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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 8:44:24 GMT -6
So I just took over a program as the head coach. Its a small private school. Their team has been like 2-5, just about every year. All I hear is that the kids don't care about football. The basketball team is what the school really rallies around. I need some advice. What are some of the things I can do to help turn things around? Has anyone been in a similar situation?
I am only 25, and have limited coaching experience. We play an independant schedule, which could pad our wins a little bit. I got the job because I know people and they know what I stand for.
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Post by brophy on Oct 26, 2007 8:52:04 GMT -6
What is your plan as it stands now?
I am curious as to how a guy gets a HC job, but doesn't know the first thing he is going to do. I'm not saying that is the case here, but it comes across that way. It is like someone who has never been a Network Administrator, apply for the job, then once he gets the job, asks...."How do I connect a router?"
What are you going to do about; 1) Staff 2) Academics 3) Off-Season program & team building 4) Parent involvement 5) Community involvement 6) Administration involvement 7) Practice structure 8) Opponents on schedule (game planning) 9) Philosophy of football 10) Scheme
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 8:54:53 GMT -6
haha, its not like that. I know what I am doing. I am just curious as to some creative ways to change a school from Basketball to Football. One of the coaches from the prior regime told me that they just can't get the kids in the weight room because it "messes" up their basketball shot. Thats what I am dealing with. I dont need coaching advise per say.
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 9:01:13 GMT -6
What are you going to do about; 1) Staff- I have put together a staff with former collegiate stars, and guys that really know and teach fundamentals 2) Academics- this school had to forfeit 6 games 2 years ago for using academically ineligible players, since the team is only 19-20 deap, I plan on getting progress reports from the teachers. 3) Off-Season program & team building- I am going to have a few mini camps throughout the year to help install the offense and for conditioning. 4) Parent involvement- 5) Community involvement- another area that I am planning a few things. This is a school of rich kids that need to be taken down a couple of pegs. This is going to be a main focus of mine. 6) Administration involvement- The admin staff wants to see football suceed here. They were close to shutting it down a few years ago. 7) Practice structure- I have outlined what I am planning on for practices, included double sessions 8) Opponents on schedule (game planning)- this is a tough one. A lot of the teams we are playing next year, they played this year. So hopefully I will be able to get some of the tapes. But I have a group of volunteers that are going to tape the opponents for me. 9) Philosophy of football- well its a small school, with small players. Its going to have to be a finese style of football, so I will have to game plan for that. 10) Scheme- another area that I am currently putting togeher
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Post by gunslinger on Oct 26, 2007 9:02:53 GMT -6
Number one, don't listen to the nay sayers. You can build a program.
The old slogan "Basketball on Grass" has probably been over used but it might come in handy in a situation like yours.
Spread it out, throw it around...get your athletes interested in playing for you.
Make it fun. Not to say that you can't work hard. If they have a winning tradition in basketball the kids are probably used to working hard.
Develop a relationship with the basketball coach. Help him out if you have the knowledge and he is willing.
If you don't know any basketball, keep the clock, run his concession stand, drive the bus. Get into his program and let those kids get to know you.
If you can't build a relationship with the basketball coach, well...work hard.
Talk to the kids about execution and effort instead of winning and losing.
Build on positive aspects of your program.
Also, connect with the parents. Let them know what you stand for and what their kids can gain from football outside the lines.
One story that I have about a kid that was going to "concentrate" on basketball.
He didn't come out for football at the start of his 9th grade year.
I visited with his parent on numerous occasions and told them that I agreed that their son was a good basketball player but that I thought that he could be a great football player.
They finally agreed to let him play football. The first night that he played he was a focal point of the game plan even though he only knew a couple of routes.
We just put him in different positions, used motion, bunch sets, etc. and threw him quick outs/slants all night.
He caught 12 passes for over 200 yards and scored 4 TD's.
His parents (and the boy) were convinced.
He went on to play all sports in high school and received a scholarship to play football.
Good luck.
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Post by coachcalande on Oct 26, 2007 9:05:24 GMT -6
haha, its not like that. I know what I am doing. I am just curious as to some creative ways to change a school from Basketball to Football. One of the coaches from the prior regime told me that they just can't get the kids in the weight room because it "messes" up their basketball shot. Thats what I am dealing with. I dont need coaching advise per say. 1) win that will definitely turn the tide. I have heard that kind of bs "soccer school" or "baseball school" and its never at a place where the football team actually wins and makes the playoffs. football is top dawg in this country and will remain that way. baseball is a close second. basketball is a distant third really. win games, be a good guy, work with the basketball program to share athletes and thats half your battle. 2) get the kids to know and like you, let them know you care about them. thats important. you need to get to know the kids, you need to be a leader by example and set your program up with all of the details nailed down from the get go. off season stuff, ie wts and open gyms are going to be very important for you but as you said, basketball is where the athletes are right now so youll need to get close to a few key kids there and get them interested in your stuff. best of luck.
