IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-16-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-16-12)

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

Teachers and coaches alike enjoy working with the student-athlete who is striving to improve and reach their full potential.

Whether it's in the classroom or on the playing field, are you one that is totally engaged and focused on becoming the best you can be?

Take the challenge of being a good student and quality athlete to heart.  Remember, what you put in is what you will receive back.  Are you doing your part?

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

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IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-10-12)

"Providing education based athletics in Indiana"

Some days in the classroom, and on the playing field, the student-athlete has a lot of information thrown their way and may have trouble dissecting it all. I'm sure this has happened to you.

If you don't understand a problem in the classroom or a new play being explained by your coach, ask questions. There's absolutely nothing wrong with having your teacher or coach go over something again so you understand the process.

It's better to be sure now, rather than waiting until test day or game day, and not knowing the answer or routine!

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org
Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (4-2-12)

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

During the past few months I attended the state championship games in football and boys and girls basketball. What an exciting time.

Have you had the experience of competing for a conference championship or state championship? If so, how did it feel? Win or lose, I'm sure you enjoyed the experience and learned from the games along the way.

The nice thing about high school sports is that you don't have to be a state power to enjoy the journey. Take time to cherish the moment and cultivate those lasting friendships that you are forming with you teachers, coaches, teammates, and people in your community!

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org
Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-26-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-26-12)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana"
 
One of the best pieces of advice that you can receive from coaches; when you get tired in a game or practice, keep your hands off of your knees.  In other words, don't lean over to catch your breath.  By doing so, you may be encouraging your opponent.
 
It is no different in the classroom.  A student-athlete should never lay their head on their desk without the permission of the teacher in charge.  It shows disrespect to instruction!
 
For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org
Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.
 

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-19-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-19-12)
"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

Student-athletes grow, mature, and improve at different age levels. Some kids develop growth and strength early on in their career, and others must wait to mature and would be considered late bloomers.

If you are a late bloomer, don't ever give up on yourself as an athlete. You still have that chance for improvement because you are just beginning to catch up with your classmates in regards to size and strength.

It's hard to predict when and how the student-athlete will peak with their athletic performance. But those that get that late growth spurt are never out of the picture, if they continue to practice and work hard at their sport.

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org
Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-12-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-12-12)

"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

Very seldom will the student-athlete experience the perfect game or practice, even though that should be your ultimate goal.

The true champion will fall short of their expectations over and over again, but will continue to bounce back and give their best effort day in and day out.

When falling short of your coach's or your own expectations, don't place the blame on others.  Take responsibility for your shortcomings and strive to improve daily.

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-5-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (3-5-12)

"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

Are you the type of athlete who can learn from watching others play and pick things up that are beneficial to you and your game?  Do you have the desire to play collegiate athletics at some level?

There is so much one can learn by observing how others do things, and then going out and practicing on the same style and technique.

The NCAA will start their men's and women's basketball championships next week.  Almost all sports sponsored by the NCAA can be found either on network television, cable, or the Internet. 

Be sure to observe those sports you play and see the quality of the individuals participating.  This will help you gauge where you presently stand and how much you need to improve if your desire is to play at the next level.

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-27-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-27-12)

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

Almost all high schools today have codes of conduct that student-athletes must follow in order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports.

Therefore, you already know what you can and cannot do and how you will be punished if you decide not to follow those rules.  In other words, the school spells out right from wrong.

Following rules, then, should not be an issue.  You start the process of rule following early in life, and to be honest, rule following never goes away.  If you look for shortcuts or knowingly do something wrong, be prepared to pay the consequences.

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc. 

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

Almost all high schools today have codes of conduct that student-athletes must follow in order to be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, including sports.

Therefore, you already know what you can and cannot do and how you will be punished if you decide not to follow those rules.  In other words, the school spells out right from wrong.

Following rules, then, should not be an issue.  You start the process of rule following early in life, and to be honest, rule following never goes away.  If you look for shortcuts or knowingly do something wrong, be prepared to pay the consequences.

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc. 

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-20-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-20-12)

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

By now, everyone who follows sports has heard of Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks. This time ten days ago nobody knew a thing about this young man. Today, he is the talk of the national sports world.

All athletes, especially those that are backups, dream of getting quality playing time with their teams.  You hear it all the time, if only coach would give me a chance.  Well, this story might get coaches thinking about who could be the next Jeremy Lin.

You never know when your number will be called.  Just know that Lin was passed up numerous times, yet he never gave up on believing in himself and his abilities.

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (2-6-12)

"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

If there is one good lesson to learn from yesterday's Super Bowl, it's that at the end of every sport season, there is only one team left standing.

It is no different in high school, where there is only one state champion in each class.  Every other team ends their season with a losing game.  Just think, only one team ends up winning their last game.

But many life lessons can be learned and experienced along the way.  There are upsets of great teams, individuals have great games, communities unite, and friendships can be developed with your competitors.

Even if your last game ends up being a loss, like the majority of those you compete against, the true champions are those who take something positive away from the experience.

