Creating a Practice Schedule

Edward Johnson  


My expectations of an assistant coach are no way out of the ordinary or carry elaborate pain asking duties. Most of my expectations of an assistant will be things that a good assistant coach will already be doing, they will come naturally for those with a love of coaching.

Always be on time. Set an example for the players. We can not ask them to be on time for meetings, practice, etc if we can't do it ourselves. If something comes up, notify me asap so we are prepared for practice as a staff for your absence. Things will come up and happen, communication is the key. If you are going to be late, get there when you can and coach your butt off as much as you can.

Keep our facilities clean and neat. We are all responsible for a staff for the locker room, the weight room, and our field facilities outside. If we all make a conscious effort to always be picking up and contribute, it will rub off on the players as well and give them a sense of pride in the facilities we do have.

Don't run off right after practice. There will be plenty of things to do after practice. Everyone pitching in makes it a complete breeze, not to mention we will often watch film after practice. I want as many assistant coaches in film sessions so more players are coached up. Coaches can also stay after a while and socialize with the players, talk to a player one on one, get a feel for who he is and what he is dealing with as a young man. We often forget that we are more than just a coach of football, we are coaches in life for these boys. Often getting to know what a player goes through at school or maybe even at home will get you to know him at a deeper level which leads to understanding how to coach him on the field more effectively.

I expect my assistant coaches to have effective position drills for their groups every day. I want my coaches to always be "coaching on the fly". What I mean by this is that I want an upbeat tempo at all times at practice. Do not sacrifice instruction but I want reps and tempo in everything we do. I do not want a lazy coach who will just stand around and yell at kids for things that he as a coach has not even properly demonstrated to the players. My coaches must have a healthy activity level. I want coaches involved in all drills, flying around, coaching kids up, and encouraging them.

As an assistant coach, they must be able to maintain a certain level of loyalty to the program and our staff. We will have differences of opinions, however, running to parents or airing things out on some facet of social media will be unacceptable. No coaches shall ever put anything negative on social media about any players, coaches, program, school, or administration. Parents will be livid about comments on players and like sharks in bloody waters on comments against the coaching staff.

Above all else, ALWAYS BE COACHING! A-B-C, always be coaching. Don't get complacent as a season wears on. Hold your players accountable for everything they do at practice. Their effort, punctuality, attention to detail, and attitude should always be at high levels. It is up to you to get your players to this level.This is the responsibility of the assistant coaches, don't pick favorites, coach every kid up, and remember to always give three positive comments before you hit him with the negative.