Coach and Coordinator Podcast

In this episode from our archives, Eli Drinkwitz, head coach at the University of Missouri, shares how he implements a pro-tempo style of offense to attack opposing defenses.Coach Drinkwitz focuses on competition, trust, respect, and enjoying the journey at Missouri. The Tigers are having an outstanding season in 2023, which after listening or re-listening to this episode comes as no surprise.Show Notes: Desire to Become a Head Coach Pillars of Football at Missouri Offensive Philosophy Starting Off Fast on Offense Using a Sugar Huddle Pre-Snap Movement Weekly Game Plans Matching the Defense with Your Offense Follow Coach Drinkwitz on Twitter/X @CoachDrinkwitz.Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode from our archives, we delve into the topic of player self-evaluations. These essential tools for understanding and developing players provide valuable insights into their perceptions, attitudes, and goals, allowing coaches to tailor their coaching approach to individual needs.Coach Keith Grabowski shares all the questions and survey items that have benefitted his teams plus the significance of player self-evaluations and the impact they can have on a team's development.To receive and download a copy of Keith's evaluation tool, sign up for our Weekly Tips Sheet Newsletter. We will distribute the player survey in next week's issue.Show Notes: Self-Evaluation of the Player Using a 1-10 Scale Football Preparation Promoting the Program Social Behavior Attitude Passion for the Game Communication Punctuality Being a Good Teammate Dependability Rest and Sleep Diet Toughness Leadership Typical Contact Information on the Player Information on Position, Physical, Classroom, and Other Sports Played Names of Potential Recruits within the School Tell Us More About You Tell Us More About Our Team: Best Players, Most Liked Teammates, Least Liked Teammates Tell Us About Our Opponents: Favorite Teams and Favorite Athletes Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the postseason, the pressure to perform at your best becomes even more intense. Coaches and players alike need to be mentally and physically prepared to navigate the challenges of playoff and championship weeks.In this episode, three playoff-experienced coaches teach the importance of maintaining a heightened level of consistency while preparing for these crucial moments.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Eric Marty, Offensive Coordinator, Michigan Panthers Scotty Walden, Head Coach, Austin Peay Mike Elder, Head Coach, Avon High School (OH) Show Notes: Emphasize the Urgency of the Situation Stay in the Moment Elevate the Effort Level Treat Every Opponent and Game with the Same Level of Preparation Maintain a Consistent Approach without Adding Unnecessary Pressure Focus on Meticulous Details Keep Practices Short Prevent Over-Preparation Develop Future Players Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the high-stakes weeks of the playoffs or championship games, effective game planning and scouting techniques play crucial roles in determining a team's success. Doing a thorough job allows coaching staffs to understand their team's tendencies and opponent’s tendencies, as well as make adjustments as needed. This approach helps maintain clarity for their players and ensures they can perform at their best without being overwhelmed by constant changes in strategy.In this episode, our guests emphasize the importance of self-scouting and staying true to their team's identity while also being mindful of their opponent's tendencies.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Morgan Scalley, Defensive Coordinator, University of Utah Mike Judy, Head Coach, Smyrna High School (DE) Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While wrapping up a season, evaluation and analysis play crucial roles in identifying both the strengths and weaknesses of your offense and defense. Coaches and analysts strive to gain a true picture of their team's performance, allowing them to make informed decisions for improvement.Getting a true picture of an offense’s or defense's strengths and weaknesses is a multifaceted process that involves statistical analysis, tactical evaluation, and emphasis on fundamentals. By utilizing these methods, coaches gain valuable insights into their unit's performance to make decisions for improvement. This comprehensive approach allows you to identify patterns, adjust tactics, and foster a culture of accountability.As the offseason progresses, these evaluations lay the groundwork for refining strategies, studying successful offenses or defenses, and focusing on areas that require improvement. With a well-informed evaluation process, coaches lead their units to even greater success in the seasons to come.In this episode, we hear from two defensive coordinators and one offensive coordinator on the methods they employ to evaluate their units, make data-driven adjustments, and turn them into actionable items that both coaches and players can take ownership of.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Branden Jakubcin, Defensive Coordinator, Heidelberg University Shane Dierking, Defensive Coordinator, North Central College Jay Wilkinson, Offensive Coordinator, Fayetteville High School (AR) Show Notes: Methods Used to Assess Strengths and Weaknesses How to Analyze Goals, Formations, and Coverages to Determine Efficiency and Inefficiency Focusing on Improving Specific Scenarios and Schemes Run and Pass Efficiency, Formations, and Coverage Variations The Significance of Fundamentals and Finish Quality Control Spreadsheet The Efficiency, Explosiveness, and Negative Plays of Different Categories and Field Positions Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As coaches, we all know leading a team through the playoffs can be an exhilarating, yet demanding, experience. The pressure to perform, the increased responsibilities, and the distractions outside the game can easily derail our focus. However, by implementing effective strategies, we can ensure we stay on track and give our teams the best chance to succeed.In this episode, three coaches share what