I have taught physical education to all grades, from k-12. I have always loved all sports and have coached basketball and volleyball, from the varsity level to the junior high level. This poem came about from my observation of the girls at the junior high level. These girls, most of them age 12-14 are the most fun to coach, and also the most frustrating.
COACHING
Taking a girl and teaching her to set, Showing her how to dribble, how to shoot a ball,
Showing her how to slam a ball over the net.
Teaching her to pass and to play with a team,
Watching her smile become a big beam.
How to play defense, be she short or tall.
You get the rewards, when you see the girls,
Concentrate on the game, and not on their curls.
This poem is useful in life, as well as in sports.
"BEATEN BEFORE YOU START"
If you think you are beaten, you are. . .
If you think you dare not, you don't. . .
If you like to win, but think you can't,
It's almost a cinch you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost.
For out in the world you'll find
Success begins with a person's faith,
It's all in the state of mind.
For many a race is lost,
Before even a step is run,
And many a coward fails,
Before ever his work's begun.
Think big and your deeds will grow,
Think small and you'll fall behind.
Believe you can and you will,
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you're outclassed, you are. . .
You've got to think high to rise.
You've got to believe in yourself,
Before you can win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go,
To the strongest or fastest man.
But sooner or later, the one who wins,
Is the one who thinks he can.
anonymous
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since Nov.'98