The excitement of football is in the air and many Americans are counting down the days until the season starts. However, before teams can convert on third-and-7 or force the offense to a three-and-out, coaches must teach the fundamentals of the game. Many fans tend to forget about the grind of fall camp, but I can vividly remember the grueling practices, pursuit drills during 7-on-7, and simulating various down and distances to prepare for the season.

Fall camp sets the precedent for the season, and normally displays how far your team will go in the postseason. Success does not just happen. It is a process of faith, belief, and re-centering yourself to reach your common goal to hoist the championship trophy at the end of the year.

Here are three ways fall camp can unify your team:

1. Handling adversity

During the season, there will be ups and downs and sudden change situations that the team will face. Fall camp teaches players to be mentality tough, and to be resilient at all times during the year. Adversity strikes with injuries, family tragedies and many other unforeseen circumstances.

2. Team camaraderie

Having the ability to bond with your teammates is truly something special, and allows many different young men from all walks of life to bond like no other. During my senior season at Michigan State, each senior had a night to address the team about their personal goals and visions for the team. It was one of the most powerful and impactful things I have ever experienced because we were able to connect with our teammates in a very unique setting.

3. Grit

Fall camp teaches players to persevere during the most trying times in their lives. When you feel like there is nothing in the tank or you have nothing to give, someone inspires you to keep going to earn what you are working so hard to attain. In life, you will be presented with situations that you will have to plow through, and football provides transferable skills like grit to get you through those tough times.

Work hard. Be great.

Ashton Henderson was a four-year letterman at defensive back for Michigan State University as well as an honor student and co-author with former teammate Travis Key of “Beyond The Gridiron: How to Successfully Transition into Collegiate Football,” a detailed account of what it takes to be a Division I college football player and successful in life. To learn more about their mission and purchase your copy today, visit www.beyondthegridironllc.com