Taking Your Physical Abilities to the Next Level

Today’s players are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever before. A focused conditioning program has become essential to on-the-field success. In Complete Conditioning for Football, a book and combined DVD package, authors Pat Ivey and Josh Stoner detail a comprehensive training program that builds players’ abilities as well as the football-specific skills their positions require.

Coach’s Responsibilities

Delineating the responsibilities of all assistant coaches is the job of the head football coach. The head coach also establishes the football program’s teaching and training philosophies. The strength and conditioning program should be designed with this in mind.

Your job as a coach is to help athletes develop and reach their potential. You are measured by results, and your effort determines this. Motivate players to work out and perform at a championship level regardless of age by establishing weight room guidelines and ensuring that each athlete abides by them. You should emphasize constantly how each athlete’s development is vital to the team’s success by establishing a goal-oriented program. Always communicate well in all facets of the program.

Teaching Philosophy

As a coach, be sure to let your players know that you care about them. Understand that trust is earned, not guaranteed. Always lead by example (character) and be a good role model to your players (integrity). By being honest, respectful, and loyal, you will develop and maintain credibility with your players.

Find ways to get your athletes to believe that you are the best coach and teacher in the world. If the athletes believe it, then you will be successful. Always work to be a great teacher. Your teaching is evaluated by your athletes’ performances. Keep things simple and don’t over-coach. Find the best way to teach each athlete. Teach fundamentals and technique first so they understand them and execute them in every set and every rep. Coach before and after, not during, the set. Give one-and two-word cues during the set.

As a coach, you should always be willing to learn. Look for ways to improve your teaching and methods by seeking out areas for professional development.

When meeting with athletes, start from scratch by covering the basics. Be on time for every meeting; never be late. Always be thoroughly prepared, and have a plan for each meeting. Be professional and have your athletes come prepared to take notes. It is best to find an office or meeting room for the meeting and to keep the door closed.

It is important to watch your language in the weight room. Avoid physical confrontations and never lay a hand on an athlete.

You should always display great enthusiasm and energy. Explain to the players that your role is to critique performance so they do not take your critiques as personal attacks. Find behaviors to be positive about, and build on them. Your communication with your players should be positive and motivating. If it is not, then seek out ways to change.

Consistency is key to establishing and maintaining credibility. Athletes will notice any inconsistency in your interactions. Demand 100 percent effort every workout, every set, every rep. Everyone in the program needs to pay attention to detail. Demand that your athletes compete in all facets of their workouts and against their own standards.

Make sure you are a hard worker at all times. Coach every exercise. Do not stand in one spot with your hands in your pockets, arms folded, leaning against a machine. Be involved. Don’t stand around and watch others coach. If you stand around, so will the athletes. Give coaching points before or after the set, or set up another time to give special instructions.

You have an obligation to the athletes, and your energy should be directed toward them. Never laugh or make fun of an athlete in a manner that is harmful or degrading. Never issue unwarranted threats. Instead, try to build up your athletes after adversity such as a tough practice or criticism. Walk-ons and average athletes should be treated like scholarship and star athletes – with respect. Make a conscious effort to get to know all of your players. Remember that all athletes need attention, especially injured athletes. Try to help injured athletes work through the injury both physiologically and psychologically.

You will develop self-starters and leaders by explaining the importance of team, promoting good work habits and the principle of individual accountability, giving players more responsibility such as leading stretching or talking to the team, encouraging positive peer pressure, and constantly emphasizing expectations through positive communication. When athletes understand, they will perform better.

Personal Development

Seeking out areas for personal development is critical in the path to excellence for both coaches and athletes. Everyone should ask himself, What is my learning plan? What have I invested? How many books have I read lately? Here are some things coaches and athletes can do in the area of personal development:

• Seek out and schedule visits to universities, private training facilities, and professional sport venues, as well as to medical and scientific resources. Visit universities and professional sport clubs. Consult with orthopedic doctors and athletic trainers to understand the nature of injuries. Be creative in finding avenues of opportunity. Not all educational activities cost money.

• Improve your knowledge of strength and conditioning. Research various recovery techniques by visiting massage therapists and specialists in active release techniques (ART), cryotherapy, e-stim, and other technologies. Expand your knowledge of proper nutrition. Seek out a variety of training methods.

• Expand your knowledge beyond the basic requirements of your job or sport. Learn about psychology, leadership, management, and communication. Understand the administrative process and the greater campus community and how it affects athletics.

Players’ Responsibilities

To get the best from their coaches, athletes must recognize the areas in which they can improve. These improvements happen only when athletes and coaches work together to make the team successful. The following advice to athletes is adapted from In Pursuit of Excellence (3rd edition) by Terry Orlick.

1. Help your coach understand what works best for you and your performance. A common misconception is that the players and coaches are battling each other. This is detrimental to the ultimate team goal. Performance is enhanced when coaches and athletes work together to create a positive environment and share responsibility for pursuing the mission and improving communication.

2. Improve your communication skills. Reacting defensively and shutting down when you are coached is not constructive. Coaching is not always negative. When you are addressed on an issue concerning your attitude or performance, listen first; then engage in a constructive conversation. Understand the coach’s point of view, and ask questions to improve your understanding.

3. Take responsibility for your performance. Now that you have listened and understand what changes are necessary, take responsibility for the plan of action.

4. Develop your capacity to direct and control your own focus and actions. Motivate yourself. Be determined to achieve success. The simple fact that your team depends on you should be highly motivating. Trust that the coaching staff works hard to prepare you to be in the best position on game day. If game day comes and you need a rousing speech or the roar of a crowd to get motivated, you are already behind.

Reprinted with permission from Human Kinetics. The book can be found in bookstores everywhere or online at www.HumanKinetics.com.

About the Author:  Dan Nichol is currently in his fourth season as Director of Speed, Strength, and Conditioning at the University of Maine. He previously was the assistant strength coach at Dartmouth College.