News

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-2-2020)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

When you go over the scouting reports of the opposition, it's not unusual to talk about the limitations of the individuals you are going to face. The truth is, whether it's in the classroom or on the court/field, all student-athletes have weaknesses or limitations.

That's why you must practice hard and study hard. Most teachers and coaches will tell you they can live with those limitations as long as you are putting forth your best effort. In other words, those who are trying to do their best are more likely to be rewarded for their effort and noticed.

Next time you head for practice, the classroom or a game, think about what your coach/teacher expects of you and try to deliver. Don't be the student-athlete who just goes through the motions instead of concentrating daily on what will make you and your team better!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports   

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-24-2020)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

I'm a firm believer that having a person who truly cares about you as a person and athlete can have a positive effect on your mental outlook and your potential for success in your sport. Most successful athletes have someone besides themselves who truly believes in them and pushes them to get better and better.

That person could be a teacher, coach, parent, grandparent, brother or sister, or a mentor/trainer.  Whoever it is, it's usually someone you trust, admire, believe in, and don't want to disappoint. It's also someone who holds you accountable, doesn't make excuses, and sees potential in you that you might not see yourself.

Over the years, most successful athletes I've talked with have told me that a lot of their success happened because someone else believed in them just as much as they believed in themselves. Hopefully you have that person in your life who sees your potential and supports you to become your best!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports   

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-17-2020)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

One of the most difficult challenges facing the high school student-athlete is how to bounce back from a tough loss or defeat, whether in a team sport or an individual sport.

Regardless of your sport, it’s going to happen. No one goes through a career without suffering a few tough and lingering losses. The key is how you overcome them.

I suggest you look at tough losses from two sides. First, what did you do well and second, where can you show improvement the next time out?

Be honest with your assessment. I’m sure there were some good qualities and attributes, even in losing. Be sure to build on those.

When you lose, there are always things you could have done better. Make it a priority to work on those things in the weeks ahead.

There doesn’t always have to be blame or shame after a tough loss. Sometimes the opponent is flat out better. In those cases you move on quickly to the next moment, making sure you are learning from both defeat or victory!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-10-2020)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

Growing up in Indiana and being the son of a high school basketball coach, I was fortunate to attend the high school boy's state finals almost every year.  I still remember watching Dick and Tom VanArsdale, the first to share the honor of Mr. Basketball, play in a final game loss to Kokomo. 

I recently read their book, "Our Basketball Lives", and enjoyed the insight they shared on their high school, college, and professional careers.  These twins, like most great athletes, shared a passion for the game they truly loved. 

In one of the many examples talked about in the book that separated these two players from others in their era, Dick was quoted as saying "It's amazing how much you can improve your game if you have a weakness, if you think about what you are doing incorrectly and how you can correct it, and then practice." 

While this quote was from 1973, it still applies to all high school athletes of today, regardless of their sport. Let's face it, every high school athlete has room for improvement. It's what you do with your practice time that separates the average athlete from the top performers. Thing about what you need to improve on and practice it every time you have that opportunity!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports   

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-3-2020)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"

One of the best feelings any athlete can experience is being "in the zone".  You know, you can't miss a shot, your times are improving, the baseball looks like a grapefruit and is easy to hit, and everything you do seems to be better than normal.

However, when the opposite happens and nothing seems to go right, the dreaded word "slump" comes to mind. A slump could be described as not performing up to your capabilities or expectations. All athletes experience a slump from time to time, regardless of age or sport.

How do you get out of a slump? No one has that answer, but my suggestion is to face up to it and continue to stay mentally and physically tough. Know that it doesn't last forever and one key play or special moment can pull you out of it.

Slumps are going to happen, they are a part of any sport that you will ever play. However, the best way to rid yourself of them is to put it in the rear view mirror and move on to the next play!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports