Almost every day sports fans read about various professional teams doing everything they can to improve their team’s sports performance. Whether it’s a manager/coaching change, a trade for a new player, or the addition of a strength & conditioning training guru, or introducing sports therapy approaches, trying to figure out the “right formula” for success is every General Managers goal. Some GM’s believe there is a science to sport success that can be measured through various performance markers, like Yards per Game or a Batting Average, while others feel it is more of an art when putting together the right personaliities to work together on a team. And of course, there are others that feel it’s a little bit of both science and art! (Peak Performance for Youth Coaches).So what are the most salient variables that impact athletic performance? Based on my experiences in sports, I offer the following list of the most important features for teams to consider when looking to improve athletic performance:Athletic SkillsThis is an easy one – like the saying goes “ya gotta have the horses to win.” Having talent, of course, is always going to help a team find success, but is having talent alone enough? Think about how many teams at the start of each season look great “on paper,” yet finish the season far below expectations? We see this all the time, from the pros all the way down to youth sports!CoachingHow much does coaching play into team success (or lack thereof)? This is a question of great debate, frankly. Some people feel that getting the “right” coach is often the missing link, while others feel as though coaches often get too much credit for winning, and too much blame for losing. To the degree that the coach impacts a team’s success can certainly be debated, but most would agree that finding the right coach for a program can – and often does – make a big difference. In my opinion the fit of a coach to a team is probably more important than how successful a coach has previously been.Mood State and ConfidenceA player’s mood state and level of confidence are major factors when it comes to athletic success. An athlete may have all the skills in the world, but if he is constantly worried, nervous, and afraid to play all-out (and instead plays to avoid losing), then it really doesn’t matter how good he is “on paper.” Unfortunately, not enough General Managers and front office personnel look at these factors, and instead spend a disproportionate amount of time looking for better players, rather than spending resources on developing what they already have. When players regularly feel good about the team culture, and are confident in their own abilities (as well as their teammates), then it is quite likely the team will play at a high level.IncentivesWhat does the athlete have to play for when it comes to competition? Pro athletes play for lucrative salaries, college athletes play for a chance to get drafted by the pros, and kids play for, well, they actually play for a number of reasons, including simply pleasing their parents. My point is that the more incentive an athlete has to play hard, the more likely the athlete will be motivated, resulting in the athlete playing above what she is supposedly capable of doing. When teams have a true incentive to improve and succeed, this often allows them to over-achieve, usually leading to a successful season.ResiliencyHow quickly do athletes bounce back from bad plays, terrible games, or even forgettable seasons?! Defeated athletes will lose motivation, confidence, and interest in playing hard, resulting in under-achievement. Conversely, motivated athletes play “over their head” and harness positive adrenaline to help them bounce back from tough days. In sports, resiliency is mandatory if success is to occur. Teams that quickly bounce back from adversity win more games, resulting in stronger team climate and culture.Of course, there are many more variables that mediate athletic success, but in my experience the ones I have listed here are vitally important for teams to play at their highest levels. Saavy GM’s realize these “intangibles” I have listed here are vitally important to team success, and they often bring in outside resources and personnel so they can create a positive, winning culutre for their franchise.Take a closer look at your favorite team and see how they stack up —- if nothing else, perhaps my article today will help you at that next fantasy sports draft when sizing up your players on watch!www.drstankovich.com
