By Paul LubanskiI realize that we are in a mid-summer mindset but I feel it is still a good time to both introduce and emphasize one of THE most critical messages a parent or coach can attempt to convey to a player or team and and it is thus: You MUST approach each drill in practice with the same energy and enthusiasm you would bring to an overtime shift in a state championship game.
In other words, you have to realize that practice is where the most vital and significant improvement in your game will take place, NOT in a game. In fact, the game simply affords you the opportunity to exploit the skills you have honed while practicing.
The above-mentioned concept is universal in nature. It applies to ALL sports, ages and play levels.
For example, my youngest son enters year one of Division I collegiate hockey-action this fall and throughout the years as his dad and number-one supporter, I constantly reminded him that his practice effort was just as important than his game effort. Consequently, his last three coaches at both the AAA and Junior A levels singled him out as the hardest day-to-day (off-ice), practice-to-practice and game-to-game worker they had ever coached. All rewarded him with the captaincy designation. In my opinion, that is one of the ultimate sports-related compliments you could ever bestow upon a young player.
Why?
That energy he/she displays helps to set an example to others and is often-times contagious. So parents and coaches, it is really up to you to deliver this extremely crucial directive and pay close attention to insure that it is carried out.
You see, in my mind, a team replete with hard-working and dedicated practice players is a team of potential champions and future individual all stars.
And, quite frankly, you shouldn't be coaching or allowing your child to play if being both "the best you can be" as a team and as an individual is not the stated goal.
Best of luck.
Paul Lubanski
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