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AFM Magazine

AFM Magazine


Master Clinic – 5 Elements of Success in Coaching Football

by: Brent Steuerwald
Retired Head Coach Shenendehowa High School (NY)
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The quest to identify and analyze the elements of successful coaching in football is challenging and varies much depending on perspective and who is conducting the analysis. The definition of success is also very much dependent on expectations and can be quite relative to the current status of a program and its history. There are, however, consistent elements I believe are inherent in most football programs which are perceived as successful for sustained periods of time.

1.  Depth of program – Successful programs should have all levels subscribing to and supportive of a consistent philosophy of offensive and defensive structure which can follow an athlete from entry level in youth or modified football through varsity experience. Consistent terminology, skill development and drill structure will maximize the learning curve and develop positive, confident athletes. Build a program and winning will take care of itself.

2. Team organization and planned structure are absolutely essential in such a complex activity that modern football has become. Talent may not always be equal but time spent in meticulous planning, establishing priorities and adjusting to needs and changing circumstances is essential to quality on field performance. Anticipating problems and appropriate solutions fosters confidence in both players and coaches so they can focus on execution. More games are won with great execution than with brilliant strategy.

3.  Communication skills are absolutely essential for effective coaching to occur. No amount of knowledge about the game can overcome ones inability to get players to perform in the stress of battle. Players must understand and respect the pressure and criticism they will be subject to if learned goals are to be achieved. Coaches earn respect by being critical of performance without attacking personality and by consistent and fair treatment of all players. It’s not enough to care about them, they must know you care both personally and football-wise.

4.  The team ethic must be of one voice and one spirit. Football is unique in the sports world because of its contact nature and complexity. As such, interdependence and mutual support and respect is absolutely essential to success. Camaraderie and courage is a group dynamic and is present in every football team. Personal bonds forged on a football field can be sustained for a lifetime.

5. Coaching football well is an undertaking of immense responsibility. Any coach who is to survive must have a passion for and commitment to a hunger for learning and understanding this ever-evolving game. You need the confidence to know you have worked hard and long to prepare yourself to coach. You also need the humility to know you have just scratched the surface of the game - so many things to do, so many ways to do it, and just not enough time to do it all. Respect the game and all it has to offer so you can pass on its lessons to your players. Honor the game. A wise man once said “the best way to lead is by example.” An even wiser man said “the only way to lead is by example.” 


Editor’s Note: After he led the Shenendehowa High School Plainsmen to the New York state semi-finals last season, Brent Steuerwald retired from coaching after a 55-year career. For 44 of those years he was head coach at “Shen”, where he compiled a record of 319-88-4. Always a big believer in sharing information with other coaches for the good of the game, Coach Steuerwald has agreed to be a regular contributor to AFM. His Master Clinic series will cover a variety of topics designed to help coaches succeed on and off the field.






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