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Will Izzy own it?
Coach E.
May 13, 2024
Quote of the week
"Body language can either open doors or close them. Make sure yours is saying the right things."
Story of The Week
Izzy, a talented football player, approached practice with a lackluster attitude. He went through the motions, blaming tough coaches and unsupportive teammates for his own shortcomings. Unbeknownst to him, his negative demeanor was evident in his poor body language, affecting not only his performance but also the team's morale.
One day, during a particularly intense practice, the coaches had seen enough. They ejected Izzy, not because of his lack of skill, but because his attitude was impacting everyone else. Shocked and embarrassed, Izzy was forced to confront the reality of his behavior.
As he walked off the field, Izzy realized the problem wasn't with the coaches or his teammates – it was him. He loved football deeply and understood that he needed to demonstrate his passion through his actions. Determined to change, Izzy made a commitment to hold himself accountable and take ownership of his attitude.
In the following weeks, Izzy embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth. He reflected on his actions, acknowledging the negative impact they had on those around him. With newfound determination, he showed up to practice early, worked harder during drills, and encouraged his teammates instead of criticizing them.
Slowly but surely, Izzy's attitude began to shift. He approached each practice with renewed vigor, attacking every drill with intensity and focus. His coaches and teammates took notice of the transformation, impressed by his newfound dedication and leadership.
By the end of the season, Izzy had undergone a remarkable change. He had not only improved as a player but also as a person. Through perseverance and self-reflection, he had proven to his coaches and teammates that he was someone worth believing in – someone who had embraced accountability and demonstrated a genuine love for the game.
Athletes
Go to your coach and ask him for honest answers to these three questions. It is not whether you like the answers or not but how react and hold yourself accountable after.
In your eyes, do I have championship body language and effort in practice?
What can I do better to lead by example to help myself and the team?
Can you tell me in 2 weeks if you see improvements from where I am now to what I will be improving on?
Parents
Ask your child to tell you what they think of their attitude, body language and self-accountability. Ensure they give examples and are allowed to speak freely. Then ask if they see any areas they could improve right away that you will be able to notice.
Coaches
Organize your roster into three categories (3 lists) and rank the players from #1 to last based on body language, practice effort, and enthusiasm with teammates. Share each player's rank in each category individually but keep others' ranks confidential. If you genuinely care about your athletes, you're helping them by revealing their rankings and explaining WHY they rank where they do, along with what they can do to improve.
Remember, there's no rule against having multiple players tied for the #1 spot at the end of the season. It's crucial to clarify that these categories are unrelated to a player's skill or athletic ability. To be an effective coach, honesty with your players is key, and in return, those who truly seek success will appreciate a coach who is honest. The Iron Sharpens Athletes call to action is for coaches to cultivate champions both on and off the field.
Stat of the week
Michael Jordan holds the record for the highest career playoff points per game average in NBA history, with an astonishing 33.4 points per game over 179 postseason games.
This statistic highlights Jordan's incredible scoring ability and dominance on the basketball court, making fans pause to appreciate his legendary career. Interestingly enough would you have known Allen Iverson is 2nd at 29.7 PPG.
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