3 TRUTHS EVERY PLAYER MUST UNDERSTAND

Coach Shea played both college baseball and basketball. He has coached high school athletes for over 40 years, including 30 years as the Bishop Connolly Boys Varsity Coach. Coach Shea has also coached and mentored thousands of players through various camps and clinics.

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” Winston Churchill

Even when things are going well competitive athletics constantly presents new challenges and obstacles for a player to overcome. Players must deal with a variety of circumstances some which are out of their control. Situations arise that are unfair, unfortunate, and challenge their mental toughness. Here are the 3 TRUTHS that will help players understand how competitive sports functions. Sit down with your player and make sure they understand these 3 TRUTHS…..# 3 IS THE MOST IMPORTANT!! 

 

  1. COACHES WANT TO WIN 

 

This is an important truth for players to understand. ALL COACHES want to win. Even rec league coaches want to win. When a rec coach substitutes  the better players play more and the lesser players play less. Or maybe the rec coach mixes lineups that gives the team the best chance to win. When playing TRUE competitive sports  playing time will be directly proportional to your ability to help your team win. It’s really THAT simple. Show your coach you can help the team win and you will play. 

 

  1. THE BEST PLAYERS PLAY 

 

The coach wants to win so the players who give the team the best chance to win will play. When we refer to BEST PLAYERS we are talking about MVP & All-Star level players. If you are not an MVP or All-Star level player you are a ROLE player and  playing time will be determined by game situations and coaching decisions. Players often question why they don’t get more playing time and the answer is simple….YOU’RE A ROLE PLAYER!! 

 

  1. IF YOU WANT TO BE THE BEST PLAYER YOU MUST PRACTICE ON YOUR OWN 

This is the most important truth your player needs to understand to be successful. Most players do what they are REQUIRED to do by the coach and no more. Some players put in  little extra work to sharpen their skills. The BEST PLAYERS do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get better …..Strength & conditioning….skills…IQ.. 

They are obsessed with maximizing their abilities and being totally prepared to perform when called upon. They earn the trust of the coach & teammates and help their team win games. They don’t have to worry about DADDY BALL or be taken out of the game for one mistake. The coach gives them a longer leash because they have PROVEN themselves. 

 

Once young players accept these 3 TRUTHS their competitive sports experience will make more sense.  

Raise your skill level……Earn the trust of your coach…..help you team win…..you will play. 

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