Set the Table
You know those special players who show up to practice every day with great enthusiasm, who go around connecting with each of their teammates and brings life to the team. Those are special players we should look to develop more of.
It’s essential our players connect with one another prior to playing. Often times, the first time our players communicate each day is in the huddle, on the field, on the court or in-action. This goes for coaches as well, we often speak to some players for the first time each day when we’re coaching them on the field or court.
Touch-points is a small and simple way to bring “life” and “connection” to our teams, prior to stepping into action. A great reminder to each of us; Connect Before You Lead. Touch-points help make everyone feel connected, everyone feel important and helps remind us that everything is not about us, but rather about the team.
You know those players who show up.
""Touch-points is so simple, yet so powerful. Getting players into the habit of demonstrating "touch-points" has changed our team.""
High School Varsity Football Coach, Maryland
To view this content you need to have a Coaches Membership.
If you are already a Coaches Member, please log in to view this Exercise.
Lesson Plan
Player Growth Areas
Exercise Length
Language Guide
Touchpoints
A quick, oftentimes physical in the form of a handshake, hi-five, or fist tap, acknowledgment of a teammate with the goal of creating connection and energy
Exercise Reminder Card
To emphasize and reinforce the lessons learned in this exercise with your players, download and share this graphic with them 24 hours after completing the exercise.
Quiz Questions
Use these questions below to engage after you have taught the exercise.
- Leaders connect before ___________.
- What can a connection be?
- Why is it important to connect with a teammate before you get to the game?
At Home
Coaches, use the below question, reflection, and action to engage parents, guardians, and other family members in the lessons learned in this exercise.
Suggestions on how to use: Email to parents the day you have taught this lesson, add it to the materials you send home, or text it to text message threads with your players.
- Question: How does “Touch Points” bring life to the team?
- Reflection: Why is it important to connect with someone before attempting to lead them?
- Action: Name five people who you can intentionally connect with before practice each day this week.
Coach’s Reflection
Coach, take a moment to reflect on the lesson and how you can lead by example to your players.
Coach, how often do you connect with your players before practice or a game? How much closer would the team be if you did this more frequently? Be intentional with how frequently you connect with your players each day.