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Garnering Respect Through Skill

By Michael Shanks

In local neighborhoods of Brazil and other countries, the kids that are the most skilled often are given nicknames and are highly respected. Skill implies having practiced for hours upon hours (work hard). This also implies dedication.

In my experience, people have always respected skilled players, often times more than players who have success simply because of their size or speed (tall and fast). This respect is gained because players train not only their muscles, but their minds to function in a certain way that allows precise, calculated movements of the body while remaining fluid in a state of improvisation.

I take great pride in the awards and “namings” I have garnered through my successes in soccer. I am respected by the coaches, but also my peers on the team and even my friends at school.

Why are athletes respected so highly? People will say because they admire the commitment and physical achievement of the athletes. However, the underlying principle, though most may not realize it, is seeing the athletes as artists (art form).

There exists a huge community of players who post their dribbling and juggling abilities online. Nike has jumped on this bandwagon and created an excellent place where people can post their videos and evaluate their skills against others.

To see an incredible freestyle dribbler: