Subject: How to git gud at the game
Date: October 16, 2026

In yesterday’s email I talked about how I sucked at video games as a kid. I needed a cheat code and a friend to beat my favorite games.

Today, I’m a little better. It’s not because my reflexes got faster.

First, my theory on why I sucked at games…

My mom spoiled me.

I was an only child. Plus mom had a little shopping bug.

Other kids got one Nintendo game that had to last for the next six months. They stuck to that game, got good at it, and eventually beat it before moving on to the next game.

My childhood was fantastic, but video games definitely did not teach me perseverance. I did learn that lesson from my parents. But games weren’t the reason.

When a game got tough, I got going. To the next game.

My favorite part of games is still the first few hours. Learning the controls and the systems. Tearing through the easier levels.

But now I don’t give up when the going gets tough. If I like the game, I keep grinding. I find a way to get through the tough spots.

I’ll try to figure it out on my own. Then reach out for the smallest hint possible.

If that doesn’t work, I keep seeking help till it’s a full-on walkthrough.

Just tell me what to do, but I’m going to finish this thing.

That’s how I approach coaching football, too. It is exactly how I work with coaches inside JDFB.

The most fun is the initial install. Everything works when you are running plays against air, or against your scout team. Every day you get better.

Then, at some point. You get punched in the face. Something doesn’t work. Someone shuts you down.

So what do you do?

Pull levers. Start with the smallest possible adjustment that could solve the problem.

I encourage our JDFB coaches to take a few steps after that…

Ask a question in the Chalk Talk Q&A calls. We do those every Monday night during the fall season. Get a hint. Get an idea. Get the next solution to test.

The next step up is JDFB Platinum’s Game Film Analysis. Send us your game film, so we can watch it and see exactly what’s going on. Maybe you missed something. It’s helped a lot of coaches get un-stuck.

And I even do private 1-on-1 consulting for some coaches. The literal “put me on your staff” option available in the JDFB store.

In the video game world, some gamers never need a walk through. Put a controller in their hand and they can solve the world’s problems.

I’m not that guy. I’m not that guy in coaching, either. I’ve had to ask for a lot of help along the way.

Whether you need a little hint or a full walkthrough, JDFB Gold membership is the place to start. I put together a special offer available this month to get a 30-Day Test Drive for $29:

Check out this month’s JDFB Gold special offer >>

​~ Joe Daniel