Coaching

The development of players in the United States is of paramount importance as the league continues to expand. The development of coaches is and will be of greater importance to ensure we have the most qualified personnel available to guide the next generation of American Footy Players.

This section of the USAFL website is designed to provide American-based coaches and players with a window to best practice Australian Football coaching resources.

Dave Johnson, Level 3 Coach and Chief Footy Researcher & Writer on www.CoachAFL.com, experienced coaching in the USA first hand at the 2008 USAFL National Tournament in Colorado Springs  and wrote the following articles.

The Challenges of Coaching Australian Rules Football Overseas – The US Footy Experience New!
Lacking inspiration? Think you have it tough as a coach here in Australia? Then you’ll be blown away by what’s going on in US Footy.

Teaching Those Who Have Never Played The Game - The American Experiment  
By David Johnson, Level 3 Coach. Outlines how an experiment with American university students run by Coach AFL and US Footy.

Quotes from AFL Coaches:

“Development is the No. 1 word in coaching”
Mick Malthouse, Coach of the Collingwood Football Club, in Coaches on Coaching

“You are the biggest influence on your players, team and football department, so carry yourself accordingly”
Ross Lyon, Coach of the St. Kilda Football Club, in Coaches on Coaching

“As a coach, you have got a vital teaching role with players and should utlize verbal, written and practical teaching methods.”
Dean Bailey, Coach of the Melbourne Football Club, in Coaches on Coaching

“Start developing your own coaching philosophies as soon as possible, building your knowledge from as many sources as possible.”
Michael Voss, Coach of the Brisbane Football Club, in Coaches on Coaching

“The position of a senior coach can be a lonely one, so make sure you have trusted people inside and outside the club you can turn to for advice.”
Alastair Clarkson, Coach of the Hawthorn Football Club, in Coaches on Coaching

“Ensure you’ve done all you can to help your team perform at its best.”
Matthew Knights, Coach of the Essendon Football Club, in Coaches on Coaching

“The proof of the program will be in consistent results”
Neil Craig, Coach of the Adelaide Football Club, in Coaches on Coaching