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How Coaches Use Video to Maximize Production

Coaching, Informative

Video Production Savant

The modern coach must use video to maximize production.  Most programs do not have the budget to hire a videographer at the high school level. The progress of technology has required coaches to capture and share the film with opposing coaches. Coaches and players use film to assess and address unseen things. It is used to find statistical tendencies, schemes, and best players.  Gameplans are created from the film. 

Capturing Greatness

Every practice must be filmed to help review game plan implementation. It’s near impossible to see all aspects of the game in real time. There must be a designated coach who prepares camera operations for each practice. Oftentimes, an injured player films practice.  To maximize teaching opportunities, two camera angles are used.  This provides multiple angles for coaches and players to teach and learn from. Playcalling critiques, execution, and individual technique are all found via video production. It is a vital tool used every day. 

Recruitment & NIL

The recruitment of athletes is made possible by the availability of film.  College coaches can assess players by logging into hudl.com and watching their highlight tape.  NIL Deals (Name, Image, Likeness) that are offered to student-athletes are made possible by the film. A business can now strike a deal with an athlete and pay them to tout their services or product. Schools on the front end of technology, with high-quality equipment, help promote their students. They help create collegiate and business advantages for their kids & use video to maximize production. No longer can programs afford not to film practice and games with low-quality, grainy film.  If a play is missed, that was a potential highlight clip; there is missed opportunity to earn money for the athlete.  More is at stake now than ever before. We are now talking about both $100,000 NIL Deals and Scholarships. 

The demands of coaching have changed with the advancement of technology.  The NIL deals, and scholarships have created substantial pressure on the coaching profession and should be taken seriously. The monetary compensation for coaches should reflect the importance of this vast responsibility. Coaches should no longer be paid cents for the hour. High-level coaches will plan accordingly. To be considered an upper-echelon program, a video production team must exist.  If I were a head football coach, I would hire a 4th coordinator.

4th Coordinator Responsibilities

  • Videographer aka “Video Production Savant”
  • Hudl Consultant
  • Social Media Guru
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Player, Coach, & Program Promotion

In-Game Adjustments

In-game adjustments are made possible and effective through the use of film. Between series, offensive coordinators can revert to the previous possession to peek at the defensive scheme. It is the second set of eyes that can be a reassuring asset. A vital tool that must be in every coach’s tool chest. Players can look at how the opposing team plays them and make their own adjustments.

Use Video to Maximize Production

Players who utilize film to advance their craft create a substantial advantage over opponents. They can identify their tendencies and modify their behavior. The elite coach takes time to teach their players how to do this. They must know how to watch the film. Most players are ball watchers or highlight seekers. Coaches must show them how to see the game through a different lens.

When we pull back the curtain, an expansive operation occurs. So many pieces are in motion that is managed by a team. That team communicates and works for one another. All to create a production that constructs community wins and helps student-athletes achieve their goals.

The Elite Football Coach Blog Series

The Elite Football Coach Part 1

Human Behavior Part 2

Design the Unique Part 3

Balancing Act Part 4

Wrap Up

Check out the Emerging Coaches Guide at the Youniversalife Shop to download your Ebook version of this blog series. It is packed full of valuable coaching information. It is great for young coaches.

Hudl is the one-stop-shop for coaches and players. This software allows you to capture, create, share, and breakdown data. There is no better product on the market. Everyone across the country is using this for capturing athletic performance. Hudl allows you to use video to maximize production!

Balancing Act

Coaching, Informative

Work – Life – Play

The coaching world is a balancing act, teetering from one obligation to the next. There is always something to be done. Operating through multiple phases of the day can be overwhelming.  A colleague and I used to joke about the “3 Part Day.”  

Part 1 = Teaching school for seven hours.  

Part 2 = Football practice for 3 hours.  

Part 3 = Returning home for time with the family and preparation for the next day’s reset.