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 9:09:37 GMT -6
One thing I planned on doing is installing an offense that they could have some fun with, the qb has a good arm and the running back is very good, and only a sophmore right now. I have been studying the pistol offense for years, and if I have a center that can snap it, I think thats the kind of offense that can get the kids excited.
I love the idea of developing the relationship with the basketball coach, I didn;t think about that. Thats great!
I also agree that we are in a football society, and thats why I can't comprehend them backing basketball more than football. Watching a couple of their games this year, the current football coach lacks an eye for detail and you can see it in the games.
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Post by brophy on Oct 26, 2007 9:16:30 GMT -6
just my worthless opinion on taking over a new program....
You have 6 months from the day you get the job to drum up as much momentum for your football program, because after 6 months the honeymoon is over..........you are just another coach (this is the same in any other discipline)
What is your plan to build that momentum / create a buzz (that will interst folks)? (community support, parent contacts, incoming freshmen, feeder program recruiting)
how are you and your staff going to standout and influence the student body?
football lasts approx 3 months........the other 9 are used to BUILD your program (team) namely in the weight-room.
Calande makes a great point about nailing down specifics. Have an ANSWER for what you're going to face (the burden of leadership). The kids want to have confidence in a guy that KNOWS what the right thing to do is. There is no wishy-washiness in have a plan and insecurity if coach is going to change his mind. "what are we doing for lifting today?" "I dunno....." "must not be important, lets skip it".....
tie up all the loose ends
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Post by flexspread on Oct 26, 2007 9:18:55 GMT -6
Coach, If you have good basketball players those players can be good football players, especially if you run a spread offense or Air Raid offense. Mix in a little no-huddle and the basketball players will like playing football because it involves them. This is all provided that you also have someone who can deliver the ball to them. If you are a basketball school that doesn't have athletes then the only way to get the community behind you is to win.
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 9:30:42 GMT -6
thanks for all the help, and I love the suggestions. The main key is to be organized and prepared. Like Brophy said, know the answers to everything. And basketball players can make great football players and we have a kid that can get them the ball. Winning will be huge. And I think the first year can change a lot. If I can get them from 2-5 to 5-2, that will be big. They play in an area where the football is very simple. The schemes are not that complex. Its a smash mouth area and thats where I think the problem has been all these years, they are lining up going right at school that are much bigger than they are. Trying to run it down their throats. I dont think they can do that here. I think you need to be more creative and spread it out. The defenses don't see anything like that so they won't really know how to game plan against it. Its all pro set and I formations.
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Post by cjkal30 on Oct 26, 2007 9:31:04 GMT -6
Coach One approach to take to the kids in the weight rm is to convince the Basketball Coach and the players that it will ALSO help with basketball. Stronger legs can help, run, jump, and box out!!! Also instead of do a traditonal "football workout" maybe you can find a program that can help with basketball. In my opinion going from no lifting to some lifting even if not exactly what you want will help you. Also once the kids see themselves getting bigger and stronger that will draw them to the wieght room. I agree with the other coaches, you need to build a relationship with that b-ball coach, get him on your side tell him how football can help him build his program.
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Post by coachpat88 on Oct 26, 2007 9:35:59 GMT -6
Community involvement is a double edged sword that if handled right can turn a program around extremley fast. I firmly believe that One of your top priorities has to be to convince the community that you and your ideals are the only way the program can succeed. Here is a little something from my philosophy that I send out for jobs, and even to parents... PM me if you want the whole things (3 pages) Creating the family atmosphere starts with your staff and filters down throughout the program. Through time this atmosphere will filter into the community. That is when the program will take off. Creating a program that the community wants to be a part of and a program that the players know is bigger than any individual is key to any future success or maintaining of current success. As a head coach, I want to surround myself with a family oriented staff. I don’t need a staff necessarily consisting of hard-nose father figures. At times; big brothers, uncles, and friends will get the job done. My players need to know that the staff is invested. I need to know that no matter how they get the job done; my staff is committed to the same goals and believes in the same core philosophies as I.
