Having had a speed and strength training business for years now, speed and strength are the two skills that attract parents to us. It doesn’t matter what the age, parents are constantly looking for the help so that their athlete can be better at his/her sport.

So most of the time those are the two assets they want worked on. Another one, not really an asset, but a reason to do training with us, is injury prevention. Traumatic injuries are happening to kids at younger and younger ages. It doesn’t matter how good an athlete is, if they are injured and sitting next to the coach on the bench, they can’t be helpful to the team.

Having watched tons of youth games from high school age down to the pee-wees, I think there is one asset that is not being developed properly. Which I can’t understand why that is because kids are specializing in their sports at a younger age. Thus, this asset should be the least of an athlete’s worries.  But it isn’t.

That asset being underutilized is the athlete’s mind.

What I see from these athletes is a lack of understanding about their sport even as they get older into “tougher” competition. The basic concepts seem to be lacking in these sports. They constantly have to think about what to do next. It just doesn’t come from instinct.

I have athletes that aren’t as physically gifted as others. It will take a longer time to see some of the physical improvements that they want to see. Because of that they will ask me what more can they do to be better at their sport?  

My answer is to know more about the basic strategies of your sport. Know it inside and out. The more you know, the more you can anticipate things happening in your sport that could help you make up for your lack of skill in other areas.

Here are some examples of what I’m talking about:

  • What is the basic concept of the game? That may sound simple, but in basketball it is to put the ball in the basket and prevent the other team from doing likewise. If you are running a play, but no one is between you and the basket, don’t keep focusing on the play. Drive in for a lay-up!

  • Recognize things that might help you during the game. Who are the weaker athletes on the other team? Who are the stronger athletes? Who can’t use their weaker arm/leg? Notice these things and take advantage of them when the opportunity arises.

  • How do your current strengths help you in your sport? Are you faster than other kids? Can you jump higher? Can you dribble better than others? Know your strengths and once again, take advantage of the opportunity to use them in your game.

  • Learn from a coach and understand the basic strategies of your sport that will provide success. I got a good idea about winning strategies in the sports that I played, but have no clue what would provide you an advantage in soccer or lacrosse. I’m sure there are some. Learn those advantages. The more you know about your sport, the better the advantage you will have over your opponent.

Bottom line is this: Your athletic gifts may or may not make you able to do some of the things required in your sport. But, it should not affect your mind and where you need to be positioning your body to be successful.

You should know where you are on the field/court. If things are flowing one way, you should know the counter to that. Knowledge truly is power and in sports it definitely applies.  

If you physically can’t shoot very well, then you should make up for it (besides shooting extra shots at practice) by knowing exactly what you are doing on each and every play. Better than anybody else.  

Fact of the matter some people will never be able to dunk a basketball. But that has no impact on you knowing what your opponents strong or weak hand is and how to use that to your advantage. BE SMART!!

Photo courtesy of The U.S Army on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter/