Coaches Corner: This is a great / exciting time for coaches:

This is a great/exciting time for coaches.

Everyone is undefeated and your kids are fired up to start playing football. Coming off a sub par (3-9) season only adds to the intensity and anxiousness to erase the terrible taste from last season. Without a doubt, the players have certainly used the 3-9 record to step up the motivation and fuel the associated extra emphasis put into off-season conditioning.

Come Monday, things change: coaches will be present, systems and skills will be introduced or re-taught, serious competition commences, people will be glad to hit and even be hit, and the team prepares to take a giant leap forward. This leap has been in the making since November of 2008.

The staff wants to see this current UM team show up in its best shape ever. Players have been challenged and strategies clearly communicated. Newness is still present but soon this will eclipse. Having two springs and an entire season under their belts, coaches and players expect (and have prepared) to take the offense to the next level. A much higher level!

The players, even before summer started, knew what the staff expectations were, creating a better chance that the expectations will be met. Players are more familiar with the drills and routines, and this makes your life as a coach much easier.

What a coach looks for from his team is a special edge and intensity, which many times can be a bi-product of the increased pride and unity that should, in any competitive program, come about from looking back on a 3-9 record.

Players and coaches have met and met. And the first week of practices have long been planned. It is time to hit the beaches (and not for sun-tanning).

My guess is the staff will work extra hard at building the team’s confidence. A positive start to the 2009 season will be imperative. One of the biggest keys/concerns for the staff is to come out of camp healthy. Here is where football coaching has a little dilemma: it is desired that preseason practices get the maximum work out of the team without hitting that over-training crest that can spur on injuries.

From a personal point, the start of doubles (two-a-days) is a great time. Between the time spent with staff and working with your players, coaches develop some of the greatest relationships life can know.

It also presents a tremendous challenge. Practices must maintain that original excitement and spontaneity and not let doubles turn into drudgery. It is very easy to get into ruts. If a coach loses the players it can be very difficult to get them back.

One great aspect of preseason football is that for the first three weeks the coaches have the kids’ total attention. There is no school or homework to “distract” your players, only football. One of the techniques I use is to set small daily, weekly, and even session goals to keep practice fresh and focused.

We know all of our readers share a great love for this fantastic game. We wish every one of you could share this excitement and adrenaline rush. It is a special feeling. It is even better when the team wins.

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Written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine