Tag: personal-development

Setting the Example; Be A Lifelong Learner

Coach AlercioLeave a comment

The game of football never stands still. Schemes evolve, athletes change, technology advances, and expectations rise. When I started coaching in the 1980s, most teams lined up in the I-formation and we broke down games on 16mm film. Then came the shotgun and spread offenses, and film shifted to VHS. Next it was the Zone Read and compact discs. Today we’re coaching RPOs and studying practice and game film on cloud-based platforms. The tools and tactics may change, but one truth remains constant: the quality of the coach directly shapes the quality of the team. That is why professional development is not a luxury for football coaches—it is a necessity.

Coaching can be an isolating profession, especially at the high school level. Professional development creates opportunities to connect with other coaches, exchange ideas, and challenge each other’s thinking. It can take many forms: mentorship from experienced coaches, observing other programs in action, attending clinics and conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging in coaching communities both online and in person. No coach develops in isolation. Growth accelerates when knowledge is shared.

Players notice everything. When they see a coach who is staying current, open to learning, and committed to improving, it sends a powerful message. By investing in your own development, you show your players that growth is not a phase of life—it is a mindset. You reinforce that learning never stops, and that the same standards you expect from them apply to you as well.

A coach who is willing to learn, adapt, and improve creates players who are willing to learn, adapt, and improve. Lifelong learning is not just a professional responsibility; it is a leadership obligation.

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! 

Beyond The Lockerooms, Sidelines, Championships, And Legacies

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.

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!