The internal dialogue always exists within each part of the day.  There is a constant configuration of scheme development, player management, scheduling, nuances of competition, and overall organization. The mind is always at work and rarely rests or redirects.  Turning off the coaching mind in season is hard.  Part 3 of the day should be entirely dedicated to family and other endeavors. Teaching the mind to redirect and remain focused on other priorities is a must.  Do not fall into the trap of constant coaching. 

Subconsciously, an uneasiness swells up when football season arrives. Football coaching families routinely say,

“It’s football season, see you in December.”

The undertone of this quote is unnerving.  From July to December, football coaches enter into unending work and the family and friendships suffer.  It is difficult to remain focused on spiritual growth.  Physical health is placed on the back burner.  By saying yes to coaching we say no to these essential life-giving experiences. 

Finding balance should be a priority within the coaching staff. When applying for a coaching position, a work-life balance conversation needs to take place.  Where are the breaks built-in and how mindful are we of family health and growth? 

The days of the tireless grind are over. Do not burn the candle at both ends.  This form of approach is not sustainable over time.  When the balancing act is lost, relationships with self, family, and team erode.

The Elite Football Coach Blog Series

The Elite Football Coach Part 1

Human Behavior Part 2

Design the Unique Part 3

Finding Balancing Education

I was fortunate to find Aaron McHugh’s terrific “Field Reports” on Work-Life-Play. He’s been able to help frame this category in my mind. I’ve spent many hours washing dishes and exercising while listening to his podcast. Aaron’s unique style and delivery has inspired much of my work.

Design the Unique

Coaching, Informative

The Elite Football Coach Part 3

Creativity at Work

  • Pioneers of sport are those who continually design the unique idea and implement it.  This is known as the creative process, where ideas are put into the world.  Good coaches try things on and see if they work. The offseason is when quality coaches spend time in study.  They research schemes, create and modify their offensive, defensive, and special teams playbook. Coaches identify previous season deficiencies and build solutions. Establishing unorthodox ways of doing things and considering if they stand the chance of succeeding. It is important that we do not construct walls around the creative mind, but allow it to breathe.

Position Assignment

  • Successful coaches are able to effectively solve personnel equations.  They place players in positions that allow them to succeed through a thought process.  Constant analysis of player development is always underway. Structuring depth-charts according to player assessment takes creativity and effective communication among coaches. It’s difficult as a head coach to have eyes on everyone. Trusting those around you to deliver accurate feedback is key. Design the unique assessment process that creates lethal personnel groupings.

Staff Assembly and Use

  • Constructing a coaching staff requires savviness.  Understanding strengths and weaknesses allow the head coach to assign responsibility. Identifying specific responsibilities can be tricky.  Constant assessment is used to figure the needs of the team.  Once those needs come to light, the head coach must select an assistant to make sure the need is met with diligence.  If someone is not assigned, the head coach must take on the duty.  

Scheduling

  • Building a yearly calendar is challenging.  It plays out like a puzzle.  Oftentimes, coaches must schedule important events with little information about potential time conflicts.  The head coach should be the primary decision-maker when scheduling opponents. They must be creative and forecast the strength of their team and those of the opponents in the macro.  The quicker calendars are developed and distributed, the better.  This allows families and the community to plan accordingly.    

Meeting Structure

  • Time is valuable to all people.  Meetings should be organized with a written timeline.  Creatively facilitate meetings and make them streamlined. Do not hold meetings to hold meetings. Lean into technology to extinguish potential multi-hour-long gatherings. There are countless tools that allow us to communicate. Figure out how to optimize them to maximize productivity.   

School Communication

  • Creatively navigating communication with staff and the student body is critical. A significant role of the coach is relationship building and giving time to others. Face-to-face conversations, social media posts, email, speaking at assemblies, or simply being present is a must. There needs to be a community connection that is reciprocal.  A coach who consistently shows appreciation to those who support the program will ultimately win. This is not a political approach, but a genuine approach.

