October 13, 2025

Game Planning Tips - Scripting, Pressure, and Precision

23 minutes

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

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By Keith Grabowski

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