Setting Clear Expectations and Procedures for Camp

The excitement surrounding the beginning of camp has everyone involved - players and coaches alike - ready to run through a wall and get things going. However, beginning camp by setting clear expectations and detailing procedures for all aspects of your program, unit, and position groups will set the stage for success and build the foundation upon which you will operate. Today we gain insight from three coaches on how they do exactly that as they kick off camp.  

Chris Softley is the head coach of the defending Tapps 3A State Championship at Lubbock Christian Academy in Lubbock Texas. I first met Coach Softley at Texas High School Coaching School. He was named a 40 under 40 coach by Dave Campbell's Texas Football.

Chris Kappas was the 2022 AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year, the 2015 Football Scoop D3 Coordinator of the Year, and takes over as head coach of Lousville High School in Ohio this season. He shares how they lay out expectations in their first meeting, especially establishing their culture which they call “Code Blue” that all of the coaches take ownership in presenting.

Brett Arkelian is an Analyst and Special Teams Coach for Fresno State. He explains how he sets the expectations for both his specialists and his special teams units in camp by getting their input into what they want to excel at this season and how he creates a focus each day. What he does can apply to any position group or unit.

Show Notes:

Chris Softley

• Clear expectations outlined in writing
• Procedures for everything are clearly stated
• Importance of making your team procedurally aware

Chris Kappas

• Expectations laid out for everything in the first meeting
• Culture - “Code Blue”

Brett Arkelian

• What are we going to be good at
• Process for getting better
• Get their input for ownership
• Low and high rep days
• Having a focus for each day

Related Episodes:

Chris Kappas - Attention to Detail

Brett Arkelian - A Plan for Specialists, They will Win or Lose you a Game

Chris Softely - Calling Both Sides of the Ball

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