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Post by shocktroop34 on Oct 19, 2010 18:57:31 GMT -6
I performed this lesson just today and it went off very well. I had the players count off by 3's. I put them in three groups and then had each group focus on a question that I posted on the board.
What do we need to start in order to accomplish our goals? What do we need to stop in order to accomplish our goals? What do we need to continue in order to accomplish our goals?
Each group had about 8-10 minutes to discuss their particular question. I had captains serve as the facilitators and scribes.
If possible, try to stay out of the way as they are discussing things.
Call them back (and even though the captains did the writing) let someone else read the list.
Our start list was 7 items long; the stop list was 11 items long; and the continue list was 14 items long (we're 6-1 so it kind of makes sense).
Let them read while you chart them on the board. Then have them go back and explain in detail some of the more intriging things that you hear.
Our point was to give the players a "voice" and let them continue to take ownership of the team. It got down and dirty. One of the things that came up was individualism. I asked, 'ok how do we address that?' One kid said we need to start calling people out. We had kids calling out starters and everything. They responded and made their peace, but everything was out on the table.
We proceeded to go out and have a great practice. I don't know if this will work for you, but it paid great dividends for us. No matter how the remainder of the season goes, this was a true TEAM BUILDING exercise for us.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Oct 10, 2010 20:23:37 GMT -6
Not sure if my response goes along with this post, but a buddy of mine called me today and told me he heard of an NFL team that had the players fill the role of the coaches for one practice. I guess it came on TV today. I didn't see the segment, but maybe some of you know what team I'm referring to.
They sat in meetings, ran practice, drills, film session, etc.
We are heavily favored in our next match-up and thought this would be a good idea to keep them focused but having fun.
It also gives players some insight to what we see and expect from the coaching standpoint. I have a 10 man varsity staff. We're all going to pick a player to represent us.
It should be fun...funny...and informative.
These will be the moments that they remember 20 years from now.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Oct 10, 2010 20:08:19 GMT -6
I appreciate this topic a great deal. Funny thing is, is this was on my mind so much that I almost started this post a couple of weeks ago.
I coached for the first 4 years of my career without cussing. On my last staff I even had a no cursing policy for the coaches. They honored it whole-heartedly.
I moved to a more urban environment and I cuss more than the drill instructor in Full Metal Jacket.
I have felt embarrased at times of my language. I even asked my wife (who is not in the stands, but stands on the track to watch the games) if she can hear me. She said that no one can hear me-there is too much going on: band, crowd noise, etc.
The problem that I have with myself is that I will often tell stories from the bible or discuss biblical principles with players and then when the game comes, I will cuss freely. I've sent them a mixed message and given them a poor example of leadership.
Tomorrow I am going to ask an assistant coach to hold me accountable for my language. He cusses too, but he is also man enough to remind me that I asked him to do this task.
Thank you again for this post.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jul 30, 2010 21:24:51 GMT -6
Not sure if anyone is still reading this post at this point, but I had to have my IT people lift the "block" they had on the website. Our area doesn't allow "streaming video", so I had to request that if be lifted for the hudl website.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jul 30, 2010 19:39:14 GMT -6
Coach, be careful of what you listen to on this particular post.
My suggestion is to listen to YOUR kids. Listen to them without asking them anything. Ask yourself what kind of kids are they? Also, ask yourself if you know them well enough to know what they will respond to best. Be honest with yourself. If you know them, you will know how to guide them better than any suggestions you read on here. If you don't know them, then you've still got time to get in their lives and let them in yours.
Once you've accomplished that, you won't need to ask anyone else of what you need to do with YOUR team...you will just know. Good luck brother.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jul 30, 2010 19:16:34 GMT -6
When I was in college my coaches did this for the mom's. They actually gave the mom's a book (see link below). Bag drills, film, suited up...the whole nine yards. Honestly, you can't do too much because they love just being included...one coach even smacked a gal on the backside "for the full football experience." www.lulu.com/product/paperback/football-for-moms/3647046
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jun 15, 2010 18:13:06 GMT -6
We almost went with them. They sent a nice jersey to the school to try out. We then started calling around. One school said they liked them. The other said that they liked them at first, but when it rained the material became heavy and cumbersome. The jersey's also have an odd fit at times. We eventually went with a Missouri style Nike jersey, which was cheaper (if you can believe that). Pro Look jersey's look sweet. But at the end of the day, we just decided to go with the product that we thought we knew most about. Just my two cents...
