Bad Game?

Ryan wants to know: am a team captain for a highschool freshman team and i played a horrible game. and now it is spring break. i really want a way to redeem myself. plus do you know of any things i could do to work on to wok on by myself to become a better player?


Jonathan writes: Ryan there is no such thing as a bad game. Every game is just a learning experience.

Years ago I was working with a sports psychologist to help me with my athletic career. He told me that the only time you can have a "bad game" is when you don't learn from what you did. Basically a bad game is you discovering that there is some flaw in your game or your preparation for that game that you need to fix.

So, what was it that was bad about that game? Did guys blow by you because they were faster than you? Then you need to work on your strength and conditioning?

Did you make a bunch of bad outlet passes? Then you need to work on your stick skills.

Were you double teamed by attackmen on the clear? Then you need to be able to find the open man faster and that might not just be your fault your team might be to blame if everyone is out of position.

Were you tired from studying for a test? Or did you eat some bad food before the game? Then you need to work on your game prep so you can perform at your best.

See where this is going? No matter what you tell me about your "bad game" I'm going to help you find something that you can work on.

If you never told me you were having a bad game I'd know one of two things: Either you are playing against guys who suck. Or you are an MLL All-Star destined for the Hall of Fame. Either you aren't pushing yourself or you are the best in the World. But even those guys have off days and need to work on things.

As far as redeeming yourself, people usually know how good you can play. But also, people don't always care as much as you think you might. They are worried about their own lives. But I understand, as captain, you are a leader and you do need to set an example. My recommendation would be to get out there, learn from your mistakes, and improve them. If you don't improve then you are wasting your time.

To become better in any position you can do three things:

1) Work on your stick skills. You can always improve this aspect of your game. I find the better a players stick skills are the more confident that player is. No matter what the position.

2) Work on your strength and conditioning. The stronger you are physically the easier it is to try new skills and to perform them with ease. So hit the gym. Drag a sled. Do some extra sprints. Start squatting in the weight room. Etc.

3) Work on the mental aspect of your game. Go get some books on sports psychology. There is a great book out there called Mind Gym that you might like. It is a great intro to sports psychology, but it will help you in other aspects of your life too.

Good luck Ryan. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad game.

Jonathan -
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