Overview
A proper handshake helps individuals make a healthy and memorable first impression with others. The 5&2 exercise will teach our students the dynamic of delivering a very professional handshake, something that’ll serve them well in many areas of their lives.
- Students will learn the various handshakes that often leave less than memorable first impressions
- Students will learn the approach to delivering a healthy 5&2 handshake
- Students will gain repeated practice delivering 5&2 handshakes to help them develop a new habit
"The Going for the Gold gave me a plan and strategy to try and build deeper connections in conversation. I find myself ‘going for the gold’ when I talk to people now. It’s pretty fun."
A Lead ‘Em Up Training Camp Graduate, High School Senior
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Lesson Plan
Student Growth Areas
Exercise Length
Language Guide
5&2
A firm, yet friendly handshake with your full hand (5 fingers) with direct eye
contact (2 eyes).
Example Video
See 5 & 2 in action below to get a better understanding of how to teach the the Exercise.
Additional Resources
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.
Exercise Slides
Powerpoint slides ready for you to use
Quiz Questions
Use these questions below to engage after you have taught the exercise.
- What part of the handshake requires “5” and what part requires “2”?
- You never get a second chance to make a __________?
- The first impression is often the ________?
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: What does 5&2 mean and why does making a good first impression matter?
- Reflection: Why is it important to care about and master the small details in life?
- Action: For the rest of the week choose one person per day who you could greet with a strong 5&2 handshake and do so
Teacher Reflection
Take a moment to reflect on the lesson and how you can lead by example to your students.
How mindful are you of your first impression each day? Take a moment to reflect upon who you typically interact with on a daily basis, how can you be more intentional about making sure it is a positive interaction for the other party?
Special Assignment
Have students interview three adults this week and ask the following questions:
- What was the best first impression anyone has ever made on you?
- What made the impression so good?
- What was the worst first impression anyone has ever made on you?
- What made the impression so bad?