In this episode of the Art of Practice presented by GoRout, Keith Grabowski is joined by Dean Pauley, Defensive Assistant at the College of DuPage, for a deep dive into coaching strategies that drive practice efficiency—especially when working with a small staff. They explore how flexibility, clear communication, and collaborative planning are essential to building a high-performing football program. Dean shares practical insights on optimizing practice planning, using technology to increase reps, and developing drills with clear objectives.
The conversation also highlights the importance of situational football, game-like preparation, and empowering players—particularly defensive backs—to take ownership of their development and communication. Whether you’re refining your coaching methods or leading a team with limited resources, this discussion offers valuable tools to enhance player performance and maximize every minute on the field.
Chapters
- Maximizing Practice with a Small Coaching Staff
- Setting Expectations for Practice
- Optimizing Practice Time and Drills
- Learning from Other Programs
- Collaborative Practice Planning
- Group Work and Efficiency
- Promoting Player Ownership and Communication
- Training Communication in Defensive Backs
- Utilizing Technology for Efficiency
- Practicing Situational Football
