Evaluating Football Players Essay

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D. Cummings It may seem overly simplified and obvious to state that player evaluation is critical in generating success and wins on the football field. A coach may have the greatest “system” and an amazing game plan laid out but, without the right players in the right positions the only thing a coach will collect are losses. This is true of coaching recreational and youth football through the professional ranks. Player evaluation is not only about addressing the physical skills needed for specific positions but, it is also about plugging in the right players who posses the temperament and character to lead the team in all critical situations on the field. Coach Trimble has a very
Because youth coaches don't have the luxury of time to get to know each player like coach Trimble does through two a day practices and off season programs, they should give each player (or parents of the players) a survey to fill out that will give the coach an idea of player experience and personality. If it can be distributed before and collected at the first practice it can give a coach valuable information about a players mind set and used in conjunction with other data to guide the process of player evaluation.

Once a solid sample size of data has been collected a coach has to sit down and let the numbers and notes dictate position placement. Unlike coach Trimble, many coaches have to make these decisions without the input from assistants. There is no player rating system per-say. In smaller programs, youth, and rec leagues the player evaluation frequently dictates the type of offense the coach and team will use to start the season. The information gained through initial evaluation process can be used by a coach to guide practices and teaching.

Cuts don't usually have to be made for the same reason coach Trible outlined. There is no need to take the game away from someone who wants to try and compete. There are rare exceptions to this when players may need to be cut which may include behavior that is detrimental to the team, health risk