Old-school coaches built their programs on toughness, hard work, and grinding out reps. That mentality still matters, but the best coaches evolve. They maximize every minute, keep players engaged, and structure practices to replicate game-day execution.
Noel Dean has mastered that balance. He knows how to build winning teams with 249 career wins, nine conference championships, and six state final appearances. His practices run with precision, eliminating wasted time and making every rep count.
“The best teams don’t just practice more—they practice better,” Dean says.
1. Set the Tone from the First Minute
Players step onto the field and see their coaches already there, ready to work. Dean’s staff doesn’t wait for them to arrive—they meet them, engage them, and set expectations before the first whistle blows.
“We don’t wait for kids to wander onto the field. We meet them there, talk to them, and ask about their day. That first interaction sets the tone,” Dean says.
Many teams start slow, but great teams build discipline from the moment practice begins.
2. Plan Every Second—No Wasted Time
For years, Dean watched teams waste time in transition, stall between drills, and let players stand around instead of improving. He changed that by structuring every period, keeping reps moving, and eliminating dead time.
“We’ve got 90 kids at practice. If we don’t have a plan, that turns into 45 kids watching and waiting,” Dean says.
Dean ensures every period serves a purpose:
Minimize transition time—Coaches and players know exactly where to go next.
Eliminate wasted reps—Every player gets live work, not just mental reps.
Keep position groups working—O-linemen don’t stand around in special teams; they get their own drill work.
This approach helped Dean’s teams qualify for 19 state playoff appearances, including 17 straight years at Lowell.
3. Use Technology to Speed Up Learning
Dean started coaching in an era of hand-drawn scout cards, stopwatches, and laminated play sheets. He adapted. He uses GoRout to streamline practice, segment timers to manage periods, and drones to capture the best teaching angles.
“We used to spend hours scripting, drawing, laminating, flipping through scout cards in the wind. With GoRout, we load plays instantly, send them to players, and run at game speed,” Dean says.
His team relies on:
- GoRout to eliminate wasted time on scout team reps.
- Drones & Film Review to capture perfect end-zone angles for corrections.
- Segment Timers to keep every practice period on schedule.
4. Increase Reps in Scout Team Work
Great defenses play fast because they’ve seen every look in practice. Dean, who has led eight regional championship teams, ensures his defenses get more reps than their opponents with GoRout.
“We can now run 20 plays in seven minutes. That means more reps, better reads, and faster execution when it matters,” Dean explains.
Instead of waiting for coaches to hold up scout cards, players see their assignments instantly and execute them immediately.
5. Start Practice with Competition
Many teams wait until the end of practice for full-speed team drills. Dean flips the script and starts with live, competitive periods.
“We go best-on-best, the first drive of practice. Offense vs. defense, first-and-goal. One play can decide it. You either score or get stopped. That gets everyone locked in real fast,” Dean says.
Players don’t ease into practice—they compete from the first snap.
Take Your Practice to the Next Level
Dean built championship teams by maximizing practice efficiency, increasing reps, and staying ahead of the curve. His teams don’t waste time—they prepare to win.
If you want to run a more efficient practice, GoRout can help. Visit GoRout.com and use the promo code COORDINATOR for 50% off setup fees.
