Set the Table
Nothing great has ever been accomplished without a strong spirit of enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm adds 4-components to our team: 1) it creates a more fun environment. Lets face it, practice, games, film sessions, etc… are all more fun when we have some enthusiasm. 2) enthusiasm raises our performance. We all recognize in spirited, enthusiastic practices, we get much better compared to practices that have no life. 3) our enthusiasm gives us a competitive advantage over our opponents. We’ve all be on the opposite side of a game where the other team has an enthusiasm and spirit that is impressive. It may not intimidate us to the point we turn around, but we certainly see it and are aware of it. That same advantage can be yours if you create it. 4) it’s controllable. We have complete control over our enthusiasm. In sports there are many things out of our control; weather, our opponents, playing conditions, referees, etc., so it’s essential you dominate (not just be good at) the things you can control.
This exercise is designed to engage and challenge the team to perform at a higher level of enthusiasm.
"“We always had a spirited, enthusiastic team but utilizing enthusiasm captains into our practice routine has taken everything to a new level.”"
Head Varsity Football Coach
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Lesson Plan
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.
- Nothing great has ever been accomplished without a strong sense of _________________.
- What are the 4 components Enthusiasm adds to our team?
- Why is enthusiasm not one of the things out of our control?
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 do “Enthusiastic Captains” do?
- Reflection: When do you perform at your best?
- Action: At the end of each night this week, take a minute and discuss what level the team’s enthusiasm was at practice. Then discuss what you can do to raise the level of enthusiasm at tomorrow’s practice.
Coach’s Reflection
Coach, take a moment to reflect on the lesson and how you can lead by example to your players.
Coach, this will be a fun discussion to have with your coaching staff. Briefly meet as a staff and discuss who shows the most enthusiasm at each practice. Challenge everyone to raise their level of enthusiasm each day and then briefly meet and discuss how the players responded to a heightened sense of enthusiasm.