Life Lesson #17: Energy

ENERGY

Why is it that good teams sometimes don’t win? Why is it that mediocre teams sometimes win consistently? What are the ingredients for success? While there are no easy answers for these questions, there are certain ingredients to a winning team that are not seen on paper. One of the most important of these intangible ingredients is energy. Winning teams bring a high level of energy to the ball field, exhibited by their intensity and desire.

From the moment a team steps onto the diamond, it determines the pace and intensity of the game. From stretching and warm up, to pre-game infield and sprints, athletes should be moving quickly and crisply. It is the responsibility of the coach to have a structured plan for the athletes to keep them from standing around and give the team the opportunity to bring their energy level up.

Once the game starts, energy can be seen from the first pitch to the last. Every inning, athletes sprint on and off the field, showing the other team that they are in charge. On offense, the dugout is into the game, encouraging their teammates and cheering appropriately. Athletes are aggressive in the box and on the bases, and attitudes are confident and unrelenting. Defensively, the pitcher’s pace is quick and efficient and the ball moves crisply around the diamond after a groundout or a strike out. The team’s energy level implies, “it’s only a matter of time before we win.”

A high energy level assists in “taking the game.” These teams keep a constant pressure on the opposition. Whether it makes an opposing infielder throw tentatively across the diamond, or a pitcher think twice and aim his breaking ball, this pressure becomes the 10th player. Inevitably, this team will find a way to win because “ they just don’t stop coming at you.”

Playing with energy is something that can be worked on. Different teams have different identities, and some groups will need to be pushed more than others. Raising the energy level can help to mold a talented team into a winning team.