Talent is Overrated*
Recent studies show that raw natural talent plays a very little part in whether at athlete is exceptional. While we parents would like to think that our kid is special/gifted/talented, studies show that what really makes them special is not what they are born with. The magic bean is not genetic gift- it’s hard work!
One great athlete in particular illustrates a more plausible reason for great success. Jerry Rice grew up in Mississippi and was a big star of his high school Football team. He was not a college star, as he was not fast enough. He was passed over by 15 pro teams before the niners picked him up. How was it, that he set records that beat every other wide receiver in history by 50%? There might never be another player like him EVER. Was it raw talent?
What Made Jerry Rice so Good?
In every practice, he went full bore the whole practice. Every time he caught a pass, he sprinted to the end zone. After everyone else had finished practice, jerry worked on. He did about 20 extra hours a week of training… on his own! He ran wind sprints on hills after practice. He lifted weights out of season to increase his explosive power and cutting agility. He ran 3-5 mile training runs for endurance. He worked his tail off, and played 20 seasons in a position where most players are lucky to last 10. In short, he trained so hard, that his games were physically easy for him.
There is a message here… train hard. (Play HARD or go Home!) Sprint every practice, all practice long. Never walk. Train with weights. Do stuff on your own. Just because you think you are good enough does not mean that you are correct. It is okay if you want to only work a little hard. But, expect mediocre results. Know that when you get to high school, other harder workers will get the spots on the team. Be ready for what you have earned.
Practice makes perfect?
This is the old adage. But the definition of practice is kind of “mucky” It’s more like “Concise, deliberate, perfect practice makes perfect”.
Deliberate practice…
Is NOT just doing the same thing over and over again. It is much more than that. Below are several elements:
It’s designed to improve performance
It is important that there is a coach. That coach needs to have few enough players that they can watch what is happening, and see what needs to be improved. Practice needs to be designed around what the players are doing wrong so that it can be fixed by intently working on weaknesses.
It must be repeated a lot
Do you think Tiger Woods is so good at his sand shots because he just hits out of the sand during tournaments? Or do you think he steps on the ball in the sand trap, then practices hitting it out hundreds of times?
I created “Your Stickwork Will Save You!” because it is offers a player motor skill development through repetition. The movements of stick handling need to become second nature, fluid and easy so that the cradle is not disturbed except by the most aggressive of checks.
Feedback on results is continuously available
The coach needs to be watching you almost non-stop. (Talking amongst themselves does not cut it) They must know what they are looking for, and be able to give open, honest feedback almost constantly about what is being done incorrectly, and needs to be fixed. They must make you repeat it until it’s right. A 10-1 coach to player ratio at Blue Dog Lax is paramount to continuous feedback, and constant improvement.
Practice is highly demanding mentally
Proper, deliberate practice must be focused and effortful. It requires intense concentration. You should be mentally exhausted after an hour of intense mental/physical practice. Practices are often 2 hours because it takes a bit to get everyone on the team warmed up, and rolling, stretched and focused. The scrimmage and cool down at the end offer fun and release, and a back away from the intensity of practice.
It isn’t always fun
Playing in games and tournaments is fun. Practice is not ALWAYS fun. It’s for teaching and learning. Concentration is a must have. At Blue Dog, so much is taught during practice that if people are allowed to come only to games and tournaments, the rest of the team is miles ahead because of what they learned at practice. Players who choose not to come to practice are often not well thought of by their teammates, and are quite honestly: left in the dust by the harder working players.
There is so much more to this discussion, it’s overwhelming. Your daughter deserves the best. Read the book, it’s better than I could ever explain it. Go ahead, search it up on Amazon. Buy it, read it, and let me know what you think. I base my program of Blue Dog Lacrosse on these (and other) ideas.
I want your hard –working kid on my club team. Is she up for the challenge?
If you choose another club maybe we will see you/play you during the club season! Have fun and Good luck!
Coach Jen
*Information/quotes taken from Geoff Colvin’s Book: Talent is Overrated
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