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IHSAA Student Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-18-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

One of the most underrated and overlooked aspects of an athlete’s performance is sleep.
NBA all-star Kevin Durant has stated that he gets eight hours of sleep nightly. He said “ Every day is a new chance to challenge myself and push my training to the next level, but I can only do that if I keep my energy up. Sleep is an important part of that.”
Are you willing to make sacrifices in order to get better? What if that means getting more sleep? Can you reduce your time on your phone/social media/video games? Are you willing to say no when your friends are up late or out late?
You will likely be more energized and focused at practice (and in the classroom), leading to better results on the court/field when you have consistent sleep.
Studies have shown that teenage athletes need 7-9 hours of nightly sleep regularly. Are you in that range?

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-11-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

This past week, Alabama’s DeVonta Smith became only the fourth wide receiver and first since 1991 to win the coveted Heisman Trophy. 

In his acceptance speech, Smith said “And just to all the young kids out there that’s not the biggest, not the strongest, just keep pushing because I’m not the biggest.  I’ve been doubted a lot just because of my size (Smith is 6’ 1” and 175 lbs), and really it just comes down to you put your mind to it, you can do it.”

What you might not know is Smith stayed after practice daily, with his position coach, and caught an extra 100 passes. That’s sacrifice.

Smith did not win the Heisman because he was the biggest, fastest or strongest.   He won because he had the desire, drive and discipline to be the best.  And in 2020, he was!

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IHSAA Student Athlete Tip of the Week (1-4-21)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

Coaches get on players and instruct athletes whom they believe have the most potential.  Do you ever feel like your coach is hard on you?  Does your coach offer you good instruction and advice?  If you are in sports, you are never too old for instruction.

I watched a special on 6-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady on the NFL Network.  He stated that there was nothing about him or his game that was infallible. He said he is a player like everyone else on his team, and when he hears what he is doing wrong or what he needs to do better from his coaches, it motivates him.

Do you listen to your coaches or get mad when they offer criticism or advice?   Chances are your coach sees potential in your abilities and is trying to help you improve.  Pay attention and accept what they are telling you. Find a way to use it to motivate you to be better and more improved.

If it works for Tom Brady, maybe it will work for you!

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Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-14-20)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

Over the years I have spoken with many athletes who wished they had approached their high school athletic careers differently.  Some were defiant with coaches, some wished they had given more effort and paid more attention to what their coaches wanted, and others admitted their attitude was terrible.

Could any of these descriptions apply to you?  If so, it is not too late to turn things around and make the necessary adjustments.

You will never regret being the best teammate you can be, respecting your coaches on and off the court/field and keeping a positive attitude when times get tough. 

Your days as a high school athlete are limited but your memories will last a lifetime.  Play and act so you will have no regrets when you look back on your athletic experiences later in your life!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-7-2020)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

After a recent game, NFL quarterback Cam Newton was asked about his individual statistics and lack of production, following his team’s win.  Cam responded by saying he would never apologize for winning and stated he does not play the game for any type of individual accolades.  He said he plays the game to win.

Hopefully you have the same type of mindset when you are playing for your high school team.  Are you putting winning ahead of your own individual performance and statistics? Do you encourage your teammates?

As Cam Newton stated, you play on a team to win.  You may have games with a great individual performance and others where your teammates are the key to victory.  When your mindset is on the team, you will find yourself pulling more for your teammates and less focused on your own individual statistics!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports