Coaching Success Starts with Preseason Planning
Preseason is a crucial time. As coaches, we know there’s a million things to do, but how do you prioritize what’s most important for your athletes and your program? Here’s how I approach preseason planning to ensure success for the entire season.
Start with a Plan—Not a To-Do List
When thinking about your preseason, it's all about mapping out your plan. “What's the curriculum I want to teach my athletes this season?” That’s where I start. This isn't just about teaching technique—it's about looking at the big picture. What do you want your athletes to get out of this season and, more importantly, their entire time in the program? Whether they’re with you for one season or four years, your curriculum should help them build and develop.
The Focus for New Programs: Building and Retaining
For a new program, it's really about narrowing your focus. We have this tendency to want to teach everything all at once, but athletes can only internalize so much at a time. So, I ask, “What are the essential skills that I really need to get across?” Start there.
But beyond the technical aspect, the key for a new team is to think, "How do I keep these people in the room?" There are a lot of reasons not to wrestle, so it’s crucial to make the experience positive and meaningful. What can you do to make your athletes fall in love with the sport? Prioritize that, and you’ll see them thrive.
For Experienced Teams: Finding the Extra 1%
For teams that have been around the block, you’re honing in on the finer details. Think about how to teach "chain wrestling" and decision-making. Your athletes already know the basics, so the focus shifts to that extra 1%. I’m talking about things like sports psychology, nutrition, leadership skills, and prehab and rehab routines. How do we get those minor gains that make a significant difference at the championship level? The law of diminishing gains means that as athletes improve, each additional improvement takes more work. So, for these teams, it's about asking, "What are those one or two things we can do each week to move the needle?"
Break It Down to Avoid Burnout
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the endless list of tasks, but here’s what I recommend: prioritize then break down your big tasks into micro-tasks. Then set aside an hour each day for deep work. No interruptions, no distractions. This helps you get a running start on the day and makes you feel like you're making real progress. It's all about giving yourself that kickstart to keep the momentum going.
A Step-by-Step Guide: The Mat Master Class
If you’re thinking, “How do I manage all of this?” my Mat Master Class is designed to help you through every step of your season. It’s not just an e-course; it's a combination of self-paced learning and bi-weekly virtual meetings. You’ll join a network of peer coaches, discuss your current challenges, and get practical tools to implement in real-time.
I've spent years learning, growing, and refining my own process. Through this course, I'll help you do the same—so you can show up as the best version of yourself for your athletes. It’s about intentional planning, focused teaching, and cultivating an environment where both you and your athletes can thrive.
If you’re ready to step up your coaching game, join us. Let’s make this season not just good enough, but truly great.
