With our 7v7 Tournament, Strongman Competition, and OLine Challenge behind us, we enter Vermont’s mandatory Dead Period prior to the start of Training Camp on Monday 14 August. Although the colloquialism of “Dead Period,” is quite common, I’d rather refer to it as Rest and Recovery Period. For 35 years, I have always taken the last week or two before Training Camp to enjoy vacation time, travel, and visit family. This year will be no different.
While “recharging my batteries,” the other thing I typically do is read. Generally speaking, I do not read for pleasure but rather for professional development. Sometimes coaches who fall into the realm of “long-time veterans” feel they have all the requisite knowledge and need not read more on coaching. I do not fall into that category and would like to think I’m a lifetime learner.
When I’m asked about suggested readings, I always offer “The Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown. While it is not a football book, there is much to learn about the importance of teamwork, resilience, and coaching. If the request is for a football book, I recommend Bill Walsh’s, “The Score Takes Care of Itself.”
I recently had the pleasure of meeting and spending some time with Dr. John Alder, Head of Player Development for Welsh Rugby Union. When I asked him for suggested readings he offered: “Tyranny of Talent,” by Joseph Baker, “The Coaches Guide to Teaching,” by Doug Lemov, and Sebastian Junger’s, “Tribe.” I started reading “Tribe” this week. In the top right-hand corner of the whiteboard in my office are written the words “Culture Trumps Everything.” Junger’s book is teaching me why that is more important than ever. And so I’ll rest, recover, read, and learn in order to be best prepared to begin the 2023 season. When staff and players return at the end of these two short weeks, culture will underpin everything we do.
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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