What's the most important thing to bring to your water polo team?

Besides your swim suit?

There's lots of things that good athletes need. But there's one that doesn't take natural ability.

It doesn't take hard work.

It doesn't take a water polo ball or a pool.

Can you guess?

It's enthusiasm. 

The great coach, John Wooden put enthusiasm on the cornerstone of his "pyramid of success". 

Enthusiasm makes you better. It makes your team better. It makes the work, the dedication and the struggle worthwhile.

Learn how to be enthusiastic and you'll quickly see a difference in your relationships with your:

• Teammates
• Coaches
• Parents

How do you become enthusiastic? How do you show it? 

Here's my top five tips:

1. Smile. Smiles lift you up. They lift your teammates up. Get in the habit of giving sincere smiles to your teammates every time you see them.

2. Encourage with words. Tell your teammates they are doing a good job. Boost them up. Ask them to help you out when you're down or feeling more tired than usual.

3. Do not complain or whine. The fastest way to bring yourself down is to start whining. Not everything goes well all the time. Promise yourself you'll learn from what went wrong and take appropriate steps next time. Sometimes all you can do is go through the motions; one foot in front of the other. Complaining makes it worse.

4. Have a "beginner mind". Many times we think we know it all. We know what the coach is going to say. We know what the next set is. Instead of thinking you know everything, think of not knowing anything. Everything is a learning experience. Learn from it.

5. Play and laugh with your teammates. Make water polo fun. If your friends are laughing and happy, you'll be laughing and happy as well.

"The team that is enthusiastic together, stays together." Coach Ron

​It doesn't take size, speed or great athletic ability to bring enthusiasm to yourself and your team.

Every day, try to be more sincerely enthusiastic. 

​I believe you'll be amazed at the results.
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