Stats, measurables and video can tell you a lot—but the ultimate difference-maker when evaluating players is understanding and confirming intangibles. Every championship-caliber player and coach that I’ve worked for has had strong intangibles. Discuss as a staff the top 5-10 characteristics you would like for your team to play with. Great qualities to look for beyond position skill, size and …
Coaches Tips
TIPS FOR GRAD ASSISTANTS AND INTERNS: LISTEN TO RECRUITING CALLS
I’ve learned from some of the best recruiters in the country. Each year there were some coaches who could sign nearly every player they pursued and other coaches who came up short every year. Great recruiters are on the phone 24/7! Any time outside of practice or meetings—they’re on the phone. They’re pacing the hallways, on the treadmill, making a …
ASSISTANT COACHES: MASTER YOUR POSITION
Many of the assistant coaches that I’ve worked with aspired to be a head coach or coordinator. Almost every single one of them, at times, had their eye on their next promotion or dream job. Understandably! We’re in a goal-oriented, cut-throat business—OF COURSE we are all trying to move up. Don’t lose sign of this: the quickest way to move …
COACHES’ CORNER: BUILD A STAFF WITH A RANGE OF STAFF PERSONALITIES
As staffs are built by position needs and geographic recruiting backgrounds, it’s also a good idea to build a staff that has a variety of personality strengths that are relatable and influential to your players. When hiring coaches or staff, it’s better to take your time to make the best hire. Don’t rush the hiring process if you don’t feel …
COACHES’ CORNER: BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR CURRENT PLAYERS
To get the most out of your players, to push them beyond where they think they can go athletically, you must continue to develop this relationship consistently. And to sign great players for tomorrow, you must do an excellent job with the players you have now! You must continuously “recruit” your players, even after they’ve enrolled. When done the right …
COACHES’ CORNER: EMPHASIZE RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROGRAM LEADERS
As a coach, realize that PEOPLE are your greatest resource. A priority each offseason is to identify your leaders for the next season. Teams change drastically every year. Players graduate, transfer in, transfer out, quit, get injured… and more importantly, GROW UP at their own pace. Your strengths and weaknesses as a team will change from year-to-year. Always have a …
COACHES’ CORNER: SELLING YOURSELF – DEVELOP PLAYERS
One of the most effective ways to get players to buy into your vision is to have a track record as a coach who develops their position players. Even if you are at a low-profile school, being able to have solid numbers and improvements of your current players to show recruits helps “sell the dream.” When trying to get prospects …
COACHES’ CORNER: GET TO KNOW PEOPLE BY NAME
Addressing their customers by name (and by writing it on each overpriced cup of coffee) is an intentional point of emphasis in the Starbucks Customer Service Experience, and likely plays a role in their lucrative customer loyalty. It’s no coincidence the billion-dollar brand hand-writes each customers’ name on each cup of coffee it sells, it helps build loyalty. Before we …
Coaches’ Corner: 180 ways to market your program to recruits
Some factors apply, some may not… What to Instagram, Tweet, Email out, Mail out and promote to prospects and their parents. Are you a national leader, leader within the conference or leader within the state? – Academic advising bullet points – technology, space, tutors available – Academic Honor Roll – Academic Progress Rate – National or conference rank – All-conference …
SELLING PROGRAM: DEVELOPING & MARKETING YOUR SELLING POINTS
Competition is intense between programs across ALL levels. Even at elite programs, universities that seem like they would be an easy sell: they’re in heated competitions with 3-5 other elite schools for their top prospects. Believe me, no coach or school has it “easy!” For this reason, you need to find every edge possible to separate yourself! When building relationships …