|
|
Post by 1bignasty on Jan 11, 2022 12:26:39 GMT -6
Does anyone have a recommendation for Character Education programs that I can use with my team. I am in a situation different than I have ever experienced in that regard. Kids aren't horrible and we are turning the program from a loser into a winner, but I am still not happy with the team character. Second season here and things have gotten a little better but it is obvious the players have not had a lot of instruction nor education as to how to be great teammates, diligent in the classroom, carry themselves with a level of respect, etc. Winning games is second to winning life. I want to find materials that give video teaching segments and discussion opportunities on character issues as well as over-all culture. I want to use it once per week and make it mandatory both in season and out. I am not interested in workbooks or anything which will give the players extra assignments.......just good lessons which we in turn can reinforce on a regular basis.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2022 13:11:07 GMT -6
What is the consequence if they refuse in the offseason?
|
|
|
|
Post by RunThePistol on Jan 11, 2022 13:29:03 GMT -6
There's a coach down in Georgia, I forgot his name... he uses "Manly Mondays". Every Monday he gives a quick lesson about what it means to be "a man". He used everyday ideas like how to change a tire, gave a lesson about how to layer rope to multiply it's strength for pulling someone's car out of ditch.
You could implement this concept into your off-season routine in order to get your desired reaction. Utilize stories, and the importance of those things. Tons of short clips on youtube about importance of being on time, finishing what you start, loving your teammates, etc.
|
|
|
|
Post by chi5hi on Jan 11, 2022 13:55:32 GMT -6
Does anyone have a recommendation for Character Education programs that I can use with my team. I am in a situation different than I have ever experienced in that regard. Kids aren't horrible and we are turning the program from a loser into a winner, but I am still not happy with the team character. Second season here and things have gotten a little better but it is obvious the players have not had a lot of instruction nor education as to how to be great teammates, diligent in the classroom, carry themselves with a level of respect, etc. Winning games is second to winning life. I want to find materials that give video teaching segments and discussion opportunities on character issues as well as over-all culture. I want to use it once per week and make it mandatory both in season and out. I am not interested in workbooks or anything which will give the players extra assignments.......just good lessons which we in turn can reinforce on a regular basis. Did you ever consider how the Armed Forces will take a gaggle of newbies and turn them into a team? The 1st thing...they all become uniform in something. They see each other as a member of a group which is other than the regular people on the street. Perhaps a T-Shirt, a Sweater or Jacket, maybe a hat...something that sets them apart from everyone else (IAW school dress code). Let them begin to see that they all belong with one-another. Before you can act like a team, you have to look like a team. Is it worth considering something along those lines? |
|
|
|
Post by groundchuck on Jan 11, 2022 13:57:24 GMT -6
I liked the Character Matters Curriculum when I was a head coach. www.coachcharacter.com/But I also picked and chose, then adapted different things from other coaches and added in or substracted. I will also say though the best teacher of character is the coaches and their behavior and what they tolerate. |
|
|
|
Post by realdawg on Jan 11, 2022 14:06:35 GMT -6
You wouldnt have the videos, but you could come up with your own. Thats what I do. I introduce a topic at the first of the week. First week is what is character, second week is always Love. Then you go from there, what do you want to emphasize? I try to tie the next week into the last week if at all possible. Again, you wouldnt have the videos but generally this is what I do.
Monday-Introduce this weeks character trait and talk about what it means-both dictionary meaning and real life application.
Tuesday-Some quick quotes from some people more famous than me about this weeks emphasis.
Wednesday-A more in depth discussion and conversation about this weeks trait, what it means, why it is important.....etc...
Thursday and Friday-try to get a player or 2 to talk about this weeks trait.
Monday/Tues/Thur/Fri takes about 5 min
Wed takes a little longer-maybe 15-20.
