Coach ,

Woody Blevins DC at Assumption College believes that individual time begins in the meeting room.

He believes individual time is essential to your success and your players’ success.

He starts his design with the premise that “bored people don’t grow.”

For him, it is very organized beginning with the players having specific daily work when they enter the room. Coach gives an overview on how he creates a plan for the meeting room in this video (click on image for video):

Video: Meeting Room

Much like a classroom where a teacher implements “bell work,” Coach Blevins has his players get to work right away, though this work begins before the meeting starts in order to maximize the time the players have available.

The time for them starts with “Metrics” and strip drills. 

“Metrics” 

They get a sheet to fill out which uses the acronym “FUELED.” They take a few minutes to fill out the sheet. Coach Blevins notes that this tool helps him build relationships with his players because he is able to learn more about them as people.  

It also helps him understand the health of the player.  While you may not be able to utilize the devices that big programs do, this simple inventory can tell you a lot about where your players are healthwise both mentally and physically.

Here’s what is on the sheet:

First they complete a section on the sheet which he calls “an attitude of gratitude” (write down 3 things they are grateful for in life)

Then he has them fill out the section he calls “FUELED”:

Focus on Stress management (scale of 1-5)

Utilized recovery method (did they do it and what type)

Eat healthy whole food

Leave time for Sleep

Eat breakfast

Drink a gallon of water

Once they finish, they work the mechanics of the strip with a partner and the ball. There’s no running just working their different techniques like rip and punch. These are done for working the second man-in for which he feels they do not get enough work because of quick whistles used in practices. 

This certainly can be implemented for every position. What’s a technique or two that you want emphasized. Maybe for D-line it’s hand fighting, ball security for backs, a hand replacement drill for o-line, you get the idea.

All of that mentioned above has been completed before the meeting has started.

Once the meeting gets going, Coach Blevins uses a short activity which he borrowed from the Naval Academy which he calls “The Juice.” He explains that here:

Video: The Juice

Don’t take meeting time for granted. Coach Blevins example should provide ideas for how you might be able to maximize this time to learn more about your players, set the attitude for the day, and even squeeze in a little physical activity.

As you prepare to start teaching your players the game again both in the classroom and off the field, keeping their minds engaged is of utmost importance.

Thank you to Coach Blevins for sharing these impactful ideas in his clinic talk.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski