“Trying too hard” is a common expression in cricket describing the typical behaviour of a young fast bowler. It refers to the bowler’s desire to take a wicket off every ball. We see that with youngsters in every sport – the young football star who attempt to score every time he touches the ball and the tennis up-start who attempts to hit a winner every shot.
As they get more experienced, these youngsters learn that scoring a significant goal almost always involves a steady build up to a fantastic finish. The smart bowler sets the batsman up for a shot he might never have played. The smart footballer works with his teammates to carve open the defence. Sure, there’s the occasional audacious backhand winner that wins a point but more often than not, the winner is hit after patient build up.
And, in almost all cases, one finish is rarely enough. Build up, then finish. Build up, then finish again.
It follows then that patience is the ability most required during the course of the game. The best teams and players exhibit an extraordinary degree of patience. For inspiration, watch a YouTube clip of FC Barcelona as they carefully make their way forward with pass after pass after pass. Or watch Rafael Nadal wear his opponent down rally after rally.
It’s tempting to push our way through and always try to score. But, learning to be patient and going for goal right when the opportunity opens up is the mark of a winner.
A Learning a Day 