I also try to find ways to use the word or trait throughout the course of our warmup, lift, run whatever, and use it and teach it continually through the class period.
|
|
|
|
Post by CanyonCoach on Jan 11, 2022 14:36:45 GMT -6
If you are looking for pre packaged we have used Habitudes for athletes but that has been turned over to the entire student body. So the football team has started using Jon Gordon Books as a means to open discussions. We are using Energy Bus, the hard Hat and You win in the locker room first.
|
|
|
|
Post by blb on Jan 11, 2022 15:05:26 GMT -6
If you are doing a good job teaching "character" and "life lessons" during Football season when you have kids' undivided attention - why would you have to do anything in Off-Season?
If you feel you do - maybe what you're doing in the fall isn't good enough-sticking?
In that case giving them more to listen to, read, write - like another class with homework - isn't going to help.
|
|
|
|
Post by larrymoe on Jan 11, 2022 19:49:11 GMT -6
Why do football coaches in particular among coaches feel like they need to raise other people's kids?
I know, I know- no one else is doing it, you're uniquely qualified to do it, they need it to play a made up game, society, poverty, yada yada yada...
|
|
|
|
Post by realdawg on Jan 12, 2022 4:29:51 GMT -6
Alot of it has to do with the #culture guys on social media. But.....
For me-I dont feel like I want to raise other peoples kids. However, I do realize that some of my guys are not gonna get this instruction at home (I would say half). I want them to have the character it takes to do things right and continue to play hard when things arent going on our way. I want them to care about one another and be as close of a group as possible. I think it is important for the off season development of our team
|
|
|
|
Post by groundchuck on Jan 12, 2022 5:01:43 GMT -6
Why do football coaches in particular among coaches feel like they need to raise other people's kids? I know, I know- no one else is doing it, you're uniquely qualified to do it, they need it to play a made up game, society, poverty, yada yada yada... Could get deep into psychology stuff here but a lot of teachers and coaches probably fall into the "rescuer" catagory on the drama triangle. (Rescuer, victim, persecutor). I have said it before, and I will say it again. The best thing you can doto teach character is to be a good man and walk the walk with them. Huddle them in on the green grass (or turf) and tell them a story. Do that. Then if you have time (or make time) in meetings do something else. This year as a position coach I used the first 2-5 minutes of my DB meetings to show a video. For example I showed the Ernie Johnson video when he was talking to Alabama Football. |
|
|
|
Post by IronmanFootball on Jan 12, 2022 6:41:13 GMT -6
Does anyone have a recommendation for Character Education programs that I can use with my team. I am in a situation different than I have ever experienced in that regard. Kids aren't horrible and we are turning the program from a loser into a winner, but I am still not happy with the team character. Second season here and things have gotten a little better but it is obvious the players have not had a lot of instruction nor education as to how to be great teammates, diligent in the classroom, carry themselves with a level of respect, etc. Winning games is second to winning life. I want to find materials that give video teaching segments and discussion opportunities on character issues as well as over-all culture. I want to use it once per week and make it mandatory both in season and out. I am not interested in workbooks or anything which will give the players extra assignments.......just good lessons which we in turn can reinforce on a regular basis. What is your Purpose as a coach? How do you define success? What are your / your program's 3 Core Values? Teach 1 lesson about your Purpose as a coach 1 lesson about your definition of success as a Community member 1 lesson about each Core Value Then 1 lesson on letting the players select their Core Values (individually, you collect their top 3 CV's) Teach a lesson about the 3 CV's they chose as a team I would make sheets they keep in a binder, where they fill in the blanks as you go. The Eagles did this under Chip Kelly. You leave each season with a handbook for life. |
|
|
|
Post by woodyboyd on Jan 12, 2022 6:53:35 GMT -6
|
|
|
|
Post by groundchuck on Jan 12, 2022 8:38:31 GMT -6
...and as much as I do enjoy a good "character curriculum" I am also very skeptical of these products because it seems sometimes like every couple months somebody new joins the clinic/video circuit with character and culture products so they can make a buck.
