THE MORNING WALK-THROUGH #60 – The Winning Edge in practice for The Winning Edge in Games

Summary: Don Shula was the first coach that I heard and read about that placed a period in practice to coach, drill, and emphasize a small phase of the game he deemed "The Winning Edge". That Edge could be anything he felt his team would need to have the difference making mentality to earn victory.<br> <br> At any point, known only to him, during practice he would blow his whistle and shout "Winning Edge!" He then would give an emphatic instruction for that phase he wanted to emphasize carried out on the spot. Both players and assistants had to be prepared both physically and mentally to jump into that  phase of the game immediately and with out hesitation.<br> <br> This episode details some ideas to incorporate this concept into any practice.<br> <br> Examples:<br> <br> No time outs. F.G. team has to rush onto field for an end of half kick with time winding down from 15 seconds.<br> Offense just fumbled at their own 1 yard line. Defense has to jump into sudden change mode and make a goal line stand.<br> Kickoff team just recovered an on-side kick at mid field. With no time outs the offense needs to move the ball into field goal range for a game winning kick