they learned from their experiences to stay focused and maximize playoff success. Learn about delegating non-game-related responsibilities, maintaining a consistent schedule, and leaving it all on the field. Remember, the playoffs are a rare opportunity, and it is essential to enjoy the journey and savor the moments of triumph. So as you lead your team through the playoffs, stay focused, stay prepared, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Cris Reisert, Head Coach, Tiffin University Kirk Fridrich, Head Coach, Union High School (OK) Ty Gower, Defensive Coordinator, Plano West High School (TX) Show Notes: Delegate Outside Responsibilities to Stay Focused on the Game Have Someone Manage Non-Game-Related Tasks Leave Nothing on the Field and Call Trick Plays Peak at the Right Time and Build Confidence Slow Down and Enjoy the Moment Embrace the Journey of a Successful Season Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode from our archives, Coach Keith Grabowski gives us a page out his notebook on trick plays. Trick plays can be fun and valuable tools for a team. They give room for creativity on offense and confusion for opposing defenses.Listen to insight on some of the most popular trick plays and some new ones. This episode supplies coaches with a multitude of ideas that can be implemented as the end of the season approaches.Show Notes: Trick Play Article Oberlin Trick Play History of Philly Special Kevin Kelly’s Approach Skill Components Multiple Player Exchange Exchange to Pass Jump Pass Double Pass Catch and Pitch Throwbacks Specials Categories of Plays Favorite Throwback Don’t Forget the Linemen St. Johnsbury Academy (VT) Tackle Screen Tricks by Procedure How To Practice Trick Plays Circus Circuit Hook & Ladder Heidelberg’s Hook & Ladder How To Plan Trick Plays Know Your Opponent When and Where to Call Trick Plays Set Up a Play That Fits the Game Plan Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exit interviews provide a valuable opportunity for coaches to gather feedback from players at the conclusion of a season. This feedback can have a profound impact on coaching methods and strategies, ultimately contributing to team development and success. This commitment to open communication and continuous improvement lays the foundation for successful future seasons and ultimately contributes to long-term growth and achievements of both the team and its players.In this episode, three coaches explore the importance of exit interviews, how they influence coaching approaches, and the benefits they bring to team dynamics and individual player development.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Jonathan Himebauch, Offensive Line Coach, Arlington Renegades Loren Johnson, Highland Springs High School (VA) Siddiq Haynes, Defensive Line Coach, UTSA Show Notes: Give Players Time to Process Their Emotions Include Feedback on Scheduling, Installation, and Daily Routine Goal Sheets and Personality Tests to Understand Players' Development and Maturation Open Communication and Honesty Provide Specific Feedback to Players on Performance, Strengths, and Areas for Improvement Encourage Players to Provide Feedback on How You Can Be a Better Coach Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maintaining focus during postseason weeks is essential for coaches and players to perform their best and make the most of their achievements. As coaches, we understand the immense pressure that comes with postseason games. It is crucial to not only instruct players to remain focused but also equip them with practical tools to do so.In this episode, we explore effective strategies for keeping athletes focused during postseason weeks. These techniques include implementing mistake rituals, maintaining a consistent approach, and minimizing distractions. Additionally, we discuss the significance of routine in enhancing performance, the importance of over-communication with parents during critical moments, and the detrimental effects of creating unnecessary pressure.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Levi Nelson, Positive Coach Alliance Chris Kappas, Head Coach, Louisville High School (OH) Jeremy Hawkins, Run Game Coordinator and DL Coach, Eastern Kentucky Randy Jackson, Texas High School Coach Show Notes: The Importance of Teaching Focus Moving on from Mistakes Treat Every Game the Same Maintain the Same Preparation and Mindset Throughout the Year Balancing Focus on the Game While Also Savoring the Moment Have Older Players Share Their Experiences Practical Advice to Clear Your Plate as a Coach Focus on Winning Each Day Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we turn our focus to the postseason, we start with one of its most critical aspects – game planning. Game planning in the postseason requires a meticulous and well-rounded approach. By staying focused on main objectives, being prepared for adjustments, and utilizing clues for what the opponent is about to do, coaches develop effective strategies to counter opponents' strengths. The ability to adapt quickly and provide players with information ensures a team is well-prepared to face any challenges that arise during playoff games.In this episode, three coaches share strategies for effective game planning in the postseason. They address what an opponent does best, planning for contingencies, and finding clues to help your position players.Coaches Featured in This Episode: Todd Drury, Defensive Coordinator, Western Illinois Josh Herring, QB Coach, Lassiter High School (GA) Deonte Gibson, Defensive Line Coach, Youngstown State Show Notes: Stay Focused on the Main Thing Don't Chase Unnecessary Rabbit Trails Defend Against the Opponent's Strengths Stick to Established Practice Routines Prepare to Adapt When the Opponents Make Adjustments Utilize Analytics to Identify Tendencies and Weaknesses Watch Player Alignments and Movements Tailor Game Plans to Your Players' Learning Preferences Follow All We Are Doing:Visit CoachandCoordinator.com to listen to the entire library of episodes in The Season.Follow us on Twitter/X @CoachKGrabowski.Sign-up for our weekly newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices