3 Tips for Effective Game Planning in the Postseason – Todd Drury (Western Illinois), Josh Herring (Lassiter HS), Deonte Gibson (Youngstown State)
As we focus on the postseason and playoffs in The Season series, we start with one of the most critical aspects: Game planning. As a coordinator understanding the key elements of preparing for playoff games can greatly impact the team's success. In this episode, we gain insight from three coaches on strategies for effective game planning in the postseason. We look at addressing what an opponent does best, planning for contingencies, and focusing tendencies on finding the clues that help your position players.
Joining us is Defensive Coordinator at Western Illinois Todd Drury, QB Coach at Lassiter High School in Georgia Josh Herring, and Defensive Line Coach at Youngstown State Deonte Gibson.
First up, Coch Drury emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the main thing when game planning for the postseason. He advises against chasing unnecessary rabbit trails and instead suggests focusing on defending against the opponent's strengths. He also highlights the significance of sticking to the established practice routine and not making unnecessary changes that may cause confusion among the players.
Next, Coach Herring discusses the cat-and-mouse game that occurs during the playoffs, where both teams know each other's strengths and tendencies. He emphasizes the need for adaptability and preparedness when facing adjustments made by the opposing team. He shares an example of how they were able to make quick adjustments to their game plan when faced with defensive strategies that disrupted their original approach.
We finish with Coach Gibson, who discusses the importance of utilizing both run game studies and analytics to identify tendencies and weaknesses in the opponent's game plan. He emphasizes the value of watching players' alignment and movements on the field to supplement the data-driven approach. He also mentions the use of simplified one or two-page summaries for players, tailored to their learning preferences, to ensure they understand the game plan without feeling overwhelmed.
In a world of analytics and plenty of game film, we can get lost in the data. Game planning in the postseason requires a meticulous and well-rounded approach. By staying focused on the main objectives, being prepared for adjustments, and utilizing clues that zero in on what the opponent is about to do, you can develop effective strategies to counter opponents' strengths. The ability to adapt quickly and provide players with information ensures that you are well-prepared to face any challenges that arise during playoff games.
Continue to tune into Coach and Coordinator The Season for insight, tips, and advice from top coaches. We will take you all the way through the playoffs and address season wrap-up along the way if your team is already in the clubhouse. Be sure to go to CoachandCoordinator.com to sign up for our weekly tips sheet which shares the best ideas from each week.
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