I've been an athlete all my life. My father ran track and played baseball, and my mother played volleyball. I ran track, played softball, tennis, basketball, soccer, badminton, and now pickleball.
At 38, I even got bumped up to a USTA 5.0 rating, putting me in the top 1% of competitors. I played against former college players for five years until I eventually appealed to be bumped down.
But I was never a great athlete—good enough for a college sports scholarship, let alone playing professionally. Maybe I could be if I worked on my pickleball game for five hours a day and entered the over-50 league in 2027.
Becoming a great athlete involves a combination of physical, mental, and emotional attributes. Here are some key qualities:
How To Be A Great Athlete And Excel In Sports
Here are the following 10 attributes to becoming a great athlete. It just doesn't happen. You not only need to be gifted and talented, you also need to work very hard at it.
1. Physical Fitness
- Strength and Power: Essential for generating force and performing at high levels in most sports.
- Endurance: The ability to sustain physical activity over long periods.
- Speed and Agility: Quickness in movement and the ability to change direction efficiently.
- Flexibility: Allows for a full range of motion, reducing injury risk and improving performance.
2. Technical Skills
- Mastery of Fundamentals: Proficiency in the basic skills of the sport.
- Advanced Techniques: Ability to execute complex moves or strategies.
- Precision and Accuracy: Consistency in performance, especially under pressure.
3. Mental Toughness
- Focus and Concentration: The ability to stay attentive and minimize distractions.
- Resilience: Bouncing back from setbacks, injuries, or failures.
- Confidence: Belief in one’s abilities and preparation.
- Discipline: Commitment to training, diet, and rest.
4. Strategic Thinking
- Game Intelligence: Understanding the tactics and strategies of the sport.
- Adaptability: Ability to adjust strategies based on opponents or game conditions.
- Decision-Making: Quick and effective choices during competition.
5. Emotional Control
- Composure: Staying calm under pressure and managing emotions during competition.
- Passion and Motivation: A deep love for the sport that drives continuous improvement.
- Patience: Understanding that progress takes time and requires sustained effort.
6. Work Ethic
- Dedication: Consistent effort in training and preparation.
- Perseverance: Continual effort despite challenges or difficulties.
- Self-Discipline: Maintaining focus on goals and resisting temptations that can derail progress.
7. Support System / Money
- Coaching: Access to knowledgeable and supportive coaches. Being coachable plays a huge role in become a great athlete.
- Teamwork: Ability to work well with teammates and understand roles within a team.
- Family and Friends: Emotional and logistical support from loved ones.
- Finances: Unfortunately, it's expensive to be great at sports.
8. Health and Nutrition
- Proper Diet: Balanced nutrition to fuel performance and recovery.
- Hydration: Adequate fluid intake to maintain peak physical condition.
- Rest and Recovery: Ensuring sufficient sleep and rest to allow the body to heal and grow stronger.
9. Adaptability to Training
- Learning Ability: Quick to learn new skills and strategies.
- Openness to Feedback: Willingness to listen to coaches and improve.
- Innovative: Incorporating new techniques and methods into training.
10. Consistency
- Regular Training: Maintaining a consistent training schedule.
- Reliable Performance: Delivering steady results in practice and competition.
Luck May Be The Biggest Factor In Becoming A Great Athlete Or Not
Then there's perhaps one of the most important variables of all for becoming a great athlete, LUCK!
You had better not get unlucky getting COVID before your race Olympic race. Hopefully you don't sprain your ankle before the tennis championship match. Please don't get into a bike accident and break your risk before your return to F-1 racing.
Then there is the luck of the draw. If you end up facing a tough opponent at the very beginning of the tournament, you might not even get a chance to get out of the first round.
Combining these attributes can significantly increase an athlete’s potential to excel in their sport.
Be A Good Enough Athlete Instead
You don't need to be a great athlete, especially if you're not aiming to play professional sports. Instead, focus on being a good-enough athlete. If you’re proficient in a couple of sports, you’ll maximize your enjoyment, meet new people, and have a fun way to stay fit.
Ideally, aim to get good enough at tennis and golf—two sports that are excellent for business development and can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Next on the list might be pickleball, given its explosive growth in popularity.
Unfortunately, many adults no longer play sports regularly as work and family obligations take priority. But if you can make an effort to become a good-enough athlete and play sports consistently, you’ll likely see an improvement in your quality of life.
Enjoy the love of the game!
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