What David Taught Us Through Goliath
By admin | September 3, 2010
This infamous story from the Bible is continuously brought up in the world of sports . Seemingly every time the little guy defeats a team they weren’t supposed to defeat, coaches, players and commentators love to refer back to good ole’ David. Recently , sports fans are treated to an NCAA hoops Tournament that is filled with these types of upsets. Football, has these types of games as well. Look no further than Boise State (although they are winning their way out of the underdog claim), TCU and even the New Orleans Saints in this year’s Super Bowl, and the New York Giants versus the powerful New England Patriots in 2008. Yes, ironically I am saying that the Giants were actually more like David than Goliath . Confusing, I know, but let’s face it, they were the underdog. The question is how are these teams able to pull off such upsets? In nearly every case, the talent grade is not equal, often the facilities are not equal , the coaches’ salaries are not in the same ballpark , yet these superior teams lose . What’s the common theme? Preparation and spirit. Teams that are prepared and play with effort and heart, without fear, are able to accomplish great things.
Although our goal is to focus on football and not religious belief, a lot can be taken from this Bible story. David went into war in the same way that, as a coach , you should aim to enter into a game . David knew his opponent better than his opponent knew himself. He knew Goliath’s strengths and his weaknesses. As teachers , we need to go into every game and identify the strengths and weaknesses of that which we are trying to accomplish . The challenge then becomes how to use a team’s strengths against them and thus expose, and take advantage of, their weaknesses.
The underdog is not always a team. From one coach to another or a former player to a current player, I caution you to NOT get too hung up on the talent. The same rule mentioned earlier applies to individuals. Preparation + Heart (effort) = Success! Time and time again I see coaches getting hung up on the “numbers” of the game. Who can jump the highest, run the fastest, we all know the drill. Although these statistics DO make a difference, they mean very little without the two pieces of the “Success Formula”.
The lesson of the story is this;
Coaches give kids a chance, they may surprise you. Don’t lock in on the PLAYERS you think look good, because you may be ignoring the player on your team that will make YOU look good.
Children , don’t give up! I am speaking from experience as someone who has had to work extremely hard for everything I have earned . Always work to improve on getting stronger and faster , but also play with heart and preparing to achieve your goal . Work everyday to outwork your competitor whether that is the person in front of you on the office project , or the team you are lining up against come game day .
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