Are Your Players Combat Ready?


"...since initiative vis-a-vis the enemy is the key to successful battlefield outcomes, the side that can make the best decisions more quickly usually wins."     

Christopher D. Kolenda 
Discipline: Creating The Foundation For An Initiative-Based Organization

One of the most valuable lessons that a coach can teach his players is to be able to think for themselves or on their own two feet - especially when they are playing in a game for their team. Given that a coach can't be on the field or court with his players during the game, and telling them what to do at every moment, it's important for each of them to be internally directed and driven to perform to the best of their abilities. There are two different mindsets that a player needs to develop in order for him to take the initiative and make the best split-second decision in any game-time situation. 

The R-3 mindset is all about reading the situation, recognizing the opportunities that are available in that situation, and then responding by choosing the right option for that situation. Players need to keep their minds in the present moment, clearly see what is happening without any negative judgments or emotions, be mentally focused on what they control, and then identifying how they can use their personal strengths to make the right move.

The 3-D mindset requires players to be deliberate, disciplined and decisive. Being deliberate is knowing what you want to do or accomplish. Being disciplined is keeping your focus on what you want. And being decisive is acting on what you want. Without knowing what they want to do and not being able to stay focused on what they want to do, they won't successfully play or perform their role in the game.

Learning and integrating these two mindsets into the players' mental preparation is essential to helping your players take the initiative and make the best decisions at game time.    

If you would like to learn more about the R-3 and 3-D mindsets, drop me an email at risson1954@gmail.com.