|
Post by dsqa on May 28, 2010 16:17:13 GMT -6
From your response it sounds like you have already tried to create an opportunity for him and because you didn't say it exactly the way the guy wanted, he is having the pity party I have experienced.
When they do that, you do just what you did, notify the administration of the contact to protect yourself and "circle the wagons" on the kid, holding the line on what you need from him. I always made an effort to give every kid the benefit of the doubt in their request, but when they acted like a child and pouted, I just told them that until they want to man up, this discussion is over.
You are on the right track. As if what I think matters - :-)
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on May 28, 2010 8:38:20 GMT -6
I agree with cnunley here. I have been an AD in a private school, and there is no upside to giving any credence to this girl's post.
I would sit the young man down, talk to him about the post, and explain the concept of manhood and loyalty. This complaining he is doing just weakens his position and what he is trying to do.
I have had a little experience with this, and I will offer what I did, but again, I have no idea what your situation is, or whether this kid is even quality enough to try it.
The burden is on the kid to prove you wrong about him. That can be useful to a coach. Again, it depends on the kid.
I just sat the kid down, with the position coach from where he plays, and where he wants to play, (So he is sitting in front of 3 coaches) and would said something like:
If you really want to go down this road, you are going to have to "man up," shut your girlfriend up, and own this belief that you are good enough to demonstrate on a whole new level that you can play that position, or any position, for that matter. You are asking me to inconvenience my staff, and my depth charts to do this. But, I want to be fair. (What you are really saying is, I don't think you have what it takes even to play where I want you, but if you are willing to grow up and become a football player, I am more than happy to kick your a$$ in that general direction)
First, you will play where I want you to play - Oline. You must prove to me that you are willing to put the team ahead of your whims and your girlfiend. That is non-negotiable. (Have your Oline coach spell it out for him. If he is a starter, then best case for him, he plays some redzone and key short yardage plays at fullback, if he isn't, then maybe we can motivate the kid to take his game up a notch)
"At the same time here is what I need from you to show me you can play in the other position, and you will have to work your way into the depth chart." (Have the backs coach lay out the chart as it stands right now, right in front of the kid, and share what he sees about this situation. This will mean a lot to the backs coach, that he isn't being driven to agree, and he is free to tell the kid what he wants - "I don't see it happening, but I am willing to give you a shot within reason.")
You will start behind those who are currently there, and here are the milestones you have to meet each step along the way. (That will be what is agreed upon beforehand.)
In order to make the depth chart at all, and earn any reps to prove you can help us at fullback - you have to run the mile in ____, as stated before, and the 40 in ________. (Make it attainable and fair.)
You are responsible to know both positions, and you cannot falter on your primary duties in the line. You have to show me you can handle both positions, and trust me that I will give you the chance you want - you will have to trust us.
If you show you can handle it, and bring value to what we are doing in the backfield, you will get a few reps in a preseason game. Depending on how well you do, we will evaluate further opportunities and the backs coach will keep you apprised of your progress, but just like anyone else, you will have earn your spot.
Basically young man, you have to make it difficult for us to know where to play you because you are good in both places. If you can show us that you won't shirk your line duties, yet can help us in the backfield, you will become the "appliance" in the redzone and short yardage. You show us you can lead block, and do it better than anyone else, you will play in key situations. You make plays for this team, and we will have no choice but to start you where you feel you need to be, but that must be earned.
Lay it out in steps and assessments, be very professional about it. I assure you, as was the case most of the time, the intensity of the process discourages them, not because you weren't fair, they just realize it is more than what they bargained for. There is nothing wrong with their desire, this just gives you a process to channel his desire to help the team, because you have a kid who really wants something, and you can leverage that to make everyone better.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on May 27, 2010 7:04:16 GMT -6
One thing is clear, there is more to know about this game than one can learn in a lifetime.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Apr 29, 2010 21:27:34 GMT -6
can't argue with that. He has taken two unfortunate, but well located shots, his health will be a concern for sure. if he can stay healthy...but isn't that the trick for all these guys?
