We begin our weeklong Mini Camp next week. As we finalize our installs, practice schedules, and scripts, I am reminded of past Mini Camp blogs. I often reference preparing for Mini Camp as you would a vacation… “You cannot fit all of the clothes into one suitcase.”
The process of deciding what goes in, whether clothes into your suitcase or plays into your plan, can be overwhelming. There are so many things to choose from. You need to prioritize. In Jocko Willink and Lief Babin’s book Extreme Ownership, Jocko dedicates a chapter to “Prioritize and Execute.” Applying Jocko’s philosophy in a football context, he suggests the following steps to effectively prioritize and execute: First, determine which play is the highest priority. Next, explain the play to your team in the simplest way possible (so there is no room for misunderstanding.) Next, figure out a solution to any perceived problems such as a defensive front or coverage that may cause an issue. Then solicit input from coaches and team leaders on a solution. Once that top priority is addressed and we have a consensus, focus on the next highest priority, and repeat the process.
The parameters of teaching in a way everyone can understand and having solutions to any problems that can arise, inherently limits the volume we can teach. We will limit ourselves to one play per day for Run and Pass. At the end of the week, we hope to have effectively installed 5 running plays and 5 passing/screen plays that our players can execute vs any front or coverage.
Priorities matter on the field, and in life. Six and a half years ago I made it a priority to spend time collecting and sharing my thoughts here on Olineskills.com. I had no idea how they would be accepted or how long we would run. Today marks the 300th time we’ve published a blog and I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response from players, coaches, parents, faculty, and community members. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve created a community sharing ideas, goals, and objectives, and it’s my most sincere hope that we’ve done so in the spirit of those who invested in us. It’s my privilege to be a coach. It’s my privilege to honor the examples of so many who led, guided, and directed us, and those who lead, guide, and direct tomorrow’s leaders. It’s also my privilege to share a few thoughts with so many of you each week. Thank you!
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
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