A common misconception is that a good coach frequently installs new drills. New drills are good if they translate well to the game. Installing drills to install drills is not an effective practice. Coaches who consistently use the same drills will invariably outperform opponents who are random with drill selection. Priority should be placed on core drills that players will utilize every play. Teach monotonous behaviors and do not shy away.
Drills that are difficult to explain and time-consuming to implement should be terminated. These are “expensive” drills. The return on investment is not great enough to warrant implementing them. Time should be spent on drill work that players can understand and you can confidently teach. Although you may see Division 1 drill tape on Youtube or Glazier Coaching Clinic know-how, it doesn’t mean that that drill will translate well to your practice or players. Coaches must be realistic about their capabilities.
When using proven drills regularly, coaches should talk about how monotonous behaviors are an integral part of the progression. It is the tool of everyday maintenance. Reassure players why repetitive repetition is good and how it translates to their game. Find real-world examples and tell stories of how professionals on and off the field use monotonous behavior to hone their craft. When players begin to seem lethargic or bored, draw them back in with these tales of triumph.
The Elite Football Coach Blog Series
The Elite Football Coach Part 1
Betty Colbert
When players seem to be lethargic or bored, draw them back in with tales of triumph!!
This is extremely true not only on the field but in the classroom and in life as well!!
Betty Colbert
This is extremely true not only on the field but in the classroom and in life as well!!