Too often people get caught up in the statistics that a player possesses. Their points per game, vertical jumps and their overall skills. Sometimes the fact that they aren't the best player on the field is ok because they have extraordinary character, work ethics or personalities. It's what they bring besides skill that is important. Athletes full of optimism and good work ethics are very important parts of successful teams.
I thought that Tahirah Williams was a very important part of her team because she was always upbeat and high fiving everyone. Keeping your team upbeat and optimistic at all times is important. It pays off. It doesn't show up in the score sheet but it pays off. I thought she was important just cheering from the bench in the 2008 Elite 8 game vs. Rutgers.
I think players who get injured can be inspirational to their team. Even if they return with less skill then before their injury, they usually bring with them a determination and will to win. They bring with them toughness and a great work ethic. They also make the most of all their opportunities. That will all rub off on their teammates. Teams can also use injuries as rallying points. It forces everyone else to pick it up and play better to make up for a lost player.
Being a part of a team doesn't always have to do with skill level. Often times it's a combination of things that includes chemistry, personality and character. You can't measure that and put it in a box score. It often goes unnoticed, yet it has a huge impact on teams.
Hard workers in practice are really important because they challenge everyone else.
Players who lack amazing skill but bring with them hard work and optimism will always be a vital part of a team.
People tend to do what people around them are doing in group settings. If a few people are working hard, everyone will begin to work hard. If people are goofing off, others will goof off. That's why having high character hard workers are important, even if they don't receive the most playing time. They will always push everyone else on the team to work hard and be the best that they can be.
This is also why it's very important to choose wisely for captains and why seniors are so important on teams. They both have a lot of influence over their teammates. If they set good examples, everyone else will fall in line.
People also will believe things that are said over and over again. Someone who keeps people upbeat will help their teammates believe that a game is still winnable until the very last second. If people think a game is a lost cause they won't bother chasing down a ball with 10 seconds left.
Players with big personalities who are confident and upbeat are very important. Often times athletes will gravitate to someone on their team who has a big personality. That big personality has a lot of influence on everyone else on a team. If they are positive and upbeat they will be a good influence on their teammates.
I think teams cut "Big Personality Players" if they become negative because they are so influential. I love Terrell Owens and his work ethic, but I think he is an example of this. T.O. has a big personality and he sucks people in with it. It can be good for team chemistry if he stays positive, but bad if he starts to complain.
Everyone on a team is important.
No comments:
Post a Comment