I can’t hold my tongue any longer. I’ve watched too many games this past year from little kids up to pros and I’ve come to the conclusion that we as coaches are ignoring potentially an athlete’s biggest asset – their mind.

I see so many athletes doing dumb things during the games. Where did they learn or not learn how to do or not do these things??

Now let me be crystal clear, I’m not saying these kids are dumb as in … well, literally dumb. Even though that certainly could be the case for a few. What I’m talking about is that they have no clue how to play the game their playing.

They don’t understand strategy.

They don’t know subtle nuances of the game.

They know physically what to do in the game, they just don’t know HOW to play the game.

I almost want to establish a program that is a classroom setting of learning how to play your particular sport. I want to create a test that young athletes should take to learn how to win at your sport beyond just being physically stronger or faster than your opponent.

I know I’ve written posts before about being smarter than your opponent will really give you an advantage. Now, I’m more convinced than ever that this would be the case.  

I watch coaches on the sidelines continually yelling at their players things to do in their game; rather than just yelling when it is necessary and letting them figure out some of these things on their own.

“Jim, run over there.  Joe move the ball here….here can’t you hear me. Now get it to Jim. C’mon do it now!!”

If I do create a class, here is what I would include to make these athletes smarter:

  • The simplistic version of a sport i.e. put the ball in the basket, win the race, score a touchdown and get points on the board.
  • Know all the rules of the sport.
  • Some of the situational strategies to improve the chances of the object of the sport to happen. I.E. what you need to do to run a race effectively, how to set a pick, overload a side to give you an advantage, how to wear out your opponent to give you an advantage.
  • Take advantage of your strengths and your opponents weaknesses. Know what you are good at and what they are not good at and exploit it. I.E. Can they dribble? Are they slow? Do they not know how to play the game?
  • Know your own strategy inside and out. Know your plays and variations of them like it is the Bible. Why am I watching basketball games where the season is about over and kids are running around (high school kids mind you) that look like they have no clue what the play is??

If kids could just address the above areas, being smarter than your opponent can give you a big advantage when you play. You can anticipate plays better and make up for any lack of skill you might have.

But, here is the absolute DUMBEST thing I see with today’s young athletes.

THEY DON’T WORK HARD ON THEIR SPORT WHEN THEY ARE NOT TOLD TO DO IT!

Meaning, instead of being on their phone, laptop, tablet, etc., they are spending some free time working on their sport. Practicing their dribbling, taking whacks off the tee, juggling for soccer, etc.

Unless they are being forced to by their parents, they will not do these things. Then they scratch their heads why they aren’t in the starting lineup.  Or why so-and-so continues to beat them in competition.

Please, please, please, stop being dumb young athletes of America. Starting positions are not handed to you. Championship trophies are not given to you. College scholarships do not magically appear because you participate in a sport.

They are all earned!! Be smart about your sport. If you want to have fun, take advantage of your brain power, learn your sport, and use it to your advantage. And for Pete’s sake, don’t wait for someone to tell you to go outside and work on your game. Make that decision all by yourself and just do it because you want to succeed and be the best you can be.

Photo courtesy of Play It Smart Centennial on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/130710700@N07/