Report 1: ICE       Report 2: Stretching       Taf's Bio       New Playing Roles       Being One of Many       MidSeason Burnout       Parental Motivation       Be Humble       Adversity       Negativity       Concussions       Young Athletes: Part I       Weight Gain       Tip of the Week       Strength Interview       Strength Interview 2       Leading Into Summer       Warm-Up       Train with Intent       Training for Hockey       8-Week Program       Groin Strains in Hcky       Speed-Agility Program       Training for Quickness       Off-Season Cardio       Combination Lifts       Strength Training       20 & Down       Flexibility       Off-Season Rest       Muscle Soreness       Injury       Injury Rehab       Overview       Hydration       Meal Planning       Food Groups       Meal Plan       Meal Timing       Alcohol       Score More Goals       Stop at the Net!       The Slap Shot       Stretching for Goalies       PIG       Rebound       Survivor Rebound       Bet for Skate       Breaking It In       Stick With What...
	You've probably heard of the saying, "a big fish in a small pond" or "a little fish in a big pond." As players, we often get accustomed to being the big fish in the small pond. For many of us growing up and through our minor hockey careers, we are the big fish, and lets face it, it's fun to play that role. We get so used to being the "go to guy" that we come to expect it. What all players will face at one point during their careers, whether it be at the junior level, college level, or the professional level, is that, inevitably, you will for a period of time become a small fish in a big pond. You will find yourself being one of many talented players who all at one point were big fish. This adjustment is a difficult one to make, and the fact is that 99% of players will be forced to make it.       For the first time in our careers, we may find ourselves on the fourth line, healthy scratches, or practice players. We may even find ourselves being cut from a team for the first time in our lives. Whatever the case may be, it is a shock that many of us don't deal with properly. Some loose confidence in their abilities, others loose hope, and the saddest occurrence is that some quit. Regardless of what you will be facing and how you will initially deal with it, we at PlayYourGame.com just wanted to say the following without attempting to preach.       Don't ever question your ability or loose faith in yourself as a player. It's normal for these doubts to occur, but we are here to say that it's not acceptable. We urge you to continue to do what's made you successful in the past. If your ability and talent level is in question, don't fear it. Embrace it. By embrace it, we mean fix it. Watch and learn from the better players and develop new skills. The only way to get better is by having an open mind and by working at it. Here's a secret for all of you players who think you have nothing more to learn. You will have to continually try to improve your skills if you have any hope of succeeding at the next level. When you stop improving or get it in your head that you don't have anything to improve on, then you should seriously consider accepting where you're at in your career and the role that you play. Wherever you end up, regardless of role or team, make the best of it. Learn from it, and you'll be a better player for it. If you believe in yourself and your skills, and you commit yourself to working daily to improve your skills, then you will find yourself enjoying the game and playing the role that you want to be playing. Good luck
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