Brady vs. Eli. Belichick vs. Coughlin. Patriots vs. Giants. Just watching the game vs. teaching life lessons.
Say what you will about any of those first three match-ups. But that fourth one is no contest. When it comes to watching the Super Bowl with your youth football players, don’t just watch the game. Seize the teachable moments that are so available from football.
You can start even before the game does, asking questions based on how the Patriots and Giants even reached the Super Bowl. For example:
- What do you think of the Patriots adding Randy Moss to their team? He had a bad reputation in the past. If your team added a player with a lot of talent but a bad reputation, how would you feel? How would you treat that teammate?
- Remember when Tom Coughlin was yelling at his kicker after he missed the field goal against the Packers? What did you think of that? Does it help things or make them worse if a coach yells? What if he is yelling encouragement?
- At the beginning of the season, the Patriots were accused of breaking the rules by videotaping their opponents’ coaching signals. How much does that taint what the Patriots have achieved this year?
- The Giants seemed to be down and out when they were 0-2. What do you think they had to do to bounce back from that in order to make it all the way to the Super Bowl?
Notice that all the questions are open-ended. None of them can be answered “yes” or “no.” That way your player is more likely to answer with some substance and really open up the conversation.
Once the game starts, many plays also offer topics of conversation that can help youth players develop character and learn life lessons. For example:
- Did you see how Brady patted Welker on the back? That’s the type of support I hope you show your teammates.
- I love the way Strahan helps opponents up after a tackle. That shows some respect.
- Look at that touchdown dance. What do you think about players who make such a show like that?
It is unrealistic to expect a constant educational dialogue -- or worse, monologue -- during the game. Even if you discuss only on-field play or strategy, you still build important bonds through the game.
To further engage your players, ask them to point out the do’s and don’ts they spot. And make sure you listen.
As always, we hope for a good, clean, hard-played game. Fortunately, it seems the trend of Super Bowl blowouts is behind us. But no matter what happens on Sunday remember that teaching life lessons is a sure winner over just watching the game.
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This article is the second in a series of articles created exclusively for