Making Things Easier

I am forgetful, especially when I get caught up in a practice or game. As a playcard guy and a strict practice plan guy, this has often meant that I would be sending an injured player or manager to the other end of the field to grab my cards and plans. Well, those days are over. I recently decided to take the next step and attach the information to me to eliminate that frustration. I had seen other coaches using strings and keychains, so I got a retractable keychain that attached to my belt. It looks something like this:

This allows me to make a playcall and then let go of the card. It also allows me to have all important documents with me at all times without worrying about where I set them down. If you are interested in trying this out, check out your local hardware store, or look at the selection at the website below.

Lanyard Central

An if the game or practice goes badly, you might want to look into the one that looks like this.

Using Playcard Pro to Enhance Practice Speed and Reps

In case you haven't noticed, I am a big fan of the GamePrep Solutions software package.  It provides many options that speed up office work and allow the to spend more time coaching and with their family.  The program I have been working with most lately is the PlayCard Pro software.  While I will let the online demo speak for itself, I will let you know that I have used playmaker for 7 years and after starting with this program there is no way I will ever go back.  This program is so flexible and allows me to create and duplicate plays with quickness and ease.  I built my entire playbook in just a few days.  A few of the features that I like are:

• Auto-placement Defenses that adjust to your formations.
• Advanced cataloging system that allows you to move from play to play with ease.  
• Efficient formation and play library system for easy manipulation
• Works in tandem with Playbook Pro and PlayScript Pro for optimum efficiency (I will talk about them each in later installments).

Using Depth Chart Pro to Enhance Substitution Speed

Since we are all dealing with precious seconds and we want to maintain a pace with our offense, there is no time to be wasted on substitutions of any kind.  Whether it is a small injury or a change of personnel grouping, the goal is to make it happen without completely disrupting the pace and flow of the game.  One tool that I have found to be very beneficial is the Depth Chart Pro software that is available through GamePrep Solutions.  This is a fantastic product that greatly assists the organizational efforts of coaches as they prepare for a game and as they make gametime adjustments.  In a way it saves us from ourselves.  No more grabbing the closest back type player and throwing him into the game as your stud TB limps off the field.  No more scrambling to find your extra TE's in your goalline or jumbo set.  Depth Chart Pro keeps it all in line.  

If you are interested in a deeper look at this product, check the links below.  I think you will be be very satisfied with the organization it provides.  Feel free to contact me if you want to know more about how I use it in my team.

Resources:

- Product Overview

- Video Overview

- Purchase Information

- GamePrep Homepage