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Apr 26, 2010 12:04:47 GMT -6
Bradford is the most accurate passer in the draft, with some of the lowest maintenance mechanics issues.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Apr 26, 2010 10:37:10 GMT -6
I think what Josh McDaniels saw in Tim is what he saw in New England. Tim is a winner. Belichek recruited and convinced winners to play for less, play as a team, and win. Now, I am no expert on all things NFL, I am just saying that he clearly saw something in Tim that he could build around.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Feb 13, 2010 9:03:52 GMT -6
pigskin11
It was great meeting you in Santa Clara, thanks for sticking around until I got there, it was fun!
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 30, 2010 23:02:12 GMT -6
You won't be coaching very long if you are seeking to win the parent's approval.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 29, 2010 7:57:29 GMT -6
Having started two private school programs from scratch there are a couple of things to consider:
The concern over interest in playing the game is valid. If you suggest you are only going to play a JV team, you will struggle to get enough kids, especially some athletes that you will need to compete year one. You really need to start a varsity program to give you a full spread of access to kids and then schedule public school JV teams if you can't find weaker programs like yours in your area.
There are good athletes who will not play if the opportunity isn't competitive in their minds.
You will spend the first three season building football players anyway, so while OJW is right the schedule has some value as to how "low can you go," in the teams you schedule, you will be amazed at the time you have spend just getting the kids up to speed on the game - getting them dressed to practice was a challenge for me.
Your coaching emphasis will change dramatically for the first few years as well. We spent a great deal of time in drills, team time, and counseling - LOL. We had to play both ways, and I had 2 volunteer assistants that showed up 2 days/week. Just be prepared to ratchet back how much you expect to get done - especially from yourself.
One important recommendation. Keep your investments low where you can up front. If you don't have facilities currently, just use whatever field they may have for practice and workout a rental of a local high school on days they are away. You don't need a field. I coached 6 years without a home stadium, and it was fine - manage the money, mange the expectations. The more they put in up front, the more heartburn they will have with slow progress. Better to underpromise and overdeliver if you can
Just a few thoughts to think about...
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 19, 2010 9:55:42 GMT -6
E4 is still in the works, needed a year to vet out the concepts and make sure they were sound. Also, with the economy, we have really had to focus on the core business to survive.
R4 advanced tapes are coming - after the book.
R4 drills will be in the book as well - some of which are not on the tape - yes. New ones since the tape was done that we are doing.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 19, 2010 7:03:05 GMT -6
coachcompton, thank you for your very kind regards.
Great input so far coachdennis, saintrad, an touchdownmaker - just outstanding. I cannot improve on these posts above, but I just want to commend you coachcompton for your humility.
If there is one thing I regret in my coaching life, it was, and sadly still is, my pervasive lack of it. It isn't that I wish to project some double speak here to engender pity; I really sucked early on, and still visit "suckland" from time to time, because of arrogance and thinking I know so much - and what's even worse, my knowledge is what I thought mattered most.
You aren't taking that approach at all, and honestly, that is what will make you the better coach. There is a wise saying that "people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." It will be your passion to care for the players you are serving that will speak much louder through your actions and commitment to teach, than any speech you will ever give.
If I did it over again, I would arm myself, not with ideas and speeches, but ways to serve my players better - by finding creative teaching methods that produce real results, searching out all kinds of effective ways to put my players in a position to be successful, and then make sure I engaged one of the most important coaching techniques of all - correction slathered in encouragement.
Great coaching isn't about speeches and talk, it's about a willingness to endure the immaturity, arrogance, and rebellion of a teenaged young man who hasn't figured out yet that his greatest moments in sports and in life will not be when he wins or makes a great play, it will be when he learns to use what you taught him, to serve the guy next to him. The real victory in that investment you made, is when it happens that he does something great that is truly for another player with no regard for himself - that moment when he finally "gets it," and he looks at you and just smiles.
It won't be a speech that teaches him that, it will be your life.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 18, 2010 20:41:17 GMT -6
Saw this thread later, sorry to pull it up again, but I thought I would mention that we have a mechanics book is on its way. Actually, it is C4/R4/F4 in one book. The goal is to bring the same value as the DVDs through a different medium that we know will encourage and assist coaches in training their QBs. We are shooting for early Spring, but definitely before summer.
