X's and O's

How many of you have a game plan each day, each week, etc...? I learned in no uncertain terms to have a plan in order to achieve my objective. The Coach says, "How can you decide whether to punt or go for it, if you don't have a plan already in your mind?"

A plan allows you to be more flexible because you have thought through what "might happen". A good attorney does not ask any question that she does not already know the answer. A good coach attempts to figure out every play necessary to win. A great real estate agent knows what their marketing plan is to grow their business and how they will market their product. As conditions change, the "plan" allows for adjustments or "tweeking".

Many of us fly by the seat of our pants every day. Don't get me wrong...spontaneity is wonderful at the right time and for the right occasion. Typically, not in business or sports!

Life Lesson #11 from the Coach's Daughter is...No matter how elementary your plan is, it gives you a road map to follow that day. It helps you focus and prioritze. Do you have a game plan today?

Fast Freddie Summers

Today's lesson centers around a young man named Freddie Summers. Freddie was born in South Carolina in 1947. He was talented and "fast"! My Dad, the Coach, recruited Freddie to Wake Forest University. Wake Forest, Freddie, and the Coach made history that year. Freddie was the first african american footlball player recruited to the ACC conference back in the 60's!

The Coach was enthralled with Freddie. He was amazed at all the talent in some of these small southern towns and the last thing on the Coach's mind was race. He wanted to put together a team that could win games and make the university proud! Freddie went on to set records at WFU before he was drafted to the Cleveland Browns. His career was short in the pros, but he sure did leave his mark.

I am proud of my Dad's character and desire to do right. He did not just talk the talk, he walked the walk at a difficult time in our history.

My friends, the lesson today from the Coach's Daughter is...Don't just say you will do the right thing. Your life is not a dress rehearsal. Do the right thing!

Hit The Back Wall? What Does It Mean To You?

The Coach taught me to play racquetball as a young adult. I must tell you that a coach teaches their kid the same way they teach a player how to run a new play. No mercy! My Dad illustrated the basics of the game and I felt pretty good about my accomplishments until he said he wanted to show me how to hit the back wall.

Let me explain. In racquetball, one will serve the ball to the front wall of the enclosed court and the other player then hits the ball again towards the front wall. The players will volley this way until one scores. The ball can bounce off any of the walls as long as each player hits it at the appropriate time. Well, the Coach served the ball off the front wall and proceeded to hit it so hard it flew over my head and hit the floor inches in front of the back wall! I was supposed to hit the ball! Needless to say, I stood there in amazement as my Dad laughed and told me to keep my eye on the ball and stay light on my feet. I am not sure I ever got that move in this pounding sport but I learned a big lesson that day.

First, I grabbed the notion that my target was not always in front of me and I sometimes had to wait for it. Secondly, I understood that the Coach was going to hold me to the same high standard he did any of his young athletes.

So my friends, Life Lesson #9 from the Coach's Daughter is...When setting a goal, know your surroundings and see the bigger picture. Remember the bulls eye may not be in front of you. Stay focused on the goal and flexible in your actions (light on your feet). The ball may whiz by you so you must be prepared to swing. Don't worry if you miss. Keep aiming and swinging and exercising patience, if necessary. You'll make contact!



Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N49xaZSuEFM&feature=related