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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-5-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

Tough losses are a part of all sports—especially if it is in a tournament and means you are eliminated.  That final loss of the year is always tough to take. 

UCLA and Coach Mick Cronin suffered one of those tough losses this past weekend in the men’s basketball NCAA semi-final game losing on a shot at the buzzer.

Coach Cronin said after the loss, “I sit in Coach (John) Wooden’s seat, so when you sit in his seat you have to channel the things that he taught.  True greatness is giving your best effort.  What else can I ask from those guys?”

In other words, if you give your best effort you can look at this situation from a positive standpoint.  Maybe you didn’t lose, maybe the other team just won. 

Coaches and teachers, whether they talk about it or not, recognize the effort of student-athletes.  Giving your best effort may not always result in a win but it can help ease the pain in those tough losses!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-29-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

Does your coach yell and scream at times?  Or Is he/she calm and collected?  Either type of coach can be intimidating from time to time.  Sometimes that message can be rough to hear if the team is not performing well. This is true in all sports and of all ages.

Over your sports career you will likely have a multitude of coaching styles to deal with.  It is important to understand and be aware of the message your coach is sending, and not focus on the way it is delivered, even when it feels like a personal attack. 

Your coach may be trying to teach, motivate, inspire or challenge you and the delivery may be different in each case.  Focus on the message first and foremost, that way you can deliver positive results and what is expected of you!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-22-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

This past weekend, there were several upsets in the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament.  Following one of those upsets, Ohio State player EJ Liddell received threatening tweets following their loss.

Liddell was quoted “What did I do to deserve this?  I am human.”  Ohio State lost a basketball game and now people who don’t know anything about this young man are threatening him on social media.

These people know nothing about his character, work ethic or commitment to his sport.  Have you ever felt the criticism from someone who you don’t know?

Words are powerful.  Be careful what you say on social media and cautious about what you read.  It can certainly be a distraction and there are many successful athletes who are not on any type.  Arch Manning (Peyton’s nephew) is the top rated quarterback in the class of 2023 and has no media accounts.

Rely on those who really know you the best for honest feedback and instruction for your game. That would be your family and coaches!

     
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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-15-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

I watched one of my grandsons play last weekend in a youth basketball game.  I couldn’t help but notice how he and his teammates paid close attention to their coach and what he was saying to them during timeouts.  All eyes were on the coach.

Whether in the classroom or on the court/field, there is a lot to be said for paying attention to the teacher or coach in charge.  Being a good listener is a great trait to possess and will serve you well throughout your life.

Whether it is during a timeout in football, in the dugout between innings in baseball or softball, or receiving instruction from your coach in a tennis or golf match-your coach is trying to give you guidance, instruction and/or inspiration. 

Making eye contact and listening will assure your coach that you are engaged with his/her instructions and coaching.  It will go a long way in developing a trusting relationship!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-8-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

In all sports, playing time is earned, not given.  In team sports the number one objective is to be on the winning team. Yes, individual performances are important, but the bottom line is the final score is the most important thing.

Not all individuals will receive equal playing time or equal opportunities. That is why athletes work so hard in the off-season—to improve their skills which will enhance playing time.

So many times athletes in team sports get their priorities wrong. Never put yourself before the team. To earn playing time, you must do the things that fit into the team concept. You must lock out comments and suggestions from parents and friends. 

Remember, it is not what you want and expect that is important.  It is what the coach wants and expects that matters the most.

In the end, playing time will be determined by how you fit your individual skills within the framework of what your coach is trying to achieve. Conquer that and you will receive plenty of playing time!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports