In this conference clip, Scott Hackett-Dalgliesh of RPI Lacrosse discusses why the way that a coach implements a new concept can be just as important as the concept itself, particularly when working with intelligent athletes who are quick to question unconventional ideas.
Key takeaways include:
- Understanding that even strong ideas can fail if they are poorly introduced or implemented
- Giving athletes the context and reasoning behind unconventional concepts so they understand the “why”
- Adjusting implementation based on the team, situation, and how athletes respond
- Using relationships and an understanding of the team’s personality to determine the right approach
- Recognizing that effective implementation is developed through experience, mistakes, and learning what works
There isn’t a single formula for implementation. The ability to find the right approach comes from experience, relationships, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. Ultimately, even the most unconventional ideas have a better chance of succeeding when coaches take the time to think intentionally about how they introduce them.
