5 & 2

Overview

The 5&2 handshake is essential for building confident, detail-oriented players. This exercise helps players standout in a unique and special way.

"“After going through the 5&2 exercise, every time I shake someone’s hand, I find myself saying to myself “5&2,” it’s going to be with me forever”"
High School 4-Star Varsity basketball player

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Lesson Plan

5 & 2 Lesson Plan

Language Guide

5&2

A firm, yet friendly handshake with your full hand (5 fingers) with direct eye contact (2 eyes)

Shareable Graphics

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

Quiz Questions

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 does 5 & 2 mean and why does making a good first impression matter?
  • Reflection: Why is it important to care about and master the small details in life?
  • Action: For the rest of the week choose one person per day who you could greet with a strong 5 & 2 handshake and do so.
Quiz Questions

Coach’s Reflection

Coach, take a moment to reflect on the lesson and how you can lead by example to your players. 

Coach, how mindful are you of your first impression each day? Take a moment to reflect upon who you typically interact with on a daily basis, how can you be more intentional about making sure it is a positive interaction for the other party?