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AFM Magazine


Coaching Trends & Issues - 2008

by: Rex Lardner
Editor American Football Monthly
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As both a teacher and football coach at North Brunswick High School in New Jersey, Mike Kuchar has some interesting observations on the state of football today. The fact that he’s also AFM’s Senior Writer gives him a unique perspective on the subject. Over the past decade he has played high school and college football, coached at the high school and collegiate level for seven years, and spoken to 250 or so coaches at either clinics or as part of an interview. We asked Mike his thoughts on trends, issues and his views on the qualities necessary to be a successful coach.

Q. What recent trends have you seen on the offensive side of the ball?

The element of speed is now more apparent than ever. Coaches are doing everything they can to give their best athletes as many touches as possible. With more and more spread offenses, gone are the conventional days of lining up the tailback behind the QB for an off-tackle run. Coaches want to spread the defense out and get their best players the ball in open space. The tempo of the game has changed also with more and more teams relying on both quick counts and a no huddle.

Q. What are the biggest issues coaches face off the field?

There seem to be so many outside influences affecting the kids today. Compared to when I played high school football, there are now combines for players at every level as well as speed camps. The question for many athletes is what do I have to do to get to the next level? It becomes a means to an end – with the end a college scholarship. Active and on-line recruiting has taken things to a completely different level. The computer has also played a big part in that kids can go to various recruiting web sites and actually promote themselves on line. With these changes, the coach almost needs to be a manager as well as a coach, just to make sure his kids stay focused.

Q. From your observations as a coach, your conversations with high school, college, and pro coaches as well as the coaching interviews you’ve conducted, what are your thoughts on the qualities a successful coach must possess?

From my own interaction as both a coach and a writer, I’ve broken it down into five qualities:

1. A coach must have a thorough knowledge on the fundamentals of the game.

2. He has to be a very good communicator, especially in this day and age

3. He has to have a passion and excitement both on and off the field.

4. A coach must try to take an interest in his kids both on and off the field. I think it’s important that his kids know that he cares for them as people as well as athletes. The best coaches I have spoken with have really grasped this concept by organizing more activities for them off the field.

5. Don’t treat each kid the same. Some need to be coddled, where others need to be pushed. Ultimately, their behavior and attitude shows you as a coach how they deserve to be treated.

We want to hear your thoughts on these topics as well. We hope you enjoy this issue of AFM.

Respectfully,

Rex Lardner
AFM Managing Editor
rlardner@lcclark.com
561-355-5068 (x 329)





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