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 9:36:57 GMT -6
I was thinking that already about the legs. But finding a good basketball workout is a great idea. Being as this is a private school, that means anyone can go there. One of the problems they have had in years, is that when the good players get a little older, they go off to a better football school. So once we start winning, then players will want to start coming here. And then I think its a water fall effect. And I might be a little nieve into thinking it, but I just dont see it being that tough to turn things around.
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Post by eickst on Oct 26, 2007 10:51:25 GMT -6
Where can I find a school that's willing to hire a 20-something with little experience to run the football program?
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 11:03:53 GMT -6
haha new york. And I never said i had little football experience. I said little coaching experience. Big difference.
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Post by brophy on Oct 26, 2007 11:30:13 GMT -6
haha new york. And I never said i had little football experience. I said little coaching experience. Big difference. little coaching experience being named the HEAD coach is rather peculiar...thats just the nature of the beast, no slight on YOU. Good for you...... It is just rare, because guys with years of coaching experience often have to fight to get HC consideration (even WITH clear program plans)
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 11:34:43 GMT -6
well, its a matter of knowing people. And willing to take a job that no one see's the potential. Oh and its like an hour away, haha.
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Post by brophy on Oct 26, 2007 11:38:33 GMT -6
Congratulations on the top spot.
What are your plans in your first off-season? What have they done before in the off-season?
How do you plan to recruit the hallways / how do you plan ot sell football to the student body?
Do you guys have $$$?
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Post by coachcalande on Oct 26, 2007 11:55:18 GMT -6
you are one lucky bugger.
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 11:56:38 GMT -6
There isn't a ton of money, they don't see the football program as money maker quite yet so they don't pump a lot into it. One of my assistants is also the vice principle. Being as its an hour away, I can't really be there on a daily basis like I wish I could be. So he has been talking to kids and speading the word to start recruiting. They have never had an off season of anything before. So I am going to hold some weekend mini camps once basketball season is over to start imputing the offense and defense, and do some conditioning. But before then, I am going to hold a meeting for any student (parents included) that is interested in coming out the following year to lay down some of the ground work. Code of conduct, what they can expect from me, what I expect from them. And then talk to them about off season work outs and why its so important. I also plan on talking to them about how we will be active in the community more than they have ever been. This is a school of kids that have had everything handed to them.
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Post by coachcalande on Oct 26, 2007 12:00:45 GMT -6
no offense but i think you can do a whole lot more than you just mentioned.
some ideas include an off season incentive program , give reward points for workouts made and also reward academic successes and reward participation in other sports.
you might want to go to your first meeting with some sort of music cd/highlight dvd of the offense and defense you plan to run at your school...you would be off to a great start if you could also have your entire off season calendar printed up and ready for distribution, include things like team challenges, 7 on 7, youth camps etc.
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 12:05:38 GMT -6
I actually have already started putting together a highlight film of the offense we plan on running to get the excitement up there. I started that last night. I am still working out the off season stuff. They have one more game, so they are still playing. I have a meeting with my coaching staff this weekend to put the entire off season calender in place. I want to do a complete timeline right up to the end of next season.
I love the idea of rewarding them. But what do you reward them with? I want them to play other sports and they have a history of playing student that are not elible academically, so I plan on addressing that big time. I was actually thinking about having 4 captains, 2 chosen by teamates, 1 by the coaching staff from week to week, and the other as an academic captain to reward sucess in the class room.
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Post by brophy on Oct 26, 2007 12:07:56 GMT -6
cool....but get down to brass tacks, what, specifically, are you going to DO?
You don't have to convince US of ideals or concepts (Hey, we're all coaches here), rubber-meets-the-road stuff is where you need the help(?) because it sounds like you have the general idea of what you want to accomplish.
maybe I'm selfish, but i'm just trying to get more information (for this thread)
Calande brings up another great point of the DVD highlight and laying out the calendar (nothing says you have it "together" like having short-term and long-term projections of objectives) - create the buzz that THIS coach is different and he's got his *** together.
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 12:14:57 GMT -6
I don't really have any more details planned out right now, I know that probably sounds really bad, but its the truth. I am going to get a lot done this weekend with the brainstorming session I plan on having.
I tihnk you hit the nail on the head, I need to create a buzz, and show them that I have my **** together and that I am not going to give up on them like their past coaches have.