Younique

  • Design the unique thing that is from your heart, mind, and spirit. When we do this we unconsciously allow ourselves to be free. Joy becomes more accessible when the creation is from us and not another. New things move the world forward. Take parts of what was learned from others and experiences, then craft a masterpiece of your own. Creativity is found in all things. We are not restricted to one way.

Below you will find links to:

The Elite Football Coach Part 1

The Elite Football Coach Part 2 Human Behavior

Human Behavior

Coaching, Informative

The Elite Football Coach

PART 2

Great leaders study human behavior.  They understand that every individual is psychologically unique. There are many factors that can influence the behavior of an athlete on and off the field.  Trauma plays a significant role in teachability and communication style.  Trauma has a lot of faces. A diligent approach to creating relationships is so important. Coaches must be able to recognize personality patterns that point to how an athlete will respond best.

Beyond relationship development, the study of human behavior can take the form of a non-fiction book. The content doesn’t need to be limited to psychology. It can concentrate on leadership in its many forms. Other topics may include marketing, financial education, autobiographies, spiritual development, war stories, and tactics, or architecture.  The list is expansive, but they all share the human condition in common.  These topics all touch on how humans operate and experience life. This understanding translates well to the coaching profession.  It creates a diverse understanding of the human spirit and allows coaches to create an artistic conversation that inspires the team.

THE ELITE FOOTBALL COACH PART 1

Click the link above to read The Elite Football Coach Part 1. It is long-form writing that laid the foundation for my coaching content. Stay tuned for future posts.

The Elite Football Coach

Coaching, Informative

Reflection

As I reflect on my coaching career, I look back on the elite football coaches I’ve worked with. From my time at Madison Southern High School to traveling abroad to Stockholm, Sweden, I’ve had the privilege of coaching with some of the finest and sharpest people. Every coach brought their unique style and revealed strengths and weaknesses. There are key characteristics of the elite coach. If you are an aspiring coach, a coaching veteran, or a future leader in any industry, this writing can bring value to you.

How to Become an Elite Coach

The high achieving coaches immerse themself in study. They are always learning about the human condition and watching the game for how it schemes. Quality coaches look for trends and identify how certain coaches use their personnel. Beyond X’s and O’s, the coaching mentor plays a significant role. Most successful coaches were fortunate enough to have someone show them a way. All coaches are different and it’s vital that we create our own coaching philosophy based on what we’ve learned. If you’ve decided to coach, be sure to immerse yourself with like-minded men and women.

Ask the question “Do the ideals of this individual, align with what I want to become?”  If that is a firm “Yes”, then follow them.  Speak little and listen more. 

If the answer is a hard “No”, then distance yourself and continue to seek the coach who inspires you.  

Begin to construct your own style.  Take pieces of each mentor/learning experience and create a version of you.  Be patient and persistent in your development.

How to improve as a coach?

To improve as a coach you must approach it like a craft.  It starts with educating yourself on the specific area you’re attempting to develop.  Seek out the best resources available and implement the discoveries.  When implementing new concepts, there is a trial and error period, also known as the “Creative Process.”  Persistence and adaptation are vital to improvement.

What skills do you need to be a quality football coach?

A deep love for the nuances of the game can not be understated.  A great coach is detailed and assesses the finer points that support the greater team intention. With any leadership position, there must be a high sense of awareness internally and externally.  

