The Standard is the Standard
Coaches often talk about standards, and many even use “the standard is the standard” as something they say to their teams. But what does that mean?
If you’re going to build a consistent program, your offensive and defensive units must operate with clearly defined standards.
Not hopes.
Not slogans.
Not “play hard” posters on the wall.
Standards are measurable, observable, and repeatable. They show up on film. They show up in practice tempo. They show up when adversity hits on Friday night.
Below are seven key areas to examine as you evaluate and strengthen your unit standards.
1. Define What “Winning Football” Looks Like for Each Unit
Every staff says they want to “win.” But what does winning football actually look like for your offense and defense?
On offense, is it:
4+ yards per carry?
90% ball security?
No pre-snap penalties?
Explosive plays per quarter?
On defense, is it:
3-and-outs per game?
Takeaways?
Tackling efficiency?
Red zone stops?
If you can’t clearly define it, your players can’t execute it.
Coaching Point: Write your offensive and defensive standards in concrete terms. Post them. Teach them. Refer back to them constantly. When players know the target, they can chase it with purpose.
2. Let Your Practice Reflect Your Standards
Practice structure reveals what you truly value.
If tackling is a defensive standard, are you drilling tracking, leverage, and finish daily?
If explosive plays are an offensive standard, are you emphasizing tempo, perimeter blocking, and vertical routes consistently?
The disconnect often isn’t effort—it’s alignment. Coaches say one thing matters, but practice time says something else.
Ask Yourself:
Does your indy period directly train your standards?
Do group periods simulate the situations you demand excellence in?
Is practice intensity reflective of game speed?
Practice should be a daily rehearsal of your standards—not just your scheme.
3. Film Study Expectations: Raising Football IQ
Unit standards must extend beyond physical performance to mental preparation.
What do you expect from your players in film study?
Do they identify fronts and coverages?
Can they explain opponent tendencies?
Do they understand situational football?
Are they taking notes?
Film study should not be passive. It should be active and accountable.
Practical Ideas:
Weekly player quizzes on opponent tendencies
Position-group breakdown responsibilities
Pre-practice “call it out” sessions based on opponent looks
If football IQ is a standard, you must teach players how to study film—not assume they know how.
4. Defensive Tackling Standards: Technique Over Hype
Every defensive coach talks about “great tackling.” Few define it clearly.
Your tackling standards might include:
Proper leverage
Near foot, near shoulder contact
Eyes up, head out
Wrap and run feet
Relentless pursuit effort
The key is consistency.
Do you correct it every rep?
Do you slow it down when needed?
Do you grade it on film?
Reminder: Poor tackling is rarely about toughness. It’s usually about technique, angles, and repetition. If it matters on Friday, it must be drilled deliberately on Tuesday.
5. Offensive Blocking Standards: Effort and Execution
Blocking is the heartbeat of offensive identity.
What does a winning block look like in your program?
Pad level?
Hand placement?
Foot drive?
Finish through the whistle?
Communication pre-snap?
Great offenses don’t just block assignments—they block with attitude and detail.
Chart these:
Knockdowns
Sustained blocks
Missed assignments
Effort plays downfield
Players rise to the standard you measure.
6. Game-Day Standards Beyond Scheme
Scheme matters.
But when games get tight, standards matter more.
What are your in-game expectations for:
Response after turnovers?
Body language after big plays allowed?
Sideline communication?
Leadership from captains?
Emotional control under pressure?
You don’t build poise in the fourth quarter. You build it in practice and in how you handle adversity throughout the week.
If composure is a standard, coach it intentionally.
7. Evaluating Whether Standards Are Being Met
Standards without evaluation become slogans.
You need objective and cultural indicators.
Statistical Indicators Might Include:
Explosive play differential
Turnover margin
Penalty count
Third-down conversion rates
Missed tackle percentage
Cultural Indicators Might Include:
Practice tempo
Peer accountability
Film session engagement
Player-led corrections
After every game, ask:
Did we meet our standards?
If not, why?
Is it a technique issue, preparation issue, or effort issue?
Great programs self-evaluate honestly.
Final Thought: Standards Build Identity
Offensive and defensive identity doesn’t happen by accident.
It is built through:
Clear definition
Intentional practice design
Film accountability
Technical precision
Emotional discipline
Honest evaluation
When your standards are clear, your players don’t just know what to do.
They know who they are.
And that’s when units stop chasing wins — and start becoming consistently dangerous.