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Post by shocktroop34 on Feb 5, 2010 23:46:47 GMT -6
When you're talking about accountability, you have to get to the source of what is hindering that aspect. Trust is usually a root cause for a lack of accountability and players not buying in. My two cents:
1) I do a "Top 3" list every spring or whenever convenient. Have players write down the top 3 players of anything that you think is important that you want to find out. Who is the most trustworthy, who is the least? Who is the hardest working/who is the least? Who is the best/worst leader? Who would you trust to hold $50 bucks for you/who would you not? Top three on why we lost games last year? Anything you think is important. The kids will tell you. Have your staff do this at a meeting sometime. Be prepared for what you might hear. But it will help. From that point, you might want to have one-on-one meetings with some of the names that continually appeared/both good and bad. Remember praise in public, punish in private.
2) The local military recruiters (USMC, Navy, etc.) will come out and train your kids, if you let them have 5-10 minutes to speak with them on the military afterward. Did this last spring and my kids are still talking about it.
3) Sometimes, circling up the desks and having an open discussion and letting players vent or have their say (without repercussion) can sometimes pay dividends. You facilitate, but don't let things get out of hand. You must have a topic though: 'Guys we have too much stealing going on in the locker room; what can we do to improve our grades; what is the reason that we can't win more games; what does it take to be a champion ,etc. End with a positive resolution by having each player say something positive about the person to their left. Consider ending a practice like this from time to time.
4) Team building: Madden (as stated earlier); paintball, water ballon fight (good cool down in the summer); military recruiter training; Take a player or your captains to lunch (build rapport); have players vote for off-season captains (establish leadership early); have annoucements in the school for top lifter/player of the week; admonish the kids with good grades in front of others; Life story:have kids speak on their life in front of their teammates-you may have to go first-to model the correct way, but this devlops respect among the players; create a mentoring list: older kid that is in charge of a young player.
Just some thoughts.
-Troop
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Post by shocktroop34 on Feb 5, 2010 23:19:44 GMT -6
You're instincts are correct coach, and you know you're staff better than all of us. I've done this before also. My two cents: 1) Do not demote anyone that doesn't want to move. It will create dissention within your staff and make coaches possibly dislike the new coach, which isn't fair to him. 2) Do not ask your staff what they think you should do. Tell them what you have in mind (and what you probably will do) and see how they respond. Give them a chance to speak on it, but don't make it seem as if they are going to dictate your actions. You're the HC and they have to understand that you're going to do what's best for the program regardless of their feelings. It's about what's best for the kids. 3) Do not pay any of your coaches any less than what you paid them last year. It all sounds nice and rosey when we recite the "I'm not in this for the money" speech, but you will find coaches coming up with "family" or "going back to school" reasons on why they can't coach anymore. Keep their salary the same and don't give anyone a reason to leave. Again don't put the new coach in a tough spot that he didn't create. 4) Do not pay yourself any less than what you made last year. I'm old school and I belive like most coaches that our salary does not validate who we are or what we do in this profession, but let's keep it real, it doesn't hurt either. You probably have a family that appreciates the little money that you do make in this sport. You probably put in the most hours on your staff (coaching, recruiting, scouting, gamplanning, boosters, administration, parents, media, etc.), and you need to walk away with a sense of appreciation for your own efforts. 5) Fundraise or go to the boosters for the salary for this new coach. Be honest with him upfront. Let him know that you will make every effort to pay him fair wage. Give him a ball park figure on what you think you can do. Only you know what that might be. A few car washes and you're good to go. 6) Lastly, Hire the guy and have some fun winning football games -Troop
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jun 9, 2008 12:17:17 GMT -6
You can't find enough good character education material that revolves around sports. Thank you for this contribution.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jun 6, 2008 10:03:11 GMT -6
Were you in my meeting last night? You made the same two points that another parent made. Our AD didn't really have an answer. Curious about other thoughts on this matter.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Jun 6, 2008 7:37:23 GMT -6
Coaches,
I'm at a school that has closed practices. Needless to say, many people are not happy. I'm not opposed to open practices, but I have to follow the school policy.
I'm curious to how you all may handle this situation. I'm sure that the policy was put in place years ago due to a few overzealous parents.
