EACH YEAR AS the football season draws closer, coaches look for an edge or some new piece of material that can motivate, inspire or improve the play of their troops.
I’ve always been a coach who enjoys using quotes and anecdotes to motivate my players and am always searching for new ideas. About a year ago, while conversing with a colleague at a football camp, we got to talking about various mind games and ideas that coaches use to motivate players, intimidate opponents and mold their coaching beliefs.
He suggested that I read The Art of War by Sun-Tzu. Although it was written 2,500 years ago, this coach suggested it had many principles applicable to modern football.
The Art of War is the first known study of the planning and conduct of military operations. The essays examine not only battlefield maneuvers, but relevant economic, political, and psychological factors of human conflict. As a history instructor, I’ve always been a big fan of military history. So I figured “What the heck, I’ll read the book and see what I can learn.”
However, I must admit that I was skeptical about what an ancient Chinese warrior could teach me about football.
Lessons Applicable
After reading The Art of War, my skepticism vanished. Although some points that Sun-Tzu made seemed obvious, I found it reassuring that many of his principles are the same ones that I value in our football program.
The following are just 10 of the thousands of Sun-Tzu’s principles and ideas and how they relate to modern football.
1 “Attack what your enemy loves first.” Perhaps the great Vince Lombardi borrowed from Tzu when he said, “Beat your opponent where he is strongest and you demoralize him.”
All of us have seen this firsthand, such as when you have success running the ball against a team with a great run defense. Think about the impact it has on your opponent and more importantly on your players!
2 “On contentious terrain, I race our rear elements forward.” In this idea, Tzu is referring to “contentious terrain” as terrain which is advantageous to your opponent. I liken this idea to the importance of being able to run the football when in the shadow of your own goal posts. Hence, the idea of racing your rear elements forward.
3 “When he regards the troops as his beloved children, they will be willing to die with him.” If you treat players with love and respect, there’s no limit to what they will do for you. Take an interest in your players outside of football and be willing to celebrate their successes in the community and classroom as well as on the football field.
4 “One whose troops repeatedly congregate in small groups here and there, whispering together, has lost the masses.” This refers to the dangers of lacking team unity. Good teams that play together are nearly unbeatable. On the contrary, good teams lacking unity are quite beatable.
5 “Do not press an exhausted invader.” Know your players’ limits, let them rest and platoon them. Exhausted players make mistakes or are more vulnerable to injuries.
6 “When you plunder a district, divide the wealth among your troops.” After big victories, find ways to share the glory. Make it a point to note the accomplishments of everyone from your scout team to your starters.
7 “Probe opponents to know where they have an excess, where an insufficiency.” Use scouting and film study to identify strengths and weaknesses of all of your opponents. You can never be overprepared!
8 “When someone excels at defense, the enemy does not know where to attack.” Teams that play great defense are extremely difficult to beat. Likewise, even with a poor offense, great defensive teams have a chance to win every game.
9 “Race forth where he does not expect it.” Identify your own tendencies. Avoid being stale and predictable. Likewise, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks (throw on 1st down, use trick plays, fakes on punts and field goals, etc.).
10 “One whose upper and lower ranks have the same desires will be victorious.” Keep your practices competitive. Try to push your starters and reward hard-working players. This helps keep everyone hungry, focused and feeling like they’re part of the big picture.