Post by Coach Campbell on Feb 24, 2022 23:13:38 GMT
What every player should know: 10 things football coaches like
By Michael O'Halloran During player evaluations, it’s usually easy for coaches to identify two groups: The top players and the players who need the most work. Strength, speed, athletic ability and skill sets go a long way to making those determinations. But after those two basic groups are formed, things get trickier for coaches when evaluating players in the middle of the pack.
Frequently, there’s not that big a difference between players’ performances in the middle group for coaches to distinguish one player being better than the next. Opinions vary. One player’s advantage in speed might be offset by another player’s strength or skill. One player’s size is countered by another player’s know-how. It’s not quite as easy for coaches to get to the right decisions.
When competition is tight, frequently it’s the little things that players do – or don’t do – that make a difference.
If you’re competing for a starting role or a desired position and the competition is tough, you might help make your case and win the spot by being good at the 10 items listed below:
Coaches like good listeners. Most coaches will plan out what they’re going to say to their team, and since they’ve put some time and effort into what they’re going to say, they want players to listen. How do you show the coach that you’re listening? It starts by looking coaches in the eyes when they’re talking. Give non-verbal signals, such as nodding, to show that you’re paying attention and speak up when asked for a response.
Coaches like players being on time. Figure out what being on time means for your coach. For some, being on time might mean being ready 10 minutes before practice begins. For others, it might just mean being there by the scheduled time. If multiple players show up late, a coach might have to go over instructions for an exercise multiple times. Don’t be late. But if it’s unavoidable, let the coach know in advance. Whether practice, game or team activity, be on time.
Coaches like supportive teammates. From a coach’s perspective, it’s hard to coach players who don’t get along with each other. If teammates are not getting along, a coach has to address that issue, and it creates more work for a coach. The best teams have players who not only get along but who actively support each other. Treat your teammates the way you’d like to be treated. Be a good friend to teammates. Empathize, encourage and show your leadership skills.
Coaches like players who try their best. Whether it’s a practice drill or game action, coaches love hustle. The best thing about that is that hustle isn’t dependent on how tall you are or how fast you are. Anyone can hustle. Set yourself apart from others by always giving your best. Give your best effort on every play in practice and games, and you’ll stand out.
Coaches like respectful players. Respect the coach. Respect the referees. Respect your teammates. Respect your opponents. And respect the game. The first four points are mostly about being a good person and treating people well. Respecting the game refers to preparing properly. Don’t show up to a game tired because you were up till 4 a.m. at a sleepover. Sports are meant to be fun, but be serious about your effort and approach.
Coaches like players who are on the ball. Be alert. If you’re not in the game, follow the game and support your teammates. Pay attention.
Coaches like positive players. Think positive. Be optimistic. Great things can happen for players and teams that prepare, work hard and have a great attitude.
Coaches like players who are direct. If you have a question about your role or how things work, address the coach at the appropriate time. Coaches are happy to provide answers. Most coaches I know prefer that players approach them directly about any concerns regarding playing time, roles or the like versus having the questions come directly from a parent.
Coaches like players who adapt to their coaching style. Coaching styles can differ greatly from one coach to the next. Be observant during the first practices and pick up on your coach’s coaching style. What do they like to see? How do they handle questions? Learn what’s important to your coach and then focus on those things.
Coaches like players who know what they should know - Over the course of practices, coaches will typically begin to install their “system.” This is what they’d like to see happen on offense, and their plans for defense and special teams. Generally, this involves the players getting to know where they belong given a set of circumstances. The quicker you can learn and show mastery of fundamentals, plays, formations, etc.; the more your coach will like it. Pay attention during practice and if need be, practice on your own till you know it.
By Michael O'Halloran During player evaluations, it’s usually easy for coaches to identify two groups: The top players and the players who need the most work. Strength, speed, athletic ability and skill sets go a long way to making those determinations. But after those two basic groups are formed, things get trickier for coaches when evaluating players in the middle of the pack.
Frequently, there’s not that big a difference between players’ performances in the middle group for coaches to distinguish one player being better than the next. Opinions vary. One player’s advantage in speed might be offset by another player’s strength or skill. One player’s size is countered by another player’s know-how. It’s not quite as easy for coaches to get to the right decisions.
When competition is tight, frequently it’s the little things that players do – or don’t do – that make a difference.
If you’re competing for a starting role or a desired position and the competition is tough, you might help make your case and win the spot by being good at the 10 items listed below:
Coaches like good listeners. Most coaches will plan out what they’re going to say to their team, and since they’ve put some time and effort into what they’re going to say, they want players to listen. How do you show the coach that you’re listening? It starts by looking coaches in the eyes when they’re talking. Give non-verbal signals, such as nodding, to show that you’re paying attention and speak up when asked for a response.
Coaches like players being on time. Figure out what being on time means for your coach. For some, being on time might mean being ready 10 minutes before practice begins. For others, it might just mean being there by the scheduled time. If multiple players show up late, a coach might have to go over instructions for an exercise multiple times. Don’t be late. But if it’s unavoidable, let the coach know in advance. Whether practice, game or team activity, be on time.
Coaches like supportive teammates. From a coach’s perspective, it’s hard to coach players who don’t get along with each other. If teammates are not getting along, a coach has to address that issue, and it creates more work for a coach. The best teams have players who not only get along but who actively support each other. Treat your teammates the way you’d like to be treated. Be a good friend to teammates. Empathize, encourage and show your leadership skills.
Coaches like players who try their best. Whether it’s a practice drill or game action, coaches love hustle. The best thing about that is that hustle isn’t dependent on how tall you are or how fast you are. Anyone can hustle. Set yourself apart from others by always giving your best. Give your best effort on every play in practice and games, and you’ll stand out.
Coaches like respectful players. Respect the coach. Respect the referees. Respect your teammates. Respect your opponents. And respect the game. The first four points are mostly about being a good person and treating people well. Respecting the game refers to preparing properly. Don’t show up to a game tired because you were up till 4 a.m. at a sleepover. Sports are meant to be fun, but be serious about your effort and approach.
Coaches like players who are on the ball. Be alert. If you’re not in the game, follow the game and support your teammates. Pay attention.
Coaches like positive players. Think positive. Be optimistic. Great things can happen for players and teams that prepare, work hard and have a great attitude.
Coaches like players who are direct. If you have a question about your role or how things work, address the coach at the appropriate time. Coaches are happy to provide answers. Most coaches I know prefer that players approach them directly about any concerns regarding playing time, roles or the like versus having the questions come directly from a parent.
Coaches like players who adapt to their coaching style. Coaching styles can differ greatly from one coach to the next. Be observant during the first practices and pick up on your coach’s coaching style. What do they like to see? How do they handle questions? Learn what’s important to your coach and then focus on those things.
Coaches like players who know what they should know - Over the course of practices, coaches will typically begin to install their “system.” This is what they’d like to see happen on offense, and their plans for defense and special teams. Generally, this involves the players getting to know where they belong given a set of circumstances. The quicker you can learn and show mastery of fundamentals, plays, formations, etc.; the more your coach will like it. Pay attention during practice and if need be, practice on your own till you know it.