Coaches, by and large, look for one thing above all from their players – effort.

Failure is part of every sport, and coaches can teach their players how to overcome mistakes. That’s what practice is about.

In Positive Coaching Alliance’s workshops for coaches, sports parents and student-athletes, we believe athletes should be measured largely on the effort they expend.

Results are important, and the scoreboard matters, but athletes do not have ultimate control over these things. Outcomes are influenced by the level of competition, field conditions, officiating and so much more.

But all athletes have complete control over the amount and type of effort they put out.

In the video below, Washington Redskins quarterback and former University of Texas All-American Colt McCoy reflects what he puts into his craft every day, why it’s important and how it helped propel him to the NFL despite “not (being) the most talented.”

Coaches and parents can share McCoy’s message with players, reminding them to be mindful of this key aspect of competition. Players who learn this important lesson early on can apply the work ethic they develop to other areas of their lives, helping them become better athletes and better people.

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