Have a Plan for Everything

Before the season begins, you should develop a plan for everything that could possibly happen during the season - a plan for when the team wins or loses; a plan for practice and discipline; a plan for adjusting to injury to key personnel; and so on. The point is to plan so thoroughly that your wrestlers or staff will rarely be surprised or unprepared for whatever happens.

"It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen."

The following examples can provide some insight:

John Wooden
Legendary basketball coach UCLA
10 NCAA championships

Coach Wooden, on the first day of practice for new recruits which included five of the most prized players in the country, would call the players into the locker room. As the young, cocksure players anxiously awaited coach's instructions, Wooden provided lesson No. 1 over the next thirty minutes:

"Men, this is how you put your socks on and tie your shoelaces properly."

Although they didn't realize it at the time, Coach Wooden would over the next four years teach them everything they needed to know including wisdom to live life both on and off the court.


Bill Jacoutot
Wrestling Coach - Spencerport High School, NY
2008 NHSCA Wrestling Coach-of-the-Year

At the 2008 New York State Championships all one had to do was watch the Spencerport team after they walked onto the mat to be honored for large school state champs. Coach Jacoutot somehow signaled and his wrestlers quickly filed into formation for a team picture - so quick it was obvious they had practiced! Said one spectator, "Yea. I saw them practicing it in the tunnel. You know Coach J - He is always 110% prepared!"


Unknown NFL Football coach

We have a plan for everything. When there's 3-feet of snow, one minute left in the game, our starting quarterback is out injured, we're losing by 14 points and the stadium lights go out - we have a plan!



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