Your thoughts are much appreciated,
Shock
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Post by shocktroop34 on Sept 23, 2006 20:38:10 GMT -6
In the state that I coach in, before kickoff, the officials ask if you have any trick plays or special formations. Next time you might want to give the "stripes" heads up on that play so they'll know it's coming and you'll have no conflict. A little prevention goes a long way...sorry about the call back.
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Post by shocktroop34 on May 14, 2007 7:30:53 GMT -6
I really like this...the gears are turning...question, how will you determine what final score is acceptable and what is not? i.e. do you have rubric or numerical standard for a level of play that you are looking for or won't you know that until you start to grade and you eventually find where the scores generally fall. I'm trying to think of a way to implement FATE with helmet stickers...any other thoughts on how I might do this? Coach, you have something good here.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Feb 20, 2008 6:09:52 GMT -6
This message has been moved to Links by tog.
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Post by shocktroop34 on May 1, 2007 20:51:57 GMT -6
One year we had the slogan, "I'm in, I'm on". Each player had to come to the head coach and look him in the eye and say those words. It was a way of showing them that their word is their bond. A way of holding them accountable in a different way than normal. They weren't just given shirts because they're on the team. They had to earn them first, and earn them with declaring that they believe in the coaches, the system, the vision. They could only make the declaration when they felt it in their heart. You had some come the first day, you had some come the next week. But they all come. When the team is working out or practicing in their shirts you can read who is taking a while to get on board. But they all want to belong and it unifies your message as a coach. Once a young man looks a person in the eye and makes a statement, for some, it is the first time they have ever learned to do that. You will teach them about the importance of a good handshake and how their words won't be enough to win a championship. But acting on their words will bring success that they won't believe. Try it sometime, you'll like it.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 2, 2008 8:24:05 GMT -6
Here are some practical things that worked for me and cost little if no money at all.
1) Community service is always a way to bring your players together. It shows unity, you can see what kind of heart your kids have, and it's looks good for your program. a. Raking leaves b. Shoveling snow c. Painting houses d. Removing trash/clean up efforts e. Cemetary clean ups f. Adult home visits g. Hospital visits
2) Fun activities for you and the players:
a. Madden or NCAA tournament (set it up at your house, your classroom, or in your gym. Have the kids bring a TV, their playstation, and a dish to pass). Great time.
b. Set up a Football Olympics type of competition. Wheel barrow race (filled with cement bags), sack race, water ballon or egg toss, tractor tire flips, or any other fun game that requires team work or competition.
c. Find a boy scout camp and ask to use some of their facilities. Some have obstacle courses that are great for team building.
d. Camp out on the practice/or game field. Kids think it's the funniest thing. You can talk about how you need to bond with your land and protect your turf, etc.
e. Have a bon fire. Find the right area to do this, but sitting around a raging fire talking about football is sure to get the juices flowing.
Some of these are doable, and some are not. I just thought I'd add my two cents. Hope this helps.
-Shock
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 14, 2008 11:53:15 GMT -6
Michigan and Ohio wrestlers have an annual tournament called "The Boarder War". If your schools are in close proximity of each other, you might want to consider this one. I too like the three sided trohpy idea. Good luck, sounds like fun.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 25, 2008 8:32:24 GMT -6
Here's one I found/stole from somewhere: Football Mission Statement
To build confidence and self-esteem and a feeling of contribution within each player
Give every player a feeling of importance and unified in purpose
Encourage open and honest communication between staff and players
Focus on solutions rather than problems
Respect dignity and faith of each person in our football program
Commitment to team unity and strong leadership, trust each other
Create an environment for innovation and growth
Must believe each and everyone will overachieve, if even the opportunity
Above all else, our student athletes will be athletes of character
Hope this helps...Shock.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Sept 24, 2006 19:58:35 GMT -6
Coach Calande hit it on the head. Learning HOW to win in greatly under emphasized in coaching. Here's a suggestion that has worked for me on various levels that I have coached. Put your kids in as many competitive situations in practice as you can think of. Make everything a race, a challenge, or a competition. One person or group against another. It will help build team morale, but more importantly they will being to understand the importance of small victories in the quest of the larger victory of a team win. Your working with youth kids so here is an example: If you line up your offense on the three yard line and tell them 'if you score on this next play the defense has to do 5 push ups. And you turn to tell the D that if they stop them, the offense has to do push ups.' You'll see a new level of energy in practices that will hopefully translate to the game. Don't take too much time from your practice with push ups or running and definitely don't make it a punishment. Show them the value to being a good teammate, and a person that can be counted on. Keep it up!
