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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week for 11-29-21

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

NFL coach Sean Payton recently told NFL commentator Troy Aikman, "In every game there is a formula for winning, but it is not necessarily the same formula from game to game."

Your coach also has a formula for winning every week--and it will more than likely change from week to week.

Are you capable of making the adjustments recommended by your coach?  Keeping an open mind to these changes will help you learn quicker and execute better.  Your chances of playing time increase if you are in sync with your coach and his/her formula/game plan.

While every game may not end up in the "win" column, you can get great satisfaction knowing that you prepared to the best of your ability, followed the game plan and gave it your best shot!

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

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

How would you describe your level of commitment to your team or sport?  Would your coaches describe you as committed?  Today there are many other activities and responsibilities that a student-athlete may have that may impact your answer.

What can you control as a student-athlete?  The most obvious way is giving 100% during games/matches.  True commitment to excellence in your sport starts much earlier.  

Do you give it your all during practice?  Do you make a habit of arriving on time to every practice ready to perform?  Have you made it a priority to get your rest when needed, likely causing you to miss out on some social activities?  Are you getting the proper amount of sleep? Have you focused on your school work to maintain your grade point average?

Success in life and athletics is the result of the many, many choices each person makes along the way. Be aware of the choices you are making that impact your goals and your team's goals. By doing so you will give yourself and your team the best chance of succeeding! 

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-15-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

When teams/individuals are on a losing streak, it is easy to point fingers and and place the blame on someone else.  Blame can sometimes fall on the coach, the players, the referee/umpire, the scouting report etc.

Have you been through this situation lately?  Do you place blame?  Does your attitude change or do you remain focused on making your team and yourself better in order to break out of your doldrums?

Teams that are on a bad roll tend to stay there due to negative attitudes and their inability to rise above their challenges.  

Pointing fingers and blaming others is never the solution.  Staying focused and not listening to the outside noises can be the winning solution to getting your team turned around!

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-9-21)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

Have you ever been intimidated by an opposing player who has a great reputation, and gets a lot of publicity and hype from newspapers and social media?  

If so, how do you prepare and get ready for that opponent?  Do you put that player on a pedestal or do you look at it like it is just another game or match?  Your mental frame of mind is so important in overcoming your anxiety and anticipation of playing against the best.  

Remember that the athletes you are competing against may be very good--but they are still high school kids.  They are human.  They make mistakes just like you. 

Don't let the hype of another athlete get you out of your mental game.  Next time you have a game against a highly touted opponent, prepare as you would for any other athlete and remember that you are competing against a high school athlete just like you!

 All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports

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!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports