What to Look for in a Player

When selecting a team or forming a unit once you have already chosen your team, what elements of skill and personality are important? Over the years I have put together teams I thought would do very well based on their skills. That always turns out to be just a part of the whole picture. Great attitude and leadership are the key. A player who comes to practice everyday ready to give you and her teammates her all, is the player I want every time. I have made some bad picks, not knowing what lurks inside that player's soul. I have also made some excellent picks based on that special ingredient. For a young player to be a great leader without coming across "bossy"; that is a very positive attribute to have. Of course, we all want that great athlete who is also the strong, positive leader. I think it is more difficult to find the leader who is respected by her peers, than it is to find good athletes. Those great leaders lead by example. They practice hard and respect the coach's wishes without complaint. They don't get down on themselves or their teammates for mistakes made. They encourage other players when they make an error and they move on from their own errors. Players should definitely be taught these positive teammate skills, but it helps when they start out being receptive to your physical and mental coaching. Start hunting for those great leaders!