Lessons from “Get Better at Anything” by Scott Young
As an American football coach, you’re constantly striving to improve your team’s performance, develop players’ skills, and outmaneuver your opponents. In the ever-evolving landscape of sports, learning isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. Scott Young’s book, “Get Better at Anything,” offers valuable insights into mastering any skill, and these principles can be directly applied to coaching football. By focusing on three main themes—Seeing (learning from others), Doing (practicing right), and Feedback (making adjustments)—you can enhance your coaching strategies and lead your team to new heights.
Lesson 1: Solving Problems Like a Maze
Football, much like any other sport, presents a series of complex problems that need solving. From strategizing the perfect play to adapting on the fly to an opponent’s tactics, effective problem-solving is at the heart of successful coaching. Young draws a parallel between solving problems and navigating a maze. He suggests a three-step approach to solve problems efficiently:
1. Frame the Problem Correctly: Just like you wouldn’t approach a defensive formation without understanding the offense’s alignment, you need to frame coaching challenges properly. Are you facing a strategic issue, like choosing the right play for a specific down? Or is it a motivational challenge, like getting through to a player who’s been underperforming? Properly identifying the problem is crucial to finding the right solution.
2. Pick Promising Problems: Not all problems are worth your time. As a coach, you should focus on issues where you can see a path to improvement. For example, if your team’s passing game is weak, rather than trying to completely overhaul it mid-season, you might focus on short, high-percentage passes that build confidence and gradually improve. This selective focus helps avoid wasting resources on unsolvable problems or those with low impact.
3. Explore the Problem Space One Room at a Time: Just as Andrew Wiles did with Fermat’s Last Theorem, approach problems step-by-step. For example, if your team struggles with red-zone offense, don’t try to fix everything at once. Start by analyzing what happens at the 20-yard line and work inward, identifying small, actionable improvements that can collectively make a significant impact.
Lesson 2: Prioritize Variation Over Repetition in Practice
One of the most common traps coaches fall into is the emphasis on repetitive practice. While repetition has its place, Young argues that variation is more critical for learning and skill development. In the context of football coaching, this means incorporating different scenarios and drills to keep players engaged and adaptable.
1. Shuffle Drills Regularly: If you always start with the same warm-up or drill sequence, players may become complacent. Mixing up drills not only keeps practices engaging but also prepares players for the unexpected. For example, instead of a standard route-running drill, add defensive backs to simulate game conditions. This not only hones their skills but also their decision-making in real-time.
2. Integrate Variable Practice: Football games are unpredictable. To prepare your players for this, encourage them to play in varied conditions. Rotate positions during practice or simulate different game situations, such as a two-minute drill or red-zone defense. This variation forces players to apply their skills in new contexts, making them more versatile and better prepared for game day.
3. Focus on Game-Like Scenarios: Young suggests learning theories and building upon foundational skills in varied contexts. In football, this could translate to running drills that mimic real game scenarios. For example, rather than just running standard tackling drills, set up drills that replicate common game situations, such as a third-and-long or a goal-line stand. This helps players develop a deeper understanding of how their skills translate to game situations.
Lesson 3: The Power of Unlearning
As a coach, you’re not just teaching skills; sometimes, you’re helping players unlearn bad habits. Young’s concept of “unlearning” involves resetting conditioned responses that may be holding someone back. In football, this might mean breaking down a player’s bad tackling form or reworking a quarterback’s throwing mechanics.
1. Add New Constraints: Just as Young suggests imposing constraints to challenge existing habits, you can apply the same principle in football. If a player has a habit of throwing off their back foot, make them practice with a weighted vest or under a time constraint to force them to improve their stance and footwork. This constraint-based approach forces players to adapt and develop new, more effective techniques.
2. Get an Outside Perspective: Sometimes, you’re too close to see the problem clearly. Bringing in a specialist coach or consultant can provide fresh insights. They might identify flaws in a player’s technique or a gap in your team’s strategy that you hadn’t noticed. This external feedback is invaluable for breaking out of old habits and finding new paths to improvement.
3. Renovate, Don’t Rebuild: Young advises against throwing everything out and starting over. Instead, make small, incremental changes. For example, if your offensive strategy has been struggling, don’t scrap the entire playbook. Instead, identify specific plays that aren’t working and tweak them. This gradual approach allows for continuous improvement without overwhelming your team.
Seeing, Doing, and Getting Feedback: The Cycle of Continuous Improvement
Young’s framework of Seeing, Doing, and Feedback aligns perfectly with the coaching cycle.
Seeing (Learning from Others): As a coach, you must be a constant learner, observing what works for other teams and coaches. This could involve studying film, attending clinics, or even networking with other coaches. By seeing what works elsewhere, you can adapt those strategies to fit your team’s needs.
Doing (Practicing Right): The value of practice cannot be overstated, but it’s not just about the quantity of practice; it’s about the quality. As Young emphasizes, prioritize variation and make practice sessions dynamic and engaging. Keep players on their toes and continuously challenge them with new scenarios.
Feedback (Making Adjustments): Lastly, feedback is crucial. This doesn’t just mean yelling from the sidelines. It means analyzing game film, conducting one-on-one sessions with players, and fostering an environment where feedback is seen as a tool for growth, not criticism. By providing actionable, constructive feedback, you help your players make the small adjustments that lead to big improvements.
Conclusion: A Roadmap for Coaching Mastery
Scott Young’s principles in “Get Better at Anything” provide a robust framework for football coaches seeking to elevate their game. By adopting a problem-solving mindset, emphasizing varied practice, and utilizing feedback effectively, you can foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team. Remember, mastery isn’t achieved overnight; it’s a journey that requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn and adapt.
Incorporate these lessons into your coaching routine, and you’ll not only become a better coach but also help your players become better athletes, thinkers, and team members. In the high-stakes world of American football, every edge counts. Equip yourself with the right tools, and you’ll be better prepared to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
