When taking the field know where you belong, be waiting for your players. Players should not have to wait on their position coach to take the field, sends the wrong message.
Utilize time before and after practice. As a rule of thumb we use the “15 minute rule” if we arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time then I’m on time; if I arrive 10 minutes early then I’m 5 minutes late; if I arrive 5 minutes early then I’m 10 minutes late; and if I arrive on the scheduled time then my players are waiting for me. The 15-minute rule will discipline your athletes to always be on time.
Have something to say after each effort. Remember, this is coaching and “don’t coach out of frustration.” Don’t coach what you don’t know how to fix.
Stay alert for players with injuries or heat problems. Refer to trainer.
Make sure to be aware of the needs of your athletes that require special needs on the field (Inhalers, Diabetics, etc.)
Strive to make your group the best on the field, take pride in your work.
Do not experiment with drills during practice, have your work thought out, and make sure it fits the scheme.
Never lose your poise or confidence, coach those things that you know how to fix.
As coaches expect to be talked to if something avoidable goes wrong.
Your practices must be organized; talk in meetings not on the field, repetition is the most important key, repetition instills learning. Don’t hold clinics on the field.
The players must do everything on the practice field with extreme quickness, hustle is a key ingredient.
Pay strict attention to the scheduled time segments.
Don’t relax during any segment. All segments are very important, or they would not be included.
Breed confidence into your team.
Gain the respect from your players, don’t demand respect; earn it.
If filming certain practices segments have it organized and planned out. Be sure to find someone you can count on to be there.
Coach your players all year long, “talk football”. Encourage them to “hang around” and work on a position specialty skill and to work in the weight room.
Talk the importance of classroom demeanor, doing well in class, staying current on all classroom assignments and homework. Be ready to acknowledge your athletes success in the classroom and in the community.
If you get tired through the long haul of the season pray for strength, because as a staff you are only as good or as strong as the weakest link.
About the Author of this post:
Jerry Campbell has over 30 years of high school and college coaching experience. He has experience as a head coach, offensive coordinator, and various position coaches. He has written numerous football coaching articles in various publications, is the author of over 30 books on coaching football, and has produced 12 coaching video series. Additionally, he is a nationally sought after speaker on the coaching clinic circuit.