stepped back onto the mound. Immediately Bruce Boche, the Giants field manager, walked onto the field to complain that the Dodgers coach had (technically) made a second trip to the mound, which according to MLB rules, means the pitcher must come out of the game. The umpires agreed and Broxton came out of the game. In this instance, Boche’s superior knowledge of baseball rules gave his team a distinct advantage and they went on to win the game, no small thanks to Broxton having to sit down.
prior to game time is a TEAM coach requirement. Through this study the first scheme or plays can be decided. Though these initial schemes may not work, one must be able to make the initial decisions and adapt during the contest to game conditions. Without an expert knowledge of the game, a TEAM coach will not be able to guide and lead his or her team to a competitive level of play. Bottom line: if a coach doesn’t have a superior knowledge of the game itself, he or she should not seek to be a head TEAM coach. You may want to start out as an assistant, but even an assistant coach will be expected to have substantial knowledge and insight into the sport itself. Fake punts happen in all sports. Be ready by having knowledge and experience. STOP, THINK, and REACT! TEAM
Coach’s Preparation
As TEAM coach you have players, other coaches, parents, fans, administrators and others who are spending an immense amount of time in TEAM activities. The ability to maintain motivated athletes, practice effectively, train, and compete is highly dependent upon your ability during practice and actual athletic contests to make good decisions. Players and other coaches don’t want a tentative, procrastinating coach who cannot decide what play to run, defense to establish, or what scheme will fit best for the TEAM at the moment. A TEAM coach with convictions must immediately know strategy for all game conditions. Watching a new opponent on video, during warm ups or reading as much as possible about the opponent 5
Preparation for practice, scrimmages and competitive games must be a high priority. It is your job as the leader and guide of your TEAM to be prepared. Preparation begins in the pre-season by informing prospective TEAM players what level of skill, conditioning and mental attitude is expected, both in writing and verbally. The TEAM coach’s professionalism is the major key, since it leads to respect for yourself and the program. Sport is about TEAM fun, discipline, competing and learning. All involved–from the fans to parents, water boy, administrators, coaches, and players–must be on the same wavelength. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Vice Lombardi was highly successful in football using only six offensive plays per game. He observed that while the defense may guess correctly 18% of the time, given the hundreds of reps his team had practiced those six plays, the