By Chris McQuilkin, MS, CSCS*D Most athletes are taught what to do. Very few are taught how to think. And that gap — between execution and understanding — is where most teams stall. Coaches explain the drill. They draw it up on the board. They walk through it step-by-step. Practice starts… and suddenly…
In recent years, a pressing question has emerged in the world of youth sports: Are today's young athletes becoming emotionally softer, or are coaches becoming more demanding? Or, can we all agree to just blame the parents? (Joking… sort of) The reality likely lies somewhere in between, highlighting a crucial…
We don’t control the actions of others. But only through discovering the “why” behind student actions, can we help them chart a path forward, teaching them the importance of personal accountability grounded in compassion.
An overview of an article which originally appeared in the SHAPE PA Journal, 2025: https://issuu.com/shapepainnovation/docs/shape_pa_spring_2025_journal Educators are rightfully concerned about student wellbeing. The rhythm of a school year affects mood, stress, motivation, and performance. Teachers notice these shifts in passing conversations. Coaches see them in practice. Counselors hear them during…
– Brittany Romano and Jim Davis Some seasons are just… different. For New Trier Field Hockey, the 2025 season fits in that category. It began with ambition, grew through adversity, and ended with a finish that will be retold in the history of New Trier Field Hockey. Momentum from the…
For driven people, the instinct to do more is understandable. Achievement brings validation, security, and a sense of identity. We all want to feel like we matter. In competitive environments, success often feels like the byproduct of volume – more effort, more output, more wins. The early stages of a…
The ABC model in behavioral psychology outlines the relationship between antecedents, behaviors, and consequences. It serves as a diagnostic tool in various settings, but understanding behavior requires considering broader antecedents, including physiological and cultural factors. Integrating contemporary frameworks like HOP and CARE enhances this model, promoting sustainable behavior change through…
Jim Davis, Ed.M., MA, RSCC*E In 2014, pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom set out to better understand the student experience by sitting in on middle school classes. She sat. She sat some more. She then noticed that a day’s worth of sitting was affecting her ability to focus. She asked…
Jim Davis, Ed.M., MA, RSCC*E “That dog won’t hunt,” said the football coach about the athlete lagging during the final sprint. A tough appraisal. One of the most common psychological pitfalls in coaching is the fundamental attribution error (FAE). This principle, well-established in social psychology, refers to the tendency of…
Pat Williams, the legendary co-founder of the Orlando Magic, left an indelible mark on professional basketball and the city of Orlando. Over a remarkable 51-year career in the NBA, Williams exemplified what it means to be a leader—not only in title but in vision, courage, and service. Williams began his…