This morning brought a surprise to my phone’s screen, a message from my son, Wesley. He had forwarded what is renowned as a “Gospel Classic” – a talk titled “Why All the Rules?” by Elder Richard L. Evans, born in 1906 – and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Evans delivered this inspiring message shortly before his passing in 1971, a year of particular significance for my family. It marked the birth of Wesley’s Uncle Dwight, an uncle he holds dear.
I immediately conveyed my gratitude to Wesley for the share and promised to delve into it without delay. Holding true to my word, I submerged myself in the words and wisdom of Elder Evans. The profound insights and the timeliness of the message, despite the years that had passed, resonated deeply. So much so, that I couldn’t help but respond to Wesley with fervent appreciation, “I love, love, love, this talk… Thank you [for sending it]! – Dad.”
In this article, I wish to share reflections on this classic piece, unraveling its enduring wisdom. As I delved deeper into the teachings, I found striking parallels between the principles Elder Evans presented and our pedagogical training approach at The Coaches Corner. It became clear how timeless wisdom, whether spiritual or scientific, converges to provide a framework for excellence, growth, and understanding. Join me as we explore this synergy further.
A Message from the Past: Discovering Elder Evans’ Classic
[I delve into the backstory of a treasured talk from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and its profound impact decades later]
In a world overflowing with information and distractions, achieving mastery in any field requires unwavering dedication to fundamentals. This idea rings exceptionally true in the realm of athletics. The Coaches Corner stands as a bastion for those who wish to walk the path of excellence in pickleball. Drawing inspiration from a recent talk, let’s explore the philosophy and pedagogy that underline our approach.
Reread, Not Rewrite: Back to Basics
Just as it was pointed out that the commandments need not be rewritten, but reread, our approach emphasizes a return to the fundamentals. “The commandments of God are there. They come from a divine source.” Similarly, the techniques and strategies that lead to success in pickleball are not whimsical fads but rooted in proven principles. Just as commandments have been given for a reason, so have the foundational elements of our sport. The question then becomes, are we rereading and re-practicing them enough?
Choice, Freedom, and Limitless Possibilities
“You have limitless, everlasting possibilities. You also have your freedom. It’s up to you how you use it.” These words resonate deeply with our philosophy. Every athlete is endowed with potential. But unlocking it requires making choices – choices to train rigorously, choices to remain disciplined, and choices to prioritize perfect practice over quick shortcuts. The Coaches Corner acts as your “living Father”, guiding and advising, but ultimately, the choice to excel is yours.
The Ten Commandments of Perfect Practice
[I unpack the parallels between age-old spiritual commandments and the essential principles driving success in athletic training]
- Foundation First: Just as Moses received the Ten Commandments as the bedrock of moral living, in pickleball, it is vital to first establish the basic foundational skills. Skipping this step is akin to building a house on sand.
- Continuous Learning: Remembering the Sabbath Day in the biblical commandments is about reflection and constant learning. Similarly, continuous improvement and learning are paramount in mastering pickleball.
- Respect Your Limitations: The commandment of honoring your father and mother signifies respecting those who came before you. Likewise, understanding your current level and acknowledging your limitations in pickleball will prevent injuries and pave the way for growth.
- Steer Clear of Distractions: Just as “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image” warns against worshipping false idols, a pickleball player should not be lured by flashy, unproven techniques that detract from genuine skill-building.
- Do Not Misuse Your Knowledge: Taking the Lord’s name in vain can be paralleled in pickleball by those who misuse their knowledge, mislead others, or act arrogantly based on their skills.
- Commitment is Key: Adultery, in the religious sense, is about being unfaithful and breaking vows. In pickleball, commitment to practice, and maintaining discipline is essential. Don’t stray from your commitment to mastering the basics.
- Avoid Envy: “Thou shalt not covet” teaches us not to envy others. In the world of pickleball, it’s essential to focus on your journey rather than comparing yourself to others or desiring their success.
- Honesty in Practice: Stealing, in its broader sense, is about dishonesty. As a pickleball player, being honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and progress is vital.
