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Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-30-2020)

“Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana”

This past week in the Indy Star, an area basketball coach described one of his athletes as a tireless worker and said how much she has improved over the past year (her rebound average last year was 3.3 and this year is averaging 15 per game).

The coach went as far as to say that if you look up “competitive athlete” and “coachable athlete” in a dictionary, you would see a picture of this player.  He then stated he never questions her effort and while she may make mistakes, it won’t be due to lack of effort.

How do you rate with your coaches?  Are you showing improvement?  Do you always give your maximum effort in practices as well as in games?  How would your coach describe your effort in a dictionary?

If you want to be described as a “tireless worker” and/or “competitive athlete”, show up to your practice/game with that mindset throughout. 

If you give the effort that makes you proud, I am sure it will make your coach proud as well!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-23-2020 

“Promoting education based athletics in Indiana”

COVID, as we all know, has affected student-athletes of all sports.  The school day is different and the routine of all athletes has changed. 

The saying “next man (woman) up”, has never been more in play.  Because of COVID, you are unsure of who you may see on any given day on the opposing team.  The same goes for your own team, you may or may not be with your full line up.

How can you achieve your full potential in these difficult times?  If there has ever been a time where individual preparation outplays team preparation, I believe it is now.   The reason is you don’t know for sure who will be available from day to day and week to week. 

My suggestion is to focus on what you can control like your attitude, conditioning and your readiness to do whatever it takes to make your team better. 

You may not know who you will have available on your team from game to game, but be sure to practice and prepare like you are someone your teammates and coach can count on regardless of who else may be playing!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-16-2020)

“Promoting education based athletics in Indiana”

Xander Schauffele is one of the top professional golfers on the PGA tour.  His father has been his only swing coach throughout his golfing career. 

Schauffele’s father stated during last week’s Masters tournament that the fire inside of him (Xander) is the difference maker.  He said, “If a kid has it there is nothing you can do as a dad to stop it, and if he doesn’t have it, there’s nothing you can do as a dad to make it happen.”

You cannot be driven by your parents, family or coaches to find that internal fire. You have to build and fuel the fire for yourself.  You will then separate yourself from your competitors in your work ethic, attitude and discipline. It will become a difference maker for you both on and off the field/court!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-9-2020)

“Promoting education based athletics in Indiana”

This past weekend, the Indiana Hoosiers football team beat the Michigan Wolverines for the first time since 1987, breaking a 0-24 streak.

The announcers calling the game talked about the cohesiveness of the IU team but couldn’t help but elaborate on their quarterback, Michael Penix.

They stated over and over again how Penix elevates the entire team with his leadership and the example he sets for all his teammates, both in practice and in games.

Elevates the entire team.  Think about that statement and how it might pertain to you and the team you play on.  How can you elevate your team?

Do you show leadership on and off the field/court?  Do you encourage others?  Are you unselfish for the betterment of your team?  Is your attitude positive and contagious?  Every day you can make a difference if you put your mind to it!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-2-2020)

“Promoting education based athletics in Indiana”

How many times have you heard the expression, “Move on to the next play”?  Good or bad, the next play becomes the most important play of any game. 

Can you look at each play as a clean slate?  How do you move on regardless of what just happened?  Good or bad, the great athletes have short term memory and are ready mentally and physically to refocus after great plays or disappointing mistakes. 

The last few plays of a game seem more important to those watching, but coaches realize that plays and performance at the start of the game are just as critical as those that end a game.

As you practice for a game or event, prepare yourself and your mind for the fact that every play is equal in importance.  Your mental toughness will show when you can respond quickly after emotional plays.   Your readiness on every play will help you out wit your opponent!

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