The Old Way: Three Hours, Endless Reps, and Diminishing Returns
For years, football coaches wore long practices like a badge of honor. Were you even working hard enough if you weren’t on the field for three hours, grinding through every possible situation?
Water breaks stretched on. Position drills dragged. Players stood around waiting for their reps, and by the time the last team period rolled around, legs were dead, minds were fried, and execution suffered.
But today’s best coaches have flipped that model on its head. More time doesn’t mean better results. Smarter, more efficient practices do.
The shift is clear at Minnesota, a traditional huddle team, and Iowa Western, a high-tempo no-huddle powerhouse: 90-minute football practice efficiency isn’t just possible—it’s producing better results.
“We used to run three-hour practices and thought that’s just how football was. Then we cut practice in half and got MORE quality reps. It changed everything.” — Scott Strohmeier, Head Coach, Iowa Western
The key? Intentional structure, a relentless focus on efficiency, and cutting-edge technology to eliminate wasted time.
How a 90-Minute Practice Works for Any Team
1. Eliminate Wasted Reps and Time-Draining Meetings on the Field
One of the most significant mindset shifts in the modern practice model is where the coaching happens. Instead of stopping every five plays to huddle up, correct mistakes, and run it again, today’s top programs teach off the film.
“Let’s rep the plays. Make the mistake. Then go back and coach it in the classroom. That takes the stress off their bodies and lets us focus on execution in real time.” — Keegan O’Hara, Assistant QB Coach, Minnesota
This philosophy allows teams to pack more reps into less time, reducing the physical toll while sharpening execution.
For huddle teams like Minnesota, this means:
- Shortening install periods and getting to full-speed reps faster.
- Using shot clocks in practice to train players to process information quickly.
- Making every rep count, even for players who aren’t in—mental reps matter.
For up-tempo no-huddle teams like Iowa Western, this means:
- No resetting the ball between plays—move it upfield like a game.
- Defenses must align immediately—no standing around waiting for scout teams.
- Minimal coach stoppages—cues are quick, and everything else is corrected later.
“We tell our guys, don’t expect to redo plays. Make the mistake at full speed, and we’ll fix it on film. That’s what Saturdays are like.” — Scott Strohmeier
2. Control Chaos to Make Game Day Easier
The best teams don’t just practice plays—they train for chaos.
For Minnesota, that means shortening the play clock in practice. Instead of the usual 40 seconds, they set it at 34-35 seconds to force faster communication and execution.
“It creates a sense of urgency. If we can function with a short clock in practice, we’ll feel like we have all the time in the world on game day.” — Keegan O’Hara.
Iowa Western takes a different approach—replicating game conditions as closely as possible. The ball moves after every play, regardless of what happened. O-linemen sprint to the next spot, and the offense is ready immediately.
This controlled chaos means when the pressure is on, nothing feels rushed.
3. Use Technology to Eliminate Wasted Motion
The final piece to making 90-minute football practice efficiency a reality is cutting-edge technology that eliminates wasted time.
Instead of scout teams huddling up to get their assignments or coaches scrambling to show players what to do, GoRout instantly delivers real-time play information to every player.
“Before GoRout, we had to keep our scout defense in the same look for five straight plays just so they could get lined up in time. That’s not real football. Now, they see the play and go.” — Scott Strohmeier
For huddle teams, this means:
- Quicker personnel changes.
- No wasted time looking for scout cards.
- Faster alignment so the offense gets clean looks every rep.
For no-huddle teams, this means:
- Instant scout team adjustments.
- There is no stopping for corrections—just fast, continuous reps.
- Defenses get realistic, high-tempo looks that prepare them for game day.
“With GoRout, we can get through a 12-play period in five minutes, even with a huddle. It’s completely changed how we operate.” — Keegan O’Hara.
The result? More reps, better efficiency, and a practice that truly prepares players for real football.
Ready to Make the Shift? Here’s Your Blueprint for a 90-Minute Practice
- Script your practice with intention. Every period should have a clear, focused purpose.
- Emphasize mental reps. Train players to learn from the film, not just on-field corrections.
- Speed up transitions. Use play clocks, keep players moving, and eliminate downtime.
- Use technology. Tools like GoRout keep practice moving and eliminate wasted time.
- Prepare for game chaos. Practice should be harder than the game, not easier.
Football is evolving. The best coaches aren’t holding onto outdated practice models—they’re maximizing every second to get more done in less time.
Which side are you on?
