Meeting Efficiency - Providing a Structured Environment for Learning

Coach ,

Today's focus is on the structure of the meeting, and Georgia Southern's Receivers Coach Isaiah Walker explains his approach. For Coach Walker, it’s his favorite part of the day.

He has a plan and method for his meetings which he categorizes as: 

• Install meetings
• Corrections meeting
• Combined install/corrections like in fall camp or spring ball

For him, it all starts with setting the tone. Because he is close in age to his players,  it is important to establish control of the room.  He wants it to be serious and disciplined and what’s his players to understand he is there to teach.

When the meeting begins he has expectations like sit-up straight, back against the chair, and two feet on the floor.  He wants them to know that he is approaching this like any lecture they might be in on campus.

While he wants the room to be disciplined, he makes it about the players.  He notes, “It has to be about your players and teaching them so they can carry it out to the field.”

Also, he is very conscientious about keeping it short so they can stay locked in.

He explains his thoughts on the meeting here (click on image of video):

Video: Meetings

For play install meetings, he takes an approach that his language reflects teaching all players.  Instead of referring to specific X, Y, Z receivers he will talk about play side and backside receivers because at some point, they will be in each of those positions.  It makes the teaching more conceptual and engages everyone.  Here’s how he handles it (click on image of video):

Video: Play install meetings

Coach Walker takes a specific approach to corrections meetings.  These meetings are necessary in order to improve performance.  These are done with practice film, scrimmage film, and game film.

He wants to iron things out so that they get it right on game day.  He likes to keep the corrections short and use what he calls the “sandwich technique.”  It allows him to get the message across better. He explains his approach to correction meetings here (click on image of video):

Video: Corrections Meeting

The structure provides the environment for learning and allows both the player and coach to have  productive and successful meetings.

Thank you to Coach Walker for sharing these ideas.

Always be growing!

Coach Grabowski