News

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (9/29/25)

"Promoting Education Based Athletics in Indiana"

If you watched or heard anything about the Ryder Cup this past weekend (where US professional golfers compete with Europe), you may have questioned how the US could have lost so decidedly in their "best ball" and "alternate shot" competitions. In these matches, two golfers from each team are paired-taking season long rivals to now team up against the other country.

As I watched, it was evident to me that the European pairs had much better team chemistry.  What does that mean?  They were comfortable, connected better and their communication with each other was superior to that of the US team.  

How does that relate to high school student-athletes?  It is not uncommon for an athlete to join your team that may have been a rival.  It can occur if someone moves into your school and joins your team or it can be if another athlete moves from JV to varsity and now competes for your spot.  You have the same situation where you need to build team chemistry to be successful.

Team rosters change every year in high school sports.  Recognize when you need to pull your teammates together and work on the areas that will give you the advantage because you have the chemistry!

All content property of Billy Shepherd Sports