Evan Dreyer, the head coach of Anderson High School, has developed a unique and highly efficient practice format that has significantly benefited his program. Over the years, Dreyer has adjusted the structure of his practices to maximize productivity, improve team performance, and promote a balanced lifestyle for both players and coaches.
The Early Morning Practice Routine
Dreyer’s team practices from 6:00 AM to 7:15 AM, a schedule that demands strict time management and a well-organized structure. This early practice routine is designed to get the most out of every minute. Dreyer explained, “We start at 6 a.m., and we go right around to 7:15, 7:20. You have to be really, really efficient. You have to be on top of it. You have to front load.”
This front-loaded schedule focuses on getting straight to work, starting with three-minute drills for special teams, followed by offensive and defensive circuits. One critical part of this is the blitz pickup period, which Dreyer values highly: “It’s really good in that first 10 minutes of how structurally you have to go and get prepared and move fast into a game-like situation.”
Maximizing Productivity in Limited Time
Dreyer’s efficient practice format focuses on maintaining a fast pace and simulating game-like conditions from the beginning. After the special teams period, the team transitions to screen period on offense and circuits on defense. With the screen period, Dreyer uses a hands-on approach. “We don’t use scout teams,” Dreyer said. “Every coach is either holding a bag or understanding like a coaching point that needs to be made.”
The practice moves quickly through different phases, including a best-on-best RPO period called “Team Force,” followed by seven-on-seven and scout periods. As Dreyer noted, “We stay in either the same formation for about four to six reps and see how we play structurally. It’s been really good for us because it’s an RPO period. It’s physicality.”
Benefits for Players and Coaches’ Schedules
One of the key benefits Dreyer identified is how the early morning practice schedule allows players and coaches to engage more in school activities. By practicing in the morning, players have time to attend other sports games and support their fellow athletes. “Our guys got to go to more activities and events than they’ve ever had,” Dreyer shared. “You can’t preach, ‘invest in our school,’ when you get done with practice at 6 p.m. and haven’t seen your family.”
“You can’t preach, ‘invest in our school,’ when you get done with practice at 6 p.m. and haven’t seen your family.”
Evan Dreyer
For coaches, this schedule allows for a better work-life balance. Dreyer emphasized how this change has improved life for his staff: “It’s way different as you go through it as a husband and a coach. You head home, you get dinner, and then you get ready for practice tomorrow morning.”
Attention to Detail with Walkthroughs and Film
The benefits of Dreyer’s system extend beyond morning practices. Afternoons are reserved for walkthroughs, film study, and treatments, which improve the team’s attention to detail and preparation for games. “We lift Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Monday and Wednesday, we will lift for 35 to 45 minutes. Then we go right out and do our walkthrough,” Dreyer explained.
This routine has led to improved focus during walkthroughs and better communication between coaches and players. “I think our attention to detail has been a little bit improved because of the structure,” said Dreyer. Players have more opportunities to ask questions and review film in smaller groups, which enhances their understanding of the game.
Health and Recovery Benefits
The practice structure has also contributed to the team’s overall health. By finishing the bulk of physical activity in the morning, players have more time for treatments and recovery throughout the day. “We stayed really healthy throughout this so far this year because of the practice times,” Dreyer stated. “Kids can get treatment after school and then get another treatment throughout the night.”
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A Winning Formula
Evan Dreyer’s unique practice format has revolutionized the way Anderson High School prepares for games. By prioritizing efficiency, attention to detail, and work-life balance, Dreyer has fostered a winning culture on and off the field. As his 9-0 record this season proves, this approach not only enhances performance but also builds a stronger sense of community and player well-being.
“We work through it and keep getting better each and every day,” Dreyer said, reflecting on the success of the system. And with the team continuing to thrive, it’s clear that Dreyer’s practice structure is a blueprint for sustained success
National Coach of the Week
Coach Dreyer was honored as the Coach and Coordinator Podcast National Coach of the Week presented by Modern Football Technology. Dreyer led his team to a 9-0 start, the first at Anderson since 2009. With the win, the Raptors qualified as the #1 seed their region in Ohio D2 Playoffs. Coach Dreyer is 72-27 since taking over the program in 2016.
