Game Quitters
How to maximize individual development and team performance
Hi there,
You don’t have to choose between development and winning - you can have both.
I would tell fighters under pressure the truth, even though they didn’t want to hear it because I knew they needed it and would know the difference. The ones who were going to make it would actually want to hear it. They could trust it; the criticism and the praise
-Teddy Atlas
For Your Library:
Atlas: From the Streets to the Ring: A Son’s Struggle to Become a Man tells the story of Teddy Atlas rising to become one of the world’s best boxing trainers, winning the Heavyweight title with Michael Moorer in 1994. It is a gritty and honest tale with strong themes of loyalty, never giving up and the coach/athlete relationship. The art and science of coaching is on full display.
“Fight quitter” or “game quitter” is a term used to describe somebody who submits in the face of adversity. There are tough situations in a contest. These are the dark moments where only your belief can pull you through. A game quitter will make it look like they are still trying but really, they have quit.
Any of those punches you thought you couldn’t deal with or those rough moments you didn’t think you could make it through are just moments. You have to make a choice if you are going to quit and make an excuse or face what you should face. The pain is a brief moment in time but it’s not nearly as tough as having to deal with the next day, next month, next year knowing that you failed and you submitted.
The Edmonton Oilers could have been game quitters when trailing 3-0 in the best-of-seven series with the Florida Panthers. Clearly the Oilers are not game quitters. They did not submit and they will be proud.
Here is a video of Teddy Atlas’ famous “Fireman” corner speech. It’s definitely worth the click.
I recommend the book, Atlas: From the Streets to the Ring: A Son’s Struggle to Become a Man
For your Inspiration:
Rugby has the term, “BIG” which stands for Back in Game. When you fall down, you immediately get back up and into the game.
Japan’s rugby team uses this concept to build a powerful team identity and vision around connecting. It’s a must watch.
It’s not enough to be back in game,
be yourself, always existing in the game.
For your Practice:
A thought for your youth sport practice:
Why have 1 line when you can have 2? or 3? or 4? or 5?
Ice Hockey Systems is the platform I use to design and share drills, practice plans, and systems.
Brock Badgers High Performance Hockey Seminar
Learn, share, and connect with coaches, scouts, managers and industry professionals from all ages, genders, and levels on the campus of Brock University in the beautiful Niagara region.
Purchase the video of all presentations from the 2023 and/or 2024 seminar for just $74 (CDN). Email me directly at tmanastersky@brocku.ca for details.
Speakers include coaches from Professional, CHL, USPORTS, NCAA and industry experts.
Click here for the 2023 and 2024 agenda including speakers and topics.
Cheers,
TJ Manastersky
Coaching Project
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