Winning Isn't Everyone's Priority

Each player has their own unique set of goals. Some players may have individual goals that are very important to them, as well as team goals. 

An individual player's goals can be shaped by their coaches, their teammates, and by their parents. Goals are often the source of inspiration and drive for an athlete. Obviously the more the player "owns their goals," the better. Having a goal that is "what dad wants," is seldom productive or healthy for an athlete.

Sadly, not all parents or family members help their athletes develop heathy, productive goals. The parent who bribes their son/daughter into forming goals with money, is an obvious example. The parent who doesn't listen to what their son/daughter wants, but tells the son/daughter what they should want, prevents the athlete from learning healthy goal setting. 

A player's priorities impact their performance and their ability to be a valuable teammate. A simple question of an athlete gets to their priorities. Which would the player prefer?

Average 20 points on a team that wins 5 games, or

Average 5 points on a team that wins 20 games. 

It seldom works out in team sports when an athlete or parents choose individual goals over team goals.    

There is nothing uglier in teams sports than the player or the parent who is unhappy after their team wins. Teammates see that and it destroys their trust in that selfish teammate.

When everyone connected with a team shares the same priorities, and puts the team first, that is when great things happen. That is when you have a championship culture!!