Standing in a cold huddle outside on a frozen field being battered by the wind. Snow drifts frame the field as the sun sets early. Snot running down your nose, toes and fingers numb, just trying to defrost and hear coach through the gusts.
Players are nervous. Excited. Fearful. Curious. They spar with self-doubt. Everyone is hoping to make a strong first impression.
The coach is barely recognizable in layers. He dresses for 5pm and sets expectations for week 1 and the season. It’s obvious, he means business. And his voice is hoarse already. This is not the same smiley guy who showed up and seduced your parents during the home visit. And he’s not the cordial host they met during a campus trip. The courting charade is over.
You can smell the urgency. There’s little tolerance for mistakes or a slow pace. Scrutiny is omnipresent. Work. Don’t crow.
Coaches focal points become clear through his drills. Emphasis on ground balls, defense, shooting, whatever – a team becomes how and what they practice.
The depth chart crystallizes. You are where THEY think you belong. It’s your job to prove them wrong and produce results that warrant promotion. A players recruiting ranking, honors, stars and HS stats mean nothing now. Welcome to the meritocracy. Aim to dominate in all periods, not just scrimmaging. It won’t happen overnight, it’s like a beaver taking down a tree with relentless small bites.
The team aura takes shape with leaders emerging, seniors barking, and freshmen following. Every drill matters.
Coaches hold players accountable. Players hold themselves accountable. A great team will have players holding players accountable.
At every practice, there are two races going on. As a player, I’m pushing to become my best. That’s a race. Simultaneously, the team is racing to improve. Understand the subtleties of the ME and the WE. Certain periods are designed for the individual and others for the squad.
For high school programs, simply learning names and building trust is at the top of the list.
For leaders of smurfs, ask them to arrive early and help with their equipment. Checking their pockets before practice is critical. Many will show up not knowing how to wear protective equipment and with dysfunctional sticks.
Day one is about acclimation. Don’t over do it. Tempo always beats standing around in the cold. For younger age groups, let em play small sided 2 v 1, 3 v 2, 4 v 3, 3 v 3 and 4 v 4. Kids need to run around and play, not stand idle in line drills. Focus on fundamentals, effort and the process- the results come later.
D1 college coaches tend to avoid intense physical contact coming off a holiday break. Ramping up gradually is more shrewd than blasting out of the starting blocks.
First day of practice. The emotions and energy are palpable. To make a strong impression, bring the hustle and a positive attitude. Be fearless, confident and play free.
