporter asked if he felt like the momentum had shifted in his favor, and he basically said, 'I don't really believe in momentum.' I thought it was an interesting comment. I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has a similar philosophy, or has an idea of what he meant. I agree with him. momentum is a loaded term. but I think the phenomenon exists.... a team that seems to do everything right, makes one mistake and the other team is able to capitalize... that happens all the time. Ive watched plenty of film and said things like: "wow..the loss can be traced back to this one play where my reciever slipped on a hook and we threw it right to the DB who was behind him" (actually happened this year) everything is going perfectly...then one thing goes wrong..then another...then another... and sometimes it seems like the only thing that gets you back on track is for the opponent to make a mistake .. whether i want to use the word momentum or not....im not sure. I think I'm starting to understand the statement/philosophy a little better. If one doesn't believe in momentum, then he simply believes in the ebb and flow of the game and that's it. Plays that are either being made or not being made. I've heard people say, 'I don't believe in luck. You create your own luck.' I think that coach may have been saying, 'I don't believe in momentum. We create the position we are in based on our execution or lack thereof, nothing else matters.'
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 18, 2013 13:53:13 GMT -6
For some reason, I keep thinking of the "Rudy" award and smiling. I agree with the idea of the mascot followed by the word "Pride" Rudy was offsides. SORRY! I couldn't help myself.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 18, 2013 13:06:46 GMT -6
I'll agree to disagree here. In my opinion, when a team gets up on you 14-0 in the first three minutes because of a couple turnovers...and wins 35-0, I don't think you can ever say "our team didn't handle adversity too well", or," they got momentum early and we couldn't get it back". No, we lost 35-0 cause they were bigger, strong & faster. But what about when this happens to two equal teams in terms of talent? I definitely beleive in momentum and confidence. You see it all the time. Confidence is contagious. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using proboards Right. I guess I was just always brought up with the school of thought that momentum was something that could be created through a certain level of play. I didn't know there was another way of thinking until I heard the coach say that. I still think it's interesting.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 18, 2013 12:00:36 GMT -6
Kind of a play off of a military slang term, but I used to give a "Hard Charger" award. It was based on the same traits in players that your guy displayed. Anyway, kudos for wanting to honor a kid like that. They are what coaching is all about.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 18, 2013 8:54:27 GMT -6
LOL...I have been away for a while. Just catching up on lost time.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 18, 2013 8:18:02 GMT -6
I was listening online to a state semi-final game in Minnesota this past weekend. During the half time interview, the HC made an interesting statement. The reporter asked if he felt like the momentum had shifted in his favor, and he basically said, 'I don't really believe in momentum.'
I thought it was an interesting comment. I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has a similar philosophy, or has an idea of what he meant.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 13:45:10 GMT -6
As younggun alluded to, when you look up to certain people, or hold them in a certain regard, and they fall short of your expectations, it is easy to be let down. well, there's your problem right there. Who cares about anyone else? Only person you can control or worry about is yourself. Why are you troubling yourself with what you perceive other people are or are not doing? The OP content was catty and begging for affirmation that someone wasn't living up to your expectations. I'm sorry you perceived the OP in that manner. I was looking for ideas on how to better understand the behavior of people (in general). In more definitive terms, how to manage people in a way that will benefit the program overall. How to become a better leader. If I were looking for affirmation, I would have spelled it out very clearly. I have everything I was looking for from the other coaches (which I greatly appreciate). Coach Phillip (and others) thank you for your time.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 12:24:51 GMT -6
That is a very good question. My initial reaction is to say that you can't create that kind of culture because humility is either innate or acquired early on in life. My football team didn't teach me humility, my parents did. My coaches just enforced the idea. Identifying the point at which pride becomes arrogance is difficult because it's relative. There have been plenty of times where I thought certain behavior was "over the top" and coming from a place of "self spotlighting". Whereas a colleague would think it was "an enthusiastic display of team pride". I don't think humility is a good word for what I want to teach. I'm fine with my kids being boastful of the program and for displaying the values we highlight in our program. I'm no longer fine with that player's actions when they start to become malicious or self serving. Tell people we do things the right way, as long as you continue to do it so. Tell people that your school is the best, as long as you back it up in your actions. Don't use the program to knock people down, use it to build people up. As to building a culture that I could stress this in? Keep kids hungry by focusing on yourselves and playing to your standard. I think arrogance comes from when you start to compare yourself with others. "We are better than so and so because they can't hit/catch/run/play offense/play defense like us." That's arrogance. "We are better than we were because now we hit/catch/run better than we used to." That's self assessment. Humble people always talk about their own shortcomings. Arrogant people always speak of the shortcomings of others. Coach P...well stated. The insight is appreciated. I agree with the perspective on humility regarding the team. I also understand the point you made regarding inherent traits or learned behaviors in adults. But, it seems when it comes to humility/ego/etc. that coaches choose to either conform to the leaders style or not.
