Setting the Table for Detective

Although we need to “thank the passer” (reference to our Thank The Passer exercise) any time a teammate tries to lead us up, not all advice and leadership is positive.

Whether a teammate is intentionally leading us in the wrong direction or doing so because they don’t know better, part of our maturity as a leader to be able to sort through the noise to find the good while getting rid of the bad.

This isn’t an easy task.

In many ways, we have to become detectives; listening closely, looking for clues, identifying motives and sort through the noises and messages we’re consuming, to find the truth.

As a healthy follower, we can’t follow everything, we have to be selective and follow the leadership that is beneficial to our growth.

Our Detective exercise will teach players how to follow well and how to discern what is worthy to be followed.

"“Stepping into the role of a “Detective” has helped me think more critically to the influences around me. If you’re not careful and selective, you’ll follow down a path you won’t want to go.”"
Senior Varsity Football Defensive End – 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.

This content is restricted

Student Growth Areas

Exercise Length

Detective Example Videos

See Detective in action below to get a better understanding of how to teach the the Exercise.

Detective Shareable Graphics

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

Detective 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.

Detective Quiz Questions

Use these questions below to engage after you have taught the exercise.

  • What is the main goal for the role of Detective?
  • What does it mean to decipher a message?
  • What does it mean to discern a message?