A 1999 study at the Search Institute revealed that teens who engage in extracurricular activities such as sports are far less likely than other teens to drop out of school, engage in risky or illegal behavior or use drugs or alcohol. Sports are a healthy, fun and beneficial way for teens to stay in shape, meet new friends and pass the after-school hours. Whatever your reason for engaging in sports, you can benefit from advice that will help you make the most of your participation.
Stay Positive and Realistic
It's natural to dream of stardom, but keep in mind that you and your team are not perfect. You may make errors, lose matches and perform below your potential sometimes. But it's important to keep sports in perspective: sports are meant to be fun and healthy. Shake off losses and try to learn from any mistakes you made. Win and lose with grace. Keep a good attitude no matter what -- you never know who's watching.
Work Hard and Practice
You may fantasize about making the varsity roster, but those dreams will never come to fruition if you don't put in the time. Attend every practice and be on time. Don't complain about being hot, sweaty or tired. Distinguish yourself with a willingness to work hard both at practice and during matches. Ask the coach or trainer to tell you what skills you need to improve and practice them during your spare time. Stay focused while you're on the field or court. Don't chat with teammates or let your mind wander.
Take Care of Yourself
Perform at peak levels by keeping your body in top shape. Eat healthy foods. Avoid foods and beverages high in sugar, fat or caffeine. Stay away from fast food, fried foods and greasy snacks such as potato chips. Don't smoke cigarettes, use drugs or drink alcohol. Get enough sleep so that your muscles have sufficient time to repair damage caused by physical activity. Keep your grades up -- no matter how much you love sports, they have to be secondary to your education. Plus, you'll feel better on the field knowing you gave it your all in the classroom, as well.
Resist the Pressure
It's common for parents, coaches and other players to place extremely heavy emphasis on winning and being the best. Keep in mind that neither of these is the most important part of sports. Don't succumb to pressure from your coach or teammates to practice beyond what is healthy. If your parents put pressure on you by trying to "coach" at home or by scolding you for errors, tune them out. Sports are not a proving ground for teens. Keep a lighthearted, positive outlook on your participation and don't let yourself be pressured into changing that outlook.
Member Comments