Another weekend and another series of games. We showed well overall and got wins in both our matches. It was another opportunity to coach, observe, listen and share what I have earned over the numerous years of not only playing "The Beautiful Game", but having been around those that have played it at levels higher than I have.
Everyone wants to be a "pro". Everyone says it, but do they truly understand what it actually takes to become a professional athlete? It means more. It means you have to be willing to do everything it takes and even submit yourself to doing things that you have never done to get to that highest of levels.
To be a professional athlete means you are willing to give up feeling comfortable to work at your craft. Evenings spent playing video games or hanging out with friends are replaced with doing extra technical training or going to a strength and power workout. It means putting time into improving your sprint technique and explosiveness when everyone else is meeting at the local burger place. It means watching film of yourself in a match to critically define what you are doing well and what things you need to improve upon. It means taking your recovery as an important factor in the path to success and using the proper mental tools to hone your focus and problem solving faculties so that when "The Moment" comes, you are ready.
I have had a multitude of conversations with my athletes over the years and taken the time to ask my athletes "What are you goals"? and quite a few of them have said "I want to go pro". So, naturally, the next question to follow is "Cool, but waht are you doing to get there"? That question always seems to stump even the smartest of the bunch which generally means they have no idea what it takes. Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Koby Jones, Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo all knew and know that what it takes is doing what no one else wants to do. Work.
The "work" is making sure that your grades are top notch. The "work" is getting to the gym and improving upon your physical weaknesses , being the first one in and the last to leave. The "work" is seeking out opportunities to get better at the "little things" like dribbling, shooting, making the right runs and the right time, heading the ball correctly or spending time on your jump shot or free throws. The "work" is done when no one is looking and doesn't stop when the bright lights of the field or court are on. It is getting in early for treatment on a nagging injury and when physically well, taking time to do a proper recovery to make sure you readty for the next practice or game. The "work" is taking time to mentally prepare yourself not only for success, but for failure and then using the tried and true techniques that will help you when the next challenge present itself.
We, as physical therapist, athletic trainers, performance coaches, parents and players all see the wonderous magic of those professional athletes we follow when they step onto the pitch/field or court. But have you ever stopped to think about what they did, what "work" they put in behind the cheers and celebrations to get to where they are?
If this is a path, you think about wanting to take then I present this to you. Are you ready, willing and wanting to sacrifice? Are you ready to do the "work" that is required of you to get to that next level? There are many, that are not, but are you that one that is?
Do the "work". Do the time. Do it at an elite level. Do it at ElitelevelPT.
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