What drives you to compete? Racquetball players are a unique breed. From best to worst in abilities, we are out there on display for everyone to see. There is no hiding your personality when it comes to crunch time in a match.
External drive-This player plays for approval. It is all about external gratification. This player loves the attention and being on stage.
Internal drive-this player plays for their own approval, and nobody else’s. This player can take a loss and learn a lesson.
Combo player-both external and internal drive exist and this player plays for it all. They can take a loss and they may appear not to try. Beware of the not trying thing though as there may be another issue. A couple of Examples come to mind: an injury and a tournament coming up in two weeks. An injury and a job they have to go to the next day.
I would have to say I think most players are a combo of internal and external drive. It takes a ton of work to compete in a tournament. If it does not take a ton of work and you are winning, you are very gifted. But are you winning it all? It takes a ton of work to win it all!
That drive that makes players work so hard is admirable and why I respect all players of all levels. That inner drive is what puts you on the practice court and in the camps and lessons!
Onward and upward!