In a post Super Bowl press conference, Russell Wilson was asked when he knew the 2013-14 Seahawk team was going to be special. He said he knew it early on because they had a “Championship Off-Season”
Most of us are now well into our off-season programs. Can you tell if your team is going to be special in 2014? Are you having a championship off-season?
I can think back to all of the “special” squads that I have coached… and we had an inkling … normally about this time of the year… that the team was destined for good things.
What were the indications? What were the qualities that set these teams apart during the off-season?
Often, I think, it was a combination of things… both tangible and intangible.
Attendance. – Although attendance is critical, there was a difference between groups that “just showed up” and those that showed up with a purpose. There was an intensity in the air with the great teams that you could feel… it was palpable, and contagious.
Team Bonding and Team Building – There is a huge difference between what I call “trust fall” team building and True Team Building. The teams that really bonded would work, eat, sweat, and puke together.
Leadership – The biggest difference that I could put my finger on is teams that had an “organically grown” group of leaders, as opposed to teams whose leadership was voted or appointed, were typically better… there was greater accountability.
Fun – With some of my best groups, the harder you worked them, the more fun they had. It was like a daily challenge that “we could not break them”… it was very similar to the Short Work of a Long Road scene from the movie, Cool Hand Luke.
So, how would you rate your team at this juncture? Are they a “special” team? Are you having a “Championship Off-Season”? Are you “feeling it”? If not, is there anything that you can do to change the trajectory your team is on?
One thing that I am certain of… if you have too many conversations like the one below, it is probably not a good sign!
You Can Do More… your brain is lying to you…. Don’t Believe It!
Thanks to PrepsKC, the home of the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association for running this post today on their site. If you get a chance to visit (and “Like” my post) you will find many good stories.
Jeff Floyd – youcandomore1@yahoo.com