The working title of the book is,
"Cracking the Quarterback Code: Unlocking the Skills(C4), Decision Making(R4), and Preparation(F4) Process of a Winner."
The core is completed, we are just in the imaging and editing phase. Still a ton of work to do, but I thought you guys might be interested.
We aren't looking to replace the DVDs or anything, but rather to create a visual and effective aide to what we did with the DVDs.
Should be fun.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 6, 2010 17:28:48 GMT -6
Yes, we will have the DVDs at the convention.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jan 6, 2010 8:09:05 GMT -6
We will be there with a booth - Darin Slack Quarterback Academy. Would love to meet some Coacy Huey guys, make sure you come by and say hello - and make sure you remind me you're from Huey...Look forward to it.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Nov 14, 2009 0:11:56 GMT -6
Many do, I certainly was tempted at times. So much attention gets paid to the position, it can lead to weird ideas.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Oct 13, 2009 19:38:57 GMT -6
The sad thing going unmentioned in the AREA media in OK is the AD, guidance counselor, et al that cleared Lake to play and declared him eligible. They really are crushing this man - I understand that there are libelous things being said. Wow, may God spare me from such a mob. Not suggesting anyone here is going after him hard - we're just reeling from the story - but it's pretty bad in Tulsa.
Jenks didn't win the State Championship last year with Lake. However, they had won 9 of the previous 12 prior to Lake and back to back before him - does it really make sense to think they would intentionally endanger their situation for 1 athlete when they have won without it for so long?
Every story has two sides, and the more I hear about this story, the more I am convinced that there is only one side coming out, and its a sad day for a good man.
I was an AD and Head Football Coach, and while I certainly can see how some of these things would look to the reader. Just leave out a few things, or add a few things, and it can be made to look any way you want. If this kind of thorough study of every kid in every program was done, I am sure there would be many kids in strange circumstances.
I don't ignore the poor decisions made to let Jarrett participate in practices and camps, but in context, those opportunities look more consistent with trying to give a kid a chance to be involved, not trying to gain advantage if he had paperwork in, etc. I am sure if you went down the street and evaluated other successful programs in the area, you would find things that didn't add up, but when you aren't winning I guess no one is sending in anonymous e-mails about you.
I can only imagine what would have happened if someone had interviewed 11 different people, all seeking to protect their reputations on some level, about things I said and did with kids in my programs over the years.
I never broke the rules with malice, or intent to benefit my program, and without the full story from Trimble, this is just a report of the events from one individual 's vantage point - and it is assumed that this individual, and the recollection of the 11 others is completely unbiased in every way.
This is a tough, tough situation, and a great study in the human condition - imperfect, and indiscernible in terms of motive of the heart - only God knows what each was thinking.
I refer back to the original thread heading, "Trimble suspends himself..." When you want to see a man's intent and character, you have to take a lot more into account than one situation, which is what is at issue, and especially more than one man's account of the facts as they are laid out. The way a man handles these accusations can say as much about his intent as the actual story that is recalled.
It is just too easy to spin. It would be a grave mistake to assume that Trimble would knowingly jeopardize such a body of work as he had amassed at Jenks for 15 years, for one kid so cavalierly as they painted.
Did he make mistakes in this process? Yes, but all of them can be understood in a different light if you know the man, and that is what is left out of the docs - and that is too bad, because it doesn't take that into account - nor is it intended too. This is about the letter of the law. There are administrative timelines and paperwork that are not brought into the discussion which can easily turn those mistakes into grievous evil intent.
This is why it is so darn hard to be a Head Coach anywhere, because the rules exist in spirit and in letter, and in that gap lies the rub for any man's conscience in trying to help a kid. Even if it might put you at risk. He certainly, according to the rules, crossed some lines, but to who's benefit ultimately? Jarret has a full ride to OU, and is playing at another school. The man who helped him is being lynched, and we don't know what we don't know. The whole Hargrave thing is a debacle.
Jarrett Lake wasn't their best player last year, nor was he their best receiver, but none of that matters...
It is the simple appearance of impropriety that matters in today's world, which guarantees that no one can truly succeed in every way, the right way. Just look at the rules on D1 coaches - They have to have an entire compliance office devoted to following the rules, and they still break the rules, everyday! My son is playing for a D1 school right now, and they are breaking the spirit of the rules in ways that are irritating to me as a parent, but hey, everybody does it. That is what Rodriguez had to defend - spirit vs. letter - it is a slippery place.