|
|
|
|
Post by wingtol on Jan 12, 2022 9:27:06 GMT -6
I liked the Character Matters Curriculum when I was a head coach. www.coachcharacter.com/But I also picked and chose, then adapted different things from other coaches and added in or substracted. I will also say though the best teacher of character is the coaches and their behavior and what they tolerate. I second this curriculum. We were one of the first schools to start with Wade as he was living in our city at the time. It's top notch stuff and he will even tell you it's set up to be a quick blast not some intensive program that takes a ton of time. Wade comes from a big time football family with several D1 coaches in his family. It's very user friendly and our kids got a lot from it. It's not raising other peoples kid or trying to convert them or create some cult like atmosphere. Lots of kids have no idea what the words mean that we use with them everyday. This curriculum gives them an idea what those words mean and how they effect their everyday lives. It really is good stuff. |
|
|
|
Post by groundchuck on Jan 12, 2022 9:35:56 GMT -6
I liked the Character Matters Curriculum when I was a head coach. www.coachcharacter.com/But I also picked and chose, then adapted different things from other coaches and added in or substracted. I will also say though the best teacher of character is the coaches and their behavior and what they tolerate. I second this curriculum. We were one of the first schools to start with Wade as he was living in our city at the time. It's top notch stuff and he will even tell you it's set up to be a quick blast not some intensive program that takes a ton of time. Wade comes from a big time football family with several D1 coaches in his family. It's very user friendly and our kids got a lot from it. It's not raising other peoples kid or trying to convert them or create some cult like atmosphere. Lots of kids have no idea what the words mean that we use with them everyday. This curriculum gives them an idea what those words mean and how they effect their everyday lives. It really is good stuff. I know Brad and Tim, his brothers. I have never met Wade but spoken to him on the phone. Like you said it is set up to a quick blast during a meeting. If I got back into a position where I could use it, I would. |
|
|
|
Post by fantom on Jan 12, 2022 10:03:14 GMT -6
Why do football coaches in particular among coaches feel like they need to raise other people's kids? I know, I know- no one else is doing it, you're uniquely qualified to do it, they need it to play a made up game, society, poverty, yada yada yada... Could get deep into psychology stuff here but a lot of teachers and coaches probably fall into the "rescuer" catagory on the drama triangle. (Rescuer, victim, persecutor). I have said it before, and I will say it again. The best thing you can doto teach character is to be a good man and walk the walk with them. Huddle them in on the green grass (or turf) and tell them a story. Do that. Then if you have time (or make time) in meetings do something else. This year as a position coach I used the first 2-5 minutes of my DB meetings to show a video. For example I showed the Ernie Johnson video when he was talking to Alabama Football. I agree that stuff like this- a five minute talk before a workout, a quick video clip during a meeting, individual informal conversations- work a lot better than scheduled hour-long meetings with the whole team. |
|
|
|
Post by CanyonCoach on Jan 12, 2022 11:47:03 GMT -6
Why do football coaches in particular among coaches feel like they need to raise other people's kids? I know, I know- no one else is doing it, you're uniquely qualified to do it, they need it to play a made up game, society, poverty, yada yada yada... We use it to address leadership attributes more than character development. Some kids have shown tremendous growth and are prepared when the time arises to take over the leadership roles that appear on football teams. Have we always had amazing athlete leaders-NO. Do we think we are at least giving athletes tools to navigate the role-Yes. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2022 12:32:49 GMT -6
The problem with all of this, is that if its a problem, you, the coach is allowing it. Your players are disrespectful? And its happening inside the team element? Who’s fault is that? They are not being good teammates? Who allows that? Who is getting reports on their classroom behavior? ITS ALL ON YOU, the coach. ITS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU? Take them off the practice field. BENCH THEM FRIDAY NIGHT. COLLECT THEIR {censored} until they fall in line with YOUR EXPECTATIONS. You want them to sacrifice for the team, what is the coach willing to sacrafice?
TALKING HASNT WORKED. Teacher,coaches, parents, pastors, peer pressure…. ALL TALK TALK TALK. And you think the 5 minute lesson is the trick?
If all you do is talk, you are full of {censored}. If that is all you are allowed you are full of {censored}. And worse of all, YOUR PLAYERS KNOW IT.
|
|
|
|
Post by Defcord on Jan 12, 2022 12:37:38 GMT -6
I had a really cool experience this year. I don't talk about character stuff beyond what it takes to better at defense. Our head coach does a lot of stuff and I appreciate and think it's impactful. I don't know if the sky would fall if he didn't do it, but it's definitely not bad for the kids.
Anyway, as a coordinator all I focused on was working hard. We emphasized the stuff most important to our defensive scheme and philosophy. We hit a few things really hard and we held kids accountable with film, with coaching, with awards, etc.
At the end of the season I resigned. When I resigned, a bunch of kids sent me texts like "Coach, thanks for helping me a better person." "Thanks for all the life lessons, I will be a better man..." I probably got more messages like this here than anywhere else. And I never intentionally talked about any character stuff. I think though that I modeled it extremely well. I work with energy and passion and I think kids saw the character in that.
I don't know how much content coaches should push out to the kids, but I know if you show up and work in a way that is respectable it will have an impact on kids.
|
|
|
|
Post by IronmanFootball on Jan 12, 2022 12:48:43 GMT -6
The problem with all of this, is that if its a problem, you, the coach is allowing it. Your players are disrespectful? And its happening inside the team element? Who’s fault is that? They are not being good teammates? Who allows that? Who is getting reports on their classroom behavior? ITS ALL ON YOU, the coach. ITS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU? Take them off the practice field. BENCH THEM FRIDAY NIGHT. COLLECT THEIR {censored} until they fall in line with YOUR EXPECTATIONS. You want them to sacrifice for the team, what is the coach willing to sacrafice? TALKING HASNT WORKED. Teacher,coaches, parents, pastors, peer pressure…. ALL TALK TALK TALK. And you think the 5 minute lesson is the trick? If all you do is talk, you are full of {censored}. If that is all you are allowed you are full of {censored}. And worse of all, YOUR PLAYERS KNOW IT. I'm not an up downs guy, I'm a playing time guy. If up downs worked- the same jackleg wouldn't always be doing them. And c'mon now, we all know it's the same 2-3 guys every time. 10-80-10 rule exists everywhere in life. Talents are unteachable, skills/knowledge are teachable. I would say that Drive (motivation) is a Talent and is unteachable. 50% genetics, 10% experience, 40% choice. However, I do see a benefit in teaching things like Core Values, goals, Purpose, servant leadership. Do I think those things will change an apathetic sociopath into being an empathetic positive member of our Community? Nah. But I think it can tip the tide on a lower 10%'er to being found, a found 80%'er into elite, and teach an elite how to 'hang loose' and if we can get 1 a season to slide up the 10-80-10 we've done our jobs. But you're 100% right, if someone tells you to F off and you just give them a 5m video clip and 30 up downs, you're allowing it. Personal discipline is hard. Humans want to be liked and part of a Community. |
|
|
|
Post by blb on Jan 12, 2022 13:16:54 GMT -6
The problem with all of this, is that if its a problem, you, the coach is allowing it. Your players are disrespectful? And its happening inside the team element? Who’s fault is that? They are not being good teammates? Who allows that? Who is getting reports on their classroom behavior? ITS ALL ON YOU, the coach. ITS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU? Take them off the practice field. BENCH THEM FRIDAY NIGHT. COLLECT THEIR {censored} until they fall in line with YOUR EXPECTATIONS. You want them to sacrifice for the team, what is the coach willing to sacrafice? TALKING HASNT WORKED. Teacher,coaches, parents, pastors, peer pressure…. ALL TALK TALK TALK. And you think the 5 minute lesson is the trick? If all you do is talk, you are full of {censored}. If that is all you are allowed you are full of {censored}. And worse of all, YOUR PLAYERS KNOW IT. @coachpithy I hope you become a HC at some point (soon) to see how you work out all these issues you continue to complain about on here, apparently all related to your current situation, how successful you are in doing so. |
|
|
|
Post by woodyboyd on Jan 12, 2022 13:42:41 GMT -6
We also did a book study using Jim Tressel's The Winner Manual one season.
|
|
|
|
Post by flacoach10 on Jan 12, 2022 17:48:38 GMT -6
We've done this different ways in different seasons using various programs. The Real Man Character program is excellent-realmaninc.org has lots of information. You can buy a package with more in depth material but honestly if you just use what is on the site that's a great base to work from. Coaches and/or players can take turns presenting on the different topics. They also email a weekly character thought that can be a great conversation starter for quick talks.