What I mean about "conform" is, for instance, if I just came out of the Navy (cussing like a sailor), but the coach that I'm working for is a pastor, I'm going to guard my mouth out of respect for that man. If I wore shorts and a t-shirt on my last staff, but the new coach wants us in Polo's and slacks, I'm going to wear what he asks. When it comes to ego/pride/arrogance/etc., when the leader displays a sense of humility (putting kids first-all other perosnal needs last) I have seen people that have chosen not to conform to that concept. Is that a flaw in the leaders inability to communicate such behaviors or is it the problem of the person, or both? Whether it is one, the other, or both, what do you see as solutions?
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 10:11:51 GMT -6
That was one of the best things I've seen in a very long time. I needed that today. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 10:04:28 GMT -6
Comments tend to be more positive over pizza and beer.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 9:55:24 GMT -6
If Admin support wasn't in your top two, then you probably have a decent administration. If you have it, I hope that you always do. I've been involved with administrators that do not support football (or the coach). They can absolutely decimate a program, and life can be hell.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 9:41:27 GMT -6
Because so many successful people are pricks, I've always wondered if the two are connected in some way. Usually these people are very demanding, always find a way to get their way in things. Because they are take charge type of people I can't help to think this is a positive trait for success. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using proboards Good point. It is difficult to find a highly successful, yet humble person. I know they are out there, I just don't see them all the time. Maybe I'm not looking hard enough. Maybe I'm in a glass half empty type of mood right now. Maybe I just need a beer. Not sure. And as spos said, it is simply in all areas of our lives, not just football. dcohio, I get your humor better than you think. Good stuff man. As my position coach used to tell me, "you're no Phi Beta Kappa!" It took me ten years to figure out what the hell he was talking about. So let me pose this question, if I may. How would you cultivate a culture of humility in a successful environment? I know it starts at the top, but beyond that...
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 8:08:08 GMT -6
It's not cheap. Around $150, but it's based on what you want done. I'd reach out and explain what exactly you want done, and see what he says.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 8:03:53 GMT -6
I've never done it, but I like the concept. I've done it as HC (feedback from coordinators), but not on the coordinator level. Hats off to you for being willing to receive some (hopefully constructive) criticism. Most people avoid such actions as they are afraid of what they might hear. I'd be interested to see what questions you develop.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 7:53:18 GMT -6
I hear you on that. I've been told that I have too high of expectations in people. As younggun alluded to, when you look up to certain people, or hold them in a certain regard, and they fall short of your expectations, it is easy to be let down. I think I expect people to display a certain type of behavior based on what I would do myself in the same situation. There are so many different facets of human nature, that I don't think I will ever understand it all. I am presently facinated with the idea of the ego and how it drives people to both good and bad places. Thanks for the responses to this challenging post. Easy with the ego there Coach...maybe we didn't find this post all that challenging. JESUS H...where do you get off? You some how think your post is challenging? Like none of the rest of us could write a challenging post? OH HAIL NO...none of us are a schmart as shocktroop34...we got our diplomos at the Unvercity of Phoenix...
I swear...our band director is 100% right. You football coaches think you guys are just IT! Like you're the smartest, the strongest, the toughest people on the planet. Yea...here's a challenge for you Mr. Challenging Post Wizard try playing Mozart's Flute Concerto No. 2 In D Major with only one hand while marching in formation during a rain storm on a soggy field. Yea...that's right...the only instrument you can play is a whistle.
LOL. Point taken. I better be careful not to drink too much of my own kool-aid.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 7:51:04 GMT -6
I think for some it is a phase and for some they never get out of that phase. I know for me...when I first became a DC in 1997 I was a freakin genius, smarter than everyone, etc. etc. And then...we got our @$$es handed to us. So me being a genius thought "OK, you can figure this out" so I came up with basically BDSD techniques with our front...I did that on my own...I was once again a genius. Then I learned that BDSD was common knowledge to everyone and I could have just read about it in a book. So I realized I was no genius at all, I was a complete dumb@$$. THEN!! I came up with split field coverage. I was once again a genius!! And then...I heard a coach talking about split field coverage at a clinic. And back to being a dumb@$$ I went. And that is where I remain today. I'm no genius, chit I'm not even very smart. I am nothing more than a slapd!ck with good players. I work my a$$ off and am nervous about being fired every year because I don't really see the successes, I only see the failures. My inadequacies. Places where I fall short. It's gotten to the point that I rarely enjoy a win because...well...you're suppose to win and even in a win, I focus on the failures. Personally I think those who project a high ego are actually very insure. So they have to project confidence, they have to project that attitude in order to keep from facing their own reality. They know they are insecure, you can lie to everyone but yourself. That's real talk, right there. Another one of the reasons I enjoy reading your posts. You didn't dismiss the idea or minimalize it as some arbitrary trait that is a flaw in all of us. Though it may be, there are still varying degrees of such behavior. I'm not speaking toward a type of mental condition, but more in regard to (what you wrote about) as one having the ability to truly self reflect. In other cases, looking at how people treat each other and how our actions affect lives. Saban, wow spos21. dc, I think I have to continually remind myself of what you said about those with an exceptionally high ego. You hit it right on the head.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 15, 2013 7:28:44 GMT -6
