LSU has built a fast and successful team through a unique approach to player development that focuses on every aspect of a player’s life. Rather than simply tracking physical performance, the LSU staff also monitors how much players sleep, eat, and how they maintain their locker. They even track which players park in handicapped spots, and compile data on nearly everything related to player behavior.
For Head Coach Brian Kelly, this approach has paid off. In Kelly’s second year at LSU, the team had nine players who reached 20 miles per hour or more, compared to just one in his first year. Behind the scenes, however, the team is compiling data and analyzing everything to find ways to improve player performance.
LSU’s approach to player development is based on the idea that every little thing matters. From how players maintain their locker to their sleeping and eating habits, every aspect of a player’s life can impact their performance on the field. For this reason, LSU tracks a wide range of data to try to identify areas where players can improve.
By focusing on every aspect of player development, LSU has created a culture of accountability. Players know that every aspect of their behavior is being monitored and cataloged, which encourages better performance in every area of their lives. The emphasis on holistic development has helped the team build a fast and successful team that is capable of competing with the best teams in the country.
While many teams focus solely on physical development, LSU has demonstrated that a more holistic approach can lead to better results. By tracking everything from players’ diets to their locker cleanliness, the team has created a culture of accountability that encourages players to work harder and be more disciplined both on and off the field. As a result, LSU has built one of the fastest and most successful programs in college football today.
