Coach Bob's Coaching Philosophy and Style Paper Example

Introduction

The article is about Coach Robert Victor Sullivan who was popularly known as Coach Bob "Bull" "Cyclone." Sullivan is considered to be the toughest coach ever due to his coaching philosophy which emphasized toughness and resilience amongst his players. According to the author's description, Sullivan endured great hardships during his childhood, which was characterized by poverty, getting wounded, struggles in the marine and raising of his family (Deford, 1984). Perhaps the struggles before beginning his coaching career played a significant role in shaping his perceptions and approaches in managing his players. Deford (1984) reveals that Sullivan believed the love of the game and fear are primary reasons behind people playing football. The article highlights that Coach Sullivan helped his players overcome their fears through tough training sessions which yielded resilience and tenacity. For example, Deford (1984) alleges that Sullivan compelled his players to scrimmage in a pond inhabited by man-eating alligators.

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Sullivan's transformative leadership style is another main point addressed in the article. In 1950, Sullivan was hired as a head coach (his first time coaching role) for East Mississippi. His primary task was to transform Scooba into a winning and competitive team since it had not won any game the entire autumn (Deford, 1984). Within a short stint as the head coach, Sullivan installed new coaching style, which changed the fortunes of the team. For instance, during Sullivan's inaugural game, Scooba defeated defending national champions, Little Rock, 34-14 marking the beginning of the team's winning culture. The nurturing of the team to implement his coaching philosophy involved introduction of the rigorous training regimes which focused on creating greater endurance and toughness amongst his players.

Coaching Philosophy and Style

The article reveals that Coach Sullivan's philosophy revolved around toughness and aggressiveness. Sullivan believed in hardship and endurance when it comes to molding complete football players, which was demonstrated in the training drills he implemented at East Mississippi. According to Sullivan's former quarterbacks: Don Edwards, it was common for Sullivan's players to practice for at least eight hours a day (Mallette, 2016). In the article, it is revealed how Edwards once broke his nose but was compelled to continue with the training session to the completion. Deford (1984) also reports that Sullivan made his players hit on each before the game, thus mortifying the opposing players. Another drill before the match involved two players competing with each other (one as the defender and the striker), with no one knowing who will be the ball carrier or defender. This style taught players to be all aware and ready to take responsibilities of attacking or defending, thus ensuring the team wins at all cost.

In the week one discussions, I critically analyzed coach Bob Knight whom I think has the striking resemblance with Coach Sullivan when it comes to their coaching styles and personalities. Both Coaches emphasized on tough training sessions, which yielded players with strong physique and mentality, which was crucial nurturing teams with strong winning culture. For example, Coach Sullivan hated losing a match that whenever his team lost, he could compel players to be involved in tough training sessions as a reminder that winning was the priority in playing football (Deford, 1984). Just like it was the case with Bob Knight, Coach Sullivan also had temper problems which made him clash with match officials, players, and school administration. During his tenure, Sullivan often quarreled with officials, which tainted his reputation. Deford (1984) highlights an incidence where Coach Sullivan was angered by official prompting him to run into the field and kicked the match ball into the stands.

Personal Reaction

The author of the article was articulate in highlighting Coach Sullivan's progress from his childhood to the coaching career. The report reveals that before joining the coaching career, Sullivan was a military hero, since he served in the Marines during World War Two (Deford, 1984). The information on Sullivan's childhood and his career as a marine was crucial when it comes to an understanding of his coaching philosophy and style. From the article, I learned that Coach Sullivan valued toughness, resilience and winning mentality. Perhaps he drew these ideologies from the military and his early childhood where he needed to be tough and strong to be victorious in all of his endeavors.

I would have loved to play for Coach Sullivan or somebody similar due to his compelling coaching philosophy and style which are built around toughness, hardship, and endurance. As a player, one needs a manager who pushes him beyond the limit to achieve maximum potential. I have learned that many individuals are talented players but live in comfort zones by believing in their ability at the expense of improving their skills and resilience. I adore Sullivan's coaching style since it prioritizes physical and mental development through hardships which are suitable elements in propelling an individual to be a top player.

References

Deford, F. (1984). The Toughest Coach There Ever Was. Vault: Sports Illustrated, 1-3.

Hall of Fame. (2017). The legend of Bull Sullivan (from 1982). MS Fame, 1-3. Retrieved from https://msfame.com/ricks-writings/the-legend-of-bull-sullivan-from-1982/

Mallette, J. (2016). A man Among Men. Frascogna Entertainment Law, 1-2. Retrieved from http://www.frascognalaw.com/martin/a-man-among-men/

Spillers, G. (2012). "Bull Cyclone" Sullivan (The Toughest Coach ON OFFICIALS There Ever Was). The Book Marketing Network, 1-3.

Union University. (2016). Robert Victor Sullivan - Class of 1942 - Union University Sports Hall of Fame - Union University. Union University, 1-2. Retrieved from https://uuathletics.com/hof.aspx?hof=14&path=&kiosk=