Someone much greater than me said, "Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone." As I recall, not one stone flew that day He said. Why? I think it made each man look at himself without prejudice, and they found no innocence in themselves to start chucking. If I did that more in my life, I would probably judge a lot less. I am not defending the rules infractions, I am just seeking to offer a character support, because it appears that will go unnoticed if someone doesn't speak up for the man.
In the end, Allan will have to address the mistakes he made and how they were made based on what he knew, or thought he knew, and hopefully his total body of work will be considered in context as it is decided.
But which of us would survive this kind of scrutiny in our simple efforts to help a kid succeed. I know what he has done for all kinds of kids in his program that didn't get scholarships, and he didn't need this one to win - he already showed he could do that.
I just hope someday when, not if, my name is attached to this kind of evaluation, people will look deeper than an attorney's report of the events. do we really believe that an attorney's intentions are the only pure ones here?
God help us if that is the case, and help Allan Trimble, one of the kindest and biggest hearted coaches I have ever known.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Oct 7, 2009 20:54:14 GMT -6
I know a bit of what is going on here, and I know Trimble personally, and I can assure you, there is no need for Jenks to cheat to win. I have been a close observer of that program for years now and they win with kids they grow. They don't get a lot of transfers, and the ones they get aren't typically the level of this kid. He moved in last year with his mother because of a job change, as I understand it. Players who transfer typically trade up to go to Union, or Jenks, but Jenks doesn't get a lot of them, and the ones they get, don't always pan out. They really grow them - it is an uncanny development of players they have.
This process has a number of layers involved and Trimble did what he did for reasons that had nothing to do with gaining an unnecessary advantage. I don't know all the ins and outs, but one of their coaches is on my staff, so the little I do know doesn't support advantage. This guy wasn't even factor that much last year, and they didn't win the championship. He transferred out before the season began this year.
He is trying to protect the kids from a great deal of serious attacks from outside. I guess you win as much as they have, they are going to draw fire for anything that looks strange. The thread title says it all - "He suspended himself"
BTW, the "coach" in question wasn't a coach, but gray becomes black and white when people want heads to roll. Not suggesting things didn't go wrong, I don't know everything, but I know the men, and they are as genuine as they come. For my part, I will believe the best.
Not sure how this will play out, but Trimble is the real deal. One of the few I have met that genuinely and humbly pursues the best he can for the kids, and it is evident by how hard those kids play for each other.
I know there are many who will only see the outside and judge, but knowing the situation and the man to the degree I do, he is seeking to absorb as much of the hit as he can, so the kids don't have to take it. Not sure if that will make a difference, but he is trying to protect the season.
Just my two cents. Not everything here is at it appears.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Sept 11, 2009 15:45:38 GMT -6
coachbiggers,
Its a ball separation issue. Just have him hold the ball longer - until the front foot nearly touches the ground. This will reduce the amount of time he has to make his release. It is actually a pretty simple fix. He will just need to work harder on getting to zero, due to the reduced time available, as we discussed at the clinic.
Good Luck
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Sept 2, 2009 8:07:38 GMT -6
Coach,
I normally wouldn't chime in on a frivolous and laughable situation like this, but having worked as an AD and Head Football Coach in a private school setting for many years, my heart goes out to you.
That old adage, "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," was something I learned. These parents aren't a cancer, they are the nucleus of the brand new Youth team BOOSTER CLUB!
There is a tidbit of wisdom that I learned in all my years doing this, and you can take it with a grain of salt, but at the end of the day in this environment, you have to know where to flex, and where to draw the line.
This was a tough learning process for me, because I had great designs on how I wanted things done, and what I wanted everything to look like. Much of what I wanted never came to be. I spent most of my time running interference on things like this...this is nothing compared to what I encountered.
Here is what I had to come to terms with - what matters most to you as the coach?
Build a list of 5 simple non-negotiables, not wants or things you "like," NON-NEGOTIABLES - things that if broken by parent or player, would compromise you, or staff's authority in a practice, or a game.
