Talent is only one factor in determining success

At higher levels, coaches have an advantage over managers when it comes to evaluating talent. And managers have an advantage over parents as we typically do not get to interview our kids to decide if we are going to keep them or not. But the end goal is the same for each. We all are looking for the best performing team.

When coaches and scouts evaluate players it is common to consider the measurables of height, weight, speed and position-specific movements as the prospect’s talent level.

A player’s talent level is only one factor in determining the player’s future success. Hard work, persistence, determination, and passion are just a few of the other ingredients required to succeed to the pinnacle of one’s profession. Just as it requires more than talent to become a successful player, it takes more than Xs and Os to become a successful coach.

I’ve never seen that coach make a tackle or catch a pass. Coaches, coach; Players- play!

Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their growth.

– John Whitmore.

It’s not how much a coach knows, but how much he can teach his team members for useful application and competition.

• The best coaches are organized and passionate about educating their players or team members.
• The best coaches refine and discipline specific actions that are critical to winning.
• The game of football requires an ability to quickly diagnose moving parts in a lightning fast landscape.

Material is first presented in the low stress environment of the classroom. The speed for which they need to know is increased, and then put together for stress and speed on the practice field, and finally taken to the game.

Educating players on the situational components of competition is often neglected by the average coach. Well coached position and team players execute great situational football.

Knowledge of Xs and Os is a critical part of coaching, but teaching the Xs and Os is also integral in the final product.

Just as in football, the ability to teach necessary skills is the key to success in any organization. Raw talent without any guidance will usually only go so far.