Today we’re talking about the big question of how to get more players on your offensive line who could help but don’t want to be there…
First, don’t forget to get your Free Spread Offense Playbook that I’ve been working on. Hopefully it will be helpful for you and will give you some confidence in what you are doing already if you run a spread offense.
In this Podcast, I cover four things that will help you convince players to move from their ideal position in their own mind, to one that can actually help the team. You cannot just tell players to move or do something anymore. You need to be respectful and built trust on your team. That means no more “telling kids where they have to play.” I know it’s far more difficult and you probably didn’t get this choice when you played, but it’s worth it in the end. This doesn’t mean you are soft as a coach either. You can lay it out like it is, and let them know that there’s no team or chance of being good if players don’t step up and help out in all the positions. Just be clear and give reasons why and players will respond.
Four things to communicate to players:
1. Offensive Core Beliefs – Unselfishness, Sacrifice to the team, Playing your best role with the team, Celebrating each others successes. Stepping up and filling team needs. Telling parents this also…requesting that they uphold your team’s beliefs also. Know that coaches are doing everything they can for success of the team.
Describe position needs specifically – What do you need in a lineman? Do that have to be fat and slow? What makes a great lineman…personal stories work best here….ex. the 5-2 150lb guy you coached who pancaked the 200# guy last season…etc.
2. Asking players publicly – Before/After Team Huddle Meetings. Throw the line and bait out there…give them an opportunity to get some major praise, applause, team affirmation if they opt in publicly. (Problem is if your player you need isn’t the one who jumps up) This can be good early on. Condition it with a trial/evaluation period. Remind them of team needs.
3. Asking players privately – Don’t just tell them…start a conversation. Use the 5 positives to one ask formula….Tell them why in glowing terms…offer a trial basis….be careful with guaranteeing more playing time in case it doesn’t work out. I never tell them that they will play more because of it, but publically I will say that those players who can do more because of what they know, will get more opportunities naturally. If a kid refuses…so be it…not worth the battle…find another way to solve the problem.
4. Make it appealing…I was a member of the oline club in HS as a TE – we were mostly Double tight and I blocked 95% of the game…we all loved being on the OLC because we got a laminated card that gave us free pizza once a week and some other benefits – but food was the top one I remember!
So listen as I elaborate using one of the options below and don’t forget to download your Free Spread Offense Playbook here today!
Coach Hahnstadt uncovers the tactics and strategies that top football coaches are using to score more points and dominate their rivals. He has been running the Pro Style Spread Offense site since 2016.
