Fundamental way to receive scholarship offers

What’s the first thing college coaches notice when scouting and evaluating a solid prospect?  Athleticism.  Second?  Grasp of fundamentals.

Coaches will tell you that athleticism is perhaps the highest, desirable attribute.  And when athleticism is coupled with a great attitude, coaches swarm.  But add sound fundamentals to that equation and what you have is the near-perfect prospect, and someone who gathers numerous scholarship offers.

A prospect who can master the fundamentals reveals so much more about him or her.  Dedication, hard work, personal pride and attention to detail come to mind.  College coaches know this and search out those athletes who can demonstrate an uncommon desire to be excellent at what they do.

All the hoopla we see in college and pro sports masks what goes into advancing to those levels of competition.  Athletes in any sport do not arrive to those heights without having diligently worked on fundamentals.  Yes, athleticism, strength and speed can occasionally trump fundamentals, but that’s a rarity.  Give a coach someone who time after time nails the minute fundamentals of his or her position and the coach will take that athlete anytime over the flashy kid who has trouble running a precise route or laying down the perfect bunt or dribbling through a double team or making a beautiful drop shot.

If you want to be a college athlete, spend your time perfecting the fundamentals of your position.  Accept, too, that routine practice sessions aren’t enough.  Film study of the best, extra drills outside of practice and focusing on the details are what it takes to be a legitimate contender for a college scholarship offer.