NFL legend Vince Lombardi once said, “Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”
With this quote in mind, how are you, as a coach, developing leaders, or better yet, great teammates? Recently Indiana State Sycamores offensive coordinator Jeff Hecklinski tweeted the ‘top ten signs you’re a great teammate.’
Best thing I've seen all day! pic.twitter.com/MAu7sa39Bp
— Jeff Hecklinski (@JeffHecklinski) September 6, 2017
10. You’re willing to play any role that helps the team.
9. You would rather score less and win than score and win than score a lot and lose.
8. When you team scores, the first people you congratulate are you teammates.
7. You love practice as much as you love games.
6. You respect your opponents but don’t fear them.
5. You listen, are coachable and respect your coaches and officials.
4. You are quick to pick up a teammate who is having a bad day.
3. You help younger teammates who have less experience.
2. You learn & grow from your own mistakes, as well as others.
- You’re confident but not arrogant.
This list has different ways your players can be effective on the field or on the court. But, is the list sufficient for training our athletes to be successful for life once the final whistle blows? This reminds me of what Paul was teaching Timothy in the Bible about the importance of the scriptures and it’s uses.
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8).
One of the trainings found in the scriptures is a practical application that your players can model.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others,” (Philippians 2:3-4).
As coaches, we have undeniable platform of influence. The question we must answer is “what are we influencing our athletes to become?”
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