THROW IN SOME MONKEYS

A technique to improve the quality of sports practices.

We do a lot of work to prepare our athletes for the intensity of game situations. For instance, during football practice, we use the down and distance chains, put time on the clock, use situational simulation, and have rewards for the winning team. It’s a concept we apply to all our sport practices.

We also like to teach our athletes how to overcome adversity by "throwing in the monkeys." We tell our athletes that there will be adversity and unfair calls in games, and we simulate dealing with them during practice. In essence, we let them fail, so they can practice reacting to it. They can choose to respond by pointing fingers and losing focus, or by coming together and succeeding in spite of the adversity.

Another way we "throw in the monkeys" is to play soft or classical music during practices, which can make a person feel mellow, relaxed, or sleepy. Our athletes say, "How can you expect us to focus during practice when you play Beethoven?" We tell them, "The same way I expect you to focus when we are in double overtime and you are dog tired, when you come off the bench for the first time in the game, or when all the fans are cheering for our opponent."

Article Source: http://www.sportspracticedrills.com

Provided by:

Brian Cain

www.briancainbaseball.com
www.briancaininnercircle.com

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