Regression

Regression

“There has been some regression to their game.”

One phrase no one wants to hear, but unfortunately it happens every year.

Everyone wants to search for the answer why a player has regressed, which is totally valid, ultimately we may never fully grasp the reason why.

Obviously, we all know what the term regression means, but in order to understand the scenario we should be looking at the starting point, where the player or players started the year and what they have experienced a long the way to understand their current path in the game.

Let’s get one thing straight, regression doesn’t mean that a player or players won’t eventually play at the next level or they are in over their heads, or that they aren’t good enough to play there, it just means that the player might have had a setback or two throughout the season or that there’s been some subpar tendencies creeping into their style of play.

Every player and person is different and their path to growth and development is unique.

A matter of fact, this year more than some players have regressed because they play way too much. Poor habits have seeped into their game because of logging too much ice. That doesn’t mean they won’t excel at the next level when the time comes, it just means that they don’t necessarily play as sharpe as they used to, and that make tired mistakes.

Some players regress because they haven’t necessarily worked on or improved their weaknesses. While others potentially haven’t bought into the coach or programs ideology and philosophy. They might not be receptive enough to the coaches messaging, they might not be coachable.

While on the other hand they might not feel valued or appreciated by the coach. They might not have been given the right role or asked to play out of position, again we may never know, but isn’t it ironic that players that are traded or get a new lease on life excel in their new surroundings.

Other players could regress, because they might not be as fit or discipline enough currently to understand and fully comprehend the rigours and demand of their current situation.

Some players could regress because they have been battling injuries throughout the season and played through it. Obviously, that shouldn’t be held against them at all, but many critics will still harshly judge players because of it.

Regression could be seen in players that for one reason or another have lost their confidence or passion for the game which is really sad and unfortunate to see if that’s the case.

You see in many ways regression is just part of the grind, just part of the process. How does the player handle the adversity or regression?

Players and ultimately kids these days are hyper aware when it comes to their performance.

When struggle occurs they need to be supported, they need to know that someone is going to be there to lift them up. The days of figuring it out on their own should be the thing of the past, but you would be surprised.

Again that’s where one would have to look at the starting point. Where was the kid when they started, where were they at the midway point, where are they now and how did they get there?

From a scouting perspective, the most intriguing question would be the obvious one, where are they going to be a year, two, three or even four years down the road?

Any type of regression or adversity can reveal a lot about the player and person.

It’s in these moments that you see how bad the player wants it and just how much they are willing to give to improve.

In many ways a certain amount of regression could be the best teacher of them all. Again that can only occur when the player in question is supported and guided through those sequences a long the way.

Regression to resurgence, let’s hope every player can get to that point.

Every young players’ path in the game is different and things take time. When people try to rush the process, regression is usually waiting around the corner.

“There was some regression to their game, but they will be just fine.”

Regression to resurgence.