"Every Play is an IQ Test": The Code Yellow Approach

If there’s one thing you need to understand about winning—whether in sports, business, or life—it’s this:

Every play is an IQ test.

Every decision you make is either an asset or a liability. You’re either processing real-time information and executing with precision, or you’re getting steamrolled by someone who is.

The difference between a good player and a great one isn’t talent alone—it’s how fast they process the game. The best don’t react—they anticipate, position, and attack.

And that’s exactly how you need to operate in sales, leadership, and competition.

Let’s break this down sport by sport, play by play, so you understand exactly how to think ahead and make winning decisions in real time.

Football: Pre-Snap IQ Test

You’re on defense. The offense is lined up. If you’re just waiting for the snap, you’ve already lost.

Before the ball is even snapped, a smart player is processing:

• Down & Distance – Is this a run or pass situation? Is play-action coming?
• Game Clock – End of half? Two-minute drill?
• Field Position – Are they in four-down territory? Red zone?
• Personnel Packages – Is their best receiver in the slot? Tight end in motion?
• QB’s Habits – Does he stare down targets? Audible under pressure?

A great defender sees the play before it happens and attacks.

That’s Code Yellow.

Baseball: Every Pitch is a Chess Move

You step into the batter’s box. If you’re just waiting to react, you’re already out.

A real hitter is thinking:

• What’s the count? 0-2? You shorten up. 3-1? You attack.
• What’s the situation? Runners on? Two outs?
• What does the pitcher like to throw in this spot? Fastball high? Slider in the dirt?
• How is the defense set up? Playing deep? Shifted?

If you don’t know these things before the pitch is thrown, you’re swinging blind.

That’s Code Yellow.

Basketball: Decision-Making in Seconds

Basketball isn’t just running and gunning—it’s constantly analyzing.

• Time & Score – Are we holding for the last shot? Are we pushing the pace?
• Who’s guarding me? Is this guy slow laterally? Does he bite on fakes?
• Where’s the help defense? If I drive, am I getting swatted into next week?
• Who’s hot? Who’s cold? Do I force it or feed the right guy?
• Who’s in foul trouble? Can I attack their big and get him benched?

You don’t just play—you orchestrate the game.

That’s Code Yellow.

Golf: Every Shot Has a Purpose

Golf isn’t about swinging hard—it’s about making every shot count.

• Where’s the trouble? Water left? Bunker short?
• What’s the wind doing? Helping? Hurting?
• What’s my lie? Fairway? Deep rough? Uphill?
• What’s my score situation? Do I attack the pin or lay up?

The difference between a good golfer and a great one isn’t just mechanics—it’s thinking five moves ahead.

That’s Code Yellow.

Tennis: Every Shot is Calculated

• Where is my opponent? Deep? At the net? Out of position?
• What’s their weakness? Can they handle heavy topspin? Do they struggle against slice?
• What’s the score? Break point? Do I go for a winner or play safe?
• How are they moving? Are they gassed? Can I run them side to side?

If you’re just hitting shots without thinking, you’re letting your opponent dictate the match.

That’s Code Yellow.

Sales: The Ultimate IQ Test

And now—let’s bring this into sales.

• Who am I talking to? (Decision-maker or some gatekeeping intern?)

• What is their problem? (And what’s the real problem behind it?)

• Where are we in the process? (Is this an intro convo or time to close?)

• When do I push, when do I listen? (Are they leaning in, or pulling back?)

• Why haven’t they bought yet? (Objection? Fear? Lack of urgency?)

• How do I adjust my approach? (Am I coming in too hard, or do I need to turn up the heat?)

If you’re just pitching blindly, reading from a script, hoping they say yes—you’re done.

Sales is a sport. You either read the room and dictate the outcome, or you’re getting dictated to.

That’s Code Yellow.

Final Takeaway: Process Faster, Execute Sharper

It doesn’t matter if you’re lining up for a play, stepping into the batter’s box, dribbling up the court, or sitting across from a prospect.

Every moment is an IQ test.

Every decision is either an asset or a liability.

The best in the world?

• They’re not just reacting.
• They’re not just hoping.
• They’re three moves ahead.

So the question is—are you thinking before you act? Or are you just out there, hoping things work out?

Because let me tell you something—hope is not a f***ing strategy.

Stay in Code Yellow. Stay sharp. Stay ahead.