Today we spend an inordinate amount of time and effort preparing the path for the athlete. We make sure that everything is controlled. We make the path smooth and straight when in reality the path is circuitous and crooked with many detours along the way. What we should be doing is preparing the athlete. Get them ready for the bumps and detours. Build adaptability and robustness that prepares them for any path and obstacle in their way. Lest we forget that the goal is to grow and nurture and adaptable athlete who can thrive in the competitive cauldron.
