Being talented is not a “piece of cake.” First, it creates expectations. Expectations for a 14 year old that need to be earned while still a “spoiled” teenager.  There are bumps in the road for anyone. How we bounce back from those bumps and what we learn is critical when the decision-making is solely our responsibility.

The 14 year old only has what older people say he can do. Most of them have no idea what it will take. And, there are too many to listen to anyway. The truth is nobody knows what it takes. The one thing I do know for sure is the individual athlete needs to take responsibility for everything in his/her life. No one can do it for you.

There are things to learn, experiences to have and the knowledge that no one knows what it takes to get where the athlete wants to go. The willingness to learn and work hard on what is learned is key. Having a coach who can show you the way is a must. Maybe most important is learning to play well with others.

What the athlete needs to know:

• His coach feels he/she has a high level of talent

• That he has no idea how to play the game, really

• The odds are against success, but worthy of going for if properly prepared

 

The athlete has three domains to work with to accomplish their end results:

• Talent—Natural athleticism.

• Skill—Always developing this including the enhancement of strength, agility and finesse

• Ability—The consistent application of talent and skill regardless of the circumstances, this includes physical and mental approach including the “bounce back” from adversity including “bad luck”

We never want to discourage anyone from going for their dreams. They just want to do so knowing they didn’t sort-change their efforts in any way.
Check the bookstore for Coach Todd’s books that will give you ways to impact your own performance.