On this episode of Best of 2025 of Coach and Coordinator Network, we revisit one of the most influential conversations from The Art of Practice series, featuring Scott Strohmeier, head coach at Iowa Western, and Keegan O’Hara, assistant quarterbacks coach at Minnesota.

This discussion stood out in 2025 for its clear breakdown of what practice tempo really means, highlighting the outcome of preparation, structure, communication, and consistent teaching. Strohmeier and O’Hara explain how shortening practice time can actually increase quality reps, why every period should feel like a sprint, and how staff alignment is essential for tempo to hold up when pressure increases.

The conversation also explores the role of scout teams, procedural efficiency, and controlled chaos in practice, along with how technology like GoRout helps simplify communication and manage tempo without changing how coaches teach. Across every topic, the message is consistent: tempo only works when transparency and structure come first.

This Best of 2025 selection is paired with the Coach and Coordinator AI Art of Practice Companion, a practice design and audit tool built directly from these conversations to help coaches evaluate efficiency, communication, and tempo as they plan ahead for the coming season. For any staff looking to improve practice quality without adding more time or complexity, this episode is an essential listen.

Coach and Coordinator AI Art of Practice Companion⁠

Chapters

Why This Episode Made the Best of 2025

What Tempo Really Means in Practice

Structure Before Speed

Communication and Staff Alignment

Engagement and Sprint Mentality

Procedural Efficiency in Practice

Scout Team Tempo and Accountability

Creating Chaos Without Losing Control

Using Technology to Streamline Practice

Practice Design That Holds Up Under Pressure

Connect on X:

Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski

Scott Strohmeier: @CoachStrohmeier

Keegan O'Hara: @CoachKOHara

Learn More About Our Partner - GoRout

GoRout helps coaches eliminate huddles, increase reps, and maximize efficiency with their game-changing technology. Sign up using code “coordinator” for up to 50% off setup fees at https://gorout.com/podcast/.

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