Welcome back to the EJ The Trainer blog! This is the seventh entry in our eight-part series on helping athletes transition to college. I hope you’ve been implementing the awesome tips discussed in our previous topics. Today, we’re exploring something super important: understanding your role as an athlete.
Like your dream job, being an athlete comes with Duties and Responsibilities. Knowing what is expected of you will improve your game and help you become a better teammate and leader.
What Does It Mean to Be an Athlete?
Think about your favorite sport. If you’re a basketball player, for example, just saying you're a point guard isn’t enough. You need to understand what that really means. It’s like getting hired for a job – when you step into a role, you must know what’s expected of you.
Here’s a simple way to break it down:
Job Description: Just like when you apply for a job, you must know your role. Are you a point guard, a center, or a wide receiver? Each position has different responsibilities.
Skills: What skills do you bring to your sport? Are you great at dribbling, passing, or shooting? Recognizing your strengths allows you to contribute effectively to your team.
Expectations: Every job has expectations. As a student-athlete, these may include maintaining your grades, showing commitment during practices, and positively influencing the team.
Duties and Responsibilities for Different Positions
Let’s break down the specific duties and responsibilities for some common sports positions:
Basketball: Point Guard
Lead the Team: Serve as the floor leader, directing plays and motivating teammates to work together effectively.
Make Quick Decisions: Assess the game quickly to determine whether to pass, shoot, or drive to the basket for the best possible outcome.
Defensive Presence: Guard the opponent’s top player, applying pressure and creating turnovers. Your defensive skills can be game-changers!
Soccer: Forward
Score Goals: Your primary role is to find ways to get the ball into the net and secure points for your team.
Assist Your Teammates: Provide precise passes to help your teammates score, demonstrating teamwork and collaboration.
Apply Offensive Pressure: Challenge defenders in one-on-one situations to create scoring chances and open up space for teammates.
Football: Quarterback
Command the Field: Lead your team by making strategic play calls and ensuring everyone is ready to execute them.
Deliver Accurate Passes: Throw the ball precisely to receivers, aiming for optimal timing and placement to maximize scoring opportunities.
Analyze the Defense: Stay alert to the movements of the opposing defense, allowing you to make smart decisions in real-time and adjust your plays accordingly.
Track and Field: Sprinter
Practice Starts: Master the starting blocks to ensure you explode off the line with speed as soon as the race begins.
Perfect Your Sprint Technique: Concentrate on refining your running form, including posture, arm movement, and foot placement, to achieve maximum speed and efficiency.
Foster Team Spirit: Even though track and field often highlight individual performances, supporting your teammates is essential. Cheer them on during their races and celebrate their achievements, whether big or small. Remember, your encouragement contributes to a positive team environment!
How to Be an Elite Athlete at College
When you transition to college sports, whether it’s NCAA, NJCAA, SEC, or D1, the responsibilities become more serious. Here are some tips:
Communicate with Coaches: Always check in with your coaches to see what they expect from you. They’re your bosses, and it’s important to understand their vision for your role.
Teamwork: Understand that you’re part of a bigger picture. Support your teammates, and work on building chemistry on and off the field or court.
Time Management: Balancing sports with academics is like juggling multiple tasks. Create a schedule that includes studying, practice, and downtime.
Continuous Improvement: Always work on your skills. Attend extra practice and seek feedback from coaches.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your role as an athlete is vital for your success in college sports. As with a job, you need to know what is expected of you, what skills you bring, and how you can help your team.
Being a student-athlete isn’t just about playing a sport; it's about showing commitment, developing skills, and being a leader. Remember, the best athlete is not just someone with talent but someone who understands their role and executes it well!
So, are you ready to embrace your responsibilities and become the best athlete you can be?
Until next time, stay focused, train hard, and keep having fun!
Happy training,
EJ The Trainer 💪
This is a really great breakdown of duties and responsibilities to your team. Like the pics.
Great read. Thank you for sharing!