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Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Why Do We Fail as Coaches?

"Invert, always invert." - Carl Jacobi, noted mathematician

If we know why we fail, then we can try the opposite. That's the mental model of inversion. Think "Opposite George" in Seinfeld. 

Relationships. Coaching is first about relationships. The players and team buy what we're selling or it doesn't work. The quality of teaching and player development come next. Inspiration and motivation follow. 

Quality of talent available. "You can't make chicken soup from chicken feathers." Or whatever. Good players make good coaches look better. 

Player development. "Every day is player development day." Players have to hear over and over that they should practice with specific goals to improve some part or parts of their game. Ask "what are you working on today?" 

Team development. Connection and collaboration make individuals into more than the sum of their parts. Players should know and care about their teammates beyond 'superficial' points. When you know how players want to succeed, where and how they want the ball, then you help them succeed.  

Teaching ability. Belichick's admonition to put team first, know your job, and have a 'granular' attention to detail separate winners from losers. 

Lagniappe. Inability to apply and defeat pressure is a primary cause for  losses. 


Lagniappe 2. Seeing the game allows you to play faster. Yet, you can't go a hundred miles an hour, allow plays to develop, and take advantage of defensive errors and mistakes. 
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