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The Power of Personal Style in Coaching – Why Authenticity Matters

In a world where everyone’s looking for the next big coaching secret, the real magic might just be embracing who you already are. BJ Hill, the Defensive Coordinator at Johns Hopkins and The Coach and Coordinator D3 Defensive Coordinator of the Week presented by Hansen Ratings, stands out not because he tries to fit into…

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Retention Through Relationships

In the world of Division III football, where scholarships don’t anchor players to a team, it’s the relationships that hold the real power. Coach Dan McCarty at St. Norbert College understands this better than most. His success in creating a program that retains players year after year isn’t just about winning games—it’s about cultivating genuine…

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Friday Drives-The Final Dress Rehearsal

Friday Drives at Linfield, led by Offensive Coordinator Brett Elliott, have become a major component of pre-game preparation. Unlike traditional walkthroughs or highly scripted practices, Friday Drives are designed as a “final dress rehearsal,” offering players a game-like experience that boosts both their confidence and readiness for the upcoming game. They utilize this as part…

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National Coach of the Week – Travis Dixon, Head Coach, Hamilton HS (AZ)

The National Coach of the Week is Travis Dixon, the head coach of the Hamilton High School football programming Arizona. In our conversation, Coach Dixon emphasizes the value of continuous learning and adaptability for young coaches. He highlights the role of analytics in game strategy and the necessity of communication among coaching staff during games….

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The Power of a Growth Mindset

As coaches, we constantly adapt to stay ahead. A growth mindset – the belief that abilities and intelligence can develop through dedication and hard work – is a powerful asset for any coach. Coach Travis Dixon of Hamilton High School embodies this mindset, leading his team to success by emphasizing continual learning and adaptation. Embracing…

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Tempo Run Period to Promote Efficient Operations

At Alma College, Offensive Coordinator Zach Riepma runs a temnpo offense that capitazizes on running their plays through a variety of personnel groups. In order to turn that offense into a fine-tuned machine that executes at a high level on game day, Riepma uses a high-intensity practice drill known as the Tempo Run Period. This…

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One Word Defense

Dan Bauder, the Defensive Coordinator for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, took a page out of the offensive playbook and incorporated a one-word call system into his defensive playbook. This approach, rooted in his journey through various traditional systems, reflects his belief in simplifying communication to maximize players’ speed and understanding on the field. The Journey…

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Jim Catanzaro’s Five Questions for Decision-Making

Coach Jim Catanzaro doesn’t make decisions on a whim. As the head coach at Lake Forest, Catanzaro drives every choice with purpose. He developed a five-question framework that aligns every decision with the program’s core values, builds its brand, and primes the team for peak performance. This framework benefits not only the players but also…

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Old School, New Style

Blending Old School Coaching with New Style Connection Coaching isn’t just about teaching plays or shouting orders from the sidelines; it’s about understanding, relating, and building relationships that resonate well beyond the field. For American Canyon’s Coach Trevor Hudson, this means combining old-school discipline with a new-school connection—a blend he believes is crucial for reaching…

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Managing Quarterback Workload

Managing a quarterback’s workload is crucial for peak performance throughout the season. From early-season arm care to late-season tapering, learn effective strategies that balance physical and mental reps, ensuring QBs stay sharp and healthy. Coach Mason Espinosa shares his insights on optimizing practice routines for maximum efficiency.

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