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- Easy Ways to Identify Player Roles
In today’s post I will share with you how you can easily identify player roles on your team.
I will break down player roles by grade and then by expected playing time.
Before I close, I will share some high performing tweets from this week.
What gets most coaches in trouble is they do not set any criteria and do not communicate what they are looking for at parent meetings.
This leads to upset players and parents which then leads to multiple meetings taking up your time and causing issues in the community.
What keeps parents satisfied is when a coach explains what they are looking for, why they need this talent, and what a player can do to contribute to the team.
These statements are even better when a parent sees vertical alignment and light at the end of the tunnel.
Never promise playing time, but you have to give them hope!
Team Roles Introduction
Set the expectation.
Let everyone know why you have set these standards of excellence. Here is an example of what I had written at the top of my Player Roles information sheet.
At (name your school), the players that the coaching staff feels give the TEAM the best opportunity to WIN will play. Playing time is never guaranteed. In order to play a significant amount of time you must be able to produce positive results versus quality 6A competition with minimal mistakes.
This statement makes it clear the best will play.
Break it down by grade
SENIORS | All seniors who go through Spring Ball and off season the prior school year will be on the varsity. Being a senior does not entitle a player to anything other than being a valued member of the TEAM. |
JUNIORS | Some will have a role on the varsity and some will play on JV. The juniors who are on the varsity will be for the following reasons:
|
SOPHOMORES | Some will have a role on the varsity and some will play on JV. The sophomores who are on the varsity will be for the following reasons:
|
FRESHMAN | All freshman will play on the freshman team. |
Expected Playing Time
Starter: expected to perform on a HIGH level versus quality 6A competition with minimal mistakes
Backup - expected to be game ready for any reason a starter cannot perform
Special Teams - expected to perform at a HIGH level and complete every special team assignment. Mistakes are inexcusable, perfection of assignments is mandatory!
Team Member - expected to provide auxiliary support for your TEAM. This includes scout teams, sideline encouragement, leader in the locker room and a positive attitude at all times. Team members will get few player opportunities.
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