We’ve just returned from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) National Convention, held in Anaheim, Ca.  Before we head out for the Southern California All-Sports Clinic in Irvine, I thought I’d share a little from the AFCA.

Among the many coaches speaking at AFCA, I sat in on Mark Mangino, University of Kansas, Bill Snyder, Former Kansas State Head Coach, John Robinson, former Head Coach at USC, UNLV and the NFL L.A. Rams, Terry Donahue, former Head Coach UCLA, Frank Beamer, Head Coach Virginia Tech, and Dick Bumpas of Texas Christian University.

Ted Tollner, the San Francisco Forty-Niners Offensive Coordinator, held a very interesting clinic on game planning.  Basically, it was how he and the Niners coaching staff prepare for game day.  He also discussed “Football Temperament” and how it applies to players.  The following is a list of attributes that Coach Tollner believes players must have.

1. Work habits – A player must have a good attitude and a strong commitment to his work.  He must be as committed to practice as he is to playing the game.
2. Toughness – A player must have a mental toughness to keep going even after a beating.  He must continue to work day in and day out to prepare for the next game regardless of the last loss. 
3. Durability – A player must be able to bounce back and be willing to make the long haul both physically and mentally. 
4. Love to play the game – A player must love the game and have a strong inner discipline to play the game. 
5. Unselfishness – A player must be willing to give of himself to his fellow teammates if they are to become better themselves and at times may even have to be a cheerleader. 
6. Discipline – A player must be well disciplined.  He must show up on time and be prepared for work.  He must commit to workouts during and out of season.  He must learn his play book. 
7. Ability to learn – A player must possess an ability to learn what to do, how to do it and when to do it. 
8. The right guy – Find the guy who can get the job done.  He may not always be the proto-type or best looking for the position. 

I find it helpful to review list’s like Coach Tollner’s.  It’s not that I don’t already know the information but that over time it can be forgotten.  Nothing wrong with a refresher!

So, coaches, what attributes do you look for in a player?

Players and parents, what attributes do you look for in your coaches?