The First Two Weeks Will Lie to You

Every season, the first two weeks tell a story… the problem is, it’s usually the wrong one. We’ve all been there. You’ve got the athlete who starts out hot, thinking they’ve got it all figured out. You’ve got the athlete who starts slow and panic ensues.

Early success doesn’t guarantee long term success or long term trust from coaches. Similarly, early struggles don’t eliminate it. Stats are a small sample size, but they aren’t the full story. They are not your identity.

While everyone else is watching the scoreboard or the stat sheet, coaches are watching something very different. They are looking for 5 types of players:

1. The Consistent Player - the one who gives the same effort and same body language regardless of the results. This athlete will emerge as a leader because of their consistency throughout the game.

2. The Player Who Responds Well to Failure - this is the player who goes 0-3 but their next at bat approach is better. They take the opportunities they are given and look for ways to improve.

3. The Prepared Player - this athlete practices intentionally and trusts in their pre-game routine. They are in control of their preparation and set the standard for daily inputs.

4. The Aware Player - the one who knows situations, communicates effectively, and plays with a high level of IQ. While this player may not always be the most talented, the way they understand the game will leave coaches desiring to have them in the lineup.

5. The Trustworthy Teammate - this teammate is full of energy and encouragement. They are able to get change out of the team from their presence alone. Their trustworthiness is invaluable.

None of the impact from these 5 types of players is defined by the first two weeks of stats. By the middle of the season, athletes start to separate themselves because of what they choose to do consistently.

Those that find themselves in the lineup by the middle of the season:

• Don’t overreact to early results

• Stay committed to their routines

• Make adjustments without panic

• Treat practice / every rep like it matters

• Stack small improvements daily

Those that don’t find themselves in the lineup by the middle of the season:

• Focus only on their results

• Ride emotional highs and lows

• Search for “quick fixes”

• Coast through drills

• Shift their body language daily

If you’re judging yourself after two weeks of play, you’re already behind. If you’re building habits that you, your teammates, and your coaches can trust, you’re right on time. Focus on being in the lineup by middle to end of the season.