One of the biggest challenges of any coach in sports is being able to motivate his players. Nothing is more important than getting them to embrace and maintain “winning” habits. It’s not an easy thing to do. Players are human. They can become careless and get distracted from the goal if left unattended for too long. Yes, they’re adults, but time has proven on too many occasions that age means nothing. Players policing themselves is rarely going to end well. That is why Chicago Bears linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi understands keeping them focused is his job. In these situations, letting somebody familiar with greatness in sports deliver a message is never a bad idea. Borgonzi got his linebackers together for a film session and decided to show them a clip of Kobe Bryant. Cameras caught for 1920 Football Drive.
This wasn’t a typical highlight reel of the late Los Angeles Lakers superstar. Instead, during a press conference in 2011, he was asked about his practice habits. Now those who have followed Bryant’s history know he was one of the most relentless workers of his era. Yeah, he had talent. Yet what set him apart was the absurd lengths he would go to in order to improve his game. Bryant explained that mentality.
Kobe Bryant understands the fundamental truth of sports.
Talent alone won’t make you great. What sets the best of the best apart from everybody else is how hard they’re willing to work. Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices to be great? Champions are built by good players who embrace the grind. It starts with being in top physical condition. Endurance is huge in any professional sport. Borgonzi wanted his guys to understand why practices were so grueling. It wasn’t meant to torture them for some sadistic kicks. It was to ensure all of them were still going at top speed in the 4th quarter.
That is what Kobe Bryant understood. He didn’t practice that hard because he enjoyed it. He did so because he knew that was the only way to reach his goal of being one of the ever to play play. Michael Jordan was the same way. People talked about his athleticism and absurd ability to hit shots under pressure. They always forget the Chicago Bulls legend was a tireless worker. Nobody put in more time in practice or the weight room. Borgonzi wants to get his players to think the same way.
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