THE OFF-SEASON is the time to fine tune your X’s and O’s and make decisions on how you’re going to change things schematically for next season. But no matter the strategy you employ, it all goes for naught if you don’t instill a core set of ideals and principles into your players. These are the core traits you stress from Day 1.
Hank Schrader, a member of the Gridiron Strategies Editorial Advisory Board and author of the best-selling football-organizing book Football Forms For The Winning Coach, says that underneath it all, good values are the true hallmark of all winning programs.
“Great coaches instill values and traits into their subordinates to make them successful,” says Schrader.
According to Schrader, there 11 specific characteristics that help instill this set of rock-solid core beliefs.
1. Coachability. A willingness to remain humble and accept teaching — no matter how much you know.
2. Responsibility. Don’t just take all the glory when things go well. Assume your share when things go bad.
3. Leadership. Stand your ground, stay strong, focused and don’t be intimidated.
4. Drive. Continue to set goals, complete goals and develop a true enjoyment for competition.
5. Determination. Never be afraid of rolling up your sleeves and putting in a hard day’s work.
6. Self-confidence. Believe in your talents and ability.
7. Mental toughness. Develop the ability to bounce back from defeat and tough losses. And come through it more hungry than before.
8. Emotional control. Learn to control your emotions and turn negative, self-destructive thoughts into effort, hustle and productive play.
9. Assertiveness. Make things happen — don’t just let things happen. Never be complacent. Take the initiative.
10. Conscientiousness. Always be aware of other people’s needs and feelings.
11. Trust. Learn to put faith in your head coach assistant coaches and teammates.