For example, "Playing time is not discussed with parents, only kids."
Here is the rationale to parents, players: "We are building men, and it takes a man to approach a coach to request playing time - parents, let your boys become men and talk to me - if afterward, your son feels I was unapproachable, or harsh, you may come in WITH him to hear us talk about what we need to do to get him on the field. I will always be honest, fair, and reasonable about what your son needs to do, to get on the field, and I will create opportunities in practice to let him show me if he can do it. But, if you come parents, those opportunities will diminish, because none of you wants me to be influenced by parents to play one kid over another."
In essence, I had to identify areas that would compromise my decision making process, and authority, where it mattered - in the practice, and in the game. I used everything else, including dress code, etc. as a way to give the players and parents a sense that they were getting all kinds of input to the program, when "in reality" - those things just didn't matter in the big scheme of things.
This may require a little "letting go" of some "sacred cows", but in the end you will have a greater influence than you realize over the process. Just don't see your capitulation as "giving in" to parents. See it as strategically including them in the process without them getting near the things that matter. Draw the lines very clear for them on paper, and in your meetings with them, and if on occasion they cross it, just gently remind them and send them on their way. It is hard for them to complain when they are given so much access to things, and you are only making a few "policies" they have to follow. This makes it much easier for you to manage as well.
A few other examples, "Be as late as you want to practice, don't even come, that is just fine, there is no extra running, but for every time you're late, it costs you a quarter, and if you miss, it costs you a half."
Rationale: "Parents, we understand you have busy lives, so do we, and there are important things you have to do with your kids. We have absolutely no problem with that, if you realize that we need to reward those who can make practice a priority in their schedule. We will not berate your son for missing, or being late, just understand he will forfeit his game opportunity to someone who was there. If you miss repeated practices, or are late, it can cost the athlete's position on the depth chart, because we have to prepare, and without him here, we cannot make proper preparation if he doesn't know what we are doing, regardless of how good he is."
When aggressive parents pursue trivial matters with you, just explain that you really appreciate their observations, and if you can, get them to lead the charge to make happen what it is that they are saying isn't right. We had problems getting our kids fed well before games, some parents complained, I formed a committee around the concerned moms, expressed my deep appreciation, and my kids ate like kings for the rest of the season, and I had a group of team moms for YEARS!
Where to flex, where to draw the line. Fall back to what matters most, ask your coaches to help set the simple non-negotiables, and roll with the rest.
Hope that helps.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Aug 24, 2009 11:32:08 GMT -6
Just adding the obvious, but another way to look at it...
The serial killer of toughness is selfishness. Pure and simple.
This youth culture's incessant preoccupation with itself in the absence of loving and consistent discipline and higher expectations on them in general, their complacency is indicative of our culture's(parents, et al) unwilingness to engage them in any meaningful way. Frankly, this culture's pursuit of the "dream," left the kids to techno babysitters and drawing their own conclusions about what is truly valuable - and toughness, I assure you didn't make the list.
With so many Dads that have lost their hearts to the same selfishness they are trying to combat in their kids, it too often seems to fall to others to step in, and that means you.
Brophy is spot on when he says competitiveness is the key, but the absence of a "constructive" competitive environment outside the house, leaves kids to assume that everything's fine. I was at a Y basketball game the other day for my son, and parents were threatening lawsuits on one side before the game started because of the opposing team's abusive 'reputation' (they were pretty bad), while the other group of parents were openly mocking our players. Who are the children, and who are the grown ups? Unbelieveable. The game went fine, and my son's team lost by 30. I spent the entire game working with my son on overcoming his intimidation in the press. That is my job. Teach him to channel his emotions, control his anger, and COMPETE! Parents must learn to coach character, and leave the skills to the coach.
Then, when someone, a coach like you for instance, comes along and challenges these kids - you must now deal with the selfishness that the parents are largely unwilling to, ill-equipped to, or fearful to deal with.
Guys this is why we CANNOT LOSE HEART in the task at hand! You very well may be the last hope some of these kids have to become men, before they hit the world.
