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Post by bryantfan on Nov 29, 2007 9:54:59 GMT -6
I've been offered the HC job at a school where the kids care more about basketball and wrestling and not so much about football. They had good numbers on the team last year but not necessarily the best athletes in the school and I am told that their weight room attendance in the summer was poor. As I am considering this job I am looking for other people's opinions to see:
What can you do to make the kids want to work hard?
The team did not win a game last year and only scored 36 points all season. They did have a lot of injuries they never hit in practice which resulted in very sloppy tackling (IMO). They have big but weak linemen and were a spread team with a QB that is about 5'5". On top of that they are moving up in classes next year. The administration is realistic about expectations and seem very supportive and I believe it can turn into a respectable program. Before I take the job I need to make sure I have ideas on what I can to get the kids to want to work hard and I am hoping for ideas. Any thoughts would be very much appreciated.
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Post by superpower on Nov 29, 2007 10:05:21 GMT -6
If the kids care more about basketball and wrestling, you might want to visit with those coaches to see how supportive they would be of you as the fb coach. If all the coaches get on the same page, it could really help.
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Post by gunrun on Nov 29, 2007 10:09:04 GMT -6
bryantfan,
The strength coach at Washington State said in one of the Coach of the Year Manuals that in order to motivate kids, you have to do two things. The first thing is that the players have to know you care. The second thing is that they have to be getting better at what they are doing. If you do not care for them, they will not play for you. If you care about them but they cannot see any improvement in what they are doing, they will not play hard.
Perhaps posting weight maxes, improving the weight room atmosphere (a new coat of paint, mirors, music), or setting up some type of off-season competition program would help to motivate your kids, too.
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easternkycoach
Freshmen Member
Just a squirrel tryin' to get a nut!
Posts: 92
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Post by easternkycoach on Nov 29, 2007 10:30:30 GMT -6
Never take a job where you cannot win.
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Post by superpower on Nov 29, 2007 10:30:33 GMT -6
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Post by coachweav88 on Nov 29, 2007 11:54:14 GMT -6
I agree with gunrun and I would add that you have to be creative in your practice routine. If you do the same drills every day, it would tend to get boring for the kids (and the coaches). Find new ways to work on the same skills.
I've also heard Pete Carroll speak, and one thing that stuck out to me was when he talked about having a competitive practice. He tries to do as many competitve drills as he can (within reasonable limits).
just my two cents
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Post by bwjuice on Nov 29, 2007 12:12:29 GMT -6
You could begin building anticipation for the upcoming season by getting a large digital clock and have it count down until the first game. Have competions during the off season with the kids that aren't involved in other sports ( i.e. have a lift a thon, creates competion and could even be a fund raiser).
But has the other coaches have said, if your passion for the game stands out then the athletes who love the game too will follow.
Fundraisers are a great way to get parents and the community involved. At a school I used to coach for we had a corn hole tournament for a fundraiser as well as a reverse raffle. Both produced a very good turn out and profit for our team. The more you can build excitement and support at home the better.
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Post by coachcoyote on Nov 29, 2007 19:56:37 GMT -6
superpower,
Thanks for reposting the thread. I'd like to convince my HC to do something like this but I can't get any answers from those who do it. This gives me some ammo to present.
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Post by coachcoyote on Nov 29, 2007 19:58:38 GMT -6
Knighter,
Thanks for taking the time to post your breakdown of points for promoting the program in your area.
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Post by coache67 on Nov 29, 2007 20:28:05 GMT -6
Make football the "best sport in town"! Make them work to earn TShirts - I know it sounds simple but from experience, if they work to earn "colors" they will work to win. Teach them now so when you put pads on they will continue to compete.
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