Often times when the season starts, especially with a loss, the common question for everyone is what went wrong? I've been there too many times to count.
Here are some common issues to early season problems:
1- Their legs are shot. During those hot August practices, we over did it, and our guys have not recovered. I hate to admit this, but I have cost our teams wins in the early part of the season because we didn't have our legs under us. And back in the old days, to make it worse, we said, "our guys are not in shape!" and we ran them some more! Once you hit August, if your guys give a solid effort in practice, run to the ball full speed, block the sled full speed, run drill work full speed, etc. I am not sure how much "conditioning" you need after that.
One week at KY All Star, as our coaches(from all over the state) were sitting around talking, comparing notes, we all realized we were killing our kids for those early season games and needed to do better.
It took me 5 years to figure out how to navigate the two bowl games on Saturdays at Mercer. The final plan...during the bowl weeks, Thursday was a stretch, walk through, lift, hydrate, video day. Friday was a normal "Thursday" practice... on script and fast... a simulated game. Once we went to this format, we played MUCH better in the bowl games.
The Monday after bowl games, going into the Anderson game, was also a walk through, lift, hydrate, video day. Tuesday was normal. Wednesday was our first 6 am practice of the season which was BIG in helping us play better. First of all, 6 am in September is much cooler. Our practice was much more productive. Extreme heat leads to fatigue. Fatigue leads to injury. Plus, your guys get an extra 12 hours of recovery for their legs and bodies from the last contact practice of the week. 2019, we do NOT upset Anderson County or CAL without the Wednesday morning practices.
2- Relationships. If a team gives a poor effort, or acts like they don't want to play, I question the relationships we have as coaches with our players. One time after a very uninspired performance, my staff said our guys are not tough and they are not in shape. Can we be tougher... sure! But, I would notice the other team played their tails off for their coaches. As coaches, we can be quick to blame the kids. Whenever things go wrong, my first look is in the mirror. No coach WANTS to own a loss. But, you sure do grow more as a person, leader, and coach, if you hold yourself accountable before anyone else gets blamed for anything.
3- Dehydrated. We became more intentional about extra Gatorade after practice and making sure everyone got one about an hour and a half before game time.
4- Special Teams Details. We start every practice, all season, with special teams. The first thing we do on July 10... snap, kick, punt, and catch punts. If I had a nickel for every time Seth Faulkner said on a Thursday or Friday, "You never know when one point will win or lose you a game," I would be a rich man. Preseason, you have to evaluate your special teams daily, just like you would after a loss.
Early season games are stressful because we are never sure what to expect. If we can protect our kids bodies, keep them hydrated, build relationships, and be meticulous with special teams details, our chances of success improve dramatically.
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