I just finished reading this great new book called, “Bounce – Mozart, Federer, Piccasso, Beckham and The Science of Success” (The author is British – which is why Gretzky didn’t make it into the title).  The book is jam-packed with the secrets of success in sport, as well as scientific studies to back all of it up – a perfect storm for someone like me who is a sport and science junkie (ie. athletic nerd).

 

In the opening chapter of the book, the author talks about a groundbreaking study done of elite violinists (stay with me here – this is related to girls hockey).  There were 3 distinct groups in this study:
1. The Supertalented – who were expected to be superstars & soloists
2. The Extremely Good – who were expected to play in orchestras, but not as soloists
3. The Average – who were dedicated but didn’t show any extraordinary ability

 

When the researchers interviewed these 3 groups, they found out that they were all remarkably similar. The vast majority of them began studying the violin around the age of 8 and came to the realization that they wanted to be musicians around 15.

 

The ONE dramatic difference between the 3 levels of violinists was….. the NUMBER OF HOURS they devoted to serious practice.

 

By the age of 20, the best violinists had practiced an average of 10,000 hours which was 2000 more than the good violinists and 6000 more than the average ones.  And – there were NO exceptions to this pattern!  No one got to the elite level without a tremendous amount of practice and everyone who worked their socks off ended up excelling.

 

So why I am I sharing this with you today?

 

Well, the first thing that jumped out at me when I was reading this chapter is how it related to female hockey.  Most girls start playing around the age of 8 and most decide they want to play at the college/national level around the age of 15.  But more importantly, the thing that really rang true with me is that those who are willing to put in the work are the ones who will be rewarded.

 

:::  It is PRACTICE, and NOT talent, that really matters. :::

 

A commitment to purposeful practice was the only factor distinguishing the best violinists from the average ones.  Having “natural talent” had absolutely nothing to do with their long-term success. So Talent isn’t necessary – but effort is.

 

This brings up TWO really critical points:

 

1. Talent alone doesn’t entitle you to anything.  Despite what some people think, talent only takes you so far in hockey.  And those we think are just naturally talented are usually the ones putting in hundreds and thousands of hours of  work in when no one else is watching.

 

2. A lack of natural talent cannot be a crutch.  I cringe when I hear players say, “I’m not as naturally skilled, so I won’t make it.” or “She’s just so good – I must not have the hockey gene.”

 

Those, my friends, are simply EXCUSES.

 

Because we see time and time again in life and in sports that it is the willingness to put in the time – which has been found to be 10,000 hours over the course of 10 years – that makes you an expert.

 

If you are willing to put in the 10,000 hours, you will be rewarded.  And if you aren’t, then you can’t be surprised when you don’t reach the top.

 

You need to ask yourself whether you’ve been putting in the time and effort to take your game to the next level this season and beyond. Because cramming in 10,000 hours at the last minute doesn’t cut it. Preparation needs time.

 

Work Hard. Dream BIG.  Take Action.

 

Your friend and coach,

 

 

Kim

 

 

Kim McCulough, MSc, YCS
Director, Total Female Hockey

Girls Hockey Director, PEAC School For Elite Athletes