And there are family, friends and a generally-caring atmosphere to be thankful for as well. For coaches and athletes around here, there is another, less-considered aspect of our life that is in need of recognition. We are blessed with a freedom to pretend that what we do is crucial, while retaining the luxury of knowing these are only games. Coaches are forever debating over what is the optimum amount of pressure their teams should feel to perform at their best. Once they have made up their minds, they proceed with trying to establish that level of pressure.
Some coaches think a relaxed, almost care-free team performs best.
Others are convinced that the best can be brought out only when the team senses that this game, this day, this moment in history, will seal their fate for eternity. When a team is relaxed going into a game and loses, the coach will criticize the team's mental preparation, intensity and dedication. When a team is so wired for a game that testing for amphetamines seems in order, and the team wins, the coach will take pride in having gotten the team properly motivated. When a team is severely cranked up for a game but loses, the coach is prone to talk about how the team let their emotions hinder their ability to think clearly and execute. The team choked under the pressure.