Everyone is different. The best are humble and never stop learning. Think you may have just had a run in with some bad eggs. Just remember, 1/2 the people you deal with are below average... I hear you on that. I've been told that I have too high of expectations in people. As younggun alluded to, when you look up to certain people, or hold them in a certain regard, and they fall short of your expectations, it is easy to be let down. I think I expect people to display a certain type of behavior based on what I would do myself in the same situation. There are so many different facets of human nature, that I don't think I will ever understand it all. I am presently facinated with the idea of the ego and how it drives people to both good and bad places. Thanks for the responses to this challenging post.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 14, 2013 18:51:05 GMT -6
In practice we would dynamic and start practice. Pregame and game day we would dynamic, and immediately after do static, and then continue with skill drills. I didn't really get it, but the kids say they felt better that way, so I just went with it. On tough practice days I would static after practice if we had time. It would help. I've read more posts where guys are doing away with warm up stretching altogether. I'm leaning toward that in the future.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 14, 2013 17:48:49 GMT -6
isn't the answer "human nature"? That may be true, but why do some pick up certain negative traits and not others? I have seen some ugly things in the past few years and I just can't figure out where it comes from. For instance, how is it that some coaches are able to keep their ego in check and others let theirs go unrestrained? The power of the ego will always be a mystery to me. Maybe this question/thread is too deep. Sorry if I killed anyone's buzz.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 14, 2013 14:16:29 GMT -6
There are a couple of people in my building that when they started as fresh faced, wet behind the ears teachers, they would take in and learn all they could from anyone. Now, those same teachers, a few years later, walk around and act like you can't tell them sh*t.
I've noticed that with some coaching friends as well, and I wonder why people change the way they do. What it is about human nature that makes some coaches pick up negative characteristics and become something that is less than admirable?
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 12, 2013 9:47:06 GMT -6
Wingtol...update when us when you can?...Thanks.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 12, 2013 9:40:13 GMT -6
Sometimes it's not as easy as meeting with the AD (no disrespect rush). What I mean is, and (dadfirst) correct me if I'm wrong, but in a small town a meeting with "this person or that person" becomes front page news by the end of the day. That can undermine your noble intentions of trying to make the situation right for everybody. You can be the one perceived as sneaky or kniving.
If the AD is the type you can confide in, then rush is correct that speaking with him is the appropriate first step. If not, you need to focus on the kids and the families. I faced a very similar situation at my first school. Summer b-ball, camps, flat out football discouragement, etc. But, in the words of Proximo, from the movie Gladiator, "win the crowd and you will win your freedom."
Start with the kids/families that you know are in your corner. Let it build with them. It will take time, keep planting grass. It will eventually grow. Win the people with the relationships you build with them. The rest will take care of itself.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 11, 2013 21:13:32 GMT -6
Guys, I am looking for a company that makes highlight films. I am looking for any advice from your experience sending your games to a company that makes highlight films. Thanks in advance for your input. dudleywi@gmail.com. Digimixx Productions (on youtube) This guy has done my highlights since 2009. He has done freelance work for ESPN. But hudl gets the job done.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 11, 2013 20:15:08 GMT -6
Coaches, I just finished my first year at a school with no winning tradition, finished 4-6 after three straight years of 2-8. I keep being told that I will not win here because of our demographics. We are 40% Asian and only had 35 athletes at a school over over 2500. We play teams with a roster of over 50 kids. Do you agree with this assessment? What does it take to create a winning program at a school with predominantly no athletes? Furthermore, I'm not a math guy, but from my calculations, up 4-6 from 2-8 is already a 100% increase in success. You are already disproving the negative cultural theories in your area. My friend, buy some ear plugs and go coach those kids up.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 11, 2013 20:05:29 GMT -6
Your situation is difficult to ascertain because football has so many different variables in regard to overall success. Demographics are going to weigh differently from place to place. I have taken 38 kids and beat teams with 70. I agree with dubber. I would focus on getting the numbers up and then see where you stand.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 11, 2013 12:07:41 GMT -6
"College and Careers" may be a fitting use of terms. Good post.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 10, 2013 21:08:00 GMT -6
Has worked out well b/c our team selects those athletes they want to follow onto the field. Exactly. It puts the accountability on the team. Sometimes coach appointed leaders can backfire, and the kids say, ' YOU made him our leader, not us!' I typically let the team pick, while maintaining veto power in rare situations. You just have to be careful of it becoming a popularity contest.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Nov 10, 2013 20:19:48 GMT -6
It might be someone who wants to help out but can't commit to all the coaching stuff. Yes, it would be that type of person. And I bristle at the idea of giving that person a title. Sometimes I feel that H.S. programs try to mimic the next level to a fault. But it is the nature of the beast. I have been in two different programs. One had about 350 kids in the high school. Zero expectations to get kids recruited. The next school 1300+/-. Major expectations and the pressure was real.
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