Role confusion, supremely unjustified arrogance, and self serving athletes, all gifts from a culture that would rather have their kid be an american idol, than a grown man that is tough because he is secure in who he is because he has seen it modeled for him at home, and he loves his teammates because someone who loved him made it mandatory that he learn to do so.
Thanks for staying in there in the heat everyday at 3:00 o'clock gentlemen, it is worth it.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Aug 23, 2009 21:40:06 GMT -6
you are welcome, it keeps me fired up as well, now that I am home and back doing the 85%!!!!
LOL
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Aug 23, 2009 21:38:15 GMT -6
composite is a good practice ball, it recovers from wet weather better long term, but it becomes unusable in the rain, as it absorbs no water, and makes the grip very slick. Leather absorbs water retaining gripability, but the recovery after wet weather is worse.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Aug 21, 2009 1:59:44 GMT -6
Tentative players can be a result of two things IMO, confusion or intimidation. If these kids are not "ready" for the speed of the game because they are "new" to the game, then I would probably think it is a bit of both at work.
That is extremely normal. I have started programs from scratch, and regardless of the athlete's size, if they aren't used to collisions, they won't start accelerating into them, usually until they are well into a season. It clicks differently for each kid, but it does happen. Sometimes it can take a good full season to get them acclimated.
If these kids are "new" as you say, then you really need to dial back your expectations for this season, and focus on building football players, not a scheme. These kids aren't football players yet.
Focus on encouraging every step any individual player takes towards acceleration on a hit, profusely. Create contexts where coaching is less important and just playing is more. The best plays ever made, were made in the sandlot, without coaches around. These kids have never played sandlot football like we did, so they have to learn to do it on some level. You are really forced to step back to bring them forward. I am not suggesting you are a threat, or anything, it is just that they have no foundation for the game, period, much less being taught a scheme with coaching. Sometimes a different atmosphere, can click for them..
Play scrimmages 8 on 8, and let the kids call their own plays using your stuff, use 3 linemen, etc. like arena ball. I did this as a reward for hard work, and as a way to find out who my real leaders were. I would see players come out of their shell when they were put in a slightly different situation.
I did have some kids out of position, etc. but I would play referee, and control the environment. It created some fun dynamics. We would put the ball at the 25 and give each team 4 plays to score, or we would go full field games. It varied, but we made it fun. We coached very little, unless the kid was doing something unsafe, or there were attitudes - which there always was a few= they were competing. It was just another way to do it.
I would also have them go no pads and play "sandlot", two hand touch. This would accelerate their play on the field. Same concept, but with flag football rules. The goal was the same - get them playing faster, by not thinking so much, and just playing.
Remember, you are building football players this season, so you may have to sacrfice some "team" time, and play reps to do this, but it gets the guys to engage more.
Of course, it does require valuable practice time to engage these things, but the kids loved it, they were motivated by it, and it was a good reward for work given.
Just some ideas, good luck.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Aug 19, 2009 11:21:50 GMT -6
You are welcome.
Here is the link...
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Aug 19, 2009 10:45:12 GMT -6
Coach, The word is "passio." The latin root of passion.
In context, most young men today understand passion in terms of its modern definition - ardent desire, strong emotion, or feeling.
The original meaning of the word comes from the latin root - "passio", or "pati-" which means, "to suffer". The context was associated with the sufferings of Christ - hence the term, "The Passion of the Christ." This association was the first time the concept of love was identified with the word, because Christ loved his followers and suffered deeply on their behalf. So passion, in its original meaning, is a more substantive word than what we are using today, or what is generally more used. This is yet another example of the standard of something, in this case, a word, being defined down to levels that don't carry their original depth or meaning. Unfortunately, this redefining of the meaning of this word, dovetails with the ever increasing "softness" we are observing in our athletes, as they become more emotional, rather than resolute in their performance.
This original mixture of suffering driven by love creates a better, more solid definition of passion, that transcends the idea of simple transient emotion, or feeling in a moment - this goes to the will of a man. That reality that exists deeper than his emotions.
It operates in what I call the "non-negotiables" of his will. These are decisions made outside of emotion that govern his willingness to serve others.
