How to Stay Locked In and Understand Your Coach (Even When Your Brain's Tired)

Let’s be honest. 🧠 You’ve got a lot going on in your head — school, socials, group chats, highlights, performance pressure. Sometimes your coach is talking, and you’re there… but not really listening.

And guess what? That doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated. It means you're human — and you're living in a world full of distractions.

💥 This is your guide to staying locked in, understanding instructions better, and actually hearing what your coach is trying to get across.

🧠 1. Your Brain Can’t Listen Forever (And That’s Okay)

Coaches talk a lot. We get it. Sometimes you zone out after 10 seconds — not because you don’t care, but because your brain is full.

👉 So don’t beat yourself up. 

💥 Just learn how to bring yourself back when your attention starts slipping.

Try this: 

✅ Look at your coach while they’re talking. 

✅ Repeat the key thing in your head — or whisper it under your breath. 

✅ Ask a question if you’re not sure what they meant.

💬 “So you mean switch early, not just after the screen hits?”

💬 2. Ask Questions. It Doesn’t Make You Dumb — It Makes You Pro.

Real talk: A lot of athletes stay quiet because they’re scared of looking dumb.

But here’s the truth: 

👉 Asking for clarity is what the smartest athletes do.

💬 “Coach, just to be sure — is my job to help early or stay home in the corner?”

That’s leadership. That’s focus. That’s how you get better — fast.

🗣️ 3. Say It Back to Lock It In

Your brain remembers more when your mouth is involved.  So try this:

🎯 After your coach gives instructions, say it back to them or to a teammate: 

💬 “Alright, I’m covering help on the left and switching if they go over the top.”

💥 Now you’ve heard it, said it, and thought it. That’s next-level learning.

👀 4. You Can’t Fix a Mistake You Didn’t Hear

Let’s say you mess up a play. Coach is giving you feedback. But your brain’s racing — “I messed up again… I suck… why did I do that?”

🚨 Pause. Breathe. Listen. Your coach might be giving you the fix. But if you’re caught in your own thoughts, you’ll miss the info.

💬 One deep breath. Then: “Okay. What’s the one thing I need to focus on next time?”

🔄 5. Focus Is a Skill — You Can Train It

It’s not about being born with “good focus.” You train it — just like you train your body.

💥 Try this in practices or games: 

✅ Set a goal before a drill: “I’m going to talk on every screen.” 

✅ Catch your mind wandering? Bring it back with a cue: “Lock in.” 

✅ After a play, ask: “What did I notice? What do I need to change?”

You’ll get better every rep.

🤝 6. Your Coach Isn’t a Mind Reader — Tell Them What You Need

Some of you need more explanation. Some of you need less. Some of you learn by seeing. Others by doing.

💬 Let your coach know:

• “I get it better when I see someone do it.”

• “Can you walk me through that slower one time?”

• “I just need to check if I’m doing this right — can you watch?”

Most coaches want to help. They just need to know how you work best.

👂 7. You Can Be a Leader Just by Listening Better

Want to stand out without scoring 30?

💥 Be the player who’s always listening. 

💥 Be the player who gives feedback. 

💥 Be the player who repeats instructions so teammates don’t miss it. 

💥 Be the one who says: “We’re good. We know what to do.”

That’s real leadership. That’s what coaches trust. That’s who plays more.

Final Words — Focus Isn’t Perfection. It’s Re-Focus.

💥 You will zone out sometimes. You will miss things. That’s normal. But what matters is that you catch yourself and come back.

The best athletes aren’t perfect — they’re just better at re-locking in. And now, you’ve got the tools to do that, too.

💡 Remember:

❤️ “If I don’t get it — I ask.” 

❤️ “One clear thing is better than five vague ones.” 

❤️ “My attention is my responsibility — and my edge.” 

❤️ “Leaders listen. Then they lead.”