  • Confidence
    • Believing in yourself is so important. Do not question your ability. If you’ve studied your craft and know your niche, then attack it. Disregard the weak opinions of others because there will always be those who question and believe there is a better way. Respect yourself by not doubting yourself. Your preparation leads to confidence. 
  • Ability Under Pressure
    • Difficult situations will surface. Decisions will need to be made on and off the field.  This must be trained like a muscle. Place yourself in positions where problems must be solved. Learn to quickly analyze and make the best decisions with what is available. Harnessing emotion is a requirement to consistently function under pressure. Don’t shy away from solving problems.  Show initiative and work up the chain of command only when needed.   
  • Focus (Limit Your “Squirrel” Moments)
    • Do not become sidetracked easily.  Develop an internal trigger that signifies when you’ve lost focus when on task.  This is relevant in coaches’ meetings, studying game film, on-field practice, & during games.  The list is long and you can be sidetracked easily.  This will undermine what you’re attempting to accomplish.  Those who are able to remain focused, are those who quickly achieve and win.  This is a trait that is transmissible to your team.  There is a trickle-down effect.  If your team knows you are always engaged, they will be as well.  If they recognize you fading with frequency, they will fade as well.
  • Anxiety Control
    • Learning to deal with the uneasy feeling that stress creates is key to long-term success.  Anxiety in its many forms can be debilitating if not managed appropriately.  There are many ways to combat anxiety and each of us is different.  I have found that frequent exercise, leaning into my spirituality, and my relationship with God is very helpful.  Breathwork has also helped to calm my mind and redirect my energy.  Discovering the tools that help you in these moments is crucial.  Always be ready to open the toolbox. 
  • Composure
    • Exhibited composure is a tremendous gauge for the effective coach/leader.  We must keep it together and not let moments overtake us.  Teams do not have composure if their coach is a mess.  Be even, where you’re not too high or low.  Remaining composed when the critics surface is difficult.  Terrific support systems assist in keeping it cool.  They can be quick reminders to stay in the moment and not be derailed by the negative noise.     
  • Self-awareness
    • Monitor your current physical and emotional state.  What do the body and mind feel like?  Keep an inventory of the energies that are going in and out.  Recognize the need to recharge through a good diet, exercise, rest, solitude, etc.  Do not deplete the self to exhaustion. You do no one any good by burning out.  Your family will suffer the most once this state has been reached, which should be avoided at all costs.  Take care of yourself so others may experience your best.    
  • Team building
    • Activities and frequent discussions regarding the construction and maintenance of the “team” should be a priority.  The coaching staff should creatively approach this topic.  Brainstorm what content could be introduced that athletes will respond to. This is an area where there could be push-back from coaches within the staff.  This is a philosophical subject that not all are open to.  I find this to be a priority when attempting to create a culture and sustain long-term success.  It is expansive and should be handled with care. Give ownership to players and coaches in this niche and it stands the chance of becoming an enormous success.        
  • Thought Control
    • Thought control corresponds with focus.  Being a coach is a multifaceted profession that requires a lot of moving parts.  Idea creation plays an enormous role.  Organizing those thoughts and framing them in the mind is difficult.  Coaches must be able to categorize information.  If you’re like me, I like to keep a small notebook with me at all times.  When an idea surfaces I write it down immediately.  Using a note-taking app on your phone is another approach.  Bottling up content so you’re able to apply it later is a skill that should be manifested.  Also, where you’re pulling information from plays a role in this topic.  Are you pulling from individual conversations, books, online material, podcasts, etc?  These different mediums may require different styles of note-taking.  
  • Self-Regulation
    • I’ve never understood the coach who needs their personal “Get Back” coach.  It takes a certain level of discipline to study and create a winning game plan week to week.  It also takes discipline to self-regulate and rely on your restraint to keep emotions and actions in check throughout a hard-fought game.  The competitive spirit can be exhibited in other ways.  I am motivated by coaches who are remarkably poised.  That’s what I want to be and need in my coaches.  If your role within the coaching staff is the hype guy, then bring the thunder. If not, be under restraint, teach, and place your athletes in the best situation to succeed.     
  • Communication
    • Jared Goff, who was formerly with the Los Angeles Rams and now plays for the Detroit Lions, had a few interesting points regarding coaching communication.  Each individual requires a different level of communication.  I agree with this, and I’ve shared some additional thoughts below.
    • Those who can handle a lot
