business – O Line Skills

As we prepare for our first 7v7 tournament of the summer at the Pembroke Army National Guard Readiness Center in New Hampshire, I’m reminded of the two core principles that guided Harvey Firestone, founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company: “Do we need it?” and “Can we simplify it?”

These questions aren’t just business mantras—they’re a philosophy that transforms how we approach any challenge. Firestone understood that every unnecessary component, every extra step, every bit of complexity that doesn’t add value becomes a liability. His principles encourage critical evaluation of whether something is truly necessary, ensuring that time and energy are invested only in what provides genuine value.

The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi embodied this same philosophy when he said, “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” He achieved this by relentlessly simplifying. The Green Bay Packers’ “power sweep” became unstoppable not because it was complex, but because it was executed to perfection through simplicity and repetition.

So as we approach the game plan for our 7v7 tournament, the question isn’t how many plays we can install—it’s which plays we truly need and can execute flawlessly?

A simplified, well-executed plan consistently outperforms a complicated, poorly understood one. We will only include plays that our team can execute with precision and that serve a clear purpose. Our goal is to confuse our opponents with formations, motions, alignments, and route combinations—not our own players. By using only the plays we need and thoroughly understand, our players can play fast and with confidence.

This approach creates a more focused and efficient team that has fun playing and competing together. When players aren’t overwhelmed by complexity, they can focus on execution, react instinctively, and play with the joy that makes football special.

Whether you’re building a tire company, a backyard deck, or preparing for a 7v7 tournament, the most powerful question you can ask remains the same: “What would make this simpler?”

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!

Behind every successful coach stands a remarkable partner whose unwavering support shapes not just a career, but a legacy. The spouse of a coach embodies dedication extending far beyond the sidelines, making countless unseen contributions that enable their partner to inspire and lead others.

When Friday nights mean away games instead of date nights, or when family celebrations compete with crucial practice sessions, a coach’s spouse adapts with grace and understanding. They master the art of flexibility – rescheduling family events around tournament brackets or playoffs, maintaining family traditions despite seasonal demands, and creating meaningful moments in the spaces between games and practices.

These partners don’t just manage households; they nurture the foundation that allows coaches to pour their energy into developing athletes and building programs. They become confidants who listen to game strategies late into the night, cheerleaders who celebrate the victories as if they were their own, and steady anchors who provide perspective after difficult losses. Their emotional intelligence and unwavering support create a sanctuary where coaches can be vulnerable, process challenges, and find renewed strength.

The upcoming Valentine’s Day offers a perfect moment to honor these extraordinary partners. While coaches spend countless hours helping others achieve their dreams, February 14th presents an opportunity to turn the spotlight on those who make their own dreams possible. It’s a chance to acknowledge the daily sacrifices – the solo parenting during away games, the rearranged schedules, the understanding smile when practice runs late – and express profound gratitude for a partnership that strengthens both personal bonds and professional achievements.

This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate these unsung heroes who transform a demanding career into a shared journey of purpose and accomplishment. Their love and support create the foundation upon which coaching success is built, making every victory – on and off the field – a truly shared achievement. I, and many I know, count ourselves lucky to have such a partner in this journey called life.

Tag: business

The Power of Simplicity

Beyond The Lockerooms, Sidelines, Championships, And Legacies