Curt Cignetti Believes 'Less is More' When Coming to Using Spring Practices

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti outlined his plan for the Hoosiers spring practice on Wednesday and the theme is “less is more.” Cignetti announced the Hoosiers will utilize 13 of the 15 allotted spring practices this year.

“(The) Little 500, that was our best available date to have our spring game, which is going to leave us with 13 practices, which I'm fine with. You can get done what you need to get done in 13 practices.” Cignetti explained.

The new head man stated that he has never used all the allotted practices for spring or fall camp earlier this winter with Don Fischer, but made it official on Wednesday and he is comfortable with his decision.

“Sometimes less is more. More isn't always more. That's the maximum amount they give you. That doesn't mean you have to use 'em all.” Cignetti said.

Cignetti also outlined his goals for the program heading into spring practice which starts on March 21st.

“You want to develop players, get your offense, defense, special teams systems in, see improvement on a daily basis, keep guys healthy, don't get anybody injured.” Cignetti said. “Usually in spring, the second half of spring looks a lot better than the first half of spring. There's going to be a lot of new nomenclature, new people, a different practice structure than the guys that have been here in the past are accustomed to.”

With a revamped roster and a new era starting in Bloomington, Cignetti wants to start building his program’s identity and culture along side developing talent on the field.

“We sort of have a blueprint and a way of doing things, a way we practice, getting the players accustomed to the way we practice: up-tempo, fast, organized, constant movement.” Cignetti explained. “All you're looking for is sort of individual development, but start to build that kind of team identity, this is who we are, this is how we practice, this is how we play, this is how we play every play, fast, physical, relentless, finish one play at a time, six seconds a play, every play has a life and a history of its own. Finish, not affected by success, not affected by failure, on to the next play.”

There are still six weeks to the kickoff of a much anticipated spring practice that will conclude with IU’s spring game on April 18th. However, it is not time to just kick back and relax for the new Hoosier staff.

“we still have a month of offensive and defensive staff meetings coming up to get everybody on the same page. Three new defensive guys on that side of the ball. Bob Bostad is new on the offensive side of the ball. We still have some things to get done there. But looking forward to getting out on the field.” Cignetti said.