Article CategoriesAFM Magazine
|
Taking Your Physical Abilities to the Next Level© More from this issueToday’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 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. 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. |
|
HOME |
MAGAZINE |
SUBSCRIBE | ONLINE COLUMNISTS | COACHING VIDEOS |
Copyright 2024, AmericanFootballMonthly.com
All Rights Reserved