The 3-Part Framework Every Player Development Program Needs
How to Build Programming That Sticks With Your Athletes
One of the most common questions I get from coaches and professionals in this space is about programming frameworks.
What does effective programming look like? How do you create experiences that athletes don’t just sit through, but actually remember and apply?
Over the years, I’ve experimented, failed, adjusted, and eventually found a rhythm that works. It’s simple enough to repeat, flexible enough to adjust, and powerful enough to stick. Whether you’re working with youth sports, high school athletes, or at the college and pro levels, this framework will elevate your programming.
I call it the 3-Part Programming Framework.
1. Start with a Talk
Every program needs clarity from the start. That’s why I always begin with a talk.
This is where you set the tone, outline objectives, and help athletes know exactly what to expect. It doesn’t matter if it’s a summer initiative, a one-off workshop, or a year-round program—the talk defines the journey.
The talk doesn’t have to be from you. It could be the head coach, a staff member, or someone from the campus. What matters is that athletes hear: Here’s what we’re doing, why it matters, and how it will help you.
That clarity is the foundation for everything else.
2. Bring in an Expert Speaker
The second element is an outside voice.
At some point in the program, bring in an expert. Not just anyone—a true professional in the lane you’re addressing. If you’re covering financial literacy, bring in a financial advisor. If it’s about career development, bring in someone thriving in their field.
Athletes need to hear from more than the usual voices. They already hear from us daily. An outside expert brings energy, credibility, and perspective that reinforces your message in a new way.
I’ve seen this work powerfully at places like Duke’s Leadership Week, where guest speakers covered networking, pitching, and using LinkedIn. Athletes walked away not just informed, but inspired.
3. End with an Actionable Activity
Finally, you need an activity. Something practical. Something hands-on.
This could be a career shadowing trip, a team-building event, a service project, or even an in-house simulation. The key is to take the talk and the speaker’s insights and land them in real experience.
At Duke, that meant taking players to Epic Games—yes, the creators of Fortnite—so they could tour, meet professionals, and ask real career questions. The result? Athletes saw what life beyond sports could look like. That experience sticks longer than any lecture.
Why This Works
The 3-Part Framework—Talk, Speaker, Activity—works because it’s holistic, intentional, and enhancing. Those are the same principles I wrote about in The Head Coaches Guide to Player Development and Beyond The Field Vol. 1.
Holistic: It speaks to athletes’ minds, relationships, and lived experiences.
Intentional: Each part is planned with a purpose.
Enhancing: It elevates the athlete experience beyond the field.
And the order doesn’t even matter. You can start with a speaker, then do an activity, then end with a talk. Or begin with the talk, jump into an activity, and finish with a speaker. The sequence is flexible—but all three elements together create impact.
Your Next Step
If you’re building or improving programming for your athletes, ask yourself:
Where can I add more clarity with a talk?
Who is the right outside expert to reinforce this message?
What activity will make this real for my athletes?
Answer those three questions, and you’ll have a framework that not only fills time but actually changes lives.
Final Word
I break down frameworks like this (and more) in The Player Development Guide. If you don’t have your copy yet, grab it here on Amazon.
Remember: the work you do isn’t just about today’s athletes. It’s about creating generational impact. Don’t wait. Start programming with purpose today.