What Never Gets Old? Preparation

Bill Belichick’s favorite book isn’t about football.

It’s The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

For decades, he’s applied its principles to dominate the NFL.

Here’s how Belichick turned ancient military strategy into six Super Bowl rings: 🧵 pic.twitter.com/jFFaB8rhCC

— Coach AJ 🎯 Mental Fitness (@coachajkings) March 1, 2025

 "Every battle is won before it is fought." Preparation is forward looking. It includes everything - planning, practice, video study, scouting, strength and conditioning. 

Legendary coach John Wooden explained, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." 

“If you practice at a high level all the time, you’ll be able to play in a game at a high level all the time. If you don’t do it in practice and you think you’ll be able to do it in a game probably not going to happen,” -Saban

Your preparation will determine your performance. pic.twitter.com/LvZzhgAGgW

— The Winning Difference (@thewinningdiff1) March 1, 2025

Another great coach, Don Meyer, preached "Make practice hard so games are easy." 

What preparation makes special teams? 

• Focus. Focus includes attention to detail, improving vision and decision-making. 
• Tempo. Practice at a high tempo to improve efficiency. Brad Stevens said watching Patriots practices impacted Celtics practices. 
• Effort. “Don't cheat the drill." "Competitive character" demands unrequired work. 

Nobody regrets giving their best. 

Lagniappe. Thoughts on setting up your attack.