Coaching to Change Lives by D.W. Rutledge and Dennis Parker is another good one that we've used. Rather than buying a bunch of books to give out, we would make copies of the lessons we wanted to use from one master copy. The Classroom by Clint Rutledge has several of the same lessons and is closely related to this book.
The Team Captains Leadership Manual by Jeff Janssen has a great curriculum for captains. More writing and exercises as compared to just talks and lessons but a very good curriculum for a smaller group.
I always tried to change it up year to year especially if there were lots of returners so that it didn't become mundane or monotonous. A nice blend of intentional, formal lessons mixed with more informal talks sparked by current events, adversity faced during the season etc. I think works best. Finding the right balance between overdoing and underdoing it is important and also the right balance between it being led by the head coach vs. shared among coaches and/or players.
If anyone has any questions on implementation feel free to DM.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2022 18:05:51 GMT -6
The problem with all of this, is that if its a problem, you, the coach is allowing it. Your players are disrespectful? And its happening inside the team element? Who’s fault is that? They are not being good teammates? Who allows that? Who is getting reports on their classroom behavior? ITS ALL ON YOU, the coach. ITS THAT IMPORTANT TO YOU? Take them off the practice field. BENCH THEM FRIDAY NIGHT. COLLECT THEIR {censored} until they fall in line with YOUR EXPECTATIONS. You want them to sacrifice for the team, what is the coach willing to sacrafice? TALKING HASNT WORKED. Teacher,coaches, parents, pastors, peer pressure…. ALL TALK TALK TALK. And you think the 5 minute lesson is the trick? If all you do is talk, you are full of {censored}. If that is all you are allowed you are full of {censored}. And worse of all, YOUR PLAYERS KNOW IT. I'm not an up downs guy, I'm a playing time guy. If up downs worked- the same jackleg wouldn't always be doing them. And c'mon now, we all know it's the same 2-3 guys every time. 10-80-10 rule exists everywhere in life. Talents are unteachable, skills/knowledge are teachable. I would say that Drive (motivation) is a Talent and is unteachable. 50% genetics, 10% experience, 40% choice. However, I do see a benefit in teaching things like Core Values, goals, Purpose, servant leadership. Do I think those things will change an apathetic sociopath into being an empathetic positive member of our Community? Nah. But I think it can tip the tide on a lower 10%'er to being found, a found 80%'er into elite, and teach an elite how to 'hang loose' and if we can get 1 a season to slide up the 10-80-10 we've done our jobs. But you're 100% right, if someone tells you to F off and you just give them a 5m video clip and 30 up downs, you're allowing it. Personal discipline is hard. Humans want to be liked and part of a Community. The only way in my experience to character building, is through playing time, practice reps, dressing out. Cause ultimately if they dont want to play in the games, what are they doing there? If you want to play in the games, you need to be at practice getting reps….but if you dont do that, why are you out for football? You dont want to lift?, you dont know what you are suppose to do, you make no effort to. Again, why do are you out for football? And the wording can be changed to why do you want to coach? You dont want to participate in practice, you are never hear for lifts, and you obviously have more important stuff to do. You dont go to clinics, you spend no time on hudl. And you run the same drills you ran in hs and telling of the good ole days. And all of that is football related stuff, WATCH THIS, THAT IS CHARACTER BUILDING. If you want to be a legitimate member of a team, You are going to make that important. That means taking care of your buisness. Your grades, your brotherhood, your body. As a coach you are at clinics, you are a member of coachhuey(you like that?!) you are looking for understanding, new drills, you are not playing golf when its time to lift. |
|
|
|
Post by olballcoach on Jan 13, 2022 9:50:22 GMT -6
Ok, I'll bite...I am not here to start a war, and I think it is admirable that you want to improve your program through character building.
