Preparing for the Upcoming Season: A Head Coach’s 8 Step Guide

PROformance Head Coach

With many teams already in preparation for the upcoming season, there is lots to do! For head coaches, this is a critical time to solidify the foundation for a successful season and revisit your coaching"Y"and Standards. Whether you’re leading a high school, college, or professional team, we all know, preparation is key to maximizing your team’s potential.

In this blog post I will outline some essential steps to help head coaches gear up for the upcoming season, focusing on strategy, team building, and operational readiness.

1. Reflect and Review the Off-Season (again!)

Before diving into the new season, take time on more time to reflect on the previous one. Analyze game footage, review playbooks, and assess what worked and what didn’t AND WHY! Identify patterns in performance—both strengths to build on and weaknesses to address - Personnel, Schemes, Systems, Coaches, non-execution, etc. Gather input from assistant coaches, players, and even support staff to gain a comprehensive perspective.

• Key Actions:

  • Conduct a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) for your team. This can be high level at this point in pre-season. But reevaluating, helps bring clarity and gives you an opportunity for some last minute tweaks.

  • Review player performance metrics (athletic, academic, attitude, effort, leadership, etc.) and injury reports (current and from last year) to inform training priorities.

  • Evaluate your coaching staff’s effectiveness, make final adjustments in their effectiveness (attitude, effort, discipline, skills and, level of contribution, etc.) and consider professional development opportunities for the off season i.e. attend one of my clinics!

  • Revisit your coaching "Y" and standard. Are you meeting, exceeding, and selling your standards to the team, your coaches, parents, boosters, etc.? If not, do it now before its too late!

This reflection and last minute coaching check, sets the stage for a targeted and purposeful approach to the season and your teams execution, ensuring you’re not repeating past mistakes. This is a busy time I know, but a high level review of the above will pay dividends.

2. Refine Your Playbook.

Seriously Coach? Now? Its a little late in the season don't you think? NOPE! The playbook system is the backbone of your team’s strategy, and the pre-season is the perfect time to refine it. Especially after all your summer instal, its never to late to refine, add, subtract, etc. from your play book. What looks good with your players, what doesn't, etc.

Incorporate new plays based on emerging trends in the game, such as the increasing use of power, bunch, power I, other formations, or creative defensive schemes. Study your opponents’ tendencies to anticipate their strategies and develop counters.

At the HS level too many teams in my opinion totally become "system" offenses i.e. they have run the same offense, formations, and defense for decades because "thats what Coach runs". Be creative... you can run many of the same plays from different looks and formations. Sometimes, you may NEED to change the formation to take advantage of the defensive look, etc. Be creative. The season is long. You have time to inject new ideas. Last point here, take a look at your call sheet. Explore ways to make it simpler and easier to read and find your plays during the heat of the battle. KISS - Keep It Simple Stupid. The less you need to think about, the better!

• Key Actions:

  • Update offensive and defensive schemes based on your team’s personnel and skill sets.

  • Explore new offensive and defensive looks and formations. You can have 10 offensive plays and run them out of different formations and win football games!

  • Be aggressive. Too many teams play conservative i.e. always punting, rarely blitzing, etc. I have seen this in the North East especially. In my experience in CA, teams very rarely punt and they blitz on every play out of different looks. Be creative and don't be afraid to short pass gaining 5 yard chunks at a time and please for the love of Vince, don't just run swings and bubbles!

  • Integrate analytics to optimize play-calling decisions (e.g., 4th-down decisions or two-point conversion strategies). Hudl and others have lots of good analytics you can leverage. Do it! It can pay dividends!

  • Simplify complex plays to ensure players can execute them under pressure. Again, explore using different formations for the same plays.

  • Focus on execution. Violent execution. Every play. 100%, 100% of the time!

    
    

Involve your coordinators early in this process to align on philosophy and ensure everyone is on the same page. You don't want confusion or surprised on game day. The best teams are the best prepared.

3. Build Team Culture and Leadership

A successful season isn’t just about Xs and Os—it’s about fostering a cohesive and positive team culture. As the head coach, you set the tone and standard. Focus on building trust, accountability, and camaraderie among players and staff. Identify and empower team leaders who can reinforce your vision on and off the field.

