This is a really good way to explain continual competition at practice. Admittedly, In my 28 years I’ve struggled at times to effectively explain this to my players. Accordingly, I’ve found that it’s not always realistic, smart or efficient, as a coach, to give multiple players equal rep counts, with the same constraints, etc. each and every day; However, over time, the individual doing it consistently well, more often than not, regardless of comparative quantity, typically gains more reps and rises accordingly on the depth chart over time.
Tom Brady shares the advice that changed his career and his mindset.
He was at Michigan - he was only getting 2 practice reps while the starter got 20.
He was complaining to sports psychologist Greg Harden:
"How can I ever get better? All these guys get all the reps and I only get 2."
Greg's response changed everything:
"Just go in there and focus with the 2 that you got and make them as perfect as you possibly can."
Focus on what you can control. So that's what he did.
"They'd put me in for those 2. Man, I'd sprint in there like it was Super Bowl 49. 'Let's go boys! Here we go! What play we got?'"
"I did really well with those 2 'cause I brought enthusiasm, I brought some energy, and I had a little more confidence in myself."
You don't get what you want in life - you get what you earn.
It starts with showing up and earning it every single day.
"It went from 2 reps to getting 4 reps because those 2 were pretty good. Then I had 4 good reps. Then I got 10 good reps."
You can always try to lead the team in effort, attitude, and perspective because it takes no talent.
Then he shared the mindset shift:
"Focus on what you can control. Focus on what you're getting, not what anyone else is getting. Whenever you get an opportunity, you take advantage of it. You treat it like it's the Super Bowl."
Stop complaining about what you don't have. Dominate what you do.
Opportunity doesn't care about fairness - it rewards how ready you are.
(🎥PBD Podcast )