Winning the Long Game: The Power of Respect, Relationships, and Readiness
True greatness in athletics isn’t solely defined by physical achievements or trophies on a shelf—it’s built on a foundation of respect, deep relationships, and the readiness to face every challenge with resilience. The real champions are those who cultivate their character alongside their strength, who understand that winning the long game means leaving a legacy of integrity and impact. By focusing on respect, nurturing meaningful connections, and maintaining unwavering readiness, athletes transform themselves—not just for the game, but for life.
I learned it from watching you!
Young athletes are not adults and do not have the life experience to be held to the expectation of being able to control their emotions. Sports give a student-athlete a controlled environment to learn how to manage feelings and emotions; the coach as the teacher. That teaching is one of the biggest lessons a coach can teach an athlete under their supervision.
The Promises of Coach John Wooden
Promises to Keep, left for us to ponder by the late great coach John Wooden.
The Zipper Phenomena
This week, look for situations in practice, competition, or life where the child is struggling. Let them struggle a bit before you intervene (so long as it is safe), and the payoff will outweigh the struggle.
Freedom of Speech and the Social Media Scrub
It is not easy to be a child these days, with every moment being recorded and archived. Mistakes can follow them for life and limit their future opportunities. Let's help them see the ridiculousness of social media and teach them to add positivity to the world.
The Gift of Struggle
A man once tried to help a struggling butterfly out of its chrysalis by slitting it open. A beautiful butterfly emerged, but its wings were tiny and not yet fully formed. Since the process was prematurely interrupted, the butterfly could never fly. Trying to shortcut the process and help, the man instead doomed the creature. The struggle is necessary for the butterfly, as it is for us.
Girl Push-ups
Your words matter. Your influence is strong. What you tell your athletes will echo in their minds for the rest of their lives. Chose your words carefully.
no rewards, only consequences
Like many elementary and middle school athletes, I had the same coach through different sports a couple of years in a row. My coach was an athletic renaissance man who knew a lot about many things, especially sports. Most of his teachings were through stories that may or may not have been true about his athletic past, and he was a master at using metaphors.
The Art of the Handshake
With the start of a new season or class, regardless of the sport or subject, I start with the same lesson. This is an example of how I do it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed living it.
When Talent and Character Intersect - Jalen Hurts
This is an original post by my friend Jake Thompson at CompeteEveryDay.com and reprinted with his permission.