Coach -

Each Sunday, Game Planning Tips delivers practical insights from coaches who’ve mastered the art of preparation. This week, we focus on the details that define early-game execution, defensive learning, and special teams precision.

These ideas aren’t theory — they’re field-tested by coaches who live it every week.

Offense – Creating a Successful Opening Series

Nate Milne | Head Coach, Muhlenberg College

Your opening drive sets the tone for the game. Coach Milne calls it a “loose script” — a flexible plan that keeps your offense efficient and adaptable.

• Script the first play, first third down, and first shot call ahead of time.
• Break your 100% tendencies early.
• Get your best player involved on the opening drive.
• Do what you do best — and do it with confidence.

“Have a plan, trust it, and do what you do best.”

👉 [Watch the Clip]

Defense – Teaching and Building Through Theory Z and the Learning Pyramid

Preston Hadley | Defensive Coordinator, Northern Colorado

Coach Hadley’s approach blends learning science with defensive strategy. His “Theory Z” method makes players co-owners in the teaching process.

• Use peer-to-peer learning to boost retention.
• Apply the Learning Pyramid: teach, do, then have players teach each other.
• Use a flipped classroom — install on video before meetings.
• Track success through key defensive metrics: stop rate, QB disruption, red zone defense.

“Our job is to help them learn how to learn — and then watch them teach each other.”

👉 [Watch the Clip]

Special Teams – Mastering Hand Reads in Punt Coverage

Cason Bicknell | Special Teams Analyst, University of Florida

Details win games in the third phase. Coach Bicknell teaches gunners and tackles to react off the returner’s hands — not the ball.

• Fair Catch Hand Read: close space, drive the blocker into the returner.
• Accepting Hand Read: attack through the near hip as the hands rise.
• Tracking Hand Read: maintain lane leverage and anticipate the cut.

“When you understand the hand reads, you’re never surprised by the returner’s action.”

👉 [Watch the Clip]

Closing Thought

The best teams don’t wait for the game to reveal answers — they create them.

From scripting your openers to shaping how players learn and react, this week’s coaches show that preparation is the ultimate competitive edge.

– Coach Keith Grabowski

P.S. Listen to our weekly Lauren's First and Goal Game Planning Tips Episodes (released on Mondays with video versions on Youtube and Spotify)

🏆 Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation

Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation supports pediatric brain tumor research and families affected by cancer through the game of football.

Since its founding, LFG has raised over $2 million through clinics and community events led by coaches nationwide.

Join the mission or register for this year’s clinic series at 👉 laurensfirstandgoal.org