When it comes to sports, we love seeing the big plays (and the more dramatic, the better!). While big plays can be important, more times than not it is actually the little plays that help lead a team to success. Yes, one-handed catches and fancy dunks are fun to watch, but so many little, unseen things tend to happen in order for the big plays to occur. Setting a perfect pick, mastering footwork, knowing exactly where to be on defense — these are examples of things great athletes do, yet rarely are commended for doing so. With youth sports we often see the same things, where kids love making the big play, but tend to be not as interested when it comes to the mundane — yet vitally important — aspects of their position. Great coaches realize this, and a big reason why these coaches are great is that they get kids to buy into all of the things instrumental toward success, including the not-so-fun stuff.
Examining the “little things”
When I think of the little things that are invaluable when it comes to sport success the following immediately come to mind:
- Following directions
- Completing all responsibilities to the best of your ability
- Being an active listener
- Mastering all basic skills until they are automatic and in your muscle-memory
- Being early to every practice, and always ready to go
- Picking up teammates, especially those in distress
- Knowing your plays inside and out
- Understanding your unique position
- Being flexible, especially when the coach needs you to change position, or help in a new way
Obviously there are many more little things beyond the list above, but ask yourself if your child does many of the little things just listed? If not, could it be those “little things” holding her back, and not her natural talent? When kids buy-in to their unique role on the team, including the redundant aspects of their position, it provides for the best chance of individual success, as well as overall team success.
Final thoughts
Yes, it is certainly fun watching the big plays in sports, but if you look closely at each play you will see many players doing the dirty work (little plays) that rarely receive attention, yet are instrumental toward on-field success. It is important to help kids understand that team success is a product of both star players making big players, and average players being committed to making all the little plays that allow the big plays to happen!
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