Re: Ones that got away : Wed Feb 10, 2021 1:02 pm
jonh wrote:
There are so many factors in that step up from youth to senior rugby.
Development is a key factor and also youth coaching.
Most of the last GB side were quartile 3 or 4 in their school years, think it was nearly 70% and also most of them didn’t get scholarship at first round of selection, probably down to lack of physical development compared to some of their peers. Not getting scholarship can end budding careers there and then it they are not mentally prepared/mature enough to realise it isn’t a disaster for them, again, some can’t see that.
I’ve seen loads of super star kids not make it because they struggle to deal with not being the big fish anymore and they also lack the skill set as they have been so dominant in their junior development they haven’t needed them. I get so frustrated when I see teams rely on their star player who is usually a freak for his age just using him to win games rather than to actually develop his skill and improve him as a player. It is so short sighted and unfair on that player even though they don’t think it is at the time.
Embracing that work ethic when stepping up is again key. Too many think they are superstars when they step up when actually they need to realise they are the bottom of the pile again and need to work harder than everyone else in the room.
Above is why I like Aydin he is an absolute grafter.
Coincidently I was catching up with the player I played with and against who went on to achieve more than any other in his career. Chatting about my youngest son who has decided he wants a crack at getting Scholarship and long term ambitions of playing for Trinity in SL.
The lad in question went on to win a World Cup all be it in the union code but he was never the most talented player in our team as kids. Natural athlete but not the best skills.
His exact words were this and I’m quoting from his message directly -
Tell him there are no certainties in this world, but talent without work ethic will always fail. Work ethic with a little talent can go all the way.
It’s advise I try to impart but it holds more credibility coming from someone like him than my as a dad.
That for me separates those that have the potential. It’s a mentality thing. Embracing and understanding that rugby is your profession and continuing to treat it that way when all the other distractions come your way particularly when you first take that step up.
Development is a key factor and also youth coaching.
Most of the last GB side were quartile 3 or 4 in their school years, think it was nearly 70% and also most of them didn’t get scholarship at first round of selection, probably down to lack of physical development compared to some of their peers. Not getting scholarship can end budding careers there and then it they are not mentally prepared/mature enough to realise it isn’t a disaster for them, again, some can’t see that.
I’ve seen loads of super star kids not make it because they struggle to deal with not being the big fish anymore and they also lack the skill set as they have been so dominant in their junior development they haven’t needed them. I get so frustrated when I see teams rely on their star player who is usually a freak for his age just using him to win games rather than to actually develop his skill and improve him as a player. It is so short sighted and unfair on that player even though they don’t think it is at the time.
Embracing that work ethic when stepping up is again key. Too many think they are superstars when they step up when actually they need to realise they are the bottom of the pile again and need to work harder than everyone else in the room.
Above is why I like Aydin he is an absolute grafter.
Coincidently I was catching up with the player I played with and against who went on to achieve more than any other in his career. Chatting about my youngest son who has decided he wants a crack at getting Scholarship and long term ambitions of playing for Trinity in SL.
The lad in question went on to win a World Cup all be it in the union code but he was never the most talented player in our team as kids. Natural athlete but not the best skills.
His exact words were this and I’m quoting from his message directly -
Tell him there are no certainties in this world, but talent without work ethic will always fail. Work ethic with a little talent can go all the way.
It’s advise I try to impart but it holds more credibility coming from someone like him than my as a dad.
That for me separates those that have the potential. It’s a mentality thing. Embracing and understanding that rugby is your profession and continuing to treat it that way when all the other distractions come your way particularly when you first take that step up.
Can't argue with that but I will add some players just fall out of love with the game and don't want the pressure or the bashing. I never played past 17 but I knew by then it was starting to hurt and I wasn't interested. You need a certain disregard for you're physical and mental welfare to play at the top level for any length of time. That's what they mean by ticker I suspect.