APPROACH TO PRACTICE SESSIONS:
The practice field is our classroom.
Nothing is more important to success than the time we spend on the practice
field. The important thing is how to utilize this time. All practices are
structured with the intent of creating maximum number of quality reps position
by position designed to meet specific goals for each day, week and season. We will
have practices organized to the minute. We will not however, become a slave to
a manager or coach with a stopwatch or whistle. We will not permit ‘being
organized’ to smother practice flexibility. Judgement will come into play when
unexpected situations demand a choice be made between staying within a
designated period’s allotted time or reaching a practice objective. We will do
whatever is necessary to meet our goals. Our teaching process will be divided
into four stages: Explanation, Demonstration, Correction, and Repetition.
Stress the why as well as the what and the how.
We will work on the fundamentals
all season long. Our practice schedules will be organized in a progressive
fashion and to insure continued repetition of sound fundamentals throughout the
year. If we are to change the attitude of our players then we must change the
attitude for what it takes to win. Take the next step on the ladder. Our
practice sessions are the time when we must develop that warrior mentality. We
must outwork and outhit every team we play. Frequent reminders to our players
that rival squads do not use our practice philosophy can build mental toughness
and become a great motivating technique. We win during the week on the
practice field. We will be fundamentally sound and both physically and
mentally tough.
APPROACH TO DRILLS:
As a coach we make our greatest contribution in
the construction, planning and administering of drills. More important
than what system of offense or defense we run, is how we teach our
style of football. Drills should:
·
Cover considerable ground in a short period of
time.
·
Be progressive in nature.
·
Be well planned and administered.
Be known by name to the players so that they do not
require re-explanation after the first two or three times the drill has been
run.
The preparation for drills must be made in full detail
before hitting the practice field. The coach should see that these are prepared
in advance, including necessary equipment such as balls, cones, dummies,
etc. Have equipment in the group area to save precious practice time.
BASIC TYPES OF DRILLS:
Fundamental Drills: To teach all the skills of blocking,
tackling, stance, etc.
Reaction Drills: Primarily for developing
quickness, balance and agility. These should be included briefly in
almost every practice.
Conditioning Drills: Once the season has begun, these will be
almost entirely running drills.
Contact Drills: The primary purpose here is to develop and
encourage the desire and ability to utilize the physical contact aspect
required of the game of football. These will be used only to the extent
so as not to dull the desire for further physical contact.
Fun Drills:
Used to lighten the practice load late in the season or as a morale
booster.
