Reader,

Are you ready to take your team to the next level? As a football coach, you’re always looking for ways to improve, innovate, and outsmart the competition. Today, I want to share some actionable strategies inspired by Scott Young’s book, “Get Better at Anything,” that can help you and your team excel.

In this newsletter, we’ll break down three powerful lessons from Young’s framework and give you concrete examples of how to apply these techniques in your coaching routine. Plus, I’ve included links to some additional resources to help you dive deeper. Let’s dive in!

1. Solve Problems Like a Maze: Break Down Challenges Step-by-Step

Example: Imagine your team is struggling to defend against quick passing plays. Instead of viewing this as a massive, overwhelming problem, think of it as a maze that can be navigated step-by-step.

How to Apply It:

• Frame the Problem Correctly: Start by identifying the exact issue. Is it the cornerbacks giving too much cushion? Are linebackers slow to react? By narrowing down the problem, you can focus on the most impactful areas first.
• Pick Promising Problems: Not all defensive issues are created equal. Prioritize the ones where you see a clear path to improvement. For instance, focus on increasing the agility and reaction time of your linebackers rather than trying to overhaul the entire defensive strategy mid-season.
• Explore the Problem Space One Room at a Time: Break down the problem into smaller parts. Begin by working on drills that focus specifically on cornerback positioning and reactions. Once that’s improved, move on to linebacker coordination and communication. This methodical approach helps you build a stronger defense step-by-step.

Action Step: Start your next practice with a focused drill session aimed at a specific defensive weakness. Use video analysis to show players exactly where the breakdowns occur and how they can adjust their positioning or technique.

Additional Resource: For more on defensive strategies, check out this YouTube Video with Steve Spagnuolo.

2. Prioritize Variation Over Repetition: Keep Practice Dynamic and Engaging

Example: We all know the importance of repetition, but sometimes it can lead to complacency. To keep your players sharp and adaptable, integrate more variation into your practice routines.

How to Apply It:

• Shuffle Drills Regularly: Change the order of your drills every few practices to keep players guessing and adapting. Instead of always starting with warm-up runs, try beginning with a situational play drill to get their minds and bodies engaged right away.
• Integrate Variable Practice: Mix up the conditions under which drills are run. One day, run plays in silence; the next, simulate crowd noise. Practice under various weather conditions or change the play tempo. This unpredictability will help players remain calm and perform under pressure on game day.
• Focus on Game-Like Scenarios: Instead of generic drills, use real game scenarios. Set up drills that replicate a two-minute drill or practice against a simulated blitz package. This approach not only keeps players engaged but also helps them understand the direct application of their practice to actual game situations.

Action Step: Design your next practice with at least two new game-like scenarios. Encourage players to think critically and adapt their strategies on the fly. Observe who adapts well and who struggles, and use that information for targeted coaching.

Additional Resource: Learn more about effective practice techniques in this YouTube Video with Ron McKie.

3. Unlearn Bad Habits: Reset and Rebuild with Purpose

Example: Every coach has encountered a player with a bad habit that’s hard to break. Whether it’s a quarterback who throws off his back foot or a lineman who stands up too tall after the snap, unlearning these habits is crucial for improvement.

How to Apply It:

• Add New Constraints: To correct a quarterback’s habit of throwing off his back foot, have him practice with a weighted vest or under a specific time constraint. This forces a focus on proper mechanics under pressure.
• Get an Outside Perspective: Sometimes, an external viewpoint can make all the difference. Bring in a specialist coach or even use peer coaching where players help correct each other’s techniques. A fresh set of eyes can identify issues that have become invisible to you.
• Renovate, Don’t Rebuild: Encourage players to make small, incremental adjustments rather than trying to change everything at once. If a lineman has poor hand placement, focus solely on that aspect for a few sessions rather than trying to fix all his techniques simultaneously.

Action Step: Identify one or two players who could benefit from a focused unlearning session. Use video footage to show them their habits and set up specific drills to help them reset those habits.

Additional Resource: For strategies on breaking bad habits, explore this TedTalk Video with Judson Brewer.

Putting It All Together: The Continuous Improvement Cycle

Remember, the journey to becoming a better coach and building a better team is a continuous process of Seeing (learning from others), Doing (practicing right), and Feedback (making adjustments). Here’s how you can integrate this cycle into your daily coaching life:

• Seeing: Dedicate time each week to study other teams, either by watching game film or attending games in person. Notice their strategies and think about how they could apply to your team.
• Doing: Design practice sessions that are varied and challenging. Keep your players engaged with new drills and game-like scenarios.
• Feedback: After every game or major practice session, conduct a debrief with your team. Provide constructive, actionable feedback. Encourage an open dialogue where players feel comfortable discussing what went well and what needs improvement.

Action Step: Start implementing this cycle with your next practice. Make a plan to observe, do, and give feedback. Track your team’s progress over time and adjust your coaching strategies as needed.

Additional Resource: Discover more about effective feedback in coaching from this YouTube Video with Simon Sinek and see how you can apply it to your team.

By applying these principles from “Get Better at Anything,” you can foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team. Remember, it’s not about being perfect but about getting a little better every day. Your commitment to growth will not only make you a better coach but also inspire your players to reach their full potential.

Take a deep dive into my latest article: Mastering the Art of Coaching.

Here’s to your coaching success and your team’s unstoppable progress!

Best Regards,

Manny Matsakis

Feel free to share your success stories or ask questions on how to implement these strategies more effectively. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together!

P.S. If you found this newsletter helpful, don’t forget to share it with other coaches in your network. Let’s grow and learn together!

By incorporating these resources and strategies into your coaching, you can elevate your team’s performance and continue to develop as a leader.