The 3D Coaching Success Factor
Build a Winning Culture by Determining Your Success Factor.
Kevin Davis

Throughout my coaching career, I have implemented many dynamics that I learned during my high school and college playing careers. Some of the methods were effective, but, early in my career, I noticed that some of them were not effective. This clarity came when I decided to study and internalize the practical methods of the 3-Dimensional Coaching Framework, which consists of three foundational principles: Physical, Mental, and Heart. As I meditated on the concepts and looked back on my playing career, I recognized that I lacked in each area. Further, the 3D Framework helped me realize that my coaching methods lacked focus in two essential areas: (1) Mental and (2) Heart. Once I understood those shortcomings, I was able to focus my current coaching style and methods to be inclusive of all three dimensions. This knowledge has assisted my effort of completely developing those athletes for which I have been given the responsibility to grow. Since being introduced to the 3D Coaching Framework, my view of Success and Winning has evolved.

By profession I am an accountant, so when I was learning about 3Dimensional Coaching, my mind instantly wondered about how to define success. Essentially, how can success be quantified within this framework? Initially, I believed that success could not be quantified – while coaches may notice growth in athletes, there was not a formulaic way to quantify whether the methods were effective. Contrarily, I now believe that I was incorrect. While quantifying success may be challenging, it is possible to quantify your ability to be successful. The first thing you must do is define success correctly. Many coaches, including me, determine success by winning games; however, under the 3D Framework, I learned that winning games is a by-product of implementing the three foundational principles (physical, mental, and heart). From my standpoint, success first starts by winning your athletes’ hearts! While it may be difficult for some coaches to accept this concept, as we have been conditioned to focus on the physical training and winning games, if you would allow yourself to consider this approach you will soon learn that if you win your athletes’ hearts, the wins will follow.

With the above in mind and desire to quantify success, I came up with what I call the 3D Coaching Success Factor. The 3D Success Factor states that the percentage of time spent on each level of the 3Dimensional Framework will determine the percentage of your ability to be successful.

This equation can also be based on the number of hours allocated to each level of the framework.

*The numbers below are based on a football season but can be adjusted for time spent in other sports. A typical football season is 13-17 weeks, depending on whether or not you make the playoff; so, an average 15 weeks.

• 15 weeks x 5 practice days per week = 75 days with your athletes.
• 75 days x 3 hours/day = 225 hours with your athletes.
• Then doubled to include the off season hence the 450 hours

The biggest thing about the success factor equation is that no level of the 3D framework can equal zero. There must be time spent in each area of the 3D Framework in order to get the best out of your athletes. So, in the equation below, I propose that “In Season” (represented by P1, M1, H1), a coach’s hours committed to the “Physical” component cannot be less than 100 hours and no more than 175 hours, which is understandable due to preparation for games. The time spent on the “Mental” and “Heart/Spiritual” areas should be no less than 25 hours and no more than 100 hours for either. These hours are then divided by the total in season hours.

During the off season (represented by P2, M2, H2, the same concept exists except there is a change in the minimum hours (50 hours) and the maximum hours (125 hours) for each of the three components.

Add the total together and then divide by 2 to get the success factor.

Physical – Committing 175 hours in season, 100 in the off season
Mental – Committing 25 hours in season, 75 in the off season
Heart – Committing 25 hours in season, 50 in the off season
Success Factor = 100%

Example 2 (Percentage of Time Spent)

Physical – Committing 80% of time in season, 30% in the off season
Mental – Committing 10% of time in season, 10% in the off season
Heart – Committing 10% of time in season, 25% in the off season
Success Factor = 100%

These numbers will adjust based on the coach’s preference and where the emphasis is placed; no two success factors are required to be the same. However, as you input the hours or percentages, you will be able to determine if your structure is leading to a success factor that will aid in the growth of your athletes. Your aim is 100%. If there is less than 100%, you may want to consider making some changes in order to get the best out of your athletes.

Once again, the biggest thing is that YOU HAVE TO DEFINE WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SUCCESSFUL. The culture you establish must have the factors of success, within the 3D Framework, woven throughout it. Once that occurs, you will begin to win your athletes’ hearts and, in time, win their commitment, then win practice, followed by winning the day, and eventually you will win games! Remember, the Heart is most critical, and that is what we are after!

If you have never taken the 3D journey, you can sample the 3D Coaching training for free at www.becomea3dcoach.com.