Four Letters For Athletic Success — TAFT

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TAFT stands for Talent, Academics, Fundamentals, and Teamwork.


Talent separates young athletes. But is it everything? No. So what else matters?

Courtesy: North Dakota Reporter

Academics are important. If an athlete doesn’t keep up with academics, he or she won’t play.

Fundamentals are important. Progress is a function of knowing the fundamentals of a sport.

Teamwork is important. Winning requires coordinated effort. No player can do it all by him/herself.

Athletes need the total package–having talent, being solid academically, knowing the fundamentals, and being a team player.

Coaches need to preach TAFT. Players need to develop TAFT. Parents need to endorse TAFT. It’s the recipe for individual success, team success, and the prospect of playing at the next level.

About Matthew Paris

I grew up an avid Houston sports fan. After graduating from Texas Tech University in Theater and English Literature I worked as a marketing rep and coach for I9 Sports, coaching baseball, flag football, soccer, and basketball. I’m currently with Austin Sports Academy as a marketing coordinator, baseball and football coach, and coordinator of middle school and high school open play nights. I’ve written three short films for Looknow Productions and have also written articles on film marketing, producing, and directing. I really enjoy writing about sports and being an active contributor to The Sports Column.



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