Every drill counts twice.

As your coach, I want to talk to you about something super important: the power of practice and how it connects to both our skills and our emotions. Just like in sports, life throws challenges at us all the time. Sometimes we might feel like giving up or that things are too hard. But here’s a little secret: every drill counts twice! What does that mean? It means that every time you practice, you're not just improving your skills, but you're also building your emotional strength and resilience.

Think about when you practice shooting hoops or kicking a soccer ball. Each time you take that shot or kick, you’re not just working on getting better at the sport; you’re also learning important lessons about patience, perseverance, and overcoming mistakes. When you miss a shot, it might feel frustrating, but it's also an opportunity to learn. Instead of getting upset, you can ask yourself, “What can I do differently next time?” That’s a skill you’ll carry with you, not just in sports but in life too.

It’s okay to feel down sometimes. Everyone does! The key is to remember that those feelings are part of being human. Just as you practice your physical skills, you can practice being resilient. When you find yourself facing a tough situation, here are a few phrases you can remind yourself of:

• “I can learn from mistakes.”
• “Every challenge makes me stronger.”
• “It’s okay to ask for help.”
• “I believe in myself.”
• “I’m not alone; I have my team.”

Each time you say these phrases, you’re training your mind to tackle challenges with a positive attitude. Just like you wouldn’t skip a practice session because it’s tough, don’t skip out on taking care of your feelings. Remember, every time you practice, you are building your emotional muscles, just like you build your physical ones.

Let’s take a moment to talk about teamwork. In sports, we rely on our teammates to support us, and the same goes for life. When you’re feeling down, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or even your coach. Sharing what you’re going through can lighten the load and help you see things from a different perspective. Just like in practice, where we cheer each other on, life is much easier when we lean on one another.

When you approach difficult moments with the same determination you bring to your drills, you’ll find that you can overcome obstacles much more easily. Imagine when you’re working on a skill that feels impossible; you keep trying, you keep practicing, and eventually, it clicks! This persistence is what will help you through hard times outside of sports as well.

So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, remember that every drill counts twice. Each practice is a chance to grow not only in your skills but also in your ability to handle life’s ups and downs. Embrace the challenges, learn from the mistakes, and practice those positive phrases. The more you do this, the stronger you’ll become both on the field and in life. Keep pushing forward, and remember: I believe in you!