Sharing “Secrets”?

My call for more coaches to share

–Jeremy Rauch; Head Boys Basketball Coach, Snider HS (IN); Co-Founder, Feel for the Game
Most coaches aren’t even directly trading films–we go around the upcoming opponent by contacting who they’ve recently played. And now we at Feel for the Game are asking coaches to share their whole offensive system?! Or how they scout that gives them their advantage??

In a 2 month span, we already have contributions from over 100 coaches!! So why are we asking coaches to share their ideas, work, etc., and why are so many willing to do so?

Well, here are a few. “small rock” reasons why coaches may be so inclined to share their knowledge with the larger coaching community:

1. Promote self and program

2. The idea that “the good coaches already have (most of) this information, and the ‘bad’ ones won’t know what to do with it.”

3. Or this one: “If they’re worried about us, we’ve already got them beat.”

All are valid. But let me give you a few more reasons why sharing is critical to the coaching world:

Rising Tide Lifts all Ships

We can grow the game. Very little is created brand new anyway; almost everything in the game is some adaptation of something else created years ago. So if I’m sharing with you what works for us, in the back of my mind, I know I have to stay ahead of the curve. I have to think about what the “next step” would be. That challenges the coaches to think ahead, but it can also improve the players, as they need to be prepared for different scenarios within the game. They have to continue to evolve and develop with their skills and their feel. Certainly something that challenges coaches and players alike is good for the game.

Leadership is Influence

Leadership is Influence is a quote that you’ll hear probably daily in the Snider Athletics world. Here is another one: “Life is a series of choices and relationships. Every choice has a consequence, and every relationship has an impact.” I think the idea here is we have a chance to contribute to something larger than ourselves. I mean, isn’t the idea–as team coaches–to buy into the idea of synergy, where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts? The opportunity to influence others by the knowledge that we impart is so powerful, so rewarding. And modeling that for our players could be exponentially powerful. After all, we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Giving is a Blessing

I’m 35 years old. I’ve got a 7 year old and a 5 year old. And watching them Christmas mornings is one of the most special moments of the year. Watching their joy and appreciation is better than any present I could open. Getting is cool. Giving is special. And I think the same idea applies with coaching. We want to give coaches a platform where they can give. So many of us have worked hard on our craft, have climbed that mountain of success and are able to provide insight of possible obstacles, and advice of the best path to people about to make the trek. It’s such a blessing to be able to give–to help in that way–and we want to be a part of that.

If you’d like to contribute in someway to our site, visit feelforthegame.com/contact and send us a quick message!