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Post by shocktroop34 on Sept 23, 2006 20:30:11 GMT -6
Coachcb...congratulations!...it was a blessing for me to read your message. I too, like many others I'm sure, have questioned whether this coaching thing is for me. I haven't been coaching very long, but I once heard a man say that coaching is a "suffering profession". In a sense, you have been suffering for a long while, but something in you kept coming back. I don't know you or your coaching style, but to go through what you've been through, I hope this win has rejuvenated your spirits. We are all a part of a fraternity that suffers losses, injuries, ridicule, lack of support, etc. etc. But knowing that I'm not the only one going through such a fight helps me to battle yet another day. As I said earlier, I don't know you, but as your football frat brother, I'm proud of you.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 3, 2008 19:53:45 GMT -6
Thanks coachvann. I'm now officially envious. Texas...the promise land. I think I too would choose the spring ball option. That spring itch gets pretty bad around this time of year. Good luck in your spring season and thanks for the feedback. I hope to take many of these comments to our state officials sometime after next season in hopes that it could be considered for the spring of 09. Your input is appreciated.
-Shock
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Post by shocktroop34 on Apr 2, 2008 7:52:24 GMT -6
Thank you. You're the northern most state that has responded. I wondered what other schools "up north" had an actual spring football season. We'll make note of this as we continue our quest. Thanks for the input.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 29, 2008 14:50:37 GMT -6
Jackie- What do most schools choose? And if they start later in the fall, how does it affect their preparation? That's a good tid bit of info, thanks.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 28, 2008 14:37:23 GMT -6
Again, Wow! Lot's of great feedback.
For starters, once I think I have the format down in my head, I get another response that sounds even better. I was always amazed me that Illinois (biggroff) was so close to MI, yet light years ahead as far as their football format went. From what I can gather, Ill. is one of the few northern states that has some type of contact in place for the "off season" or summer. I'm wondering about Indiana and Ohio. I say this because I believe that if more northern states implemented an spring or summer period, then it would give momentum to east coast states like ourselves.
I too wouldn't mind having some days in the summer as opposed to only a few in the spring, with a long layoff. However, at this point, I think most of us in MD would take anything.
Question: is all that summer contact too much on the players going into the fall? Do they have time to recover from injuries, fatigue, etc? That would be my only concern.
Cowtown: Thanks for the TX response. I had always wondered how they did it down in the "mecca" of football country.
Jacked: If you would like to PM me, we're generating a group of coaches that are willing to do some "leg work" (no squats, I promise), to help present a more complete package to our state. Starting an online petition is among the first of many steps in bringing this to their attention. Mainly help passing the word.
Thanks to all the coaches that responded. If you can think of any other tid bits of infomation, it is welcome, and much appreciated.
-Shock
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 25, 2008 14:55:45 GMT -6
Great replies. This is helping a great deal. A couple more questions: 1) Anyone from TX out there? Alabama? 1a. What is the most northern state that has a legitimate spring football period? 2) Could anyone fwd a spring football policy from their state website? (if I could show our people something official, it would help our momentum) 3) Do you think it's best to try and go early in the spring (right after basketball/wrestling) or wait until track/baseball are finished. Keep chiming in guys, all of your input is appreciated (i'm taking serious notes here) -Shock
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 25, 2008 7:36:01 GMT -6
That's a great idea. Starting after the basketball season and before track really gets going. Thanks...keep them coming. Any details (even the small details) could really help.
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Post by shocktroop34 on Mar 25, 2008 6:56:26 GMT -6
Fellas, I'm currently in a state that has no spring football (MD). I belive that our state could implement spring ball with the right amount of preparation, organization, and support.
I would like input from other states that have spring ball. What is your format? How many days? What month do you start? How many padded days? What hurdles might we face (besides conflicting with other spring sports)? What rules do you have to follow?
Do you have any paper work, documents, or files that you might be able to share?
I'd like to generate support from other coaches in our state, but I'd like to have some ducks in line first. Thanks for any help guys.
-Shock
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