coaching – O Line Skills

National Coach’s Day

October 6, 2025October 6, 2025 Coach AlercioLeave a comment

Today, Monday October 6^th, is “National Coaches Day.” It’s not a scheme to get you to buy a greeting card, nor some food promotion promising free tacos or burgers… It was first proclaimed by President Nixon in 1972, to acknowledge the influence coaches have on young people through sports. The day is dedicated to honoring and appreciating coaches of all sports and levels, from volunteers to professionals, for the positive impact they have on athletes and communities.

My first job after college was as a teacher and coach at Admiral Farragut Academy, a military (Naval) based preparatory school with all the traditional trappings of a military hierarchy. I was given the option of receiving a pseudo-military rank/title or being called “Coach.” I chose Coach, and that is all I have ever wanted to be called. My coaches were my mentors…the examples I wanted to follow…At the time, I questioned whether I was actually worthy of the title, but I resolved to earn the trust and respect of my players, the same way my coaches had earned ours: one day at a time.

As coaches, we play a profound and lasting role in shaping kids’ lives, acting as mentors, role models, and even parental figures while we coach them, and those relationships last for years to come. Our influence goes beyond teaching skills, schemes, and plays. We help shape character, values, and outlooks on life. For nearly four decades now, I’ve considered coaching as a privilege. A privilege I cherish, and one that serves as an homage to all the great coaches who have supported and invested in me over the years.

Today, I encourage you to reach out to a current or former coach of yours, or perhaps your child’s, and simply say, “Thank you.” We do not need anything more than that. Our reward comes in the celebration of successes as players on the fields and courts near and far, in the lives they build with their families, and the positive impacts they make on their communities for years to come.

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!

Old Dogs & Good Coaches

May 8, 2025May 7, 2025 Coach AlercioLeave a comment

“Old dogs can learn new tricks—and good coaches never stop learning.”

Experience is valuable, but growth comes from staying open to new ideas. In the ever-evolving world of coaching football, the best coaches are the ones who adapt, innovate, and keep learning. Whether it’s a fresh tactic, a new training method, or a different way to motivate players, every lesson learned makes you a stronger leader. Lifelong learning is essential for coaching success.

I recently made two very productive and informative professional development trips. One was to Dartmouth College where I caught up with a couple of other coaching friends who were visiting from NJ. We spent time in meetings with Linebacker Coach Don Dobes and Offensive Line Coach Keith Clark then we observed practice to see how what we learned was implemented on the field. The other trip was to Norwich University to visit National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year, Scott Caufield. I brought our Strength Coach and Assistant Football Coach on the visit so that she could also learn from one of the best.

Experience provides a strong foundation, but growth comes from staying curious and open to change. In football coaching, embracing new tactics, technologies, and training methods not only improves team performance but also keeps a coach current in a fast-evolving sport.

A true coach is both a lifelong learner and a lifelong teacher. When you commit to both learning and teaching, you build a legacy that goes far beyond the scoreboard. That is why for 25 years I have invited coaches to attend my Offensive Line Clinics at no cost. Even if they do not have any of their players attending, they are welcomed to join us, to learn, and to pass it forward.

A Path to Success

April 3, 2025April 2, 2025 Coach AlercioLeave a comment

It is not what the coach knows, or even what he said…It is what the players learn.

A coach can have all the strategies and techniques in the world, but if the players don’t truly learn, internalize, and apply them on the field, the coach’s knowledge will not translate to success. How well the players absorb, understand, and apply what is taught is what truly matters. Coaches must be teachers and educate their players. Education is the transfer of knowledge from the teacher to the student, or in this case, the coach to the player. Different athletes have different learning styles. Virtually all require some type of reinforcement, as concepts, tactics, techniques, and procedures are perishable over time.

Having a teaching or coaching manual is crucial for structure, consistency, and long-term success in coaching football. A manual ensures every player and coach in the program follows the same techniques, maintaining a uniform approach to playing style and player development. It provides a roadmap for player progression from fundamentals to advanced tactics. Further, it enables concepts to scale, and staff members and returning players are able to assist new team members. Lastly, it provides continuity over time as new players join the team, preventing disruptions and ensuring a smooth transition from year to year.

From stance and steps to run, pass, and screen techniques, to run blocking and pass protection schemes, the Alercio OLine Manual provides you, your staff, and your players with a roadmap for success. They sell for $20, which includes shipping, and helps me cover the costs of editing and production. As a bonus, manuals are available at any of the Alercio OLine Clinics for only $10. To order yours, contact email me at richalercio@gmail.com.

Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty

March 27, 2025 Coach AlercioLeave a comment

“Dig your well before you’re thirsty,” is a metaphor for preparing in advance for times of need or difficulty. Productivity and sales author Harvey McKay wrote a book of the same title in 1999, and the adage is apropos today as it was over a quarter century ago. It reminds us to prepare for future needs in advance rather than waiting until it is too late. The ancient version of the proverb is attributed to Chinese philosopher Zhu Xi, and it is a common saying across various cultures, including a Japanese proverb that says, “When you feel thirsty, it is too late to start thinking about digging a well.” Even the earliest recorded stories from Genesis teach the idea of preparation and work today, as a worthy sacrifice for the benefits of tomorrow. Regardless of source, the core message is proactively addressing potential problems before they become critical.

I was recently contacted by two different high school coaches. One was inquiring about bringing the offensive linemen from his youth program to one of my OLine Clinics to develop for their future. The other was asking if I knew of any OLine Coaches looking for a job since he has no one on his staff with OLine experience. These are coaches who are digging their well before they are thirsty and are great examples of proactively addressing a potential problem before it is a crisis.

Whether in networking, relationship building, or skill development, we can help coaches and players “dig their wells before they are thirsty,” at upcoming Alercio OLine Clinics. Join us this Spring as we work hard, sacrifice now, and prepare to reap the benefits this Fall, and for years to come!

Beyond The Lockerooms, Sidelines, Championships, And Legacies

February 13, 2025February 12, 2025 Coach AlercioLeave a comment

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.

Forging The Future

November 21, 2024November 20, 2024 Coach AlercioLeave a comment

After the season is over and all the equipment is collected, players schedule a one-on-one year-end meeting with me. These meetings serve as an opportunity to reflect on the past season, assess their progress, set off-season goals, and discuss where they see themselves next year.

I try to orchestrate the process of self-reflection to be motivating and affirming. I want players to recognize the progress they’ve made, the skills they developed, and the goals they reached. Further, I try to very tangibly acknowledge the contributions they made to the team, fostering a sense of appreciation and making the player feel valued in the program. It also provides an opportunity to discuss what didn’t go well and why. I’m genuinely interested in players’ perceptions and encourage them to raise concerns, discuss obstacles they faced, and share challenges they have off of the field that impact their performance on the field.

These meetings also give me an opportunity to provide feedback on what they did well and opportunities for improvement. I make every effort to ensure the feedback is clear, actionable, and focused on improvement for the individual player and the team.

The year-end meetings are a chance to strengthen the coach–player relationship by creating a two-way dialogue that hopefully fosters trust, leads to more engaged players, and conveys how much I care about them. This opens the door to conversations about any misunderstandings that may have occurred during the season, while opening the door to future dialogues whenever players feel the need.

By giving players an opportunity to voice their opinions, share their concerns, and provide feedback we create players who feel more engaged and invested in the program leading to greater retention and hopefully recruitment of their classmates.

In closing, year-end meetings are a critical opportunity to reflect, learn, plan, and motivate ensuring both the player and the team are set up for success and looking forward to the year ahead.

Planting Seeds & Fertilizing Growth

June 20, 2024 Coach AlercioLeave a comment

It is Hilltopper Youth Football Camp week and we have over 60 kids entering grades 3-8 with us Monday – Friday from 8:30-11:30am. Our coaching staff and players provide a structured and supportive environment where the kids can grow as athletes and individuals, setting a foundation for their future in sports and beyond.

The building blocks of that foundation are the following:

Skill Development: We work daily on the fundamental skills of blocking, tackling, passing and receiving.
Physical Fitness: We incorporate daily activities and drills to improve speed, agility, and strength contributing to better physical conditioning and overall fitness levels
Confidence Building: Achieving or improving these new skills and increasing fitness levels boosts their self-confidence and encourages the athletes to challenge themselves further.
Friendship and Camaraderie: We have kids from over a dozen elementary and middle schools representing several towns in attendance. This camp allows them to meet new friends and create lasting bonds through these shared experiences.
Fun and Enjoyment: Beyond skill development, the drills are designed to be enjoyable and engaging, making learning the sport a positive and rewarding experience.
Exposure to Competition: We also add a component of competition to many of the drills and remind the players that they do not have to win. They just need to try to win.
Teamwork and Communication: We finish every day with a team game emphasizing the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and communication among players, fostering essential social skills.
Sportsmanship: The result of those games is learning to win and lose gracefully, respect opponents, and follow rules; all skills critical in camp, in competition, and in life.
Leadership: With every drill, competition, and game, we encourage our older more experienced players to set a good example by helping and encouraging their younger counterparts.

An ancillary benefit to our program is the development of our own players who help coach the kids. We see them grow as leaders, building confidence while they share the energy and enthusiasm they have for the sport of football and their Hilltopper program.