So, simply put, "passio" is best understood in football terms, in the following question:
"What are you willing to suffer for those you claim to love on your team?"
ie. What changes are you willing to endure? What drills are you willing to do that drive you to boredom? How deep does your willingness to serve, and suffer while doing so, go - as it relates to your friends? Are you willing to do what others are not?, not because you love football, but because of who you play with, and for?
If you love the game, your "passio" will be vulnerable to the influence of a game's distractions - the scoreboard, the ref calls, the weather, the situations....
Conversely, If you truly love the guys you are playing with, your "passio" will tend to be unshakeable in this regard. Why? Because, the "decision" has already been made to do what others are not willing to do, and that includes the possibility of real pain, sacrifice, and suffering, on behalf of those around you.
The game may be one aspect of that sacrifice, but the player's determination to serve his teammates on a much deeper level, even to the point of personal suffering, makes them very difficult to rattle. This "determinant will" to serve to the point of personal suffering has been lost to a large degree in the kids we work with, basically to this entire generation.
More importantly, if an athlete can embrace the concept of "passio", their ability to sustain "the fight" under greater distress becomes a reality. Why? They are fighting for something bigger than the game, or the outcome. They are playing with a self imposed accountability to their teammates and coaches.
Essentially, they mature in their commitment and manhood sooner, because they are learning operate at the level of the will and not by their emotions - like a "real" man must do every day of his life.
So, when a "real" man pursues this kind of "suffering," intentionally, or purposefully seeks the inevitable requirement of denying himself to serve someone else, even if he doesn't get paid back, this is what you can say is his "passio", or passion.
Said another way, and one that every coach here will appreciate, to suggest that a coach "has a passion for coaching football," only because he loves the game, falls painfully short in quantifying what is really going on in the man.
To cheapen this profession's core competency by suggesting that their passion for it is merely an "ardent desire, or strong emotion" that they have, and therefore could easily discard, is brutally inane.
It goes infinitely deeper than that for the genuine coach, and "real" man, who must make a daily, sometimes hourly, decision to suffer deep internal pain and humiliation choosing to serve young men who neither understand, nor appreciate, on ANY level, the amount of time, patience, and self-control it takes to lead them on one day, much less, help them navigate an entire high school career!
"Passio" as it was originally meant, gives us a better definition to consider our role. It captures that internal, highly combustive, process in the coach, and creates a context for it to be talked about, appropriated when challenged, and improved in the man who possesses it.
More humorously, it is better characterized by that great philosopher, Jerry Maguire in the bathroom with Cuba Gooding in the movie, Jerry Maguire, when he said something to the effect, "Help me, help you, HELP ME, HELP YOU, I am out here FOR YOU, and that is an up at dawn, pride swallowing siege, that I will never fully tell you about!"
I just use this speaking forum at the camp to position the concept, and make a simple statement, "We know what this "passio" looks like in mature men, who are out there everyday laying it on the line, but what are the possibilities of impact on a program, a community, a city, if the "men" who are being built at this time, got this concept into their hearts, NOW, rather than later?"
That "possibility of passio" in our players is when things really start to get interesting in a football program and for a coach...
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Aug 19, 2009 7:09:34 GMT -6
Dub Maddox put this together...he is the video editing guru! Hope it inspires your boys for what we all hope will be a great season for everyone on the board.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Aug 19, 2009 7:06:33 GMT -6
touchdownmaker,
that is a GREAT question! The encapsulates the entire decision into one package - well done.
For what its worth, I would get the "race down" to 2 QBs before Saturday and announce your starter after that game. If you try to move 3 guys through an evaluative scrimmage, you won't get enough reps to see what you want to see out of them,
but, I am with kyle on this one, I think you have already answered your own question - #3
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jul 12, 2009 15:15:47 GMT -6
Coach,
Haven't been avoiding you, just got back from 6 days out. My apologies for the delay. I probably need to respond to your other thread you started, so I can keep it in the right area. Thanks for your patience.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Jul 12, 2009 15:11:37 GMT -6
You are welcome.
coachdoug, thank you for taking the time to break us down like you did. I am glad you found it helpful.
|
|
|
Post by dsqa on Apr 25, 2009 21:52:26 GMT -6
That was an impressive display of control and accuracy. He is quite consistent. Very well done.
We have studied this process pretty intensely, and this was fun to watch...
|
|