say, “we won because we had a good week of practice” or when they lose “we lost because we had a bad week of practice.”

Never in my life have I heard a coach or player say before any game yet to be played, “you know, Monday and Tuesday of this week we weren’t focused, but Wednesday and Thursday we really turned it around. Sadly, yesterday was a bit of a reversion and I hope we don’t continue with that into today’s game.”

Does practice impact game day. Absolutely. Is it the defining reason why a team wins or loses. Absolutely not. Bad play calls, in game adjustments (or lack thereof), lucky (or unlucky) bounces play a huge role on game day.