Next Play Mentality

Mid February is always an exciting time in the sports world as winter sports teams begin tournament play and the quest for a championship begins. As someone who has personally been been through this experience a time or two, it is definitely a time of intense emotions as you prepare for a tournament game and then start play. One day, you are riding the high of a big win and what’s to come, and the next, you’re dealing with the pressure of a play you should have made or even the heartbreak of a season ending loss. Considering only 1 team in each class ends a season without a loss, the pressure can be immense. A year ago, my last team lost a regional semi final game we felt we should have won and probably did not play our best-a loss that I will probably never truly get over.

A key for coaches is to make sure players are focused on the next play. This is a challenging mindset to develop for athletes as well as coaches and even families. This is an even bigger challenge in the real world as life is full of setbacks, challenges, and unexpected turns. The ability to reset, refocus, and move forward with purpose is what separates those who get stuck from those who keep growing.

Next play mentality can be defined as the ability to quickly move past mistakes, setbacks, or even successes and refocus on what’s next. Coaches know that mistakes and errors are going to happen and during tournament play, those sometimes get magnified. The key is to realize that one or two mistakes isn’t going to cost a game, but if that turns into player doubt and a series of mistakes, then a game can be lost. Players can’t dwell on a missed shot, bad call, or turnover. The best teams and players move forward instantly to the next play.

Coaches play a big part in helping to reinforce "next play" thinking through body language, positive reinforcement, and quick adjustments like possibly subbing someone out for a bit and then getting them back in. Ultimately, players need to be able to shift their focus quickly but coaches need to give them the tools to do this. It may be as simple as having a certain word for the team to focus on as a reminder to not focus on a previous play. It maybe be a breathing technique like taking a deep breath. This is good advice for coaches as well! Another strategy to support players is to focus on the opportunity that is ahead and that winning has to be earned. If you are focusing on a previous play, you aren’t taking advantage of what is to come.

Fans/parents in attendance at games may feel helpless in supporting their player’s next play mindset but they play a crucial role as well. If the crowd is yelling at an official for a previous call or imploring a player to “rebound” or shoot more, it will be hard for a player to focus on what’s coming when there is so much reference to the past. Supportive and encouraging fans are always going to help players move on to the next play and focus on what’s to come.

Anyone who has played or coached in post season tournaments knows that unexpected obstacles and setbacks always come up and often how teams deal with those and move on determine whether the team continues to play more games in the tournament. Ultimately, each person involved-player/coach/fan-needs to do their job and do their best to make each play count and then move on to what’s to come.

We all know that '“next play” mindset is an important life skill. Life throws us setbacks—failed tests, missed job opportunities, personal and relationship struggles. The same "next play" approach helps people bounce back stronger and live happier lives. As athletes know, this is easier said than done but the same strategies that work for athletes work in life.

Whether on the court or in everyday life, mistakes, losses, and challenges are inevitable. What matters most is how we respond. The Next Play Mentality isn’t about ignoring the past—it’s about learning from it and moving forward without hesitation.

So as you navigate tournament play, your career, or personal obstacles, ask yourself: What’s my next play? The faster you reset and refocus, the better prepared you’ll be for whatever comes next. Enjoy the ride, support your team, and embrace the opportunities ahead! Have a great week!

Coach K