3 WAYS URBAN MEYER USES COMPETITION TO DEVELOP HIS TEAM

If you read my blog regularly, you know how fascinated I am with studying coaches who are taking over a program.

I am currently reading as much as I can on Urban Meyer as he takes on the challenges of repairing The Ohio State University football program.

In a recent article by AP sports writer Rusty Miller, we can learn some of what Urban is doing to implement his cultural standards. From this article I find 3 ways Urban Meyer is using competition in his program.

1. He uses competition to teach life lessons. Urban Meyer, "When you get away from Mommy and Daddy, it's a tough world out there. The people that work in corporations and do a really good job usually have corner offices and trips to Cancun and bonuses. If (you don't do a good job), you don't. I think a lot of times kids aren't taught that."

Everything we try to do around here is incentive-based. You want to live off campus, I have no problem with that. But you have to earn that right. A big thing is wearing visors or changing your number to No. 1. I don't really care what you wear but don't come see me unless you are taking care of your business in all the other areas that we evaluate."

2. He uses competition to develop discipline and structure. Urban Meyer's former defensive coordinator and current Louisville head coach Charlie Strong, "It's all about just a discipline and your structure and how you wanter your program to be run. It's all about discipline and structure. You've got to find the right fit for the players you want in your program."

3. He uses competition to develop leaders. "I really want to see guys lead by not losing. You want to be a great leader? Go win. That's where we're really pushing (quarterback) Braxton (Miller). All the players, when you go against someone -- don't lose. There's a million excuses. Our whole focus is, go win. Winners have a tendency to stand in front of the team. Losers don't. So we're really pushing that winner-loser mentality right now."

Here is a link to the entire article http://bit.ly/HkigsF

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Title: 3 Ways Urban Meyer Uses Competition to Develop His Team

Introduction

Urban Meyer, a renowned name in the world of college and professional football coaching, has a proven track record of building successful teams. One of the key pillars of his coaching philosophy is the use of competition as a tool for development. In this article, we will delve into the innovative ways Urban Meyer leverages competition to nurture talent and enhance team performance. From practice strategies to motivational techniques, we'll explore three distinct approaches Meyer employs, shedding light on how they contribute to his teams' success.

1. Position Battles and Depth Chart Competitions

Urban Meyer firmly believes that competition should start from within the team. He places a high premium on position battles and depth chart competitions during practices and training camps. Here's how he uses this approach to develop his team:

a. Elevating Standards: Meyer sets the tone by making it clear that no position on the depth chart is guaranteed. Every player, from seasoned veterans to rookies, must compete for their spot. This instills a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

b. Encouraging Growth: When players are aware that their starting positions are not guaranteed, they are more motivated to work on their skills and physical conditioning. This environment of competition fosters an atmosphere of growth, where players push each other to improve.

c. Creating Depth: Competition within the team helps build depth, ensuring that there are capable replacements ready to step in if a starter is injured or underperforms. Meyer's teams are often known for their resilience and the ability to weather adversity, in part due to the depth he cultivates.

d. Performance Evaluation: Regular position battles and depth chart adjustments serve as a performance evaluation mechanism. Players understand that their on-field performance directly impacts their role within the team, creating a merit-based culture.

2. Intra-Team Challenges and Competitions

Meyer doesn't limit competition to practice and drills; he extends it to various intra-team challenges and competitions. These competitions serve multiple purposes and contribute significantly to team development:

a. Conditioning and Stamina: Meyer often incorporates conditioning challenges, such as sprints, obstacle courses, or endurance tests, to gauge the physical preparedness of his players. These challenges not only enhance physical fitness but also test mental toughness.

b. Leadership and Team Building: Intra-team competitions can be excellent platforms for developing leadership skills and fostering team unity. Meyer uses team-building exercises and competitions that require communication, strategy, and trust among teammates.

c. Rewarding Excellence: Meyer rewards excellence through these challenges. Whether it's recognizing the player with the fastest sprint time or the team that performs best in a given challenge, these rewards serve as incentives for continuous improvement.

d. Mental Toughness: Some of these competitions are designed to test mental toughness and the ability to perform under pressure. They help players develop resilience and the capacity to stay focused in high-stress situations.

3. Weekly Performance-Based Recognition

Urban Meyer has a tradition of recognizing outstanding performances within his team each week. He embraces competition not only as a means of improvement but also as a way to acknowledge and celebrate excellence. Here's how he utilizes this approach:

a. Player of the Game: Meyer designates a "Player of the Game" for each match or contest. This recognition is highly coveted and serves as a motivating factor for players to give their best effort every week.

b. Competition for Honors: Players understand that they are competing not only against opponents but also against their teammates for the coveted title of "Player of the Game." This internal competition pushes players to strive for excellence consistently.

c. Peer Recognition: Meyer often involves his coaching staff and players in the selection process. Players are encouraged to nominate their peers for outstanding performances, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support within the team.

d. Consistency and Accountability: Weekly recognition reinforces the idea that consistent effort and performance are rewarded. It also holds players accountable for their contributions to the team's success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Let's address some frequently asked questions about Urban Meyer's use of competition to develop his team:

1. How has Urban Meyer's coaching philosophy evolved over the years?

Urban Meyer's coaching philosophy has evolved to incorporate new strategies and adapt to the changing landscape of college and professional football. While competition remains a cornerstone, he has refined his approach to match the specific needs and challenges of each team he coaches.

2. What impact does Meyer's emphasis on competition have on player development?

Meyer's emphasis on competition has a significant impact on player development. It motivates players to constantly improve, fosters a culture of accountability, builds mental toughness, and creates a depth of talent within the team.

3. How does Meyer balance competition with team cohesion?

Meyer strikes a balance between competition and team cohesion by fostering an environment where players understand that competition is a means to improve collectively. He emphasizes the importance of supporting and lifting each other up while striving for individual excellence.

4. Has Urban Meyer's coaching approach been successful?

Yes, Urban Meyer's coaching approach has been highly successful. He has won multiple national championships and achieved remarkable success at both the college and professional levels. His ability to develop players through competition is a testament to his coaching prowess.

Conclusion

Urban Meyer's innovative use of competition as a tool for team development has left an indelible mark on the world of football coaching. His emphasis on position battles, intra-team challenges, and performance-based recognition creates an environment of continuous improvement, resilience, and unity within his teams. Meyer's coaching philosophy not only produces competitive teams but also nurtures the growth and development of individual players, setting them on a path to success both on and off the field. Aspiring coaches and athletes alike can draw inspiration from his unique approach to competition and team building.