The "Natural" Athlete????

[jdelara]

I'm not talkin' about juiced vs. non-juiced - just the talk all around about "that kid is JUST an athlete"!

I have had this discussion many times with many fellow coaches. I know there are limiting factors such as physical capabilites, injury, genetics, etc. And back to the end all they are just "natural athletes"!

I really want to hear what other coaches have to say about this topic. What can we do to insure that a kid is getting the most out of training and to have a fighting chance to be the best they can be in whatever sport they choose to do.

So, to play devil's advocate - what about the kid that is new to a sport and far outpaces other kids that have been doing that sport for several years? Given similar socio-economical backgrounds, same age plus or minus a few months, same school system, same club athletics - why does this kid excel and others are unable to catch up? What can be done to get the other kids to a similar level?


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[PowerManDL]

Genetics, that in turn result in biological systems optimized for specific actions and functions.

[goergen1]

Given similar socio-economical backgrounds, same age plus or minus a few months, same school system, same club athletics - why does this kid excel and others are unable to catch up?

Because he was born.

What can be done to get the other kids to a similar level?

They must train harder, longer, and smarter. That and they have to want it. If an average athlete does that. They can be great.

I believe that all people have the opportunity to achieve what they want to in sports. The only difference is how they get there.

I believe that the athlete who has to work harder to get there has a better appreciation for where they are. They also seem to be the ones who are mentally tougher, they more often come through in the clutch, and are better team players. (for the most part)

Basically, the proper environment is needed for the "regular" kid to play at a similar level.

[BjsAust]

I think people often discount how much work those 'natural' athletes have done. They seem to think these kids just turn up and are naturally athletic with great coordination/etc. A minority probably are genetically gifted and dont have to work hard, but a lot of them do a lot in their own time that people seem to discount.

[gobbla]

It depends on the game\people\event. Some things I don't think the average is ever going to catch up to an natural...they *can't*. There might be a RARE exception but they're exceptions.

That said, I don't think that every sport\game\position requires that you be the most physically dominating person on the field\court\ring. There's a point that good enough is actually good enough. Game skill\knowledge\heart comes into play.

Two of my favorite receivers = Randy Moss, Chris Carter. I don't think anyone will argue who the more gifted player is, or that both players get it done.

[jdelara]

Okay, I too agree with the fact that an athlete that is bigger, stronger and faster will probably stay that way given no injuires and lost motivation. I also believe that the smarts come into play to know the sport/position and use what they have and they will also be very good.

How does a coach/trainer know when an athlete may have reached their individual potential at any given sport? How much more can they be pushed without losing them?

BTW - Randy Moss is by far the better athlete in my opinion, Carter just found a way to get it done!!!

[gobbla]

How many people in the world do you think have seen their full genetic potential?

[jdelara]

Point taken - I do understand!!!