You've got to have balls
People always talk about having balls in sports. But… what does it mean having balls?
It’s been a long time since I’ve shared some thoughts. Partly because I was very busy, but also because I couldn’t find a topic that really motivated me to write.
When I started writing here, the idea was to send out ideas circling in my head, and little by little it shifted into a tactical manual. Today I’m making a sharp turn and going with a totally different topic.
🥚 You’ve got to have balls or “huevos” as they say in Spanish 😉
This is a phrase that’s heard repeatedly in sports. As if “having balls” were the solution to every problem.
While I believe that attitude in sports is fundamental, I think the concept of “balls” or “huevos” has been completely distorted into something negative.
Nowadays, it seems that having balls means shouting, throwing yourself on the ground, “going hard,” making a fuss. And this, in most cases, instead of adding, subtracts.
That’s what I call “grandstand balls.”
🪺 Those who truly have balls
Those who truly have balls don’t need to make a fuss. They don’t need to put on a show so the crowd applauds them. They do what has to be done for the good of the team, regardless of whether they get the credit. And they do it when things are going well… or when the heat is on.
What is the true meaning of having “balls” according to me?
It’s asking for the ball when the team is under pressure and you can’t get out from the back.
It’s defending a 1v1 with patience, without diving in headfirst, running as much as you have to run.
It’s sprinting to the far post from midfield without being sure the ball will go there.
It’s encouraging a teammate after a blatant mistake.
It’s taking a hard hit without reacting.
It’s keeping calm and confidence when everything seems to be falling apart.
These are just a few of the many examples we can find.
I’m not leaving you with any grand discovery, but I hope it helps you reflect and look at who in your teams truly has those balls. Who can handle it when the going gets tough. Those are the players who are worth gold.
🧠 Extra: Why do Aquarians have a better chance of succeeding?
Relax, I haven’t become an astrologer…
But people who are born in the first quarter of the year have a much greater chance of success than the rest.
I read this a while back in a very interesting book: “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle. Since I read it, I’ve seen it borne out in almost every place I’ve worked.
A kid born in January isn’t actually more talented, but starts with a lot of tailwind. He’s bigger, stronger, more mature and coordinated than someone born in December, so he stands out earlier. He gets chosen more often, plays on better teams, racks up more minutes, receives more attention from coaches and has more chances to be called up to selections. And when you’re chosen more, you play more, you feel good, you get more excited… the snowball does the rest.
Here are last year’s FIFA U-17 World Cup statistics:
Quarter / Count / Percentage
Q1 (Jan–Mar): 223 (44%)
Q2 (Apr–Jun): 131 (26%)
Q3 (Jul–Sep): 86 (17%)
Q4 (Oct–Dec): 64 (13%)
Total: 504
As you can see in the chart, the difference is striking.
70% were born in the first half of the year.
And I think this data should make us think as coaches:
How many talents are we missing out on by rushing to judge level in youth?
How many players lose their opportunity just because they mature later?
In developmental age groups, do we separate by level?
Are the “strongest” today really the ones who will go the farthest?
That’s it for today! Hope you liked it.
Until next time!
Javi
Some extra reading suggestions ↓ from the editor regarding the “extra” thought by Javi:
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