Pregame Antics Don’t Build Men—They Expose Coaching Gaps
A couple of things bubbled up for me during this video of Grant Union losing their minds pregame, all under the guise of “we hyped.”
First: did you notice their coach? Just as over the top as his players—jawing at opposing teenagers and the other staff. If that’s not testimony to the power of modeling, and proof that “being the coach” doesn’t guarantee you aren’t coaching to harm, I don’t know what is.
Next: emotional regulation. Grant Union had none. This is another testimony to a lack of focus from a staff on what actually matters. Getting players ready and excited for a big game is one thing. But not equipping them with the tools to modulate how they release that energy? That’s exactly how 17-year-olds cross the line.
Finally: so many comments under the video were stuck on the idea that “yo, Grant got their ass kicked by Folsom, that’s why this pregame nonsense was wrong.” No. Even if they had won, the way they behaved was still bullshit. The result doesn’t excuse the process.
Too many coaches don’t have the tools to help kids develop emotional fluency. So they settle for something like, “Hey, if you’re gonna talk shit, back it up”—and then act shocked when their guys go off the rails. That’s on us as the adults in the room. We set the tone.
And yes, this is exactly why we’ve built lessons for these Meet the Moment situations. Because these moments—how your guys respond, how your staff prepares them—will define your season far more than the scoreboard. DM me for details on how to get those plans.
Coach Prompts
How do you teach your players to channel energy without crossing the line?
Would your team know how to meet the moment without losing control?
What does your pregame model for your players about focus, respect, and emotional control?
Player Prompts
When you get hyped before a game, what helps you stay locked in instead of going over the edge?
How do you want opponents to see you in pregame—confident or out of control?
What’s one way your team could keep its edge without losing its composure?
