Coach's Corner
Warm-Up
“So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.” — John 8:36
Split into two teams and then take off your shoes and throw them into two separate team piles. Keep track of where your shoes are while someone from the other team takes 30 seconds to tie all of the shoelaces together. On the leader’s command, the first group to untie their shoes wins.
- What was the hardest part of getting your shoes untangled and freed up?
- How did it feel to finally have your shoes separated from the others and back on your feet?
Everybody has expectations for you as an athlete—including you! It can be especially easy to feel trapped by the world’s expectations for your life. Expectations means what other people think you should be and how you should act. But trusting God’s plan and embracing your identity in Christ will allow you to stay untangled and free to do your best no matter what.
Workout
A lot of things might go through your mind while you compete, and many of those thoughts can involve your expectations, others’ expectations and maybe even God’s expectations. To make matters worse, there are often feelings of comparison—trying to be like someone else or wanting what someone else has.
There’s no freedom to do your best with that kind of conflict and confusion and doubt swirling around inside of you. It’s easy in those moments to feel unsure of what to do.
- What are some athletic expectations that sometimes make you feel stuck from reaching your goals?
- How often do you think about God’s expectations for your athletic performance?
Freedom in your athletic performance is the same as freedom in other areas of your life. You won’t find true freedom anywhere without Christ.
That was His message to the people who believed He was God’s Son:
“If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31–32
When you surrender everything to God, you can fully embrace your identity in Christ and become free to do your best no matter what.
Wrap-Up
Here are three ways you’ll experience through God’s greater freedom. Discuss each point with your athletes according to the scripture given.
- Freedom from worry. Phillipians 4:6
- Feedom from doubt. Proverbs 3:5
- Freedom from Fear. 2 Timothy 1:7
Lead your team in prayer.