• Key Actions:

  • Host team-building activities, such as leadership retreats or community service events, to strengthen bonds. Ideally, this would have been done during the pre-season - summer and spring. But there are things you can do during the season that foster team spirit, culture and a refocus on your goals and objectives as a team. These can include team dinners, new traditions, etc.

  • Set clear expectations for behavior, work ethic, academic standards, and commitment during team meetings. Measure your players regularly for attitude, effort, leadership, etc. You can be the best stud on the team, but if you are lazy, crappy grades, etc. you are now a liability and forget about playing at the next level.

  • Mentor captains and veteran players to lead by example and guide younger athletes. Not just on the field but in school as well.

  • Offer game day captains for players that excelled in practice.

    
    

A strong culture translates to resilience during tough games and adversity throughout the season. Having a standard that you and your team hold themselves too, also builds mental and team toughness.

4. Prioritize Player Development

Your players are your greatest asset, and their growth is your responsibility. Use the pre-season to assess their physical and mental readiness. The Depth Chart is a work in progress. Work with your strength and conditioning staff to design individualized training programs that address specific needs, such as speed, agility, or injury prevention. Training never ends!

Also...VERY IMPORTANT...develop your 2's, 3's and 4's. I have seen teams get wiped out with injuries, and your 3's and 4's needed to come in and fill the gap. Invest the time to get them up to sped so they are contributors and not "scrubs". Remember....next man up. A team is only as strong as its weakest players.

• Key Actions:

  • Conduct baseline fitness tests to gauge players’ conditioning levels.

  • Implement position-specific drills to sharpen technical skills. Even during the season, you can incorporate some drills into Indies to help keep players loose and agile.

  • Emphasize mental toughness through film study, situational awareness training, and stress simulations. Even more important, accountability. Miss a block? Getting called out. Run a crappy lazy route? You bet your ass I am gonna call you out! Accountability. In private you can hold your coaches accountable if necessary. NEVER IN FRONT of the players.

  • Execution, execution, execution. All 11 players MUST DO THEIR JOB!

  • Develop your 3's and 4's as well as your younger players.

5. Leverage Technology and Analytics

Modern football is increasingly data-driven even at MS and HS. The game is so much less about gut now and more reliant on analytics. Use technology to gain a competitive edge. Tools like HUDL for film analysis, GPS tracking for player workload, and advanced analytics platforms can provide insights into player safety, performance and strategy. Even if your school doesn't have the budget for advanced analytics, almost every school now uses Hudl.

• Key Actions:

  • Invest in software to break down opponent tendencies and player performance metrics. Maybe even get some of the super smart math kids in school to help as "team analysts"

  • Use wearables to monitor player fatigue and reduce injury risks.

  • Train your staff to interpret data effectively and translate it into actionable game plans.

  • Analytics do not have to be the sole driver, but finding a synergistic way in which to blend them into your system will be a game changer for you!

  • When breaking down your game film, analytics give you the opportunity to look and see what plays or players worked best over the season i.e. our inside zone plays consistently net us 10 yards a carrier with Jones but not with Peters. Perhaps we need to call those plays with Jones more on X situation.

  • Analytics can help with situational football.

    
    

Staying ahead of the curve technologically can give your team a significant advantage before, during and after the game and even in practice!

6. Plan Logistics and Operations

A well-prepared team is supported by seamless operations. Coordinate with your athletic director, equipment managers, parents, and support staff to ensure everything is in place before the season kicks off. This includes scheduling practices, securing travel arrangements, and maintaining facilities as well as AT's, etc.

• Key Actions:

  • Finalize the season schedule, including practice times, scrimmages, and game days. Ideally this would have been done over the summer. But sometimes, your schedule is not locked in until early August!

  • Ensure equipment (helmets, pads, etc.) is inspected and meets safety standards. Yes, do another equipment check before the season. Also, please, encourage players to get rid of all the BS and unnecessary gear they don't need or gear that can get them disqualified from the field. Nip it in the bud.

  • Communicate with medical staff to establish protocols for injury management and recovery as well as the differences between a boo boo and an injury!

  • Ensure you have personally reviewed all your footballs and work with QB's to choose your game balls versus practices balls and ensure they are properly labeled. Footballs are expensive and no need giving the other team, broken in footballs!

