Inspiring!
Sometimes we use adjectives that are overused or exaggerate. I'm reluctant to use some words that would describe a movie. God is awesome. Earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes are terribly powerful. Abraham Lincoln was an incredible man. But movies are just good or very good; maybe thought provoking. Having said that, there are a few recent sport movies that I have seen in the last few years that I found moving and inspiring. I loved the movies Seabiscuit and Cinderella Man. They showed how a sport figure or story could lift a nation's spirits when it needed it most. Think of that; AN ENTIRE NATION! And they were great stories. True stories, no less. I can now add Invictus to that list.
Invictus is a Clint Eastwood film about how South Africa's Nelson Mandela used the national rugby team to unite the country after decades of apartheid. Matt Damon plays Francois Pineaar, the rugby team's captain and Morgan Freeman plays Nelson Mandela in convincing fashion. Nelson Mandela showed great insight in realizing the power of sport. He was the only man who understood the importance of the World Cup in Rugby that was to be hosted by South Africa in 1995. He saw it as a way to unite an entire nation that was deeply divided by racial lines. I came away with a new appreciation for Nelson Mandela. What transpired will leave you shaking your head in amazement. I highly recommend seeing it.
In much the same way on a lesser scale, high school football, particularly in small towns, can inspire and bring a community together in the fall. When the local football team is on a roll, listen to the conversation at the local coffee shop, at the barbershop, in church or at the store. You will hear the townspeople talking about "their boys" constantly. Most of the town turns out on Friday night to cheer them on. It's a really cool american phenomenon. So, do I think it's a stretch to compare the effects of high school football to such great stories as Seabiscuit, Cinderella Man, and Invictus? Heck no, not for a minute. It's just one of the reason I love high school sports and high school football. It can be inspiring!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Identity
This Is Who We Are
I was watching a college bowl game the other night, Wisconsin against Miami, and it was reinforced to me how important it is to have an identity. To be able to say, “This is what we do, this is what we’re all about and you have to stop it if you’re going to beat us.” Now, I am not a Wisconsin fan. I don’t particularly root for them or against them. But one thing I do know, I sure do like the way they play the game. They hustled and played hard all four quarters, played with genuine enthusiasm, and most importantly, stuck to their identity.
Wisconsin is going to run the football 35-40 times a game pulling guards and tackles to outnumber you at the point of attack. They are going to throw to the tight ends and utilize their wide receivers effectively. In short, run the football with a power running game, use the tight ends with play action, play good defense and do it all well. The result was a 20-14 win that the Badgers dominated more than the final score indicated. Yes, they do have talented players, but not ultra talented like some teams. I am impressed with their big mobile linemen that can pull and lead attacks. You do have to have the players to execute your game plan but I believe there are things any coach can do to be more effective.
At the high school level it is important to have a total program. I believe a coaching staff should be clear on their team’s identity. This is our base package, this is what we do. The freshman team is going to run our base package, the sophomore or JV team is going to run the base package and the varsity is going to hang their hat on the base package. Of course, the varsity will add more and be more sophisticated but it shouldn’t take long for everyone to be able see your identity come through and establish itself early in most cases. By running the base package, both offensively and defensively through the entire program, it becomes second nature to the kids and develops confidence in what they’re doing.
I am not endorsing any particular offense, defense, or style of play. Heck, just about all of them are good. Just decide which what offense and defense you are going to run and then stick with it and believe in it. Sell it to your kids that it’s the best for them and then make it your identity. It can become a source of pride for the kids, coaches, and community.
I was watching a college bowl game the other night, Wisconsin against Miami, and it was reinforced to me how important it is to have an identity. To be able to say, “This is what we do, this is what we’re all about and you have to stop it if you’re going to beat us.” Now, I am not a Wisconsin fan. I don’t particularly root for them or against them. But one thing I do know, I sure do like the way they play the game. They hustled and played hard all four quarters, played with genuine enthusiasm, and most importantly, stuck to their identity.
Wisconsin is going to run the football 35-40 times a game pulling guards and tackles to outnumber you at the point of attack. They are going to throw to the tight ends and utilize their wide receivers effectively. In short, run the football with a power running game, use the tight ends with play action, play good defense and do it all well. The result was a 20-14 win that the Badgers dominated more than the final score indicated. Yes, they do have talented players, but not ultra talented like some teams. I am impressed with their big mobile linemen that can pull and lead attacks. You do have to have the players to execute your game plan but I believe there are things any coach can do to be more effective.
At the high school level it is important to have a total program. I believe a coaching staff should be clear on their team’s identity. This is our base package, this is what we do. The freshman team is going to run our base package, the sophomore or JV team is going to run the base package and the varsity is going to hang their hat on the base package. Of course, the varsity will add more and be more sophisticated but it shouldn’t take long for everyone to be able see your identity come through and establish itself early in most cases. By running the base package, both offensively and defensively through the entire program, it becomes second nature to the kids and develops confidence in what they’re doing.
I am not endorsing any particular offense, defense, or style of play. Heck, just about all of them are good. Just decide which what offense and defense you are going to run and then stick with it and believe in it. Sell it to your kids that it’s the best for them and then make it your identity. It can become a source of pride for the kids, coaches, and community.
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