Set the Table
A leader recognizes the things they’ve learned aren’t meant to be kept to themselves but rather need to be shared. They want others to succeed and understand their influence on helping others grow. In order for our players to raise their performance, teaching needs to come from not only the coaches but the players too. When you listen to athletes speak at higher levels, players usually credit their success as much to their other teammates as they do their coaches. Players have a huge role in each others development which is why it’s so important to get players thinking and in the habit of mentoring their peers.
"I had been friends with some of my teammates for years and it wasn't until this exercise that I learned some things from them that I wish I had learned years before. It was impactful"
High School Varsity Lacrosse Player
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Lesson Plan
Example Video
See Speed Mentoring in action below to get a better understanding of how to teach the the Exercise.
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.
- What do mentors share?
- The only shortcut to success is through _____________?
- What levels do we want underclassmen and upperclassmen operating at?
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 Speed Mentoring teach us about the importance of sharing the things we know?
- Reflection: Who are the individuals you credit your success to?
- Action: Identify a teammate who you can mentor for the rest of the season. What are some things you could do to help them grow?
Coach’s Reflection
Coach, take a moment to reflect on the lesson and how you can lead by example to your players.
Coach, what role have mentors played in your and the success you’ve enjoyed? Take some time this week to reflect on the mentors you’ve had throughout the various stages of your life. As you do this, reflect upon their lessons and how you can continue to apply them today.