Art of Practice - Creating Game Urgency in Practice - Evan Karchner, HC, Maumee HS (OH) and Lucas Stanton, HC, Solon HS (IA)

On this episode of Art of Practice, presented by GoRout, host Keith Grabowski is joined by Evan Karchner, head coach at Maumee High School in Ohio, and Lucas Stanton, head coach at Solon High School in Iowa. Together, they explore how coaches can turn practice from script-running into a competitive, pressure-filled environment. Karchner and Stanton share strategies for creating game-day urgency during Tuesday and Wednesday practices, including Purple vs. Gold situational drills, deliberate special teams competitions, and sudden-change two-minute scenarios. They also explain how keeping score through turnovers, explosive plays, and other key metrics builds accountability and reveals how players respond under pressure. The discussion also highlights how GoRout reduces operational downtime, allowing practices to stay fast-paced, efficient, and focused. The result is an environment that keeps players mentally engaged, physically fresh, and better prepared for game day. Chapters The Core Essence of Competitive Practice Environments Keeping Score: Tracking Turnovers & Metrics to Drive Accountability Creative Compete Structures: Organizing Purple vs. Gold Periods Sudden Change: Maximizing Two-Minute and Situational Game Scenarios High-Stakes Third Phase: Special Teams Competitive Drills & Techniques Special Teams Strategy: Maintaining Full-Roster Intensity & Alignment Micro-Competitions: Implementing Pressure Points in Small Group Work The Efficiency Audit: Eliminating Dead Script Time to Keep Players Fresh Tech-Driven Tempo: Utilizing GoRoute to Accelerate Practice Reps Podcast Link: Work Your Special Teams with a Kicking Scrimmage 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/ Connect on X: Keith Grabowski: @CoachKGrabowski Evan Karchner: @CoachKarch Lucas Stanton: @CoachStanton20 GoRout: @Go_Rout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices