Two Sides 2 Every Story

What is it about a coach's speech before a game that helps you focus on the challenge ahead? The type of speech that starts this fire inside of you that grows into an inferno of adrenaline. This feeling is usually mixed with the intense reaction of goose bumps that runs through your arms and down your back. The type of speech that makes your palms start sweating, your leg start twitching, and your heart beat begin to race. The type of speech that gives you that feeling of being confident and daring. I remember being a player sitting there staring at the scouting report on the board. I would listen to my coach talk while visualize my team being successful and most of all I envision myself being at my best when my best was needed.
 ~testimony of a player - Malik Champlain #45 Western New England College

What do I say in order to make sure that my players are fully prepared and confident going into this game? What can I say that will make sure my players come into the game with the intensity needed to win? I have to look every player in the eye and challenge them to give it their all and leave nothing left in the tank! I have to make sure they play quick but not in a hurry! My players must work hard but also be smart! My team can't focus on our last loss but we also can't make the same mistakes! The focal point of my speech has to be about our Man to Man defense but I have to stress the importance of our transition offense....Looking at the white board trying to prepare my scouting report I envision my speech. I find a way to get my players to believe in themselves, the game plan, the coaching staff, and most of all EACH OTHER!
~testimony of a coach - Malik Champlain First year Mount Ida College