Talent - Nature or Nurture?

     I just finished reading the book The Talent Code:  Greatness Isn't Born.  It's Grown.  Here's How. by Daniel Coyle.  This book is an excellent resource for teachers and coaches as well as parents.  Coyle boils down talent into a combination of three things:  Deep Practice, Ignition, and Master Coaching.  As I was reading this book, there were many memories of events that have happened to me while teaching, coaching or learning for that matter that make much more sense now.  Unfortunately the picture that many people have of what successful coaching looks like is very distorted.  The little league coach that berates one of his players for making an error isn't doing that player or any of the other players on the team any favors.  The fans in the stands at an elementary basketball game yelling "Shoot it" or "Dribble" are actually hindering the development of that player rather than helping.  So the next time you are at a youth sporting event, make sure to encourage effort and sportsmanship and let the kids play.