‘Start-Stop-Continue’
Postseason Reflections: The Power of the '3-Word' Exit Interview
The football season has come to a close for most coaches across the country. For me, it always takes some time to decompress and emerge from the mental submarine that coaches dive into during the summer and remain in until the end of the season.
Most head coaches have a familiar routine for the week following the final game: thanking the seniors and allowing them to address the team on Monday, collecting equipment, cleaning out lockers, distributing off-season gear, giving the returning players a couple of days to reset, and starting testing by the end of the week. These rituals are deeply ingrained, and even if I live to be 100, I’ll still remember those postseason tasks like the back of my hand. It always feels strange to know we won’t have the opportunity to coach some amazing kids moving forward.
However, there’s one step that most coaches tend to overlook—something I believe every coach should prioritize: conducting debrief meetings with all varsity players.
Our System
A sign-up sheet was posted in the hallway, offering players 10-minute time slots for one-on-one discussions.
Myself, the recruiting coordinator, and the player's position coach (if available) would meet with each varsity player as soon as possible—ideally within a week or two after the season ended.
These weren’t casual conversations about their future plans or surface-level chats. We wanted to dig deeper and truly understand their perspectives on the season. Specifically, we asked for their "3-word" reflections using a simple but insightful framework:
The Power of Three Words
Start, Stop, Continue provides a structured way for players to share their perspectives on the season. By narrowing the conversation to these three prompts, the process becomes focused, actionable, and approachable:
START – What are we not doing that we should we start doing?
This prompt encourages players to share fresh ideas and highlight opportunities for improvement. Maybe they wish for more individualized drills, team-building activities, or leadership roles. Players often have a unique vantage point, and their suggestions could spark innovation in your program.
2. STOP – What are we doing now that we should stop doing?
Every program has elements that may feel stale or ineffective to players. Whether it’s redundant drills, overly complex schemes, or communication gaps, this feedback provides clarity on what to eliminate to streamline and energize your approach.
3. CONTINUE – What are the best things we're doing that we should absolutely keep?
Positive reinforcement is just as important as constructive criticism. This question helps you identify the program’s strengths—the things that resonate most with your players and contribute to their growth and enjoyment.
'START-STOP-CONTINUE' ensured the meetings were purposeful and gave players a structured way to share their insights. Their feedback was invaluable in shaping the future of the program.
Why Exit Interviews Matter
Players invest significant time and effort into your program. Offering them a platform to reflect on their experience not only validates their voices but also builds trust and mutual respect. These conversations reveal what your players value and how they interpret the team's culture, routines, and dynamics.
For coaches, this feedback becomes a roadmap for improvement. The insights gathered can help refine your strategies, improve team morale, and align your vision with the needs of your athletes.
Tips for Conducting Effective Exit Interviews
Create a Safe Space: Ensure players feel comfortable and confident sharing honest feedback without fear of judgment.
Be Open-Minded: Approach each conversation with a mindset of curiosity rather than defensiveness.
Take Notes: Document feedback to identify recurring themes or standout ideas.
Follow Through: Demonstrate that their input matters by acting on it where appropriate.
‘No One Washes a Rent Car’
Everyone, but especially young people, crave ownership within the program. They thrive when they feel valued and have a voice in the process. The “Start, Stop, Continue” system offers them a concrete way to contribute, empowering them with a sense of ownership and influence over the program’s direction.
Ultimately, this exercise goes beyond just a postseason task—it reflects a coach's commitment to listening, learning, and evolving. By involving your players in the shaping of the program, you strengthen your team and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, accountability, and collaboration.
As the saying goes, “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”
Taking the time to sit down with your players and gather their insights isn’t just about preparing for the next season. It’s about building a program rooted in trust, continuous growth, and a shared sense of purpose.
