How much input a professional player has depends on how long he has played in the league and how much success he has had. For the most part, the professional level in football is autocratic, not democratic. The coaches develop a game plan and the players carry out the plan.
The degree from which teams will stray from that model depends on a number of things:
The confidence level of the Head Coach and all the coaches around him is the first. If the Head Coach and his staff are not confident in themselves and their abilities, they will be very hesitant to listen to or give a forum to the players to express their thoughts on how they think the plan could be more effective versus the upcoming opponent. They think allowing input from the player will erode discipline.
Contrary to this thinking, I believe most competitors, when given input into the plan take more ownership. With more ownership there is more pride in executing the assignments and techniques.
Another factor in how much input players have is related to how much success the team has had. If you are coming off a poor season the coaches are less likely to be open to new ideas from the players.
Proven players who have been successful will have more of an opportunity to express their ideas. A lot depends on the personalities of the players as well. Some players don’t want to have any input and actually perform better when they do exactly what they’ve been coached to do rather than carry the extra burden of ways to improve the plan.
The other side of the coin is the player who performs better when they feel as if they have had a hand in how to attack the opponent most effectively. From my experience, I have found by involving the players who want to contribute not only helps the player but the coach as well.
I have also found adjustments that have to be made quickly on game day are more readily received and executed when the player is invested. When coaches are very rigid during preparation, players are more reluctant to buy in.
Know your personnel! Involve those who want to be involved. Communicate the plays or techniques that have no room for discussion and why.
