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How to be an Impact Player
by: Stacie Mahoe
As a high school softball coach, I believe every player can be an Òimpact playerÓ. You may be thinking how can that be? Not everyone is an all-star. Not everyone is an ace pitcher or an All-State running back. ThatÕs true. But every player has a role. Every player contributes in some way. Every player should have an ÒimpactÓ on the team.
But what about the players that aren't at the top?
I know for a fact that even the weakest players on a team can positively affect teammates. While they may never get the game winning hit or the basket at the buzzer, they still contribute to the teamÕs success.
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How is that? Most times their contribution is hard work and a positive attitude. WouldnÕt you agree that back-up players that work hard in practice push the starters in front of them? They keep starters on their toes and keep them performing at an optimal level. Starters can get discouraged during a game. A positive attitude on the bench helps them bounce back faster and get back on track mentally. A starting line-up can get deflated and stay that way without a bench to support them and pick them back up. ThatÕs why I believe that every player is essential. EveryoneÕs role is important and vital to the success of the team, no matter how big or how small.
Where do I start?
First, figure out what it is that you contribute to the team. It doesnÕt always have to be an Òon the fieldÓ or Òon the courtÓ thing. But before you can go any further you need to identify one way you contribute most to your team. Once you do that, set out to be the best on your team at that one thing. This doesnÕt mean that you slack in other areas, but make it a point to be the Òteam leaderÓ in at least this one area.
Start small if you have to. It can be as simple as being the best in attendance or being the best at showing up on time every day. Or you can challenge yourself and decide youÕre going to lead the team in a certain statistic (i.e. rebounds, scoring, receiving, batting average, etc). Choose something and make it a focus when you train. Again, donÕt let down in other areas, but train to be the best in a particular area. Feel free to add to your goal, revise it, or modify it as the season goes on. You may find that youÕre more of an ÒimpactÓ player than you thought. You may not always get your name in the paper. You many not have DI schools knocking on your door, but your team wouldnÕt be the same without you.
Your Choice
Just like anything else in life, you have a choice. You can choose to be an impact player and make a difference on your team. Or you can be the weak link on the team that everyone else has to Òmake upÓ for. The choice is yours. Choose to be an impact player.
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Written by Stacie Mahoe Owner and Operator of AllAboutFastpitch.com For more useful articles on improving athletic performance visit www.AllAboutFastpitch.com/Articles.html
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