The Home Team Advantage
By: Katherine Rodriguez
Although being the best is a singular pursuit, and as the Beatles melodiously sang “one is the loneliest number”, it often takes more than one person to get to the top. In fact, it takes a team to make a great player.
Great players and great pitchers need support, not only on the field but off the field. When I refer to team, I mean the “home team”; the group comprised of parents, family and close friends.
In order to be successful, a player needs someone practicing with them at home. They also need encouragement and positive reinforcement. Practice should not be a miserable experience.
The home team advantage is only beneficial if the team works together and keeps the big picture in mind. There must be a balance between enjoyment and productivity. The less the player enjoys practice, the less productivity you will get out of him or her. Additionally, if the practices are not productive, then it is a waste of time.
Furthermore, if a player isn’t progressing or is in a slump, the answer is often at home. If the home team isn’t putting in the time to help the player get better, no one should expect a miracle out on the field.
After all, the home team wins and loses as a team!
