Prepping for a big game

We are in the midst of preparing for an incredibly tough game this coming weekend against Stevens Point, and it is refreshing to feel the consistent focus that has found its way into our practices and into our preparation. Our goal is to field the best Stout team that we can, and to play a game that we can be proud of. What might that look like? Well, I never focus on the stats that would traditionally define a successful game, because if we do the little things well, the stats will take care of themselves.

We have turned our attention to the simplicity of the little things. We plan to make the most of every possession we have, to defend as a unit all over the field and to think and play one moment at a time. We know we’ll need to communicate effectively and to be intensely involved. We need to be present and challenge for every 50/50 ball and to sacrifice physically because we want to make a difference when we have the chance. It all sounds simple, but any player who has faced a worthy opponent knows that maintaining focus despite the reality of the opponent is more of a challenge than running for 90 minutes, controlling a ball that is on your feet and taking effective shots when given the opportunity.

This game is an important one, and the way to play an important game is to make every moment in the game THE most important moment. We need to stay focused on each play and to let those minutes add themselves up without being overwhelmed by the entirety of a 90-minute game. What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon!