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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-9-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

If you were to make a game winning shot, hit a game winning home run, catch a winning touchdown pass, or set a school record In an individual sport, how would you react? Are you the type of player that pats yourself on the back when you have a good performance?

In this day and age of self promoting athletes, we see much more celebration and exhuberation on average plays and performances. There is no doubt that emotions can play a big role in the outcome of a game, but my question to you is how long should you celebrate a good play before you move on to the next one? Hopefully, not very long.

The confident student-athlete shows respect for himself/herself, his/her team, and their school by not "showboating" and trying to upstage the opponent, regardless of the situation.  A good rule to follow is to act like you have been there before!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-2-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

More high school games in all sports are being televised and streamed on line. If you were to be interviewed after the game by one of the commentators, would you feel comfortable answering the questions? How about being interviewed for a newspaper or website article?

Here are a few suggestions to help you through the process. Think before you talk. Don't answer until you understand the question. Remember, what you are about to say is something you can't take back (just like texting). No comment is better than making the wrong comment.

Confide in your family, coaches, teachers and even teammates if you think you feel uncomfortable or if you are looking for help or suggestions. You can practice by watching yourself in a mirror or recording a mock interview and playing it back on audio so you can hear your responses.

Just be yourself and look the person in the eyes that you are talking with. The first time can be scary but it becomes much easier with each opportunity!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-25-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

Too many times I have seen student-athletes hurt their grades or chances of playing time by not doing the "little things" it takes to help them turn the corner. One of those things is being a good listener.

Are you a good listener? Do you make eye contact with your teachers and coaches when they are speaking to you or others? Do you follow through with the detail that's expected and the instructions given to you?

Being a good listener is something that you control. Paying attention to what is being said and then following through with the execution expected may put you a step ahead of your competition. 

Next time you head to the classroom or practice make an extra effort on being a good listener. You will be surprised at what a positive influence it will have on your outlook and performance!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-18-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

In the up and down world of athletics, it's not uncommon to have a bad day from time to time. Your moods can be high during the good times, and low during the bad. How do you handle the ups and downs?

It's easy to do and say all of the right things when everything is going well. How about the bad times?  How about on the court or playing field after a tough loss, or lack of playing time, or an unexpected injury? What do your actions say about you?

This past week an NFL player was suspended for the year because he lost his self control and assaulted an opponent on the field of play. Was he having a bad day? You bet, but there is never an acceptable excuse to take your frustrations out on an opponent, teammate, coach, teacher, or administrator.

Keeping your cool and helping your teammates do the same is a responsibility of every student-athlete during every practice and game. Be that student-athlete that displays self control at all times and not just when things are going well!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-11-19)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

This past week while watching the Monday night NFL football game, I was really surprised and disappointed to see New York Giants players fail to hustle back to the line of scrimmage during their hurry up offense late in the 4th quarter. The Giants had no chance of winning and you could see that they had given up.  

How do you react as a player when the outcome of the game is decided, and there is still time left on the clock and you have no chance of winning?  What does your body language say? Do you sulk and give little effort, or do you play hard until the final horn sounds?

The true competitor plays hard until the end of the game, win or lose. That type of attitude is a positive reflection of you, your coach, your team and your school.  While everyone competes to win, only one team can come out on top. However, the team that is behind is never considered a loser as long as they give it every thing they have until the final clock shows zeros!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports