to have (one’s) head in the right place

Welcome to English as a Second Language Podcast number 1,103 – Sports Tryouts.

This is English as a Second Language Podcast episode 1,103. I’m your host, Dr. Jeff McQuillan, coming to you from the Center for Educational Development in beautiful Los Angeles, California.

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This episode is a dialogue between Marcela and Kenji about trying to become a member of a sports team. Let’s get started.

Marcela: All right, you’re ready for these tryouts. You’ve passed your physical. You’ve trained for months. You’re going to make that team.

Kenji: It’s okay. I don’t need a pep talk. I’m just going to do the best I can.

Marcela: Yes, but you want to have your head in the right place. You’re going to dominate the field. You’re going to intimidate the other players.

Kenji: No, I only want to impress the coach. I’m going to play hard and hold nothing back.

Marcela: Yes, that’s fine, but you want to send a message to the other players