A couple years ago there was this athlete who didn’t make his varsity team. The coach told him he was not big, strong or fast enough to make the varsity roster. His only option was to play down on the junior varsity team. The athletes decision was to become a better athlete so he would-be bigger, faster and stronger for the next year. For the next six months he did just that. Fast forward to his senior year and the coach practically begged him to come back out. When he did, it was as the starting shortstop and furthermore he went on to receive a scholarship to an east coast DI program. In my opinion the coach did him a favor.

 

You probably don’t want to hear this right now but you know the saying, “one door closes another one opens”. Well that can be true. Ok, the final names are listed for the upcoming season and yours is missing from the list. It can definitely be disheartening. However, with with the right attitude, perspective on your situation and planning it could be just what you needed.

Once the emotions of anger, self pity and bewilderment subside here’s what you do to get back on the road to being a champion:

1. Learn from it: Talk with the coach, correcting the reasons why you got cut this year can improve your chances next year.

2. Reinvent your self: Use the time provided to show improvement for the next year. Showing up as the new improved “You” will illustrate your commitment, resolve and character that can earns point for next year.

3. Get Ready for Prime time: Realize, now you have more time to prepare for the summer season. Summer is when you tend to play a higher caliber of ball, and are more likely to be seen by recruiters.

4. Time Better Spent: It’s better to be getting maximum training time rather than minimum playing time. Don’t waste time sitting the bench waiting for minimal playing time, getting minimal development. Now you’ve got hours to spend on all facets of your game. Find a hitting, pitching, fielding instructor, get bigger, faster, stronger!

 

In just three months you can drop two tenths off your sixty time, add 2-3 miles to your pitches, be a step or two faster defensively, I’ve seen it happen. Being cut is a part of athletics, will you let it ruin your season or will you rise above it?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author: Aaron Thigpen is the owner of Gamespeed Sports Inc in Concord, Calif. He has over twenty years as a sports performance instructor and has coached at the youth, high school and college levels. He can be reached at 925 513-8676 or aaron@gamespeed.net