Quote:I was extremely competitive while I was growing and competing in sports. The competitiveness got me places I couldn't have gone if not for sports. That wasn't my goal at first, but it happened as a result of. I always had fun (minus practice here and there :woot: )

 

Winning drove me in athletics, still does as a coach. But I can say though, as a coach, it is just as fulfilling to teach a kid proper technique, see him do it on the field/mat, etc., and be successful, and have fun.

 

If the Jags make/win a Super Bowl in my lifetime, I think I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't shed a tear or two. When it comes to professional sports I am a Jag, Magic fan, Pirate, and Penguin. I've seen my fair share of big time games and titles. Nothing would compare though to the Jags winning it all.

 

I now have a 7 year old son and he is into football, basketball and soccer. I love watching him play and compete. He has the same competitiveness I had growing up. He absolutely loves watching sports, any. He enjoys running around, being with his friends, interacting etc., but he does love to compete and win, and there isn't anything wrong with that. They don't "keep score" at his age for soccer, but trust me, he knows the score and what is going on. I think just about every kid on that field knows what the score is after each goal. I find it funny that it isn't officially kept.

 

This brings up an interesting question: do you think that it's possible to be competitive and still have enjoyment in the process, not necessarily the endgame? In other words; can you go out, compete, and enjoy yourself in the moment while you are competing, and not sweat the end result? I know thatI can now, but it's taken me quite a while to get there and I'm not as competitive as I was before.

 

I don't ever want any of my players to go away from the idea of "I like playing football" in order to get to "I have to win at football." That's just me.

---