What would be the one thing that I would say to coaches who wish for their team to be successful. Firstly there is little possibility I could limit myself to saying one thing however if I had to it would be this.

DO THE PREPARATION! – You must do the work beforehand or expect to fail.

This applies to everyone striving to go to further be it looking to pass exams, win a business contract, speak to an audience etc.  

Planning and preparation is vital component to success (Simple Success Formula) – do the work before the competition or game.  Do not and you will be leaving things to chance. Never rely on hope or luck for your success – that is for people who really don’t care if they succeed or not.

• Give maximum attention and quality practice time to developing the fundamental skills required to perform better than the opposition. This is essential. If you haven’t practiced it with quality then it is unlikely that you can do it well in a game. You can ask but don’t expect it to happen.
• Know your team and players abilities intimately. Understand that individual needs of players are different. Preparation may have to be individualized accordingly.
• Develop a game style that suits your abilities. Make sure that it is a style that you are capable of executing well. If you are slow don’t plan to play a game built around speed. If you are short don’t play an aerial game etc. That would be stupid.
• Have an understanding of your opposition – their strengths and weaknesses. Don’t go into competition blind unless failure is a priority.
• Do your homework. Research and gather meaningful information. Utilize all available resources to do so (Asst.Coaches, players, video etc). Note I said meaningful (less is more). It is easy to collect information that makes you look clever and smart but has no real significance in improving performance. Avoid wasting people’s time and effort – keep it simple, know what information you need to make a difference, get it and use it.
• Select the team appropriate for the competition demands. Think outside the box (strange phrase as I don’t know anyone that actually resides in a box) – DO NOT select the same team or use the same approach just because you always do! Think creatively and plan for what the situation demands.

Jon's Big Tip:

• Know yourself and know your enemy and in a thousand battles you’ll never be in peril.
• Know yourself but not know your enemy, and your chances of success and failure will be equal.
• Know not yourself or your enemy, and in every battle you’ll be in peril.  Sun – tzu Ancient Chinese warrior (The Art of War)

Success is not always about winning. It can be measured in many other ways. However never lose a battle or underperform because you were lazy and did not do the preparation - that is inexcusable. Lack of time is not a reason. Make time. Get people to help you.  You don’t deserve and won’t get any sympathy from me if you don’t do the work.

Mathew Knights Head Coach of the Essendon Football Club is known as one of the most meticulous planners in the AFL. His article on preparation appeared in the 2009 AFL Game Day Record (Importance of preparation - Mathew Knights)