NEW CASTLE —
Want to know the secret to a successful athletic career?
Do your job ... completely.
That’s it. It really is that simple.
But it’s not easy.
If it were, there would be no such thing as a holding penalty, a turnover or a missed cutoff.
But let me be clear. For athletes, doing your job completely is primarily a mental task, with physical success usually the result.
In other words, there are no little things in competition. Everything matters, especially the mind, whether it’s the first play of the game or a last-second victory.
Let me give you an example.
While watching the Duke vs. Kentucky game the other night, Seth Curry nailed a three-pointer for the Blue Devils.
How did that happen? Let’s see if we can figure it out through a series of questions.
•Did Curry execute precision footwork?
•Was his body square to the hoop?
•Was his “elbow above the eyebrow” and did he “close with a pose” on his follow-through?
•Did Mason Plumlee set a great pick to free him?
•Did Quinn Cook give him a pass in the shot pocket?
•Did Curry catch the ball in shooting position?
•Did his opponent get caught sleeping on a screen?
•Did Coach K start the whole process by drawing up a terrific play?
Yes. On all counts.
Everything matters. Good and bad.
If it didn’t, nothing would.
So, as the high school basketball season officially tips off with tomorrow’s first practice, keep in mind those four simple words:
Do your job ... completely.
Know your role on the team and carry it out. Beginning to end. Finish what you start.
Because the “little things” aren’t really little things.
They’re all really big things. They’re just executed in small parts.
News Bloggers
Related Photos
-
About Tim Kolodziej: Tim is director of new media at The News. His blog appears each Thursday.
Discussion
Tim Kolodziej: There are NO little things in athletics
- News Bloggers
-
-
Gary Church: Speaking to Neshannock students lands me in principal’s office
When the phone rings, and the caller says, "Gary, Tim Kolodziej," I start bracing myself for another exciting adventure. On this particular occasion, he wanted me to speak at Neshannock High School, for Career Day.
-
Tim Kolodziej: Five lessons from the ‘gas pump karaoke’ couple (with video)
Consider this a warning. Your cheeks are going to ache from smiling so much. You’re going to be humming these songs until you go to bed tonight. You might even bust a dance move in your office. But that’s OK. Watch the accompanying video anyway.
-
Gary Church: Dang! I missed out on meeting Pat Toomey — whoever that is
Sometimes I say "Yes" to something before I think about it. I received a call from The News office, wanting me to take photos of Pat Toomey's visit to the county courthouse. Very eager to do so, I said, "Yes!"
-
Mitchel Olszak: Snooping threat to the free press
In “All the President’s Men,” reporter Bob Woodward conducts late-night meetings with a source in a parking garage. That source, Deep Throat (later revealed to be high-ranking FBI official Mark Felt), was worried that he would be exposed as a tipster in the Watergate scandal.
-
Josh Drespling: Sick and tired of being sick and tired
I'm sick of being sick! It has been over a week now fighting this ungodly pestilence that has settled in my body. Despite my best efforts, this plague has taken a firm hold of every avenue of my being. It has become the most constant and present force in my life.
-
Gary Church: A REAL buffet for Father’s Day? Now that’s saying a mouthful!
My favorite thing about Mother’s Day is the buffet. I can do some real damage with a nice spread of food laid out before me. A good, homemade buffet can't be beat.
-
Tim Kolodziej: Want true gratification? Then delay it
Whether you are an athlete, an entrepreneur or a stay-at-home mom, you will be faced with dozens of temptations today. For better or for worse, your life depends on your choices.
-
Gary Church: A little trimmer is just the right fit for someone my age
There are definite signs in my life that show I'm really starting to age. I can't believe that I just bought a battery powered trimmer/edger. The gas trimmer I have now is 25 years old and very powerful.
-
Lisa Madras: I’ve still got plenty of questions, but now I have family to help answer them
What’s something new you’ve recently learned about yourself? Oh, happy day. I've been waiting my whole life to have a great answer to this question, and now that I finally do. I can hardly believe it myself.
-
Josh Drespling: Thank you, Mom. I’ve never said this before but ...
I'm a terrible son. I’ll can freely admit my shortcomings. Well, maybe not as awful as some. I've never been in prison or killed anyone (though I may have thought about it). I’ve never been a drug addict or a drunk. I remember most of the holidays, birthdays and celebrations and I'm capable of supporting myself and my family.
- More News Bloggers Headlines
-
