Set the Table

Have you ever wondered what level of “being ready” is truly required to be successful.  Before every game if you asked your players, “are you ready?” you’ll get a “yes” every time. Unfortunately, it may not always be true.  Oftentimes, players think they’re ready, but are they ready enough?

Leaders pride themselves on being prepared, being engaged and being ready at the level required to be successful.

During the Toaster exercise your players will be challenged to evaluate their level of readiness, stay engaged and develop the skill of quick-thinking.

""As we were preparing for our North Carolina State Basketball Championship we did the Toaster exercise with our guys the week leading up to the game, as well as the morning of our game.  It got the kids locked-in and made they were fully-ready for the game.”"
State Champion Varsity High School Boys Basketball Coach

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Lesson Plan

Student Growth Areas

Exercise Length

Language Guide

Toast

When you lose or are eliminated with no opportunity for a do-over or to “run it back”

Additional Resources

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.

Quiz Questions

Quiz Questions

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

  • What does it take to be “fully” ready?
  • Leaders are so ready the first time, they don’t _______________.
  • How can you develop the skill of “quick-thinking?”