Work Hard. You see and hear this phrase everywhere, but what does it really mean? It’s almost become too cliché to say or use. I’d be willing to bet it’s used in some form in over 85% of all high schools in our country. Almost every coach and team uses it. This week we’ll discuss what it means and what it looks like.
I tell my basketball girls that’s there’s a difference between working hard and reallyworking hard. I tell them that anyone and anything can work hard. Heck, washing machines work hard! The difference is belief, knowledge, and purpose. While working hard one must have a belief in themselves and what they’re doing, they must have knowledge of the task, skill, or game, and they must have a purpose for doing what they’re doing. Coaches must help provide all three of those to their players. Michael Jordan once said, “I’ve always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come. I don’t do things half-heartedly. Because if I do, then I can expect half-hearted results.” I couldn’t agree more. If a player has belief, knowledge, and a purpose while putting in the hard work, they become unstoppable. The results will come.