coachKidsSports.com

Failure happens all the time. It happens every day in practice. What makes you better is how you react to it. - Mia Hamm

When I started this web site I got an email from Eric McErlain of Off Wing Opinion , among other places.  He was kind enough to compliment the site and pass along a book suggestion.  He thought I would enjoy Brandi Chastain's book, "It's Not About the Bra".  Brandi scored, what I call, the most famous soccer goal in US history.  She scored the on the decisive penalty shot to beat China in the 1998 Women's World Cup — yeah, you remember now…

The book is an interesting read because Brandi is a self admitted hot head on the field.  But she tells the story of how she had to get past that personal weakness in order to succeed.  She recounts several times that her fiery personality got her into more trouble than her talent could get her out of.  But the part I want to highlight today is actually on the back cover.  She lists six rules — Brandi's Rules — and they are worth repeating.

• If you can't lose gracefully, don't play the game…
• … And if you can't win gracefully, you aren't a true winner
• When you mess up, own up.  Stop blaming the coach, the ref, your teammates, and that barking dog
• Be supportive from the sidelines — or put a sock in it
• It's more valuable to assist than to score –but don't pass up an open net!
• Dress for success: chill on the jewlery, polish your cleats, hike up your socks and keep your shirt on