      • Styles of communication should vary from player to player.  Identify those who can retain information and present it to them effectively.  Allow them to become saturated with knowledge.  They will then be able to take what is given and begin to create on the field.  
    • Those who can not
      • Have a gauge of what a player can handle.  If it isn’t much, then don’t overwhelm them.  Administer information strategically.  Discover the best way to teach athletes.  
    • Players
      • Provide timely communication where expectations are laid out clearly. Create mixed modes of communication.  Be savvy in the use of technology.  If you’re not using the tools of today to communicate, then you’re making things more difficult on you.  Determine what technology that players respond to.  Create support groups that information is passed through. 
      • Be consistent in the type of message you’re sending the team.  Does your philosophy align with your actions?  Is the team allowed to put into action the message that is being sent?  Are words reinforced with consistent action?  
    • Coaches
      • It all starts with staff communication.  Vision is established by the head coach and it’s their job to articulate the vision to the assistant coaches.  Each coach has the responsibility of protecting that vision and promoting it to the team. The coaches must model the message being sent and move in the same direction philosophically.  Inconsistencies should be minimalized. There is no room for undermining and each coach should display extreme ownership. They should take great pride in all they do and find honor in the intricate details.  Clear expectations for assistant coaches should be established during the hiring process.  All disagreements should be handled through face-to-face conversations away from the team.    
    • Media
      • The media should be treated like a close friend.  It should be nurtured and given a role. The media is the bridge between the program and public perception.  Help the media control the message being sent by establishing strong relationships with personnel. Provide clear and timely information.  Give insight that helps promote the team and players.  It is the head coach’s responsibility to do this, not the assistants.
      • Social media is a tool that should be used by everyone on staff.  Each staff member holds the responsibility of sending a positive message about the program.  Every professional and personal post counts.  Once again, you control the message that the public perceives.  Be intentional about promoting the good that is occurring.  Know what is unique about the team and write about it.  Take countless photos and videos that can showcase the team.  I believe that a fourth coordinator should exist on every football staff, called the Media Coordinator.  They are the creator of content that sells the program and stages an experience that players and the community want to be part of.  
    • Administration
      • Direct and concise communication between the head coach and administration should be a priority.  There should be frequent conversations about philosophy, direction, culture, financial, and media relations.  Talks should remain professional and always be about growth and creativity.  Each new idea should have room for consideration and not be instantly dismissed. Work and grow together.
  • Steadiness
    • Those who hold their peace and operate according to need, ultimately win. The way of the steady produces a consistent outcome. They reliably stick to a path that is dependable.  Those who operate under them, lean into the steady way and take on the demeanor.  Stoic leaders are inspiring because they are able to endure hardship without displaying their feelings or complaining. They exhibit a sound, composed, and competitive spirit.  Steadiness does not mean non-competitive.  Players need to know their coach has the fire to win.

Elite coaches have a continual thirst for leadership development.  The knowledge they obtain is passed on to other coaches and their players.  Communication and action play an integral part in their success.  They take on a pioneer mindset and remain on the quest for betterment.

Captivating Storyteller

Coaching, Inspiration

An exceptional coach can identify the rhythms of the world and communicate them to a team through analogy. They can put things into perspective that inspire others by being a captivating storyteller. A good storyteller is empathetic, where they understand and share the feelings of others. When a coach knows the pulse of the team, coaching staff, and community, they can share stories that win the heart. Their state of self-awareness enables them to relate. They can see what others are experiencing and put a voice to it. When a storyteller delivers their message, they’re able to plug into the energy of a room. It’s like entering into the zone, where they find a cadence with words and movement. A state of flow is achieved and they magically intertwine one theme to the next. A compelling coach is also vulnerable. They tell the truth and are real with the audience. They don’t hide behind the false self, which makes them relatable and loved. The captivating storyteller brings the human spirit to life.

A special thank you to Jennifer Hess of Jennifer Leigh Photography LLC for the awesome photograph showcased above. Jennifer has taken pictures for our football team for a number of years and has captured many rememberable moments.