My father was many things (US Marine, WWII vet of the Pacific Campaign) but a skilled carpenter, handyman, craftsmen he was NOT. Although he never scrimped on material, his attempts at various projects were usually laughable, amateurish, and cobbled together…. not masterpieces in any sense of the word.
My dad literally had one small toolbox that contained:
- 1 phillips head screwdriver, 1 flat head
- 1 pair of pliers
- 1 pair of vice grips (his “go-to” tool)
- 1 regular (small) hammer, 1 ball peen hammer
- 1 hand saw for wood, 1 hack saw for metal
And little else.
So while he often courageously attempted ambitious projects, with little or no instructions, and only a meager set of tools at his disposal, the results usually came up far short of his expectations.
When I told a lifelong friend (who knew my father and witnessed his “handiwork”) that I had just finished installing built in cabinets and closets in our bedroom, adding a sliding factory door, and laying hardwood floor in our loft, he looked at me and asked “since when did you become so handy?”
Here is the difference between my father and me… I am not smarter, nor do I use better materials. The main difference is that I have more tools in my toolbox, and availability to better instructions.
I have two large cases full of tools… sets of wrenches, power tools, tools for measuring, cutting, fastening, etc. I also have access to great instructions for any project I tackle via the Internet.
As coaches we all have similar “material” (our squad) but some of us have more tools at our disposal. A craftsman has to have the correct tools to create a masterpiece.
What tools do you have in your coaching “toolbox”? Here are some that have helped me be a more efficient and effective coach:
- Film Grading Tool
- Practice Schedule Template
- Defensive Game Plan – The Call Sheet
- Defensive Game Plan – The Play Grid
- Defensive Game Plan – The Ready List
- Defensive Game Plan – Weekly Workflow
- Defensive Game Plan – Formation Analysis
- Defensive Installation
- Evaluation of Performance Chart
- 4 Day a Week Workout Program
- 3 Day a Week Workout Program
- Customizing the Workbooks (3-4 day a week workout program)
- Film Worksheet
- Sample Position Group Test
- Pattern Run Drill
- Great Football Conditioning Test
- Jump Rope Drills
All told, the links listed above have been downloaded over 10,000 times by coaches all over the world. I am not suggesting these are all or the best tools out there… but plenty of tools ARE out there… and fairly easy to find.
Create a masterpiece!
You Can Do More… your brain is lying to you…. Don’t Believe It!
Jeff Floyd – youcandomore1@yahoo.com