For the past three weeks we’ve set a simple goal: go 1-0 each week. We can’t change the past and we can’t control the future, so staying grounded in the present remains the surest path to success. One way to stay present is to reflect on the lessons each game provides.
Last week we met our goal and went 1-0—but not without our first fumble of the season. Ball security and winning the turnover battle are pillars of any victory. We work on ball control every day, yet some moments—on the field and in life—defy preparation.
Picture this: after scoring twice in just three offensive snaps and watching our defense dominate the line of scrimmage, momentum was squarely on our side. A safety added two more points and set us up to receive a kick from the opponent’s 20-yard line. Our returner fielded the ball cleanly, cut back behind excellent blocking, broke tackles, and sprinted 52 yards. As he crossed the very 20-yard line where the kick had originated, it felt as if nothing could go wrong. A heartbeat later, at the 13-yard line, an unseen defender jarred the ball loose. The fumble was recovered by our opponent.
Football—and life—has a way of delivering the hit you never see coming. What was moments ago a peak experience can instantly turn into adversity. Resilience is the ability to bounce back when that happens. Whether in football, business, or everyday life, unexpected setbacks are inevitable. Our response is shaped by the resilience we’ve built in past encounters.
As coaches, we preach “expect the unexpected” and “get comfortable being uncomfortable.” But ultimately, it’s the players who must meet those moments head-on and prove their resilience.
Fortunately, our team did just that. They regrouped, reclaimed the momentum, and secured the win to reach their goal of going 1-0 last week. As we turn to this week’s opponent, the mission remains unchanged: stay present, prepare for adversity, and once again go 1-0—expecting the unexpected every step of the way.
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!
O Line Skills 