Fall Camp - Tip Two - Check On ALL The Newcomers
FALL CAMP has begun, and this is the beginning of the most pivotal time for your team before the season.
This blog is the second of a blog series where I will be sharing my fall camp player development tips from my time in the role.
TIP #1: Stay on top of the daily schedule.
TIP #2: Check on ALL the newcomers
Fall camp is the most intense time of the football season and calendar year. The stressors put on student-athletes, coaches and staff can seem unreal at times. Check out this fall camp schedule here from my time in Kansas:
PRACTICE #1 ACCLIMATIZATION DAY DRESS: HELMETS ONLY
6:00 AM – 7:00 AM MANDATORY INJURY TREATMENTS – VAN PICK UP AT 5:45 AM
6:30 AM WAKE UP
6:45 AM DEPART FOR AFFC
7:00 AM – 8:15 AM BREAKFAST (MANDATORY) – CHANCELLOR’S LOUNGE
7:30 AM – 8:25 AM TAPE / TREATMENT / DRESS
7:30 AM COACHES PRE-PRACTICE MEETING
8:30 AM HC TEAM MEETING (5MIN)
8:35 AM SPECIAL TEAMS MEETING (15MIN)
8:50 AM INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS (45MIN)
9:35 AM BREAK (5MIN)
9:40 AM SPECIAL TEAMS WALK (7MIN)
9:47 AM O/D WALK (10MIN)
10:17 AM PRACTICE
1:10 PM END OF PRACTICE
1:30 PM SHOWER / ICE / TREATMENT
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM LUNCH (MANDATORY)
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM TEAMS FILM SEGMENT
2:45 PM FULL STAFF – ATHLETIC TRAINER REPORT – STAFF REVIEW PERSONNEL
2:45 PM PLAYERS DEPART FOR HOTEL
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM NAP – TEAM
4:45 PM PLAYERS DEPART FOR AFFC
5:05 PM OFFENSE LIFT – DEFENSE POOLS
5:40 PM DEFENSE LIFT – OFFENSE POOLS
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM DINNER
7:00 PM HC TEAM MEETING – FRUIT BARS – BIG 12 OFFICIALS (G. BURKS)
7:45 PM SPECIAL TEAMS MEETING (15MIN)
8:00 PM POSITION MEETINGS
8:45 PM INDY WALK W/ POSITION COACH (10MIN)
8:55 PM GROUP OR TEAM WALK (25MIN)
9:20 PM SPECIAL TEAMS WALK (10MIN) + 15MIN COACH MILES DISCRETION
9:45 PM ICE & SNACK (LATE NIGHT SCRIPTS)
10:00 PM DEPART FOR HOTEL
10:30 PM BED CHECK – LIGHTS OUT & CQ
This schedule is like nothing you first-year football players have ever experienced. Some of your junior college newcomers may be new to this as well. With that being a reality, it is important for you to check on the newcomers constantly. When I was in the role, I was checking on my young’uns every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Any time I got a chance to see them during transitions I checked on them as well. You do not want to assume they are used to it. You don’t want to assume a calm demeanor, or an always present smile means they’re good. You will be amazed at how helpful you can be to them during this time. In my experiences, most of the things we talked about were trivial things they had to get adjusted to and how they can plan to get better. Every now and then there was a conversation where I would have to encourage them and let them know they belonged at this stage. Some were extremely homesick and needed some to admit that feeling too. Checking in on the ones having a great camp is vital as well because they may have success and feel lonely during a time of competition with upperclassmen while their class adjusts. Some of my best discussions during camp were from the newcomers who flourished early. Being for them and having those constant Check-ins helps in so many ways. One year a player came into my office to let me know he had a child on the way, and I was the first male figure he told it to. This conversation meant more to me than he would have ever thought. Checking on the newcomers takes a lot of daily effort but it is so worth it.
The players may not be the only newcomers who need someone to check on them during camp. There will also be inexperienced staff who may not be used to the program’s fall camp. I was truly fortunate with the group I was with in Houston. The head coach, coaching, operations, strength, sports medicine, and nutrition staffs would genuinely check on me. They joked before camp and told me I would not be ready, but they constantly checked during camp to ensure I was good, knew what to expect and was prepared for actions needed. When I look back at it their support truly helped me so much and they honestly did not have to do that for me. I took what they afforded me to Kansas once I figured out the lay of the land. I would pop into offices or sit down and eat with those who were new on staff and make sure they knew what to expect. I wanted them to know I was in their corner and able to help when needed.
Unity and belonging are things that can be built in fall camp with intentionality. These two relational bonds can create a massive impact in a program when put in place. You can start that today, by checking in on the newcomers under your influence.
If you would like more guidance in the player development role, email info@btfprogram.com and let me know how I can champion your player development journey.
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