February 8th, 2016 | Uncategorized
As much as the focus is on having fun at 14u Elks training, everyone is also there to get better and learn. With many of my players learning the fundamentals, some of the drills and exercises can be tough for them at first. A new ball handing drill for instannce or lay ups on the left side will often be met with the response of “I CAN’T do that.”
This unspeakable word, CAN’T, is what the girls have come to know as my ‘least favorite word.’ It’s because when I hear it, I make it a point that they should never say it, or even think it in the gym!
What many young athletes don’t realize is the importance of failure. For anyone working towards becoming better at something, it is not easy to put the failures and missteps into perspective as a part of the learning process to becoming great. In the grand scheme, failure is one of the most important parts of success. The best players are the ones that take mistakes on the chin, accept it, and say ‘I’ll get the next one.”
In any coaching session I do, I’ve emphasized the importance of persistence in any drill. You won’t get something on the first try, but you’re not meant to! No one has ever shot a layup perfectly the first time they’ve tried. If was easy, anyone can do it. If you aren’t losing the ball on a new ball handling drill, then you’re not doing it hard enough.
Your limits are only as high or low as you set them. If you refuse to accept that you can’t do something, the sky is the limit.
Victory Scholar: Clare Sullivan
Present University: Ulster University
US League Partner: Patriot League
Club/Community Partner: Ulster Elks
Alma Mater: The College of the Holy Cross
Sponsored by: Teamwear Ireland
