Combining Articles.

I am reposting this article as it contains links to three separate yet related articles whose importance will be magnified as we approach the "spring" season that begins in a months time.  Lesson's learned are important and can be keys to our future success.

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I recently wrote and posted three articles that now relate well to one another. There was no intent for this to come about, but it has occurred to me that this is exactly what has happened..

Teamwork

What position do you play?

The view from the parent's sideline.


In Teamwork I wrote of how defending and passing are two ways to win over teammates new or familiar.  In What position do you play? the focus was on playing wherever your team needed you to play. And in The view from the parent's sideline I celebrated an extraordinary tournament my youngest son enjoyed last weekend.

While enjoying a soak in the hot tub I found my mind drifting to recent events on the pitch when it struck me that Lance had followed the exact recipe for success laid out in the first two articles. As a guest player the team needed him to play as a defensive midfielder, a position he does not spend much time in on a regular basis.  In The view from the parents sideline I marvel at the fact Lance factored in 11 of the 13 goals his guest team scored in winning the tournament title.  He scored the first goal of the tournament which turned out to be the game winning goal in the first game.  It was a blast from about 30 yards out. That goal made Lance legitimate in his new teammates eyes.  The funny thing is Lance only took maybe 1 shot per game after that.  He settled into holding the midfield (defending) which protected the 4 backs and distributing the ball (passing)  that allowed the front 5 to score the goals.  10 assists in 4 games.  His guest coach told Lance "we don't win this tournament without you."  High praise indeed for someone playing a supporting role in an unfamiliar position, but that is the point afterall.

I am embarassed to admit that during the tournament I was wondering why Lance was not more assertive in taking shots.  He made some penetrating runs with and without the ball but seemed to pass on some good looks at goal. In hindsight I now realize Lance deferred to his new teammates to score - a selfless act... and a brilliant one as well.

I have wondered if Lance was reading this blog.  Maybe he did or perhaps he just figured things out on his own? I still don't know for sure, but am proud of his deportment even more so than his production and the team's results. He figured it all out at a younger age than I did.  Well done!