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Post by dc207 on Oct 24, 2008 10:40:51 GMT -6
...here's our situation, and I'd like coaches to give how they'd pre-game with the kids:
We have some talent, but not as much as expected. Tonight we basically have a do-or-die game against a pretty talented squad - if we win we'll likely be in the playoffs. If we lose, there's no way we can get in.
This particular group doesn't deal well with responsibility (how many of us say, "We've got no leaders?"), and at least 12-15 of them (out of 40) did nothing in the off-season in terms of strength and conditioning. Anyway, so they're not real mature - we knew that going in.
Which track do you take pre-game and lead up to kickoff:
1)Get them pumped up with the fuel being we need a win to get in, something we've done twice recently and not left with a win.
2)Relaxed approach that lets them just go out there and perform.
3)Some other approach, be it in between or other.
(Edit: Almost forgot, we have chosen our method already. Would like to know what you guys would do with your particular group, and why. Thanks)
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Post by dc207 on Oct 24, 2008 10:56:47 GMT -6
...I feel the same way about the kids I have on defense - they have been doing the same things since our first day of practice and because of that they feel they can handle anything.
Is that true? Mostly, but there have been two situations - two halves basically - where we struggled. Otherwise they've handled everything thrown at them.
We're not going the route of Choice # 1. This group has accomplished a lot, but certain choices have short-circuited a potentially good season in many ways. They still have one chance, and am just interested in the different responses I'll get. Won't be able to read the responses until Saturday morning, after the game, anyway.
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Post by dc207 on Oct 24, 2008 10:58:54 GMT -6
..by the way, good luck to you guys coach! I'm pretty sure I know how you feel right now - confident in the plan but also a little unsure of how the kids will respond.
Our's come to play every week, but can get worn down by bigger, stronger and more physical teams.
Let we know how you guys do.
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Post by phantom on Oct 24, 2008 11:04:47 GMT -6
There's no way for us to answer this question. Every team has its own personality and so does every coaching staff. Do what you do.
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Post by wingtol on Oct 24, 2008 12:37:04 GMT -6
We don't necessarly have a do or die tonight, the team is 0-8 and giving up 57.7 a game, but we need to win our last two to clinch a playoff spot. Our week 10 game is huge the team is pretty good and it should be a nice show down. What we tell our kids is that we are in the playoffs now, get in that mentality going now since we need to win out to get in.
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Post by dc207 on Oct 25, 2008 23:55:12 GMT -6
...thanks phantom!
Anyway, we went the route of "you guys have accomplished a lot in our four years here (took over in 2005), and no matter what happens that can't be taken away from you". Hadn't beaten this particular team in nine years, went out and ran it down their throat and beat 'em by 20. Guess it worked, though some of our jv assistants didn't get the memo, " THIS IS DO OR DIE!" Kind of funny our coach had instructed us not to pressure the kids and let them play.
They responded.
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Post by thakatalyst on Oct 28, 2008 15:26:06 GMT -6
We have a MONSTER game this week...one this school hasn't been a part of since 2000. We just won a share of the league title with a 14-9 win last week against a rival opponent. We are playing for an outright, undefeated league title and a #1 seed into the playoffs. If we lose and another league opponent wins, there would be a three-way tie for the league title, and we would have to play off Kansas-style for the #1 seed. The #2 seed is decided by coin toss. Can you believe that???
The way I've approached the game as a DC is to keep doing what we've been doing all year long.
I'm pretty loose on the field in practice and during games. I smile and laugh a lot. I like to joke with my players. But I also get fired up when they make big hits, force turnovers, or give great effort. Shoot, I even gave one of my players a chest bump as he was running off the field. He sealed the win friday night with an interception in the endzone. BUT>>>We focus on us, regardless of opponent, because it's what we can control. Of course we look at the things our opponent does, but we believe that if we do our jobs and focus on us, we'll stop anyone. Just like a coach above said...do what you do and just be who you are!
Our defense is forming its own identity as the season reaches its climax, and that's what we're going to continue to build on as we hope to go on a long playoff run. My advice to you would be to focus on you.
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