Coaching Beyond the Game | Alex Mirabal | TEDxColumbusHS

Summary

In this inspiring talk, a seasoned coach reflects on his 34-year career, emphasizing the parallels between coaching and teaching. He explains how coaching is about much more than just football—it's about instilling belief in athletes and helping them grow as individuals. The coach shares insights into the technical aspects of offensive line play and his constant pursuit of improvement, influenced by his mentor, Jim McNally. The talk also highlights the importance of paying it forward by mentoring the next generation of coaches, leaving a legacy of knowledge, discipline, and belief in others.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coaching is not just about strategy—it's about teaching and shaping lives.
• 😀 A coach is a teacher, with their 'classroom' being the practice field and their subject matter being the game.
• 😀 The most important thing a coach can give their players is belief—the belief that they can succeed.
• 😀 Coaches must always be lifelong learners, seeking out new knowledge and techniques to improve their players.
• 😀 To be successful, coaches need to demand more from their players, pushing them to reach their goals with discipline and hard work.
• 😀 A coach’s role is to unify their players into one cohesive unit, communicating and acting as one body.
• 😀 Running the football requires physicality, technique, leverage, and the ability to move opponents against their will.
• 😀 Protecting the quarterback is a crucial aspect of an offensive line coach’s job, ensuring the quarterback has time to make plays.
• 😀 Learning from the best is essential, and even the most experienced coaches, like Jim McNally, continue to seek better ways to improve.
• 😀 Paying it forward is key—coaches should mentor the next generation of leaders, helping them to grow and achieve their own coaching careers.

Q & A

What is the key idea that the coach emphasizes about coaching?

The coach emphasizes that coaching is fundamentally about teaching. Coaches are educators who impart knowledge, guide personal development, and help athletes grow both on and off the field.

How does the coach view the role of belief in a player's success?

Belief is central to a player's success. The coach believes that the most important gift a coach can give is the belief in their players. This belief empowers players to believe in themselves and reach their full potential.

What is meant by the phrase 'Five men, one mind' in offensive line play?

'Five men, one mind' refers to the requirement that the five offensive linemen work together as a unified team. Effective communication, coordination, and shared understanding are crucial for success in executing plays.

What are the three main responsibilities of an offensive line coach as described in the script?

The three main responsibilities of an offensive line coach are: 1) Getting five players to work as one unit (Five men, one mind), 2) Teaching players how to move an opponent from point A to point B against their will (running the football), and 3) Ensuring the quarterback is protected during passing plays.

What is the significance of lifelong learning in coaching according to the coach?

Lifelong learning is essential for a coach. The coach emphasizes that, even after years of experience, one should always seek to improve, learn new techniques, and grow. This mindset keeps coaches sharp and helps them better guide their players.

Who is Jim McNally, and why does the coach regard him so highly?

Jim McNally is a legendary offensive line coach with over 45 years of experience in the NFL and college football. The coach regards him as the greatest offensive line coach in history because of his deep knowledge, ability to teach, and continuous quest for improvement, even in his retirement.

How does the coach describe the role of a teacher in the life of an athlete?

The coach describes a teacher as someone who impacts a student's life by not only teaching them a subject but by instilling discipline, knowledge, and life skills. A teacher also helps build self-belief, which is crucial for athletes to succeed.

What does the coach mean when he says, 'What you learn after you know everything that counts'?

This quote, attributed to legendary coach John Wooden, underscores the idea that continuous learning is vital. Even when you think you know everything, there is always more to learn, and that ongoing learning is what truly makes a difference in personal and professional growth.

Why does the coach mention the importance of 'thumbs up' in blocking techniques?

The coach mentions the 'thumbs up' technique in blocking to emphasize proper body positioning. With thumbs up, the elbows stay in a strong, powerful position, which enhances leverage and control during blocking. This technique helps the offensive lineman achieve a more effective and powerful block.

What does the coach mean by 'paying it forward' in coaching?

Paying it forward in coaching means sharing knowledge, experience, and mentorship with the next generation of coaches and players. The coach takes pride in seeing his former players and assistants become successful coaches themselves, and he views this as a way to give back and ensure the continued growth of the sport.