“I can do that, but it’s not what Coach Lineweaver would do…”

Oct 24

Me:“Coach Gee, could you bring your state ring so we can show the team what the state champion will earn in six weeks?” I asked defensive coordinator Pete Gee as we met to prepare for round one of the playoffs.

Coach Gee: “I can certainly do that, coach, but that's not how Coach Lineweaver would approach it.”

Me:“Really, how does Coach Lineweaver handle the playoffs?”

Coach Gee:“He treats each round of the playoffs like a regular season game. He would stick to the same schedule and routine as much as possible. Coach Lineweaver didn't do anything that would take their focus off the task at hand, which is winning today, not looking into the future”, Coach Gee responded.

I'm not the smartest person, but I'm humble enough to listen to those who are. Steve Lineweaver, the head coach of Trinity High School in Euless, Texas, fits that description perfectly. He is a legend with multiple state titles to his name. All Coach Gee had to say was, "Coach Lineweaver wouldn’t do it that way," and I was also on board.

When I took over as head coach at Mesquite Poteet in the spring of 2010, no one, including myself, predicted we would be anywhere near playoff contention. Texas Football magazine predicted we would finish last in a nine-team district. The Pirates had compiled a 2-18 record in the previous two seasons, but all the stars aligned, and this year was like something out of a Hollywood script. We finished 12-3, losing to the eventual state champion Aledo Bearcats, 29-27 in the semi-finals.

It was a magic carpet ride none of us will ever forget. But I firmly believed it almost didn't happen.

If Coach Gee hadn't convinced me to send the message we must stay in the present and not look ahead, we might have lost in the first round instead of eking out a 21-20 victory over the Hutto Hippos.

Looking back, this was a watershed moment for me. It was one of my first experiences coaching the mental aspects of athletics beyond just skills and drills on the field. We had team meetings centered on character development, but this was different. Staying focused on the present moment, consistent with our weekly routines, is what we now call "the process." My exchange with Coach Gee opened my eyes to a new realm: mental performance training.

Coach Gee understood that concentrating on the present moment and keeping our routine is where we should focus, not distracting our team with the allure of future achievements. This mindset was crucial for maintaining the level of play and keeping our guys grounded with all the hype and attention we were receiving.

How can this benefit you and your program?

If you're a football or volleyball coach and your program is approaching the end of the regular season or the start of the playoffs, avoid the mistake I almost made in 2010. Instead, stick to your routine and maintain consistency as much as possible.

This "process over outcome" mindset is vital for enhancing performance and establishing a resilient culture within your team.

Here’s why committing to routines is far more beneficial than fixating on outcomes:

1. Builds Consistency and Reliability

Routines are the foundation of consistency, essential for success in any endeavor. When athletes commit to their daily practices, habits, and preparation, they create a solid framework that enables them to excel under pressure. Consistent preparation leads to reliable execution. By focusing on the process, teams can minimize variability, thereby increasing their chances of success.

Conversely, players may risk inconsistency when the emphasis shifts to outcomes—like clinching a championship. They might push too hard or become distracted by the stakes, losing sight of the daily routines that got them this far.

2. Reduces Pressure and Anxiety

Constantly discussing outcomes—such as winning a title or advancing in the playoffs—raises the stakes, leading to undue pressure and anxiety. Players overthink and fixate on aspects beyond their control, like opponents' performances. This often results in stress and poor performance when it counts the most.

By paying attention to daily routines and tasks, the pressure diminishes. Players can channel their focus into what they can control: their preparation, effort, and execution in the present moment. A process-oriented approach cultivates a calm mindset, leading to better decision-making during high-pressure situations.

3. Encourages Confidence and Trust in Preparation

Uncertainty kills the mission. I've always joked that players are a little like cattle. Keep their routine consistent, and they will grow and prosper. We're all like this to a certain degree - we're all hardwired to resist change. As you approach the finish line or enter the critical playoff season, it's vital to maintain routines and systems. Avoid distractions; success thrives in certainty.

Trust the Process and Keep 'the Main Thing, the Main Thing.'

As I mentioned, our team, school, parents, and community were fired up about this unexpected, almost 'miracle season.' The worst thing we could've done is what I wanted to do...distract them even more by passing around a state championship ring and talking about 'rainbows and unicorns.' I came to my senses with the help of Coach Gee, and we continued to emphasize our daily routines and concentrated on the process. This helped us focus on winning each day. We stacked good days on top of one another and continued marching through the playoffs by staying in the present moment.

Stay the course wherever your team is now—whether in the playoffs, on your way to them, or simply trying to finish the season strong. Focus on what's important now: having the best practice today and doing it again tomorrow. Embrace the routines, reinforce your commitments, and keep the mindset centered on the process. Lastly, meet with your team every day. Have meaningful discussions and explain to them how this mindset gives you an edge.

Here's to keeping the ring in your pocket until the appropriate time…when you can put it on your finger!

Be great today.