Ways for Athletes to Play with Respect

Do you play sports or have the desire to do so? Do you want to play with respect while not losing your desire to win? There are many things you must do to display good sportsmanship and play with respect.

Do not perform acts that show up the opposition such as touchdown dances and homerun stares. If you are a baseball player and hit a pitch you think will be a homerun, immediately start running.

If you avoid walking while the ball is in flight, you show respect; furthermore, you will not embarrass yourself with a single if the ball falls in front of the fences. When Willie McGee played for the St. Louis Cardinals, he would run the bases with his head down immediately after hitting the ball, even if he knew he just hit a homerun, to avoid showing up the pitcher.

Shake your opponent's hand after you win or lose. If you play on a team that has just lost its game, encourage your teammates to join you in walking over to congratulate the winning team. Congratulating the winner shows good sportsmanship; furthermore, it will make it easier to accept your loss.

Do not use steroids. Steroid use is dangerous, deadly and illegal; furthermore, it is against the rules in most sports to use steroids. You will not be a good sport if you break the rules to get ahead.

Use caution with what you say after the game is over. You will not display respect if you say your opponent defeated you through luck or your inability to execute your plays and strategies. Give your opponent credit for his or her victory. You will gain respect and feel better if you display humility. Additionally, the winner should praise the loser for the effort he or she put into playing the game.

Train the right way. You can win your game with respect and good health through practicing your techniques, working out and eating properly. Seek advice on fitness and health from your coach.

Tell and demonstrate to your opponent what he or she can do better. This will make both of you feel better; furthermore, you should want to beat your opponent at his or her best.

If you lose your game, do not get angry or take your loss out on others. Keep in mind the phrase that says, "It is just a game." Life will go on if you lose.