For more on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

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HSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-30-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-30-12)

"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

If your sport was taken away from you today because of an injury or being cut from a team, would you still be a quality person that your family and school would be proud of?  Would you still try to excel in the classroom?

Hopefully your answer would be a big "YES!"

Don't let a sport determine who you are as a person.  Let that be determined by your morals, behavior, work ethic and attitude.  Remember, in almost all cases, sports will be a short term experience.  However, a good education will benefit you for a lifetime.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-23-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-23-12)

"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

Are you a good classmate and teammate?  Do you help others when they are down or in time of need?  Are you all about picking up their spirit?

The positive and productive student-athlete is always upbeat for those that surround them.  When companions make mistakes or may not be performing up to their capabilities, pick them up with positive comments and favorable support.

We all have bad days in school and in our sports.  Don't let those days and memories linger.  Help your friends and teammates move ahead to their next challenge!

For more information on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.  

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-16-12)

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

What is your mindset when you are preparing to play against a team or an individual that is considered superior to you?

Do you feel like you can win?  Do you believe in yourself, your teammates, and your coaches?

One coach recently told his team to do the ordinary, and maybe something extraordinary could happen.  Remember, upsets occur all the time. 

Why not expect the unexpected?  Just do the ordinary things!

For more on the IHSAA go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc. 

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-9-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-9-12)

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

With the beginning of the new year comes a great opportunity for the student-athlete to have a fresh start in the classroom and with your athletic teams.

What weaknesses do you need to overcome?  Can you continue to build on your strengths?  Make it your goal to work harder in the classroom and to work harder at becoming a better teammate and competitor.

Make this new semester and new year one that you will remember and cherish for a long time.

     

For more information on IHSAA go to ihsaa.org.

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-2-12)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (1-2-12)

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

Emotions play a big part in any student-athlete's successes and failures.  Have you had trouble controlling your emotions during a practice, game, meet, or match?

In a recent article in USA Today by Marlen Garcia, Indiana University basketball coach Tom Crean made the following comment about his top recruit and star player Cody Zeller.  "He's got a great way about him.  He plays with emotion, but not emotionally.  I don't think anything speeds him up in his mind."

There's a time in every athletic contest where emotions can be helpful or detrimental.  Learning to control your emotions and body language will make you a better athlete and will be helpful to your team.  Remember, no one controls your emotions but you!

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-19-11)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-19-11)

"Providing education-based athletics in Indiana."

Would your classmates and teammates describe you as acting mature or immature for your age?  How would your teachers and coaches respond?  How would a referee or an official evaluate your maturity during a game?

The immature student-athlete cares primarily about their own existence.  The thought of others rarely enters their mind.

The mature student-athlete treats everyone, regardless of their position or title, with respect and dignity.

Maturity will help you in the classroom, on the playing field, and in your local community.  You have complete control in how quick you can make that happen!

For more information on IHSAA go to ihsaa.org.

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-12-11)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-12-11)

"Promoting education based athletics in Indiana."

Duke University basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has stated more than once that when injuries happen to someone on his team, it's an opportunity for a teammate to step in and show that he/she is prepared to perform.

No player enjoys getting an opportunity because someone else gets hurt.  However, injuries are a part of any sport.

Be ready when you get your chance, whether it comes as the result of an injury to a teammate or because of your hard work during practice.  It just might be your time to shine!

For more on the IHSAA go to www.ihsaa.org.

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc. 

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-5-11)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (12-5-11)

"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

  

A confident student-athlete does not need to chest pound and showboat following an outstanding play during a game.  Does a good student brag and jump up and down when getting 100% on an exam? 

Tom Brady, three-time Super Bowl winner and quarterback of the New England Patriots, said that his coach, Bill Belichick, had the following advice for him:  When you win, say very little.  When you lose, say even less.

This is just another way of saying, don't be surprised or get overly excited following a good play or good game.  This should be something you expect as a result of your constant preparation.

For more information on the IHSAA go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc. 

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-28-11)

IHSAA Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-28-11)

"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

Can you put a bad game or performance behind you?  How would you react if you missed a last second shot or made a foolish play costing your team a chance to win a game?  What about just playing a poor game?

It happens all the time.  Most sporting events are not decided until the last few minutes of play.  Don't be afraid to take the shot, make the last out, or be on that defensive stopper that decides the game.

However, don't make excuses if you fall short.  Accept the responsibility in knowing that you did your best and try to learn from the experience.

Never dwell on the negatives!  Remember, the first play of the game is just as important as the last play of the game.  That's why you should play hard and smart all game long!

For more on the student-athlete and sports stories go to www.askbillyshep.com.

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.

Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-21-11)

Student-Athlete Tip of the Week (11-21-11)

"Promoting education-based athletics in Indiana."

Some student-athletes don't see the importance of a proper diet and getting the right amount of sleep.  Are you one of those people?

Eating the right foods and getting the proper amount of sleep are important fundamentals of any athlete.  It plays a big part in being in top physical condition.

Take pride in what you eat and the amount of sleep you get.  It could end up being the difference maker in your game day performance and classroom performance.

For more information on the student-athlete go to www.ihsaa.org

Content property of Billy Shepherd Sports Inc.