Game Planning Tips - Scripting, Pressure, and Precision

In this episode of Game Planning Tips, presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation, Coach Keith Grabowski highlights three key areas that shape every successful game plan: Offense: How to script your openers and plan your “firsts” for key moments. Defense: How to build a smarter pressure plan using self-scouting and sequencing. Special Teams: How mission clarity and innovative teaching tools drive execution and energy. Through insights from top coaches — Brian Michalowski (Oregon) and Ben Kotwica (Los Angeles Rams) — this episode gives you a framework for preparing your team with intent and precision. 1. Openers and Firsts – Keith Grabowski The first 10–15 plays are more than a start. They’re an opportunity to gather defensive information, establish rhythm, and make pressure-free decisions. Keith explains how scripting and preplanning key “firsts” (like first-and-five or first after a turnover) create consistency and confidence on game day. 2. Creating a Pressure Plan – Brian Michalowski, Oregon Learn how to design pressure packages that fit your players. Coach Michalowski outlines how self-awareness, carry-over teaching (“same-as” concepts), and thoughtful sequencing create aggressive yet disciplined defenses. 3. Mission, Momentum, and Modern Teaching – Ben Kotwica, Los Angeles Rams Coach Kotwica shares how a clear mission defines every special teams play. He also discusses how technology tools like GoArmy Edge enhance teaching, communication, and player engagement — even without scout teams. Script your openers to see and learn, not just start fast. Build defensive pressures with intentional sequencing and player-driven design. Treat special teams as a mission-based phase with clear goals and teaching methods. This episode is brought to you by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting pediatric brain tumor research and families affected by cancer. Founded through the game of football, LFG has raised over $2 million through clinics and community events led by coaches nationwide. 👉 Learn more, donate, or get involved at laurensfirstandgoal.org Visit: coachandcoordinator.com Follow on X/Twitter: @CoachKGrabowski Subscribe to the Coach and Coordinator Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite platform for weekly insights from top coaches across the game. Segment HighlightsKey Takeaways🏆 Presented by Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation🔗 Connect with Coach and Coordinator Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices