"Force Us to Play You"

“What I tell the Quarterbacks is…

Force us to play you.

When you get your reps, play so good that we don’t have any other choice but to play you.”

- Nick Saban pic.twitter.com/5Iw5THUJo6

— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) August 4, 2024

You want to play more. Everyone does. Force your way into the lineup through high effort and performance.

Control what you can control. Control your preparation, coachability, skill building, and intensity in practice. Recall Jay Bilas's principles in Toughness, including "Play so hard your coach has to take you out."

Ask what role is available to you and metaphorically fight for it. Maybe it's the designated server or maybe a position opens from injury or illness. Don't get ready, be ready. 

Lagniappe. Repost. Topspin serve. 

Lagniappe 2. Fill a need.  

PLAYERS: If you want to stand out or gain an advantage, do the work that others refuse to do. Fill a need on your team. Find ways to be valuable. Excel at the little things. Come early. Stay later. Do a little bit extra.

— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler) August 5, 2024