Email Campaign Archive

What Is an Athlete?

By Mike Tully

Let's take a look at two players in our school
right now.

One is short and slow.

The other is slight of build, and has very little
experience.

These two players have three things in common:
Neither one fits the classic definition of an
athlete. Both could have easily been overlooked
during a tryout. Both will be an asset to our
program.

That's because being an athlete is not a matter
of how big and strong you are, or high you can
jump or how fast you can run. It's a state of
mind.

Don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong with
running fast, jumping high, or hitting hard. But
being an athlete is primarily in the mind. Let me
give you two examples from yesterday's practice.

One player walked in about 10 minutes late and said
she had forgotten her sneakers. Another followed
and said she "really didn't feel that good."
Neither one seemed very interested in hanging
around practice to observe.

Listening these two athletes crystalized what
"Yes, I Can!" is all about: Being an athlete is a
state of mind. It's a way of thinking, a way of
looking at things, a way of organizing time.

 "Yes, I Can!" Director Dave Cross makes this point
in his annual presentation at overnight camp.
Coach Cross asks the campers to imagine a transfer
to their school. According to all scouting
reports, this athlete brings the qualities of a
state champion. Then Coach Cross asks this
question: What exactly ARE those championship
qualities?

One by one, campers respond. The answers soon
show a pattern. Most of the qualities are mental,
not physical. Here are just some of the qualities
that go into being an athlete. Take a look at this
list and see how many of your players exemplify
them.

An athlete loves to participate. An athlete wants
to be in the gym, whether it's for a game, a
practice, or an open session. Athletes will
arrange their schedule to make sure they never
miss. An athlete wants to improve, and will have
the necessary curiosity to make it happen. An
athlete takes responsibility for this process. An
athlete accepts coaching, and will seek out
coaches for help. Athletes pay attention at
practice and in huddles. An athlete is a worker.
There is no substitute for it. An athlete is
focused on the present, and on the task.  

As coaches, one of our jobs is to make sure we are
not fooled by those who seem to have the whole
physical package. I've wasted many hours over the
years trying to get "athletes" to show some
interest, while short-changing "non-athletes" who
desperately wanted to improve.

There's no guarantee that everyone with the
athletic mindset will wind up as a top performer.
But one thing is for sure: No one will ever become
a top performer without this mindset.
 

-Mike Tully is a member of the "Yes, I Can!"
coaching staff. You can hear him now on his "Pep
Talk" hotline at (973) 773-2151.