Its a Lifestlye

When I was in first grade we studied: Literature (reading/writing), History, Math, and Science.

When I was in second grade the subjects we studied were: Literature (reading/writing), History, Math, and Science.

When I was in third grade the subjects we studied were: Literature (reading/writing), History, Math, and Science.

In fourth grade the subjects were: Literature (reading/writing), History, Math, and Science.

In fifth grade the subjects were: Literature (reading/writing), History, Math, and Science.

In sixth grade the subjects were: Literature (reading/writing), History, Math, and Science.

In seventh and eighth grade the subjects were the same. But they were getting a little more specific- US History, Algebra, Physical Science....

Over 4 years of High School the subjects were: the same, but even more specific. Biology, World History 1, Physics.

In college the subjects continued to be the same. Although now there was more choice in some of the classes. They still included history, science, literature, and math.

If you were to compare only the subjects for each year they might seem to be the same. Same title, but the topics within those subjects were always changing. The information was getting more detailed, more challenging. Each year builds on the education received the year before. Throughout a lifetime of education there is a progression of learning.

Why? One reason is to be well rounded. Only having a solid grasp of math won't help anyone to succeed in the world.

Another reason is that each of those topic headings contain a vast quagmire of information. Multiple years of study are required to even crack the surface of knowledge for each subject.

Parallel this to the athletic world. Starting out you learn the basics.

In baseball/fastpitch: throwing, hitting, sliding.

Basketball: dribbling, shooting, passing.

Each subsequent year of participation in sports continues to focus on the basics. At no point does a baseball player stop working on hitting or throwing. A basketball player never stops practicing shooting, or dribbling. Each of those skills is so important and so involved that you can never be satisfied. There is always something that could be improved.

Being an athlete is a lifestyle.

The choice to be an athlete for a day, or a week at best results in poor performance.

You need to be committed, focused and willing to put in the time.

Work on the fundamentals, improve your speed, strength and conditioning. Then do it again, and keep doing it.