Setting the Table for 5 & 2
“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.
"“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
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.
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).
5 & 2 Example Video
See 5 & 2 in action below to get a better understanding of how to teach the the Exercise.
5 & 2 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.
5 & 2 Quiz Questions
Use these questions below to engage after you have taught the exercise.
- Why does something as small as a handshake matter?
- What are the two primary ingredients needed to help you win during any introduction?
- Which impression is the longest impression?