Here’s an email I sent to our 6th grade girls team. The players have really taken to it and our practices have improved — better chemistry, relationships, and a positive energy. Feel free to copy and tweak this email for your own team…
Subject: For Tigers Players. Steve Nash high fives. Please pass on.
For Tigers players.
Please pass this on to your daughter to read and watch before next clinic…
Lately we’ve been talking about the importance of “teamwork” and how you can become a better teammate. A simple thing you can do is give out more high fives. We mentioned Steve Nash and how often he gives out high fives.
Steve Nash is a good player to learn from because he was able to become one of the best point guards in the NBA going against players that were bigger, stronger, faster, and more athletic. By working very hard and working very smart, he was able to win the NBA MVP award twice!
There are many lessons to be learned from Steve Nash. But in particular I want to point out a simple method he uses to bring positive energy to the team and be a great teammate. He gives out lots of high fives! Watch this video:
As the video mentioned, teams with lots of “touches” correlate with higher winning percentages.
If you’re a cerebral player and you want some of the science behind it, here you go…
Scientific studies show that Positive Human Touches:
- Reduces Stress
- Lowers Heart Rate
- Boosts Immune System
- Releases Oxytocin
- Creates feelings of connection, trust, & bonding
- Strengthens Relationships
This is one of many ways for you to become better teammates.
Remember, great teammates pick each other up after every mistake. If a teammate makes a mistake… run to them, touch them, and say “We Got This”.
Be a great teammate!
See you at practice.
Coach Haefner
