Preparation

When me and my brothers were kids, my parents had a procedure whenever we loaded the van to go to a practice or sporting event.  My Dad would say, "got your cleats, shin guards, uniform, ball ..." or "got your glove, cleats, bat, ball, cup ...".  That tradition carried on throughout our lives and is something I find myself doing today with my girls.  The interesting thing is that as we embarked for a sporting event or practice, my Dad never said, "got your confidence, focus, mental toughness, positive attitude, determination, coping skills ...".  I don't blame my Dad for that as those weren't necessarily on the radar back in the 1970's.  However, as a coach, I see those items much more important than the uniform or the ball when it comes to athletic success.   I can borrow a ball from someone else and even play in my street shoes but if I don't bring those mental attributes and use them, I may as well stay at home.