Sports are big business in America, and no matter the sport, there’s a strong chance that there’s a pro-league you can join. Whether it’s tag, frisbee, or more traditional sports like baseball or hockey, there is always a way for those with a special talent to make a living playing a sport they like.
However, what you see on TV when you watch your favorite athletes is a result of years of hard work. You also don’t tend to see the thousands who have failed. Becoming a pro-athlete takes more than simply being good; you need to have something special. But more importantly, you have to be prepared. Here’s what you need to know before becoming a pro-athlete.
Those who Start Young Have an Edge
A lot of things in pro-sports come with practice. We often hear of the term ‘muscle memory’. It is a very real thing in sports, and some of the skills you see players display are second nature to them. They might seem mesmerizing to you, but they’re the results of hours and years of practice. And when you start young, you have more time to practice.
So, if you are in your late teens, things will be tough for you. It’s not impossible, however. But you have to know that starting after the age of 12 will be an uphill battle and you’ll need to invest in additional resources like a personal coach and possibly start looking at camps for older players.
Start Studying the League(s) You Want to Play in
Next, we would suggest that you start studying any league you’re trying to get into. Study the draft and development process. Study the top teams, and the development teams right under. If you want to play pro-hockey, for instance, start studying the top franchises in the NHL. Start studying their culture and what they look for in an ideal player. This could help if you have always wanted to play for a specific team.
Each team will have a different brand, and it will help to get familiar with it as well as their scouting staff before starting. This will allow you to develop the traits needed to become attractive to them. You could even start looking at what their future needs may be. For instance, if an NBA team has a great point guard that is nearing the end of their career, you could always prepare yourself to replace them by developing some of their skills and studying the team’s style and coaching philosophy.
There’s More than One Way to Make it
You also shouldn’t assume that you absolutely have to play in the best league for the best team to make it. There are so many different leagues in the world, and if you don’t think you’ll be able to get drafted by one of the top US leagues, know that you can always look elsewhere.
If you’re into hockey, there are teams in Russia or Slovakia where you can play. If you’re into basketball, Israel, China, the EU, and Australia all have good leagues. So, don’t assume that you don’t have a chance and look at what’s going on around the world as well.
Becoming a pro athlete is not easy, but if you have the skills, determination, and a plan, it’s possible. Follow our few tips and get started as soon as possible if you have the chance.