Building the Athletes Sports “I.Q.”
We always want to start with the definition of I.Q.
IQ is the athletes ability to know and understand the game of choice. Whether it is football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, track & field or even a simple game of dodgeball, the most successful athletes embrace knowing and yes, understanding the game. Basically, the higher the IQ, the higher the success of an athlete. Today’s topic is who’s responsibility is it to build I.Q.
Now let’s take a closer look at question 1)Who’s responsibility is it? Answer : It is always the athletes’ responsibility. This lays the foundation for learning the game, knowing the game and most importantly, understanding that he owns his performance. As the athlete continues to accept this responsibility of building his I.Q he begins to see the power of I.Q. To see the true value in ownership in accepting the responsibility of I.Q. the athlete can experience it’s powerful definition:
R …….is to respect the game
E …….is to embrace the game
S…….. is to sacrifice for the game
P……. is to prepare for the game
O……..is to own your part in the game
N……..is to never think you are bigger than the game
S…….. is to support your teammates in the game
I………is to Ignore negative thoughts in the game
B…….. is to believe in the game
I……… is to play with intensity in the game
L………is to love the game
I……… is to influence the game
T…….. is to value time in the game
Y…….. is to keep your youthful spirit in the game
As you can see R.E.S.P.O.N.S.I.B.I.L.I.T.Y. is built in these two, yet powerful letters I.Q. because it provides the foundation for mental toughness for the athlete. By accepting the responsibility of learning the game, knowing the game and understanding the game the athlete takes ownership and now, I.Q is alive in the heart of the Champion athlete. Now you see the value of IQ, go out and make it happen, and remember, “Don’t Just Play The Game, Know the Game”
Keep Living Like A Champion,
Coach Reggie Ward
University of Notre Dame
Champion’s Quest Athlete Academy
Director of Football Academy
562-598-2600
This is Part 1 of my 5 Part Series on the importance of I.Q.
