Picking talent is the most important role for a coach. The athletes you select will be the reason you succeed that season or not. Picking talent has to come with a game plan. Before the season even starts you need to decide what kind of team you want or need.

I use to think I will just get good talent and coach them up. There is no such thing as coaching up to have a successful team. While I believe you can have a very success player or position player that you coach up, it is impossible to coach up an entire team.

Was is it impossible? Because picking talent doesn’t mean you have picked for hard worker, effort, grit, and gets along with everyone. These skills are not as easy to spot or it could be an act. These skills along with talent is what will make a team successful.

Therefore, when going to a coach’s look or skills night, don’t just look at the athlete skills they show on the field or court, but notice how they teach others. Look for items such as:

• Do they listen to instructions?
• How do they interact with others?
• What do they do while their waiting in line?
• Did they see others and pay attention?

Knowing how to pick talent is a great access and putting together a team of athletes that will have a common goal is crucial for a successful season. Don’t think that talent alone will be enough. Good luck finding the talent you need for your season.

Changing Lives Everyday,

Neftali Ortiz