Defensive Practic Plans

Christopher Lark

The coaching staff begins weekly preparation on Sunday after church at 2pm. During the first 30 minutes, the head coach talks about what he thinks we did well or what we can improve on from the previous Friday night. He also speaks about his thoughts on our next opponent. Once he has completed his discussion points, we divide into Offensive and Defensive groups to break down film.



I have been a Defensive Coordinator the majority of my career and I typically handle breaking down the film prior to the Sunday meetings. With most programs, I have ensured to have someone film the game, coordinate with that person for the game film and complete the up-load process after the game. After the film is uploaded, I break down the game from the night before for defensive stats while waiting on the exchange to take place. Normally, I complete those defensive stats while waiting on the exchange.



I spend all weekend breaking down our next opponent. Detailing their keys, plays, and sets to their offense. I do this, so that my staff doesn’t have to stay long on Sundays. My staff and I watch the films, go through the data that I have collected, then we must agree before writing up the scouting report for Monday.



I’ve never worked on a large staff, one that is greater than 6 coaches. When it comes to a Friday night, we all work together to clear the field of equipment, gather uniforms, or clean. The head coach and one assistant “man’s” the field house to ensure uniforms are gathered and begins a washer load of uniforms. The entire staff cleans the field house prior to leaving for the night. During the week, the athletes perform the cleaning duties in the field house, but on Friday nights, the coaching staff completes these duties.



Once a load of uniforms has been washed, hung up or dried, another load is started, and the coaching staff leaves for the evening. The Head Coach lives close to the facility so he comes in and flips the laundry on Saturday. The coaching staff does not meet on Saturdays nor do we meet with the athletes. I feel like everyone needs a day to get away (unless you are a Coordinator of course). Kids who have been injured will meet with the team trainer and/or physician. If there is information that should be relayed to the head coach regarding their injury the trainer or physician will contact him directly.