Elite Athlete vs. Wannabe Elite Athlete
So many athletes have talent and have seen success in their leagues, but what separates the elite athletes who make it from the wannabes?
Yes, skill plays a big part of the equation but work ethic, dedication, and consistency play an even bigger role. Here are five big differences:
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Purpose and Commitment
- Elite: Every session has a clear objective tied to performance goals speed, power, agility, and game readiness.
- Wannabe: Talks about big goals but trains without a plan, skips the “boring” work like mobility or recovery, and gives 50% effort on their best days.
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Training Habits
- Elite: Shows up consistently, even on days they don’t feel like it. Follows the program, tracks progress, and makes adjustments when needed.
- Wannabe: Trains when it’s convenient, cuts corners, and thinks “good enough” will get them there.
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Recovery and Lifestyle
- Elite: Treats recovery as part of training dialed in sleep, nutrition, hydration, and mobility work. Fully committed to success.
- Wannabe: Thinks recovery is optional; late nights, poor fuel, and inconsistent habits show up in performance. Committed more to fun than results.
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Coaching and Feedback
- Elite: Seeks coaching, is open to feedback, and values technique and refinement. Knows small details matter.
- Wannabe: Avoids critique, wants quick results, and often overestimates their own ability.
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Mental Game
- Elite: Handles pressure, learns from failure, and stays focused on the process not just the outcome.
- Wannabe: Gets frustrated by setbacks, focuses on highlights, and underestimates the grind behind success.
A question I often ask athletes and parents is:
“What is the goal?”
Is the goal to unleash full potential, or is it simply to enjoy the sport and stay in shape?
Neither choice is wrong, but as a coach, knowing the answer helps me set the right expectations. It’s a question athletes and parents should reflect on from season to season.
Check back in on these five points. Where do your actions fall?
Written by:
Kirill Vaks
BA, CSCS
Take action… Now!
Voorhees Flyers Training center.
The Hollydell ice arena, in the main building.
