Set the Table

“Why are we spending time working on our handshakes, I know how to shake someone’s hands,” is something your players may be thinking and something we’ve heard many times in Lead ‘Em Up.

It’s always in this moment we’re able to share powerful reminders as to why something as “small” as a handshake deserves our attention. There’s three reminders in particular:

1 – Despite claims to know how to properly shake someone’s hands, most young people don’t do it consistently at a high level. Therefore the handshake reps will allow them to be more consistent.

2 – Mastering this “small” detail will help them become a more detailed-oriented person. If you don’t care about the small details of your life, the chances you’ll be a player who pays attention to the small details of the game or as an athlete, is slim.

3 – Whether on a job interview, talking to a college scout or interviewing with a professional team; if the position is between you and another person and all else is equal (grades, resume, measurements), they will always go back to the person that gave them more confidence. That confidence is built with a professional greeting; a handshake with strong eye contact.

Does it matter? It could be the one thing that matters most.

Student Growth Areas

Exercise Length

Language Guide

Example Video

See 5 & 2 in action below to get a better understanding of how to teach the the Exercise.

Shareable Graphics

Share these in the locker room, coaches office or on social media.

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.