Dr. Jeff Duke in his book 3D Coaching discusses three dimensions of coaching: fundamentals, psychology, and heart. The first dimension of fundamentals emphasizes strength and cardio training, completing drills, and learning appropriate techniques. The second dimension of psychology focuses on motivating athletes and building their self-confidence. The final dimension of the heart concentrates on building character and helping athletes to find their identity. The athletic program at Frederick Christian Academy uses a similar three-dimensional model of building athletes as we seek to build our athletes understanding of the basics, to encourage them to grow in Christ-like character, and to glorify God.

1. Building The Basics – Every athlete needs to start with the basics. They need to learn the skills of the sport and the rules of the sport. Much time needs to be spent drilling techniques and tactics along with teaching their athletes about the rules of engagement. Training in the fundamentals will help to build an athlete’s confidence that they can effectively use during an athletic competition. Paul informs Timothy of the importance of both fundamentals in II Timothy 2:5.

II Timothy 2:5 – “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.”

This verse reminds us that in order to win the trophy it requires athletes to master the necessary skills and to learn to follow the appropriate rules. However, learning skills and following rules is only the bottom tier of a sports program. Remaining in this tier may win a trophy, but it will not impact athletes beyond the field of competition.

2. Encouraging Christ-like Character – Many athletic programs across the country are willing to sacrifice the character of their athletes in order to win another game, title, or trophy. Not so at FCA. Striving to win is absolutely an important part of any athletic program and a great motivator, but it is not the main point of an athletics program. Paul encourages believers in Colossians 3:23 to ensure that they have the right mindset in everything that they do, including athletics.

Colossians 3:23 – “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”

Coaches must instill a level of confidence in their athletes that motivates them to give the sport their all. Strive for the mastery! Do it heartily! But never forget that winning should not become more important than developing each athlete to be the man or woman that God desires for them to become. Athletics should be used to develop the Christ-like character of athletes and to inspire them to be biblical servant leaders that can show the love of Christ to their teammates and to their opponents while still performing at their best.

3. Glorifying God – As with all aspects of Frederick Christian Academy, our athletics program exists to glorify our Heavenly Father. If His name is ever marred, then our program needs to be revised and adapted to be more inline with His expectations. Paul drives this point home in I Corinthians 10:31.

I Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

If something as mundane as eating and drinking needs to be intentionally done for the glory of God, then something as important as our athletic program should be done with even more intentionality and purpose. It is not enough that our athletes strive to be the best they can be. They must strive to follow the commands of scripture and the rules of the game. It is not enough for our athletes to develop personal skill. We must develop their character. It is not enough for our program to earn accolades. We must glorify God while doing it.

It is an exciting time to be a part of Defenders Athletics! Our girls’ middle school basketball team recently won 2nd place in our state championship and our boys’ JV team just won their state championship! Not only that, but our boys’ Varsity team has a good chance at claiming their third state title in the past five years! Most importantly, we’ve had the opportunity to develop each athlete’s love for their Savior and their desire to become more like Him. Let’s Go Defenders!

Administrator's Corner

A 3D View of Athletics

Frederick Christian Academy

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