Post by tigerpride on Jul 23, 2020 8:06:21 GMT -6
As frustrating as this has been, here are some lessons learned from covid and the unknowns of our season. For the record, We started June 15, and we bring in 4 groups of 10 at 8am and 4 new groups at 930am. No helmets. We stay outside the whole time.
1. I've become more patient lol.
2. The kids really missed each other and our coaches missed them.
3. Kids aren't too concerned with covid but they respect the guidelines. We have had one case, but no symptoms.
4. Their parents express no concerns about covid. I've had no calls and nobody has observed our practices/workouts. Our attendance has been great. IMO, 99% of our families want school and want football.
5. You can do a lot on the field with dumbbells, plates, etc. We brought a lot of equipment out from our weight room. We have done some cross fit stuff as well. I will incorporate this into our workouts next summer.
6. Football has turned into a year round sport with the exception of maybe December. I've learned that kids need a break. And I need a break as well. Next time, not that long of a break.
7. At this point last year, we would be in week 6 of helmets and I could see the "burn out" in the eyes of some kids. We have not put on helmets yet and my kids are more focused than ever. The only concern is the questions of when and how we play our season.
8. Our staff believes we do NOT need all summer to get ready for the season. As long as we are in shape, give us 3 weeks with a scrimmage after week 2. Next year, I will focus on more running and lifting in June and July, with a bit of teaching. And I don't know if spring football is necessary.
9. I usually type a practice schedule daily and stick to it pretty well. Our practices are usually crisp, organized, intense and disciplined. This year, I have not typed up a schedule once. If u were watching from the bleachers, one would probably say the work was intense but the sessions are slow moving, and even a bit laid back. I have not blown a whistle all summer. Having said that, our kids are working very hard, they are driving themselves, coaches are more patient, etc. During any coaching or install period, we are taking our time, slowing things down, and not leaving kids behind in the learning process. I am seeing better teaching and communication between players and coaches because there is no pressure to get this and that in. I just think we overcoached so much in the past and left so many kids behind.
10. With less time to teach and prepare, our kids have responded with a great sense of urgency. Focus is as good as I have ever seen.
11. Our poor linemen know their defensive fronts and charges, their blocking footwork and every day I get this question, "when can we use handshields and hit the sled?" Last year, they were tired of the sled and handshields at this point.
12. We are healthy - knock on wood.
13. Despite any personal or political belief, I will do whatever it takes, wear a mask, take temps, etc Iin order to have a season.
14. Half of my kids come from broken homes, live with their grandparents, have drug or other issues in their homes, etc... their football team is their extended family. They need their friendships, their role models, a place to go, and a reason to wake up each day. They need football.
15. My heart goes out for any senior last year who missed out on a spring season or their graduation experience. IMO, although disappointing, that was easier to digest and accept because of how new covid was to the world. Many of those kids could at least play some summer sports and enjoy the sport in a bit different way. It's been 5 months now and if football does not happen here, it will be devastating to these young men. There is no other option outside of HS football.
Coaches, hang in there. Fingers crossed and lots of prayers for what I think could be the most fun, stressful lol, and exciting season ever.
1. I've become more patient lol.
2. The kids really missed each other and our coaches missed them.
3. Kids aren't too concerned with covid but they respect the guidelines. We have had one case, but no symptoms.
4. Their parents express no concerns about covid. I've had no calls and nobody has observed our practices/workouts. Our attendance has been great. IMO, 99% of our families want school and want football.
5. You can do a lot on the field with dumbbells, plates, etc. We brought a lot of equipment out from our weight room. We have done some cross fit stuff as well. I will incorporate this into our workouts next summer.
6. Football has turned into a year round sport with the exception of maybe December. I've learned that kids need a break. And I need a break as well. Next time, not that long of a break.
7. At this point last year, we would be in week 6 of helmets and I could see the "burn out" in the eyes of some kids. We have not put on helmets yet and my kids are more focused than ever. The only concern is the questions of when and how we play our season.
8. Our staff believes we do NOT need all summer to get ready for the season. As long as we are in shape, give us 3 weeks with a scrimmage after week 2. Next year, I will focus on more running and lifting in June and July, with a bit of teaching. And I don't know if spring football is necessary.
9. I usually type a practice schedule daily and stick to it pretty well. Our practices are usually crisp, organized, intense and disciplined. This year, I have not typed up a schedule once. If u were watching from the bleachers, one would probably say the work was intense but the sessions are slow moving, and even a bit laid back. I have not blown a whistle all summer. Having said that, our kids are working very hard, they are driving themselves, coaches are more patient, etc. During any coaching or install period, we are taking our time, slowing things down, and not leaving kids behind in the learning process. I am seeing better teaching and communication between players and coaches because there is no pressure to get this and that in. I just think we overcoached so much in the past and left so many kids behind.
10. With less time to teach and prepare, our kids have responded with a great sense of urgency. Focus is as good as I have ever seen.
11. Our poor linemen know their defensive fronts and charges, their blocking footwork and every day I get this question, "when can we use handshields and hit the sled?" Last year, they were tired of the sled and handshields at this point.
12. We are healthy - knock on wood.
13. Despite any personal or political belief, I will do whatever it takes, wear a mask, take temps, etc Iin order to have a season.
14. Half of my kids come from broken homes, live with their grandparents, have drug or other issues in their homes, etc... their football team is their extended family. They need their friendships, their role models, a place to go, and a reason to wake up each day. They need football.
15. My heart goes out for any senior last year who missed out on a spring season or their graduation experience. IMO, although disappointing, that was easier to digest and accept because of how new covid was to the world. Many of those kids could at least play some summer sports and enjoy the sport in a bit different way. It's been 5 months now and if football does not happen here, it will be devastating to these young men. There is no other option outside of HS football.
Coaches, hang in there. Fingers crossed and lots of prayers for what I think could be the most fun, stressful lol, and exciting season ever.
