PHILOSOPHY: PART 3

The third part of my philosophy is to respect your opponent.

My definition of respect is built around honoring the game. I believe honoring the game brings out the best in the athletes. I’ve included some of the major teaching points we use when we talk about respecting our opponents.

1. We will always respect those who play the game of football because it takes courage, hard work and determination to compete in a sport like this.
2. Our opponents are a reflection of our skill level. A good opponent brings out the best in us. We respect the synergy that happens when two great teams play.
3. Recognizing 0ur opponent’s strengths makes us stronger. We’ll train harder. We’ll be prepared tactically and emotionally to deal with their successes.
4. Respect is a sign of our confidence in our abilities.

There’s no place for anger or hatred on the field. We want to teach our athletes to execute with power but that execution can’t be motivated by anything other than a desire to perform at our highest level.