Final competitions of the season. Good? Great? Disappointing? A lot of time, money, and energy went into this season. Is the ending result the true measure of the ongoing successes of the past 8/9/10 months?
We all dream of the perfect season. Our young athletes smiling at the end of every challenge and competition. No disappointments and no “tough days.” Realistic? Of course not. The “Cinderella” desires of the athlete, the parents, and the coaches rarely, if ever, happen. Building to a perfect end with all goals achieved including a perfect performance at the final meet…….a nice dream to work toward but we are all more realistic than believing all of these young athletes will experience that.
The end shouldn’t cloud all of the accomplishments and successes of the entire season. Looking back, you can remember those surprising moments, those “wow, look at her” moments. Remember, the end is full of pressure, hopes, and sometimes high expectations that weigh on the shoulders of an 8-year-old athlete. To finish with a great performance is special but unusual.
I hope your season ended in a terrific fashion. For most athletes, parents, and coaches the season-ending competition was “really” good or even sometimes “darn.”
Sports are educational labs of experiments and learning. That is what makes sports such a vital part of the process toward maturity. Use the end results as a teaching moment. Absolutely lean on the successes of the season as you have your “recap” conversations with your athlete.
Another season on the horizon? More challenges? More parent moments sitting on the edge of the bleachers with hands clinched? More coaching moments of holding your breath and watching every single body position during a routine?
Did your athlete make progress this season? Did she overcome some hurdles? Did you see her push hard? Did she get up when she fell? Did she come back from a poor performance? Did you sometimes see toughness? Determination? A desire to achieve? Did you see some of those things throughout the season?
Maturity happening, every sports season.
Share if you think others will benefit.
Tom Burgdorf – Author
Email: Tom@gymnetsports.com Web Site: www.Gymnetsports.net Face Book: Tom Burgdorf