As coaches, we all know that 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 that we stay on track and give our team the best chance to succeed. In this episode, we gain insight from three coaches who share what they learned from their playoff experiences that can help you stay focused and maximize playoff success.
We are joined by Head Coach of Tiffin University Cris Reisert who brought the Dragons to the playoffs in his first year as a head coach and currently are ranked #17 in D2. Head Coach of Union HS Kirk Fridrich who has led his team to five Oklahoma state championships, and Plano West Defensive Coordinator Ty Gower who was part of a state runner-up in 2016
First, Coach Reisert reflects on his experience during the playoffs and emphasizes the importance of delegating outside responsibilities to stay focused on the game. He learned the need to have someone manage non-game-related tasks, allowing him to be prepared and make necessary adjustments during the game.
Next Coach Fridrich discusses the significance of leaving nothing on the field and calling trick plays. He emphasizes the importance of peaking during the season and building confidence in the team by running special plays early in the season and getting them on film.
We finish with Coach Gower who shares his personal experience of reaching the state championship and realizing the pressure and lack of enjoyment he experienced. He advises young coaches to slow down, enjoy the moment, and not get caught up in the pressure, stress, and future outcomes, but instead embrace the fun and journey of a successful season.
The playoffs are a challenging yet exciting time for coaches. By implementing effective strategies, such as delegating non-game-related responsibilities, maintaining a consistent schedule, and leaving it all on the field, we can stay focused and maximize our team's chances of success. 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.
Keep tuning in all the way through to December as we share insight on the post-season as well as tips and methods for wrapping up the 2023 season.
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Stay Sharp Physically and Mentally in the Late Season – Morgan Scalley (Utah), Chris Softley (Lubbock Christian), Mike Elder (Avon HS)
Personnel, Workload, and Positive Morale on Special Teams – Charlie Coiner (NFL), Bobby April (NFL), Brett Arkelian (Fresno State)
Keep Your Defense in Battle Rhythm – Todd Drury (Western Illinois), John Mumford (NFL), Vince DiGaetano (Fordham)
Maximizing Performance Through Self-Scouting and Exploiting Opponent Weaknesses – Scotty Walden (Austin Peay), Dante Bartee (Oregon), Jeremy Hawkins (EKU)
Keeping Your Defense Adaptable and Unpredictable – Eric Kasperowicz (Mars HS), Branden Jakubcin (Heidelberg), John Rice (San Jacinto HS)
Recycle and Work It In: Late-Season Game Planning – Kyle Ohradzansky (Findlay), Jay Wilkinson (Fayetteville HS), John Tomlinson (USFL)
Strategic Practice Management: Less Is More – Matt Drinkall (Army), Pete Shinnick (Towson), Kirk Fridrich (Union HS)
Mid-Season Practice and Game Planning Considerations – Jaime Elizondo, XFL Offensive Coordinator
Communication for a Positive Second Half of the Season – John Tomlinson (USFL), Mike Judy (Smyrna HS), Brendan Walsh (Colgate)
Stay Sharp in the Trenches – Steven Ciocci (Bryant), Siddiq Haynes (UTSA), Kyle Segler (Louisiana-Monroe)
Evaluating Defensive Performance and Making Adjustments – Eric Kasperowicz (Mars HS), Shane Dierking (North Central), Ty Gower (Princeton HS)
Keeping It Simple and Continuing to Evolve Your Style – AJ Smith, OC, XFL Houston Roughnecks
Mid-Season Workload: Understand Player Needs – Cris Reisert (Tiffin University) and Chris Softley (Lubbock Christian)
Self-Scouting Your Calls and Your Culture – Dante Bartee (Oregon) and Morgan Scalley (Utah)
Adding Wrinkles to Meetings, Practices, and Drills for Continuous Improvement – Eric Marty (Michigan Panthers), Scotty Walden (Austin Peay), Tommy Zagorski (Otterbein)
The Strategic Power of the Self-Scout - James Vint
Keeping the Team Focused and Motivated Mid Season - Levi Nelson (PCA), Loren Johnson (Highland Springs HS), Matt Drinkall (Army West Point)
Mid Season Measurement of Offensive Success - Tyler Roehl (North Dakota St.), Jay Wilkinson (Fayetteville HS), Kyle Ohradzansky (U. Findlay)
Mid Season - Take the Team's Temperature - Dan Carrel (Coastal Carolina), Michael Toerper (Ithaca College), Steve Steele (Riggs HS)
Hammer Down - Establishing Identity Through Tempo - John Weaver, Interim OC & WR Coach, Madison Ridgeland Academy (MS)
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