Chris Ross, Offensive Coordinator, Stephen F. Austin
Full video on Glazier Drive: Athlete Development: Build a Process
This article was originally posted on the Glazier Coaching Blog.
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BUILDING A SYSTEMATIC PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
This lesson focuses on creating a comprehensive development process to improve players, using athletic development as the primary example. The core principle is that this systematic approach can be applied to any group requiring development—players, assistant coaches, or staff members.
THE FOUR-PILLAR FRAMEWORK
The process starts by defining the end goal—what a championship-level player looks like. Every position is evaluated across four key categories:
- Skill: Technical abilities specific to the position
- Intangibles: Mental toughness, selflessness, aggressiveness, communication
- IQ: Game knowledge, situational awareness, understanding schemes
- Athletic Ability: Physical capabilities that must be developed
FROM VISION TO DAILY EXECUTION
The development system follows a clear hierarchy from broad vision to specific daily work. Using an offensive lineman as an example, the process identifies what skills are essential (run blocking, pass protection, zone combos, pulling), then breaks each skill down into core fundamentals that will be practiced daily on the field.
THE YEAR-ROUND SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
Once skills are identified, they’re organized into a yearly development plan divided into five core sections. Each section has a specific focus with a clear beginning and end. This overview then translates into a detailed calendar where anyone—players or coaches—can identify exactly what’s being worked on any given day.
UNIVERSAL APPLICATION
The same framework applies to any position: quarterbacks need situational awareness and leadership; hitters in baseball require the same four-pillar evaluation; point guards in basketball follow the identical structure. The system is position-agnostic—it’s simply a process that works across all sports and positions.
EVALUATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY
This development framework doubles as an evaluation tool. When players question playing time, coaches can reference specific skill deficiencies identified in the system. Similarly, at season’s end, head coaches can evaluate assistant coaches and programs based on whether players actually developed the skills the system outlined.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Great coaches make improvement seem achievable by providing a clear, detailed roadmap. Players should look at the system and think there’s no way they can’t improve because everything has been planned. Success requires delegation—head coaches set the vision, assistant coaches develop the specific fundamentals and yearly calendars, then present their plans to the entire staff. Without a well-thought-out, detailed system that everyone knows and follows, consistent player development and team success become impossible.