Take A Chance

Effort is everything.
In sports and in life.

One of the best pieces of advice that I have ever received was from an old coach and principal. He said, "Don't ever be too afraid to go after a job. If you get it, you will figure it out."

I think the same things apply in sports. Don't ever be too afraid to play, to get in the action, or to try something. Make or miss, you will figure it out, but you can only figure it out if you are in the game.

Just work, take a chance, and learn from your experiences.

One thing that I try to push for, especially with my younger kids, is to just get involved in the game. Get a touch. Get in the middle of the action. Don't stand around the outside of the pile; get in the middle of it.

Learn how to get in, to fight, and to make a play.

Once we get in there and start making mistakes, then we can learn and grow and get better.

Athletes have to learn how to embrace the messiness while you are learning. It won't always be pretty, but that is what growth and getting better is all about.