Focus on the next play, not the last.

Hey team — I want to talk about something every player, student, and kid in life runs into: the moment you wish you could take back. Maybe you missed an easy shot, tripped in front of everyone, said the wrong thing to a friend, or froze on a question. Those moments sting. They feel big. But one of the best habits you can build is learning how to focus on the next play, not the last. I say this as your coach: mistakes are part of the game, and how you respond matters more than the mistake itself.

When something goes wrong, your body and brain want to replay it again and again. That’s normal. A simple way to stop the replay is a small routine: breathe in for three seconds, breathe out for three seconds, stand tall, and say a short phrase to yourself like “Next play,” “Reset,” or “I’ve got this.” These tiny actions help your brain switch from thinking about the past to planning the next step. Think of it like changing the channel on a TV — you’re switching from the error channel to the action channel.

Here are some short, powerful phrases you can try in the moment. Say them quietly to yourself, out loud, or to a teammate: “One play at a time,” “I learn and move on,” “I’m ready for the next chance,” “Shake it off,” or “We keep going.” These aren’t magic words that erase feelings, but they are tools. They remind your body and mind that you are allowed to feel upset and still choose to act. Coaches, teammates, and friends do this too. When someone tells you “Next play,” they’re helping you stay focused on what you can control.

You can practice this off the field or court. During practice, purposely make a small mistake and immediately use your routine. Notice how it feels. The more you practice, the faster you’ll reset during real games or tough moments at school. Also practice kindness toward yourself the way a good teammate would. Instead of yelling at yourself, try saying what you’d say to a friend: “It’s okay. Try again.” That voice helps you learn faster because it keeps your brain open to trying new things instead of shutting down.

Remember, everyone—professional athletes, artists, scientists, and leaders—has bad moments. What makes people stronger is how they respond. Focusing on the next play doesn’t mean ignoring your feelings. It means naming them, letting them pass, and choosing a small action forward. Keep your phrases short, your breathing steady, and your head up. I believe in your ability to bounce back, take the next shot, make the next pass, and try again. One play at a time.