That’s a tough question and I’m not even sure I’m qualified to truly answer it, but I’ll give it a shot.
- Specific keys to victory for each game – of course the hard part is identifying what makes the opposition tick, the few things that they do best and will sputter without, but keeping it simple for players makes them better able to play fast.
- Mold your scheme to your players – yes, all coaches have a scheme they prefer but they must tailor that scheme to the players they have.
- Put players in position to succeed – play to their strengths, hide their weaknesses. Don’t ask them to do things they’re not good at.
- Don’t play favorites – expect even your best players to prove they’re the best every day. From your best to your worst player, treat them all fairly and equally.
- No free passes – make sure every player on the roster knows it doesn’t matter who they are or how they got to the team. They must earn their playing time and the best players will play. Competition is paramount at ALL TIMES.
- Keep them on their toes – Belichick is famous for quizzing players at random times to see how much preparation they’re putting in. Simply the fear of that is motivation.
- Honesty – being honest with your players about where they stand, what their strengths and weaknesses are. Don’t play games. Give it to them straight.
- Make expectations known – make sure each player knows what is expected of them, what their job is on the team, in the game, in every situation. Then ask them to simply do that job.
- Focus on the TEAM – the broadest of all these, but putting the team first is paramount. As BB said “it’s not a bunch of guys in the same jersey running around out there, this is a football team”.
- Cut off your sleeves – they only get in the way.
