Maximizing Player Performance

Presented by Gatorade Sports Science Institute By their very nature, football coaches are always looking for the latest drills to teach championship-winning techniques, for the best strategy for goal-line offense and for effective adjustments by defensive secondaries guarding a one-back offense. But perhaps it’s the intangibles that have greater impact on a team’s performance: psychology, strength and fitness training and – last but not least – nutrition. Coaches have not always been exposed to these fields of study, but they have a definite impact on performance. “I am in my 45th year of coaching varsity football,” said Brent Steuerwald, head coach of Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, N.Y. “I have seen a lot of change during that time frame. With all the scientific research, our thinking has changed, but many coaches have yet to catch up.” Often times it is up