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

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

I spoke with a soccer parent before the state finals this past weekend, and in passing I asked about his daughter and how she is doing.  

He stated that after all the ups and downs she had experienced throughout the season, he was proud that she was in a good "head space" before her big game.

It is not uncommon for a long sport season to take a toll on your confidence, motivation and drive.  It can even result in doubts and uncertainty about your place on the team.

While you may practice daily on the physical aspects of your sport, you need to prepare daily as well on your mental readiness.  What can you do to focus on your sport and your contribution without distraction?  What can you do to get motivated and confident before a game or match? How can you and your teammates encourage each other and support each other during the season?

While you are practicing on the physical aspects of your sport everyday, be aware of your mental game as well. Being in the right "head space" for your next competition could be a game changer!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

Cross country is a very demanding fall sport.  There is very little coverage in the newspapers and to be honest, not enough people attend the meets.  There are no half times, no time outs and no substitutions.  

It is a test of stamina, adaption to the various terrains and courses, and a challenge of the runner's mental and physical will.  Whether your team is competing for a championship or you are running as an individual, you know the many challenges you have faced to be competing in the state finals.

You may have heard the saying "Run with heart instead of your mind.  When you think with your mind, you think of the things you can and can't do.  But when you run with your heart you forget about what you can't do, you just go out and do it." 

Whatever challenge you may be facing, whatever doubts you may have, run with your heart and see where it takes you!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (10-18-21)

"Promoting Education-Based Athletics in Indiana"

There is honor in sports.  While we depend on officials most of the time, there are sports where you, the athlete, make the call.  

How honorable are you when it comes to making the call?  In cross country or track do you stay on course or in your lanes?  In tennis are you making the correct line calls?  In golf do you bend the rules to your advantage or go by the rule book?

In sports, as in life, there will be times when you have to make a rules decision.  Your character and integrity are on the line.  How will you react?  

If you are participating in individual sports that require you to make the call, always be honest with yourself and your opponents.  Winning by taking advantage of the rules has no place in high school sports.  Sports is just a game.  Your character and integrity are more important than any questionable call!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (10-11-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

How do you stay engaged with your team if you miss a few weeks of play with an injury?  Do you still attend practices?  Are you encouraging and helping the player who is taking your place?  Are you following the recommendations of your trainer and/or doctor?

Injuries are a part of any sports participation.  While it is tough to sit and watch when you are used to playing, you can still contribute to your team at practices and games--guiding younger players, motivating teammates and cheering on the sidelines. 

We have all watched or attended events where a key player is in street clothes rather than being in uniform.  Even though they are not participating, their spirit on the sidelines can become contagious to their team and give them the mental edge to carry on to victory!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (10-4-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

How good are you at controlling your emotions during practices and games?  Can you take constructive criticism from your coaches?  How do you react if a coach calls you out?

A few weeks ago during a college football game a coach removed a player from a game and the player became irate on the sidelines.  He was eventually sent to the locker room.  Instead of composing himself, he grabbed his phone and started tweeting negative comments about his coach and school.  Needless to say, he was dismissed from the team the following week.

All players go through tough and challenging times.  It might be in practice or it could be during a game.  Regardless, don't act out in a way that puts you in jeopardy with your school or coach.  

You will not always agree with a decision a coach might make, but don't multiply your displeasure by displaying a bad attitude and saying things you can never take back!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports