WIN THE GAME IN YOUR HEAD FIRST
— Jamy Bechler (@CoachBechler) January 13, 2025
"Players and people break down mentally before they do breakdown physically. You're not just training them to run, jump, and do things. You're training them, hopefully, to think under pressure." (Geno Auriemma)
~ via @TheCoachJournal pic.twitter.com/L6QrtwEadR
Coach Auriemma says, "force me to play you..."
How do you earn playing time (in my opinion)?
1) It starts in the offseason with your plan, preparation, and action. Commit to outworking and out-thinking everyone. Yeah, that's hard.
2) Earn the right to self-belief. The work produces the magic.
3) Grow both your mental and physical skills. Mindfulness improves focus, decreases stress hormones, and improves sleep.
4) Become a better athlete. "Sports reward athletic explosion." The ability to move more quickly and powerfully translates.
5) Impact the game; impact winning. It's not just numbers... communication, teamwork, reliability in all areas.
When you've worked on your mind and body, your communication and technique, and increase the probability of your team succeeding, you earn the coach's trust. That translates to playing time.
Some players are so valuable to the process that it's psychologically painful for the coach not to play them. Been there.
Lagniappe. Better reception. Exceptional teams win the serve-receive battle.
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