Necessary But Not Sufficient

YOU WILL DO WHAT YOU EMPHASIZE!!

When players approach the off-season they often focus on what skill they want to improve on and then work on it while they are playing.

Typically a player getting subbed out, or lack of playing time has more to do with Offensive concepts,… pic.twitter.com/Fo4cSaU2vs

— Steve Dagostino (@DagsBasketball) April 15, 2024

Mine gold. Watch this video multiple times. 

Playing more and better competition are necessary but not sufficient. A professional golfer doesn't go to the range to 'hit balls'. Professionals use deliberate practice to maintain strengths and to decrease weaknesses. 

A professional hits balls out a sand trap for a couple of hours, again and again, until it's second nature. Tiger Woods at his peak finished practice making 100 consecutive eight foot puts. He didn't miss anything inside four feet on the PGA tour that SEASON. 

Pitchers working a bullpen work on specific types of pitches and on location. "Playing catch" with the catcher won't help. 

Practice with purpose. "I'm serving to the 5-6 seam or I'm serving to the 5-sideline area." Leave every practice more proficient at your specific area of emphasis. 

Lagniappe. Competitive warmup from Martin.