12/18/2019
What is Player Development?
Keep in mind that this is my idea of the definition of player development I have developed both through my own research and experience, along with talking to different coaches about what it means to them.
Definition: Player development is the use of different resources consistently over time, both physically and mentally, throughout an athlete’s journey that leads to athletic optimal performance.
There are a few parts of the definition I want to point out.
First, there are a number of different resources athletes use in order to better their performance, with the most common being their coach. Coaches play a crucial role in the development of their players, whether it is their team coach or their private lesson coach. Along with these different coaches, parents and teammates can also be a resource to the athlete through practice and other means. Some other resources can include videos of the athlete, or others displaying proper mechanics, keeping a log of progress and goals, having a list of possible drills, the list is endless! In reality, anything you want to use as a resource can be included.
In the second part, I want to focus on the words “consistently over time.” When looking at the word consistently, this means that athletes are constantly, daily, working on ways to get better. So yes, this means putting in the work every day, even on rest days, to improve their performance. So yes, being good at your sport requires a significant amount of time and consistent dedication. Going to practice a couple times a week and lessons once a week will not yield the results you want. Practicing during the entire week is what will get you to the level you want to be at.
Third, is the focus on both physical and mental development. Keep in mind that physical development includes your specific skills in your sport, speed & agility, conditioning, breathing, and rest & recovery. But equally, if not more, important are developing appropriate mental skills to get you prepared for your on the field performance. This is a daily process. Activities like goal setting, keeping a training log, relaxation techniques, along with others is what prepares athletes for competition. If your mind isn’t right, your body won’t perform right either.
Finally, I want to end by saying that becoming an elite athlete takes time and hours upon hours of work, both physically and mentally. This includes developing sound fundamental skills from the beginning and continuing to develop those fundamental skills all throughout your career. It is important to understand that fundamentals are constantly worked on, from youth ages all the way to the professional level. I am not just saying this to get younger athletes to invest in their fundamental skills, I am saying this because it is true; because, even after playing the game for years I still focus on fundamental skills for myself.
Remember, becoming an elite athlete is a journey. All the time and effort that you put into your sport will pay off, whether that’s receiving a college scholarship, making the Olympic team, playing professionally, and just for the enjoyment. But you have to look at yourself in the mirror and decide where you want that journey to take you. If you want to reach the highest goals, you have to be willing to make the highest investment.
I’m curious to hear about your thoughts! Let me know if you would add something or change it!