  • Ensure you have the proper set up for pregame food for your players. Stay away and encourage your players to stay away from all the gimmicks. PB&J, subs, chocolate milk, water, beat juice, pickles, etc. are the best. I have been in the Rams locker rooms. You know what you see for the players? PBJ, Turkey Sandwiches, Gatorade, beat juice, pickles, chocolate and whole milk, water, etc. No exotic crap. If its good enough for NFL teams its good enough for your team. Also ensure you meet any dietary restrictions or allergies. Some of your players may have peanut allergies so no PB&J's, etc. YOU ARE THE HC. You need to be aware of everything that is going on with your team. Work with parents, boosters and AT's to ensure you have this covered.

  • Ensure you AND your AD are aligned and dialed in on your objectives, coaching "Y" and standard. Your life and season will be much smoother.

    
    

A smooth operation allows you to focus on coaching rather than troubleshooting logistical issues. Especially during the season.

7. Engage with the Community and Stakeholders

As a head coach, you’re not just leading a team—you’re representing a program and your town/community. Engage with fans, boosters, parents, and local media to build support and excitement for the season. A strong community presence can boost morale and create a home-field advantage. 12th man!

• Key Actions:

  • Host a pre-season fan event or open practice to generate buzz.

  • Work with your youth football programs to get them engaged with the team, home games, etc.

  • Communicate your standard, vision and goals to stakeholders to align expectations.

  • Encourage players to participate in community outreach to strengthen ties. Again, ideally in the pre-season over the summer. But this can be done during the season as well in creative ways that doesn't distract from practice, etc. Maybe post practice events, etc. Be creative!

  • Help coordinate pep rallies to build team spirit. Your fans can be your biggest asset!

  • Work with your Band Director. WHAT?! You read that right. Support your marching band or school band. Some of your players may be in the band. They also fire up your fans and are part of the program and experience of Friday night football. They are there supporting the team. Support them!

Positive relationships off the field can translate to a more supportive environment on it.

8. Prepare for Adversity

No season goes perfectly. Injuries, losses, and unexpected challenges are part of the game. As a head coach, your ability to navigate adversity will define your leadership and your players and coaches will take note. Develop contingency plans for key scenarios, such as losing a starting quarterback or facing a tough stretch of games. Football is a game of adjustments. Be prepared.

• Key Actions:

  • Develop the "Next Play" mentality for coaches and players. You must have a short memory. Next play!

  • Cross-train players for multiple positions to ensure depth.

  • Develop your 3's and 4's. Having a strong bench is a sign of a strong team.

  • Practice situational football (e.g., two-minute drills, overtime scenarios) to build adaptability. This should be part of your weekly practices. Offensive days, practice offense situational football. Defensive days, Defensive situations, etc. Don't neglect Special Teams. You must be adept and successful in all 3 phases of the game.

  • Foster a “next man up” mentality to maintain confidence in backups.

  • CONSTANTLY develop mental toughness!! In everything you do. Practice like you play and play like you practice. Be the dominant team on the field!

  • Discipline! Focus on discipline. From the little things to the big. Disciplined teams win football games and control adversity to what level it can be controlled.

Your composure and preparation will inspire your team to stay focused under pressure.

A last bit of advice. Communication. Ensure you have set communication standards with your coaches on the headsets during the games. You MUST have comms discipline otherwise, its chaos and impossible for the appropriate coaches to make decisions in a timely manner. Review Comms standards before each game during walk through or a coaches meeting. Trust me!! It will make your life so much easier on game day!

Final Thoughts

The upcoming season is an opportunity to showcase your leadership and vision as a head coach. Doesn't matter if your a new HC or a seasoned one. By reflecting on the past, refining strategies, building a strong team culture, and leveraging technology, you can position your team for success.

Preparation is about more than just the game plan—it’s about creating an environment where players and staff can thrive and excel. As you finish training camp and get ready for the season in the next couple of weeks, stay focused, stay adaptable, be creative, be aggressive, be dominant, be disciplined, and lead with purpose. Remember your standard and coaching "Y". Your coaches and players are counting on you to lead the charge.

Wishing you a winning and successful season!

Coach David Frederick