For me...
20 minutes of 3x1 snag variation > 20 Minutes of character
20 minutes of formation rec./alignment > 20 Minutes of youtube.com motivational video
20 minutes of 2 back run fits > 20 Minutes of "played led" counsel meeting
20 minutes of man technique > 20 Minutes of some leadership book
20 minutes of zone steps/veer/insert any run scheme > 20 Minutes of "I'm going to post this on twitter"
See what I am getting at...I understand we all coach in different parts of the World. Rich families, poor families, no families, married homes, divorced homes, the list goes on and on. We ALL have our own problems and troubles within our program, and I AM NOT DOWNPLAYING THAT ONE BIT!!!
Just my opinion, follow human nature.
If a kid wants to be part of your program, he will.
If a kid wants to do what you ask of him, he will.
I would take a guess that MOST of your kids didn't wake up saying, "I can't wait to do up-downs." "I can't wait for the character lesson."....NO!
They woke up wanting to see you, be part of a program, get a lift, and PLAY FOOTBALL!!!
I'll say it again...
Your culture plays very little role on Friday night. Keep this in mind...
You can do all the culture stuff you want in January and February, but come October, don't you wish you would have spent 20 minutes more a day on X&O/scheme in January/February/March, rather than some Rocky video montage...
If my opponent is better than me, I am probably going to lose, but...If my opponent is better than me, you can bet your @$$, that I will do everything I can to try to out scheme him. Yes, you may beat me, but I am at least I'm going to give my kids a chance with the scheme I implemented in January, as opposed to May.
Think about it, how many times have you uttered, "We aren't very smart.".....
Yes, that kid might not be very bright, but you didn't give him a chance to learn and grasp the concept in January. Remember, that kid signed up to play football. He doesn't want to hear about your glory days.
|
|
|
|
Post by 1bignasty on Jan 13, 2022 11:44:57 GMT -6
What is the consequence if they refuse in the offseason? I have them all in Football class both semesters. There may be a few who can’t get in 2nd semester but we have most. |
|
|
|
Post by 1bignasty on Jan 13, 2022 11:57:51 GMT -6
If you are doing a good job teaching "character" and "life lessons" during Football season when you have kids' undivided attention - why would you have to do anything in Off-Season? If you feel you do - maybe what you're doing in the fall isn't good enough-sticking? In that case giving them more to listen to, read, write - like another class with homework - isn't going to help. That isn’t the case at all. I have them year around and I want to emphasize it year around. It’s like training. If you train speed, power, strength for 4 months and then stop for 8 months, then why train at all. |
|
|
|
Post by 1bignasty on Jan 13, 2022 12:09:49 GMT -6
...and as much as I do enjoy a good "character curriculum" I am also very skeptical of these products because it seems sometimes like every couple months somebody new joins the clinic/video circuit with character and culture products so they can make a buck. I agree with that. It’s not that I want a bunch of cheesey, feel good junk. I am committed to making this program first class. |
|
|
|
Post by 1bignasty on Jan 13, 2022 12:12:51 GMT -6
I liked the Character Matters Curriculum when I was a head coach. www.coachcharacter.com/But I also picked and chose, then adapted different things from other coaches and added in or substracted. I will also say though the best teacher of character is the coaches and their behavior and what they tolerate. I second this curriculum. We were one of the first schools to start with Wade as he was living in our city at the time. It's top notch stuff and he will even tell you it's set up to be a quick blast not some intensive program that takes a ton of time. Wade comes from a big time football family with several D1 coaches in his family. It's very user friendly and our kids got a lot from it. It's not raising other peoples kid or trying to convert them or create some cult like atmosphere. Lots of kids have no idea what the words mean that we use with them everyday. This curriculum gives them an idea what those words mean and how they effect their everyday lives. It really is good stuff. Sounds like exactly what I am looking for. |
|
