Teens

Teens Need To Be Coachable By Mike Ramey

by Mike Ramey
02/06/25
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     A few months back, Indianapolis had a visit from the famed Harlem Globetrotters.  One of their current key players, ‘the smiling forward’ Zeus McClurkin, was interviewed on one of our local noon TV news shows.  During the interview, McClurkin brought up a very crucial point that many young players seem to miss during their formative years.

     “You have to be coachable in order to be a successful player in any sport.” McClurkin noted.

     Through his younger days, even though he was cut from many rosters on his way up in the basketball ranks, McClurkin gained the trust of his coaches because he did what he was told.  He earned more playing time on the court as his coaches did not having to worry about whether or not he would stick to their game plan.  On the official Harlem Globetrotters website, his bio has a wealth of information and inspiration.  His walk squares with his talk.

     I realize that there has been a lot made over the years of mentoring young people.  However, many young people get into mentoring programs—and drop out—because they won’t do what the mentor tells them to do.  The same can be said about teens entering school sports programs.  The young man who may not have the overall talent—but is willing to listen to the plan for success of his coach—oftentimes winds up spending more time playing in the game rather than sitting on the bench.  It’s NOT only about talent…it’s about LISTENING to your coach.

     I get a kick out of a series of commercials which have made the airwaves along these same lines.  A young athlete is being trained by the veteran coach.  At the beginning of the commercial the young man just doesn’t quite seem to get it.  The coach continues to work with him, and work with him, and work with him.  Eventually, the advice that the coach gives pays off with success in rehearsal—and later on the playing field.

     It’s all about being coachable.  This develops discipline and perseverance which leads to success.

     Tiger Woods had to hit a lot of golf balls before he won his first golf tournament.  Larry Bird and Michael Jordan had to shoot a lot of baskets well before they won their first series of basketball games.  Being coachable is always at the bottom line of success.  This same strategy can be applied to any venue in life.  Preaching. Business.  The Arts.  Law Enforcement.  Those young men who achieve are not necessarily ‘the best’ when they start out.  However, by paying attention to the ‘old heads’ in their respective ventures; by being coachable, success comes their way and the Lord blesses them big time.  Something worth remembering!

     Mike Ramey is a Retired Minister, KJV Bible Teacher, syndicated columnist and Bible Prophecy Specialist who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.  “The Quick Scan” is one of a variety of his columns appearing and abounding in print and cyberspace, written from a biblical, business, and common-sense perspective since 1996.  To drop him a line—or a whine—the address is still the same: [email protected].  ©2025 Barnstorm Communications International