LISTEN HERE to the full message. Once one recognizes the potential dangers and rewards of youth sports, they naturally ask the question, “How do I minimize the pitfalls and maximize the rewards?” In part two of this series, Restoring the True Athlete, John Hampton and I, aim at showing parents how to develop an excellent…
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The Dangers and Rewards of Youth Sports
LISTEN HERE to the full message Frisco was rated “The Top Place to Raise an Athlete” by Men’s Journal in 2011. The result: a booming and active community of soccer moms and baseball dads whose kids are involved in countless athletic programs and have superb places to play. But have you stopped to consider this…
DEVELOPING DISCIPLINE – WHAT SPORTS TEACHES US ABOUT FAITH
PART THREE – DISCIPLINE Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice is famously known for training on “The Hill.” This is what he said about it in a Men’s Fitness Magazine interview: “The hill sprints were about two-and-a-half miles up, and the last 800 meters were completely uphill. We ran it for time, and if you…
WHAT SPORTS TEACH US ABOUT FAITH – PART 2
PART TWO – ENDURANCE One of the most well-known endurance sports events is the Ironman Triathlon. Started in 1978, this one day event of 140.6 miles includes a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112 miles bike ride, and a full marathon (26.2 miles). It is a true test of physical, mental, and emotional fortitude….
WHAT SPORT TEACHES US ABOUT FAITH – part one
Part One: Self-Control People who don’t consider themselves very spiritual may be surprised to know that the Bible talks about athletics. It doesn’t tell us which team God cheers for. It doesn’t tell us strategies to win a game. It doesn’t tell us which team will win the World Series, World Cup, or Super Bowl….
CAN TEAM LOYALTY GO TOO FAR?
Football season has arrived. Millions of people are thrilled that it’s finally here. High school, college, and the NFL all bring out passionate fans. It’s no surprise, because few events in the U.S. are as thrilling as a stadium full of people cheering for their favorite team. USA Today had a recent article about passionate college…
DEVELOPING GRIT FOR GLORY
Passion and perseverance for especially long term goals is how Angela Duckworth defines “Grit.” In a TED Talk from 2013, this psychologist explains what “Grit” is, how it’s needed to accomplish long term goals, and how to develop it. This year, she published her findings in the fascinating book “Grit.” She illustrates the great benefits of Grit…
HOW ATHLETES CAN AVOID ANXIETY
From mild nerves to extreme panic attacks, all athletes know the feeling of anxiety. Players are well aware of the nervousness before, during and after competition. Personally, I had a huge wake up call on a fall day as I experienced a panic attack in the middle of a lake during a triathlon. Panic attacks nearly destroyed my ability to perform to my potential. Then one day I discovered a timeless truth that gave me freedom.
When An Athlete’s Performance Becomes Their Identity
“What am I if I’m not winning?” is the nervous question of the person who thinks their identity is based on their performance. Regardless of how immensely successful and accomplished a player may be, they are not playing with full joy. However, there is a better way.
5 Ways to Exasperate Kids in Sports
Have you ever noticed a disgruntled, downcast kid? Some time ago, my wife and I noticed one at a kids triathlon. We were there to cheer on our kids who were competing in this swim, bike, and run event. While waiting for our kids on the run portion of the event, we witnessed something disturbing….
“I CAME TO SURF.”
Is winning the ultimate purpose for playing? Even though the 13 year old surfer Bethany Hamilton wanted to win the championship, she had a higher purpose for surfing. What was her secret? Read on to find out.
RUPTURED YET GRATEFUL
Sports injuries are never expected. That’s why they are so troubling and disappointing. Although the immediate pain of an injury can be excruciating, it is the subsequent change in lifestyle that is most difficult. Anyone who has had to take a break from playing because of an injury knows that reality. On November 30, 2015, while…
PLAYING FOR GLORY 