By Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr.
The football season is half-way over for most high schools. Players are having to juggle school, and sports responsibilities. It is a busy, but fun time for most involved. With the ball already rolling, I want to present the third and final installment of How To Have A Successful Season to the student athletes. Hopefully these tips will help them as they go through this season.
1. Be a STUDENT-Athlete- For most athletes the dream in life is to become a professional at whatever sport you play. The fact of the matter is, the odds of that happening are very low. According to research, there is a 2.4 percent chance of a player making the NFL. For all other sports, both male and female, the chances fall between 1.3 percent or worse. With that low number in mind, you as an athlete need to keep your head in the books. You should make sure that while you are growing your talent as an athlete, you are dedicating as much time to growing academically. Sports can be used as a tool to get you into college, if you are good enough. However, when it comes time, you have to have the grades, and an ACT score good enough to get in. So, as hard as you work on your game, you should work twice as hard on your study habits. Use sports to help you get into college, but do not look at it as the end all, be all for your life.
2. Control Your Emotions- Once you have made a team, it is obvious that physically you were good enough to do so. What will separate you from others on your team is the ability to control your emotions, and play the game mentally. Players who spend a lot of time pouting, and showing frustrations on the field or court are seen as mentally weak, immature individuals. When coaches come to scout you for college, this is something that is taken into consideration. Players who are extra demonstrative when they make a good play are also frowned upon. Some people feel you should just make the good play, and move on, no need to tell everyone “look at what I just did”. You have to find a good balance. Honestly, it is hard to contain your emotions in a competitive environment. When I was playing, I made an effort to not show much emotion while playing. However, there were times when they would come out. That is just a part of the game. As an athlete, you have to make sure you do not get too high when things are going well, or too low when they are not. Try hard to be as even-keeled as possible, it will help you in the long run.
3. You Are Being Watched- Back when I was younger, my Dad would take me to the Everett vs. Sexton basketball games. During this time, the teams were loaded with stars such as Desmond Ferguson, Bruce Doll, Julian VanDyke, Ron Banks and Saddi Washington, just to name a few. I looked up to them, because they were from my hometown, and they played the game well. They may not have known, but a lot of us were looking up to them. The same can be said for you. Regardless of your age, people are watching how you play, as well as, how you act on and off the court. Please keep this in mind as you are playing and in the community. You may not realize it, but you are being watched at every step. Whether you are in the hall at school, at the mall, or the skating rink your actions effect you, your family, and your team. Please be aware of that. Carry yourself with dignity, and self-respect wherever you go.
4. Hard Work Pays Off- One mistake that athletes make is not working hard in the offseason. That is where you create the habits, and work ethic that will help you get playing time once the season starts. Just because you make a team one year, does not mean you are guaranteed a spot the next. You have to keep working hard to keep your spot, because the guy that did not make the team, will be coming for it. Do not rest on the fact that you are better than him now, because he can pass you.
5. Be Honest With Yourself- A lot of athletes think just because they made the team, they should automatically get playing time. Just like I said to the parents, this is not true. You can not just show up to practice, not practice hard, and think you will get playing time. Coaches use practice to put the game plan in place, and see who can execute it. So, if he teaches a new play, and you do not know it, why should he play you once it is game time? There have been plenty of times that coaches have sat players who may be more skilled, but are not as coach-able as another player. You may be better than a guy on the team, but if that other guy is willing to listen, and working harder than you, he will get your playing time. So, make sure that you pay attention to what is going on. Make sure you work hard at every practice or be prepared to sit more than you actually think you should.
Well, there you have the last of my three part series. The things that I said are not anything new under the sun. Just a reminder of things that can be done as parents, coaches, and student athletes to have a successful season. I wish you all much success in this school year, both academically, and athletically.
I’m Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. and I approve this message.
Jimmy L. Wilson, Jr. is a writer that enjoys watching, playing, and talking about sports. He coaches basketball at the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing. You can visit his blog at
mrwilson42.blogspot.com for thoughts on current sports events. Follow him on twitter @JimmyLWilsonJr, and feel free to email any feedback to him at jimmyl.wilsonjr@gmail.com.
This was printed in the September 23, 2012 – October 6, 2012 Edition
