Divide. Conquer. Win. Inside a Smart Game Plan Approach
Jun 26, 2025 2:45 pm
Coach -
When Head Coach Jason Bachtel of Houston Christian University maps out his weekly prep, one concept drives it all: divide and conquer. His approach to game planning is structured, collaborative, and focused on putting players in position to succeed.
At the core of Bachtel’s process is what he calls the Game Plan Pod—a system that breaks down the complexity of planning into manageable, role-specific units designed to promote alignment and unlock creativity.
“The whole purpose of the game plan pod is to divide and conquer,” Bachtel explains. “I want collaboration.”
Build Pods. Share Vision.
On Sunday, after a full breakdown of film and data, Bachtel’s staff separates into two primary pods: the Pass Pod and the Run Pod. The Pass Pod focuses on 10 personnel passing game, while the Run Pod dives into the 11 and 12 personnel run game.
Each group is empowered to bring their own insights and cut-ups to the table, so everyone enters Sunday night with a shared understanding of what the opponent is doing and how it connects to the Day One and Day Two install.
“It gives them a chance to collaborate, see what I’ve been seeing, what you’ve been seeing, and throw it out there,” Bachtel says.
Ask Better Questions. Build Better Plans.
Each pod operates around a core set of questions that guide their collaboration.
The first: How do we get our best players the ball—early and often? If the scheme isn’t doing that, Bachtel says, it needs to change. “Our system is all about the players.”
Second: What are others doing to have success? Bachtel reminds his staff, “Success leaves clues.” If inside zone is hitting for 6–8 yards a carry, they’ll call it. If GT counter isn’t working, they won’t force it.
Third: What’s the defense’s base alignment against each formation? That tells you what they'll default to when the pressure’s on. “When the stuff hits the fan,” Bachtel says, “everyone goes back to base.”
Finally: What’s their favorite coverage vs. each formation? Understanding how coverages shift helps dictate which route concepts to feature.
A System Built for Clarity and Speed
Bachtel’s pod system creates more than just efficient game plans—it creates shared ownership and alignment across the staff. Everyone contributes, everyone understands the why, and players benefit.
“If we don’t have those answers on Sunday,” Bachtel says, “we’re not going to put our players in the best situation to be successful on Saturday afternoon.”
It’s a weekly reminder that great coaching is about alignment, adaptability, and making the game plan serve the people who matter most—your players.
Thank you to Coach Bachtel for sharing this presentation at Lauren's First and Goal!
-The Lauren's First and Goal Clinic Team
P.S.
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