By Jeff Hancock
Offensive Coordinator
Siena Heights University
-Can he Recruit?
-Does he know his X’s and O’s?
-Can he teach?
In my experience of hiring coaches over the years, these are the three most critical criteria to decide if a potential candidate is the right person for the job. I also believe that the last (can he teach) is the most overlooked of the three. Coaches spend a lot of time learning how to do the first two as well as they can but sometimes overlook the third. So as we all embark on fall camp this month, I would like to share a few things for you to consider in regard to teaching your players.
-HOW DOES EACH PLAYER LEARN?
Employ all aspects of learning (hear, see, do). For example, show and explain on the board, show and explain on film, walk through on the field, then run through on the field. Most kids these days love technology and tend to be visual learners. Keep this in mind as you teach.
-WHOLE-PART-WHOLE CONCEPT
Our skill players must know what the entire play is, not just what they are doing at a specific position. To accomplish this, we teach the entire concept of the play and why we run that play on the board and through film. Secondly, we teach what each individual position must know. Lastly, we put it all together with 11 players on the field walking through and finally running it against a defensive look.
-NOT EVERYONE IN THE ROOM LOVES FOOTBALL AS MUCH AS YOU
This one can be hard to admit to yourself, but it’s probably true. So keeping this in mind, make sure you break up instruction with the occasional change of subject, change in voice tone, joke, short break, etc. No one wants to be the teacher from Ferris Bueller.
-KEEP MEETINGS SHORT
I have always gotten bored in any meeting that lasts more than an hour or so, so why do you think your players are any different?
-USE THE VETERANS TO TEACH THE ROOKIES
This is especially good at the early stages of camp to keep the veterans engaged as well. This gives you the opportunity to see what they have retained by calling them up to the board to review a play or concept. Consider employing a “Big Brother” system, pairing up a veteran with a rookie to help teach throughout camp.
-TEACH TO THE ROOKIE IN THE ROOM
Keep in mind the words you are using as you teach your players. Not all of them may know what an “Overhang” is yet. Sometimes you have to teach the words you use first before teaching the concepts. Remember one of those young guys may be playing for you this year.
-DON’T GIVE A SERMON ON THE PRACTICE FIELD
In this day and age of up-tempo football, you must be able to coach the same way. Have a word, short phrase, or signal that can quickly tell a player what he did right or wrong so that you can move onto the next thing. Give the sermon in the film room or after practice if needed.
-BE YOURSELF
People know when you are trying to be someone you’re not, so just be yourself. Players will appreciate you more for it.
Good luck in camp and teach’em up!