Do we not have a good pre game routine? The team always seems tired. Do they stay up all night playing video games? A bad meal before each game? Do we need a team sports psychologist? A serious problem that needs an answer, and I don't have one. Maybe someone inside the program knows how they prepare for an away game versus how other teams prepare, Georgia.
sharing from another site. A poster who has been a player and understand going on the road to play. IMO, very accurate statements. Not true for 100% of players or coaches but factors for many. Hope he doesn't mind me sharing
Tough to answer that question for every player, but I can share from my experience the differences:
1. Energy from a home crowd just creates a sense of security and passion that breeds confidence. It many ways its like having another teammate you can lean on when things go wrong. This is specifically important when big plays/momentum things happen. The crowd can pick you back up from a blow or absolutely bury the visitor on a big play.
2. Communication on the road in an unfamiliar environment is challenging. The noise is a factor but beyond that, you are looking at different scenery trying to get your calls, you are a second or two slower in making your identifications, and those seconds start to add up. It takes a very seasoned and disciplined mind not to panic here and to push through.(think our kids standing around at several snaps defensively looking as though they couldn't get a call or Herring looking lost in coverage)
3. Officiating: It has to be mentioned but road teams, even at the HS level, have known for years that when you go on the road, you probably aren't going to get the majority of calls. You have to be prepared for that and mentally tough enough to overcome no calls and big calls.
4. You have to make your own breaks. This goes along with officiating in some ways but you have to go out and create/make your own breaks in the game. I thought Thornton did a heck of a job early with that catch....probably getting interfered with, he still made one hell of a catch to create a huge momentum play for us. Guys have to be prepared and mature enough to make those plays with the world against you. That''s a tough thing to do for a lot of kids at that age.
5. The successful teams I have been a part of have loved the against the world mentality. Some teams are different. But there is nothing better than going into someone else's house and stealing their soul. You have to cultivate your mind to live for those moments and relish them. You can't be scared of that moment when it comes.
6. Coaching stability and familiarity. As mentioned, road games = new environment but this is true for the staff as well. They aren't in the same spots and have to be really intentional about how they prepare and handle players in the game. If they let their emotion of the surroundings get them carried away, it bleeds over to the football team. This also makes it that much harder to make adjustments throughout the game and even at halftime.
