Where is the sun?

Take note of the sun.

After a long practice in the heat, we gathered together for a quick talk before I let them go for the day. The team took a knee but failed to make eye contact with me. "Hey, eyes up here," I said with an annoyed voice. Despite my asking, they continued to avert their gaze. I began to get agitated and commanded they make eye contact with me. The team captain stood up, and said, “Coach, it's the sun. It's in our eyes."

We should always have high expectations for our athletes, but we should also create an environment that allows for those expectations to be met.

Bonus: If you are talking to a group of boys and behind you are a group of girls practicing, your boys are not listening.