Is Your Child a True Leader Among Youth Football Players?

More than the Head Coach, it's the youth football players themselves that have the most influence over the team's culture. 

Chicago Bears Youth Football Campers take the coaches
message and get on the same page.

The best "policemen" for players are other players.  While a good coach never disconnects from a team problem, he becomes much more effective when he has strong leadership within the ranks. 

If he does not have team leaders, his message will be rejected--no matter how valid.  The coach will work harder and shout louder in order to have his points made.  Without leadership, the coach may be defined as a "hot head" or "blow hard" as his message never takes hold.

We appreciate and need leadership at all of our youth football camps. 

Do you wonder if you are a true team leader?    Look in the mirror and ask yourself these questions.

1.   Do You Listen to the Coaches Instructions?

Simple enough, right?  After the coach describes a football drill, do you know exactly what to do? Does the coach need to re-explain it?  Do you help make sure others pay attention while the coach is talking?  Or would you rather be funny and cool than ready to play? 

Green Bay Packers Youth Camp Hero Johnnie Gray would absorb the coaches directions and also help teammates with additional details they did not understand.  Johnnie Gray was a leader. 

2.   Do You Go Full Speed--All the Time?

Going full speed at New York Giants
Youth Football Camps last summer.

The only way to practice is full speed-- as if in real game conditions.   

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp Hero Robin Earl said Walter Payton ran every drill at 100% speed and through the finish line--every time!  As the NFL's greatest player, his example forced teammates to practice with the same level of perfection.

3.   Do You Act with Humility and Help Others?

True team leaders don’t take all the privileges and benefits.  Instead, they humble themselves and show a willingness to do difficult but necessary tasks.  For example, we love campers that help coaches clear the field of cones and footballs.   We never ask them--but when they do, it just stands out!

New York Giants Youth Football Camp Hero Bill Ard said the players he respected most were the ones that treated the trainers, equipment managers and support staff with courtesy and respect. Truly great leaders act with humility and help others whenever possible.   

4.  Do You Ignite the Group with Positive Reinforcement?

It’s easy to talk about what is wrong with your team.  Good leaders are able to identify positive progress within the team and build excitement in a challenging practice.

“This train is rolling!” shouted Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camp Hero Garry Cobb at a recent youth camp.  “This groups is improving with every turn!  These guys are working hard and getting better.  I like this group of Eagles Youth Football Campers.”
At this moment, Cobb saw slight improvement with every youth camper and turned it into a fantastic motivation for the football skill sessions.  It carried over to the entire day’s attitude. 

Coaches, let your team know you admire leadership more than anything else.  Tell them you are looking for the traits mentioned above.  Watch the spirit of your team change.

For football skills, life skills and fun,

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience, LLC
Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.
http://www.bearscamps.com/
http://www.packerscamps.com/
http://www.nygiantscamps.com/
http://www.eaglescamps.com/