8 & 2. Good? Bad? It is all a matter of perspective, I suppose. There are lots of teams that would be thrilled to be 8 & 2 at this point in their season. I am not. Not at all. We lost 2 matches in the 5th set. Both winnable matches, but both against teams that, as they proved, are good enough that when you don't bring your best when it matters, you lose. Sure, injuries were a factor for our team all fall. At one point or another 4 of our 5 4th year guys were out, but we are deep and talented and regardless of who was on the floor, those were winnable. We just needed to play better when it mattered most.
That isn't rocket science. A coach suggesting that their team needs to play better to win. Imagine that? But seriously, confidence under pressure is the difference between winning and losing. The old adage, 'if you think you can't you won't', is so true. Internal dialogue, including positive, aggressive, affirmative thoughts is a big part of it. A great performance consultant, J.P. Pawliw-Fry once told me, "Athletes need to stop and think about what they are thinking about". They need to check their internal dialogue and thought process when in the heat of battle. What's in your head at that time can be the difference between winning and losing. No room for doubt. No excuses. Just step up and get it done.
That is what we have on our agenda. As we muddle our way through exams and start our second half preparation, we will focus on our weaknesses. We will ask players to step out of their comfort zone in the name of growing their game.
Our goals are high, and while 8 & 2 isn't where we want to be, finishing first is still attainable. We are optimistic and at the same time we know that we need to take care of all the details. In sport, anything can happen. That's part of what makes it fun and challenging. We look forward to that challenge.
Hope you can join us in the second half. It is an exciting team to watch and we appreciate the support the Gaels fans and family bring both at home and on the road.
Happy Holidays to All,
Go Gaels Go!
That isn't rocket science. A coach suggesting that their team needs to play better to win. Imagine that? But seriously, confidence under pressure is the difference between winning and losing. The old adage, 'if you think you can't you won't', is so true. Internal dialogue, including positive, aggressive, affirmative thoughts is a big part of it. A great performance consultant, J.P. Pawliw-Fry once told me, "Athletes need to stop and think about what they are thinking about". They need to check their internal dialogue and thought process when in the heat of battle. What's in your head at that time can be the difference between winning and losing. No room for doubt. No excuses. Just step up and get it done.
That is what we have on our agenda. As we muddle our way through exams and start our second half preparation, we will focus on our weaknesses. We will ask players to step out of their comfort zone in the name of growing their game.
Our goals are high, and while 8 & 2 isn't where we want to be, finishing first is still attainable. We are optimistic and at the same time we know that we need to take care of all the details. In sport, anything can happen. That's part of what makes it fun and challenging. We look forward to that challenge.
Hope you can join us in the second half. It is an exciting team to watch and we appreciate the support the Gaels fans and family bring both at home and on the road.
Happy Holidays to All,
Go Gaels Go!
