Relative deprivation refers to the experience of being deprived of something which one believes he or she is entitled to have.

It also describes the discontent people feel when they compare their positions to others and realize that they have less. I often deal with this subconscious phenomenon in athletes.

Many times, the young athlete will wrongly compare himself to the most successful athletes or super-athletes. He may compare himself to pro athletes and then feel very frustrated to not have the same physical gifts.

The young athlete then feels his inferior circumstances and abilities are absolute, finite, and unchangeable. These feelings may produce frustration, despair and even apathy.

Many athletes end up wondering if they should continue.  They develop negative self-talk saying, "Why try? I’m never going to be that good."

The youth coach should be aware of this mostly subconscious state of mind that athletes carry within themselves and then be prepared to assist with the understanding of where the athlete’s abilities and potentials can develop.

I went through this very thing early on as a 9 year old. I decided that I was not very good in sprints in my youth track days.

But worse, I developed an apathetic position that I would never be great at it due to the fact I grew up around lots of elite and pro athletes that were the best in the world—literally.

I grew up in San Jose, Calif. in the early 1970s. Back then it was called “Speed City.” This area produced the world’s best Olympians at the time, such as sprinters Tommy Smith, John Carlos, Lee Evans, Bruce Jenner and others.

I made conclusions about who I was and who I could be based off the wrong information I was taking in. I was a kid deciding what I could do compared to Olympians. That was not good. So I drifted away from track at ages 12 and 13, because I couldn’t break the world record in the 400m.

Yes, I laugh when I think back.

Relative deprivation is very real and affects the athlete’s decision-making and self-confidence. It can have a very direct and decisive effect on the athlete’s career choices.

It can actually direct one’s life. Healthy and realistic comparisons to great and successful athletes help us set goals and strive for greatness within our own lives. Unhealthy and unrealistic comparisons can lead to a dysfunctional level of relative deprivation. 

If you often compare yourself or your circumstances to those that are superior, then you may make the decision to quit that activity and find something else to do. 

Younger athletes need to be aware that they are not professional athletes (yet) and don’t need to decide yet how good they are currently. Have fun first, and then learn and learn some more.

The youth coach has a great opportunity to make this point a topic of discussion with his coaching staff to avoid making any young athlete feel relatively deprived. 

Be Well, Be Fast!

Kenneth D. Taylor is a SAQ pioneer and Sport Speed Expert who lives in Southern California and has trained well over 5,000 athletes over 20 years.  He holds a degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Science.  He was a world class track athlete and played in the NFL for the 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl XX team and the San Diego Chargers.  Visit www.kennethdtaylor.com for speed training books for athletes, parents, and coaches. Subscribe to "TheSpeedDr1" on YouTube for free speed training videos.