Photo: St. Johns University Athletics
Nobody wants to be the team that gets upset. Through the first round of this year’s March Madness tournament, most of the favorites have had this exact mentality and won their matchups. If you only look at the final scores, you would think they were mostly comfortable wins. But if you actually watched these games, a lot of them were not as clean as they seem. Higher-seeded teams came out aggressive, ready to compete, and controlled the early stages of the games. They kept the games close and at times, it felt like an upset was brewing.
As the games progressed, the better teams began to adjust. What were close games at halftime turned into convincing wins by the final minutes. Instead of forcing the same approach all game (like Purdue in my last post), they started to shift their strategies to fit the current situation. It may not be their preferred style, but it gave them control in that specific matchup. Once those adjustments were in full stride, the difference between high and low-seeded teams became clear.
Adjusting isn’t always about completely changing everything; it’s about recognizing what the moment requires. It’s understanding when what you’re doing isn’t working and having the awareness to shift the approach before it’s too late. The best performers in any situation don’t panic when things go off track. They assess it, make intentional changes, and regain control of the situation. It’s not always doing what you’re most comfortable with or what has worked in the past. It’s about doing what gives you the best chance to succeed in the present.
Adjustments are what separate teams that are successful from those who aren’t. Early success can keep you in the game, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. Every situation changes, and the ability to recognize and respond to it is what determines the outcome. It’s important to have a plan, but don’t get stuck in it. Going forward, make sure to always pay attention to what’s right in front of you, and adjust when the moment calls for it.
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