TPM 282: What Makes A High Performance Athlete?
What may surprise many is that there is no set formula for success. Let's take a deeper dive.
We don’t need to spend much time at the rink or field before a couple strong patterns emerge.
The first pattern is that a few of the kids stand out from the rest. They are a step quicker and ahead of the game. Their skill level is above the others. They don’t seem to get tired and the play seems to follow them around.
The second pattern is that the athletes dominating at the younger 8-9 year old age bracket are not always the same ones who do so at the 13-14 year old level, and are again different when the athletes turn 18-19. Many things change in those years for our athletes, and the role of physical advantages in the early years are replaced by other factors that determine development to the highest levels.
Much of the discussion in youth sport, especially in the teenage years is the pursuit of the college scholarship and/or the aspirations of playing for money at the professional level. For a young athlete to play at the college or pro level, or quality for the Olympics many variables are at play.
The ingredients in creating the high performing athlete are not clear.
Must they dribble the ball to school everyday like Steve Nash did? Or,
Practice for thousands of hours on the backyard rink as Wayne Gretzky did?
Is there a special coaching formula that we must expose our kids to ?
What about genetics, surely that plays a big role?
Our friend and youth sport expert Matt Young recently shared an article outlining the requirements in making an elite athlete.
It is worth the read and sharing with someone who could benefit:
What Makes A High Performance Athlete?
by Matt Young
As parents, we often wonder what it really takes for our children to reach the highest levels of performance in sports.
Is it natural talent?
Hard work?
Great coaching?
You might be surprised to learn that the answer is a blend of factors, some obvious and some hidden.
After 34 years and more than 35,000 hours of coaching, we’ve asked this question countless times to coach developers across the globe. Through these discussions, a consistent pattern emerged—a breakdown of key ingredients that contribute to high performance. These insights come from years of experience and learning from the best.
Here’s what might surprise you about what really makes a high-performance athlete:
35% - Genetic Predisposition
Sometimes, athletic success starts before your child is born. Height, body type, or natural coordination can give them an edge. Maybe you’ve noticed your child’s speed or their natural affinity for swimming. This isn’t something you can control, but it’s a foundational piece of the puzzle.
25% - Internal Drive
What’s truly fascinating is how much comes down to what’s inside your child. The best athletes are often the ones who want to succeed. It’s the kid who practices late into the night. This motivation can’t be forced—it’s the drive that comes from within.
20% - Environment
It’s not just about what happens on the field, but the support around them—facilities, encouragement and community. Sometimes, the difference between a good athlete and a great one is the village that helps them grow.
15% - Coaching
We often think of coaching as key to success and it is—but not always in the way you expect. A great coach doesn’t just teach the sport; they know your child. The right coach adapts to their needs, building confidence, character and connection along the way.
5% - Luck
The part no one talks about is luck. Even the most talented athlete needs a moment of serendipity: a scout in the stands, a lucky break. It’s only 5%, but sometimes, it’s what makes all the difference.
As parents, this may be a revelation: there’s no set formula for success.
Instead, recognize the many factors at play and support your child’s journey—nurturing their drive, guiding their environment and finding the right coach.
And maybe, be ready for that lucky moment when everything comes together.