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Post by tog on Oct 26, 2007 12:29:51 GMT -6
here is another thing to consider
do not badmouth the old coaches in any way to the kids or parents
nothing good ever comes from it
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 12:36:48 GMT -6
thanks, thats one thing I wont do. When I was a player, that situation happened where my new coach was bad mouthing my old one and that was not a good situation. It pretty much shut us all down.
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Post by brophy on Oct 26, 2007 13:01:56 GMT -6
just an example;
Nov - Dec break I) Intro player meeting one-on-one (intros, expectations, timelines) II) Parent meeting (break the ice, build the relationships) III) Weight Program (one specific time for players to attend...this is the developmental phase - work on form) IV) Evaluate Personnel review all film from previous season and rank ALL players in the program 1 - howmany, who is the BEST athlete....who is the WORST athlete. Decide the position they will make the MOST impact at.
Jan - Mar I) Begin holding monthly team-building events (bowling, night at movies, pizza party, video game tourney) - create an atmosphere from Sr - Frosh to participate in a relaxed environment II) Off-Season Weights - Start going into a building phase of mass & power (pyramids, more oly movements) III) Hold monthly AM Leadership classes - go over principles of leadership (Sr - Fr), attendees become part of leadership council / make team decisions / captains / etc. This should extend through the end of the school year. IV) Begin Plyo sessions opposite of Oly lifting sessions V) Monthly Competitions testing out in strength-feats (it pays to attend weights) -- we held "strongman comps" like the 'Worlds Strongest Man" contests, farmerwalks, tire flips, bench for reps, wall-sits, Pullups, etc.....
Apr - June I) Weight Program begins Advanced phase introducing more isolated movements II) More speed & Agility training that is built off your plyo sessions III) Spring-Time....time to get kids outside in the community doing charity work IV) Get outside (open gym, the 'intro to offense/defense' takes place here) V) Open Gym Competition WEEKLY competitive TEAM sessions (Sr-Fr) (include coaches, too) in basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, softball, etc)....has to be a WINNER and a loser involved. VI) Get in contact with Feeder Programs - get a list of all incoming freshmen that played the year prior (use this to have your players contact those freshmen to remind them about workouts and dates to report)
June - July I) 7-on-7 leagues / tourneys II) Team contact camps III) Weight program should be fine-tuning isolated multi-joint exercises (getting them to peak in August) IV) Program Barbeque - parents, boosters, etc....get together have fun, and conveniently go over the Summer Schedule and Season needs.
** get T-shirts printed....THESE are the rewards. You attend 98% of sessions...you get a T-shirt. You meet various physical testing requirements? You get a different T-Shirt.
T-shirts are advertising (recruiting) AND a reward
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Post by ducej11 on Oct 26, 2007 13:21:14 GMT -6
wow, great stuff brophy, thank you very much. Love the t-shirt idea.
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Post by goldenbear76 on Oct 26, 2007 17:20:56 GMT -6
I'd add the sentiment that get other coaches involved with your program. Tell the basketball coach, if he wants to help in anyway, you'll reciprocate during the basketball season. In fact your in a good situation cause you can ask him if you can help him in any way now that football season is over. Get as much support for your cause as you can, be a "community" guy.
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Post by jraybern on Oct 26, 2007 17:45:04 GMT -6
Well, I started this year as a 23 year old head coach with 2 years of assistant experience. I am also at a "basketball" school and the FB team went 0-9 last season. I got the job because I AM YOUNG, the coach before me is nearing retirement. It also helps that I am certified chemistry and physics. I recruited my tail off this summer. I got lucky. Two of the three best BB players came out for camp. They LOVED the spread passing stuff and runs like jet sweep and options and such. THEY convinced the best BB player in the school to come out. He ended up being our QB and accounted for something like 60% of our offense. I got lucky to get these kids but I know that the difference between 8-2 and 5-4 might be one kid.
We ended up 6-3. The best season they've had in 25 years.
Be energetic and be real for the kids. They see me more as a leader than an authority. I don't know if I buy it, but my assistant told me after our biggest win of the season (beat a team that won the state championship two years ago) that I willed the win with passion from the sideline. They have not had coaches that work hard or even really care about the kids. I can't help but like the kids and I hate losing.
When I came in I tried to establish the relationship with the BB coach. He has actually been very supportive and I will look for ways to be involved with the kids who are playing BB. Had a kid today tell me that he is going to play FB next year if I'm still here (he is a "BB player").
I don't have the answers. I got lucky. But be encouraged, if you do things right and get lucky, it will happen to you too. Best of luck.
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