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Yesterday one of my former fellow assistants from Lake Erie, @VincentLicursi, now HC at @BSCBobcatsOH, asked me a great Q: What would be your TOP 10 musts for a development focused program?
After taking some time to think, I've compiled a short list. THREAD
After taking some time to think, I've compiled a short list. THREAD
- Establish a team identity - Who are we?
If anyone asked a pitcher on our staff, hey what are you guys all about at Lake Erie? They would say, "striking everyone out."
Our hitters would say, "hitting doubles, and swiping bags"
@Castro_Turf set this tone Day 1.
If anyone asked a pitcher on our staff, hey what are you guys all about at Lake Erie? They would say, "striking everyone out."
Our hitters would say, "hitting doubles, and swiping bags"
@Castro_Turf set this tone Day 1.
- Develop a plan - How are we going to do it (earn this identity)? Then lay it out to the players
Our staff trained to throw hard and throw their best pitch most often (s/o @OneGun45).
I think gant charts are really good to help create and visualize a yearly training plan.
Our staff trained to throw hard and throw their best pitch most often (s/o @OneGun45).
I think gant charts are really good to help create and visualize a yearly training plan.
- Get equipment necessary to accomplish said plan
- Easier said than done, but understand how and when to use said equipment. Then execute.
There could be several sub points within this (ie. various training modalities/systems)
There could be several sub points within this (ie. various training modalities/systems)
- Have the right people on your staff that share the same vision - A good program is like any successful business; universal alignment is key.
What does success look like for us? What beliefs will shape how we do our work? ACT AS ONE.
What does success look like for us? What beliefs will shape how we do our work? ACT AS ONE.
- Trust your assistants - Give them responsibilities and collaborate (even over a drink).
Allow them the opportunity to do what they do best; allow them to contribute their unique talents (talking about habits here and how each views the world through their own lens)
Allow them the opportunity to do what they do best; allow them to contribute their unique talents (talking about habits here and how each views the world through their own lens)
- Get really strong (and fast!) in the weight room (just not at 6am)
Crush the big 3 (or variations of them). Then use accessory lifts to get strong outside of the sagittal plane.
Crush the big 3 (or variations of them). Then use accessory lifts to get strong outside of the sagittal plane.
- Track as much as you can - Allows you to answer the Q, how good am I at getting my athletes better? Helps reinforce athlete buy in.
Useful for showing recruits what your program can do for them. Allows you to stand out from competitors.
Useful for showing recruits what your program can do for them. Allows you to stand out from competitors.
- Foster a competitive environment - Create a leader board based on metrics you feel are important that tie into your identity, Live ABs, etc. @billhezel has spoken on this topic a lot.
- Show your guys you'd go to war for them; that you care more than just their performance.
Stats, wins, and championships are great, but we really live for seeing our guys succeed off the field (graduate, marriage, etc). Being proud to be a small part of their dev through life
Stats, wins, and championships are great, but we really live for seeing our guys succeed off the field (graduate, marriage, etc). Being proud to be a small part of their dev through life
There's so much that goes into creating a successful development focused program, but I think those are my top 10!
Though I'm sure there are others! What are some things you'd include in your top 10 that I may have missed?
Though I'm sure there are others! What are some things you'd include in your top 10 that I may have missed?
