How important is it to train with higher level players?
This blog was a difficult one to write, so I will be directing you to the podcast instead. Answering this question is straight forward, but it led me to different thoughts I wanted to share. There will always be a higher level training group so at some point, a coach has to say no, they can’t move you up.
So here are the main points of the podcast, and I encourage you to watch or listen to the podcast to get all of the details behind my thoughts:
Yes, the better your training environment, the better your chances are of improving as a player.
But you can still get better training with lower level players.
A player’s daily discipline and standard of work ethic is more important than how perfect the environment they’re in is.
Player’s have to learn how to beat opponent’s of a lower level, and training with those player’s helps prepare a player for those matches.
Coaches have to do what’s best for everyone, not just one player. By moving someone up into a higher level group, those higher level players are now training with someone of a lower level. Is that fair to them? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Parents and players need to understand that.