To avoid having regrets later and to reach one’s potential, a great work ethic is mandatory in sports.
Legendary coach John Wooden said, “Many athletes have tremendous God-given gifts. … Who are these individuals? You have never heard of them and you never will.”
In other words, there are a lot of gifted athletes who never reach their potential.
What is the missing ingredient that prevents many athletes from reaching their potential? A good work ethic. The good news is that this can be developed in kids — and stressing self-discipline in a positive way is one of the best things that adults can do for kids in youth sports.
Many people believe that a love of sport must be necessary in order for players to work hard. I have found in my years of coaching that this is not always the case. Many of my students work hard even when it is not their favorite sport because they have developed a work ethic and a dedication to give their best at all endeavors. Often, it is only when their hard work turns into success that a love for that sport develops; the hard work came first.
It is important to note that with this emphasis on preparation over results, players develop a positive self-esteem regardless of whether or not they are successful.
It is also important to note that adults constantly “harping” on kids to work hard usually turns them off more than it serves to motivate them.
Finally, kids who develop a good work ethic in sports generally recognize the importance of hard work in every endeavor they pursue, which is ultimately the goal of preaching a good work ethic in sports.
Following are suggestions for parents that will help develop a good work ethic in their kids.
1. Parents need to display a great work ethic in their own lives.
2. Learn to praise effort, not results.
3. Avoid false praise, which congratulates children for a job well done when the effort was apparently lacking.
4. Make a point of noticing other hard-working athletes, telling such athletes how their effort is appreciated and using these athletes as an example to others.
6. Explain to kids that it is not the natural athletes who usually succeed in the long run but the steady, methodical athletes who continually work at their skills.
7. Let athletes know that they cannot usually control the outcome but they can control their amount of effort and preparation, which usually helps determine the outcome.
8. Encourage athletes to keep positive images in their mind and remind them to try to keep the bad moments out of mind.
9. Explain that you consider them a success when they display the “will” to prepare to be their best.
Jack Perconte is author of “Raising an Athlete,” and writes for the blog positiveparentinginsports.com.