- Seek Truth: Bearing false witness is about propagating untruths. Always seek genuine feedback, and be wary of false praise or unfounded criticisms in your pickleball journey.
- Balance Ambition and Contentment: “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house” teaches the value of contentment. In pickleball, while ambition drives growth, it’s also essential to appreciate your current skills and enjoy the game.
Moreover, while Moses received Ten Commandments, The Coaches Corner, in its exhaustive exploration of pickleball nuances, has recognized over 60 critical elements or ‘commandments’ of the game. These are imperative basic skills that every player must internalize. Just as the Israelites transitioned from a state of ‘enslavement’ to ‘freedom’ by adhering to these commandments, pickleball players aim to evolve from a “consciously incompetent” state to an “unconsciously competent” state.
And this is precisely where the indispensable value of a seasoned coach becomes evident. Every penny an athlete invests in training is, in essence, spent on the finel
y-honed, critically trained eye of the coach. With meticulous attention, the coach ensures strict adherence to these vital elements in each session, acting as a guiding beacon for the athlete. Their expertise and insight help athletes traverse the rigorous path that leads to the coveted 5.0 skill level and beyond. It’s not merely about participating in the game; it’s about advancing with precision and perfection, under the vigilant supervision of a dedicated coach.
Avoiding the Trap of Gimmicks: Staying True While Innovating
[The Coaches Corner’s dedication to timeless principles, while incorporating revolutionary methods and technology, is our guiding light in training excellence]
In the realm of high-level athletic training, a cloud of marketing ploys and flashy gimmicks consistently looms, attempting to divert serious athletes from the proven path of success. These are the sirens that draw players into believing there’s a quick fix or a shortcut to the top. But like any house built on a weak foundation, these shortcuts can lead to fragile skills that might crumble under pressure.
The Coaches Corner, deeply anchored in the timeless principles that drive success, adopts an approach that’s both rooted in tradition and revolutionary. Our philosophy seamlessly merges age-old wisdom with state-of-the-art science. Every training module is strategically staged in sequence, ensuring that one skill builds upon the other. This design ensures that mastering one skill before progressing to the next offers the quickest and most efficient trajectory to reach the 5.0 level and beyond.
To further our commitment to delivering unparalleled training, we integrate revolutionary products that are at the pinnacle of sports technology. One noteworthy inclusion is Senaptec, a groundbreaking tool focusing on an often-overlooked dimension of athletic training: sensory performance. This isn’t merely a novel addition to our arsenal; it’s a brain-training weapon, discreetly wielded by elite athletes globally. By enhancing sensory skills, we fine-tune an athlete’s reaction time, focus, and spatial awareness – skills that, when optimized, can drastically influence in-game performance.
In essence, while The Coaches Corner respects and leverages the enduring techniques that have stood the test of time, we’re not confined by them. Our approach embodies evolution, always staying abreast of revolutionary tools and methodologies that can complement and elevate our core training regimen.
The Humility of Continuous Learning
[When an athlete invests in The Coaches Corner, they’re tapping into the power of experience, precision, and unwavering attention to detail]
“Anyone is mistaken if what he is doing would lead him down physically, mentally, or morally.” We at The Coaches Corner acknowledge the fallibility of everyone, including ourselves. But we believe in the power of reflection, reassessment, and course correction. Just as pride can be a barrier to repentance, it can also be an impediment to learning and growth. Our coaches are ever vigilant, ever humble, ever ready to learn and adapt for the benefit of our athletes.
Final Thoughts: A Fatherly Figure in Your Athletic Journey
As the talk beautifully elucidates, having a fatherly figure, someone who sees farther, someone who guides based on timeless wisdom, can be invaluable. The Coaches Corner is not just a training center. It’s a mentorship, a guardianship, and a partnership in your journey to pickleball greatness. Here, we don’t offer shortcuts. We offer a path. A path trodden by the greats. A path that, if walked with dedication, leads to the medal round. The choice, as always, is yours.
