“Show Him Some Love”

Last year before one of my Alercio OLine Clinics, I received the following text from a head coach: 

“Coach I have 3 kids coming up today. Freshman, Sophomore, and Senior. The 6’6” 260lb senior’s name is (Blank). Raw talent and lacking confidence. Never really played football. Show him some love for me. I’m trying to turn him into an Offensive tackle and I told him you were the man to do that.”

I appreciate that coach’s confidence in my ability to coach offensive linemen but he referenced the secret sauce when he made the comment “Show him some love“.  For over 20 years we have begun every Alercio OLine Clinic explaining to attendees what makes them so truly special and how vital their role is to the success of the team and then reinforce it throughout the day.  

Chances are your other position players are being told how wonderful they are in the newspaper, on the radio and in social media. Offensive linemen play a thankless position that goes unnoticed unless they make a mistake.  Make sure you are showing them the love.  I know that coach did and that 6’6″ kid wound up being a starting offensive tackle and helped his team win a state championship!

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!