Teaching is the secret to success.

Being a manager or a coach of a group with low expectation is much less of a challenge than being a manager or coach of a group of high performing individuals that must learn to play together as a team. Coaching a team that is 5 and 5 to a 5 and 6 season is 20% improvement and may save your job for another year. But if you have a team that has been knocking on the door for several years and just cannot seem to win that last big game, pointing to your winning record may not save your job. Winning that last big game is the culmination of all of your team’s talents and singular focus on the big prize. This is where managing and coaching skills are tested the most.

Whatever level you happen to be working at, you can make a difference. Coaching in professional football is the secret ingredient to success. I’m not speaking of the head coach only, but of all the coaches on the staff.

The talent level of professional players is so close that other factors become increasingly important. Coaches spend the most time with the players refining and disciplining specific actions that are critical to winning. A team may have more talent than any other team in the league, but without the proper coaching could wind up with a mediocre season.

The strategy and tactics utilized by each team is one way to gain an advantage. These strategies normally run from the top down. The individual tactics and techniques specific to positions are the primary responsibility of the position coach. Position coaches have a unique opportunity to not only impact the physical aspect of their players’ performance, but also the mental and emotional aspect of the game as well.

There are some coaches who ignore that element of educating their players. Those coaches believe it’s the sole responsibility of the individual to be mentally and emotionally prepared.

My belief is that no matter what your age or experience, a little inspiration and education to help fan the flame is beneficial. It surely doesn’t hurt, but could help. Preparing the players in every possible area that affects performance is prudent. Talent plays a part, Xs and Os play a part, but attitude can make the difference!

Professional athletes at all levels go to training camps to go back to basics, reinforcing and learning new skills. As leaders and coaches it is our jobs to be sure we are providing our team members with the tools they need to succeed. Providing the tools and reinforcing positive actions will get us the end result.