As I recently shared with Coach Keith Grabowski on his Coach & Coordinator Champion Series Podcast, the first week of the season sets the tone, not just for the opening game, but for everything that follows. A successful start begins with a clear team identity. Players need to understand who we are, what we stand for, and how we expect to play. That identity and our culture form the foundation upon which everything else—our schemes, our preparation, and our decisions—is built.
A critical part of this process is evaluating the roster with honesty and precision. Every year brings a different mix of returning starters and young players who are still learning the game. Our job as coaches is to assess where they are, using evidence-based decisions rather than assumptions, and to meet them there with the right level of instruction and expectation.
When it comes to playbooks, I’ve learned over four decades that simplicity often wins. At the high school level, trying to do too much too soon can set players up for mistakes. Instead, we focus on installing what we can execute with confidence and building from there. The same applies to our practice structure—controlled scrimmages and situational drills allow us to sharpen fundamentals without risking unnecessary wear and tear on our athletes.
Energy management is another key component. The first game brings its own excitement, but it’s up to us as coaches to pace the week so that our team peaks at kickoff, not on Wednesday afternoon. From the way we schedule practices to how we handle film sessions, everything is geared toward being mentally and physically ready when it matters most.
Ultimately, coaching is about leadership. It’s about giving players clarity, purpose, and the tools to succeed. Week One isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about setting the right trajectory. By focusing on identity, preparation, and fundamentals, we put our players in the best position to perform—not just on opening night, but throughout the season.
Coach Grabowski touted this episode as “a blueprint for coaches who want to start strong, stay strong, and build a team that competes with confidence every single week.” That’s certainly our goal, and I’m privileged to share some of the thoughts and philosophies so many others have shared with me. Programs like Coach Grabowski’s podcast are just another example of collaboration and education so willingly shared by members of the coaching fraternity.
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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