“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Most athletes involved in some sort of sport have probably heard this quote used by a coach, parent, mentor, or teammate at some point in their career. So what does it mean exactly?
Talent. Talent can be interpreted and defined in several different ways. It could be something an athlete is born with or a skill that was developed just because. Ever heard the term “raw talent?” It doesn’t mean they have mastered the craft, but they are already ahead of the curve. The biggest mistake an athlete with raw talent can make is settling with what they have and not working to become better. Talent is having something that is already possessed by the athlete and that’s what sets them apart. When it comes to an athlete in softball, talent could be anything of the following:
- Naturally gifted hand-eye coordination
- Athletic build and height
- A strong arm
- Speed
- Ability to throw strikes
- Bat speed
- Natural Instinct
Hard Work. Hard Work can’t be taught but it can be learned and developed. Hard work or a hard work ethic is a character trait that is embedded in the athlete. It is a motivation and a desire to improve. An individual may not be the most athletic player on the team, but if they have a hard work ethic, don’t be surprised when they wind up being one of the best. How do you know if you have this trait? When it comes to an athlete in softball, hard work could mean anything of the following:
- Stays after practice for extra reps
- Individual practice takes place outside of team practice
- Sets goals for themselves
- Hustles on and off the field
- Is the first person to volunteer when coach needs a hand
- Learns and accepts their role
- Gives 110% in everything they do
Can an athlete have both talent and hard work? Absolutely. Most Professional and Elite level athletes more than likely possess both. After comparing the two lists above, do you find yourself falling into one category over the other? Did you notice some areas in the hard work list that maybe you’ve heard a coach or parent suggest you start doing? Hard work can’t be taught. It can’t be forced on someone who doesn’t want to put in the effort to do it. Hard work is learned by the individual, developed, and practiced solely by the individual. Coaches will take a hard working player over someone who maybe doesn’t work as hard, but has God given talent any day of the week. The thing about hard work is that you have to want it and then you have to want to work towards it, whatever this want is. Hard work is everlasting and talent is just simply overrated. Which do you think ultimately wins?
Feature Image: Shelby Pendley USSSA Pride by Sam Janicki
