I recently heard a baseball story that addresses the subject of athlete's weaknesses. One afternoon in St. Louis, Stan Musial was having a great game against Chicago Cub pitcher Bobo Newsom. Stan's first hit was a single, then he hit a triple. On his third trip to the plate he hit a home run. When Stan Musial came up to bat for the fourth time, Chicago Cub manager Charlie Grimm decided to yank Bobo and take a chance on a rookie relief pitcher. As the young rookie went to the mound from the bull pen and received the ball from Newsom, he asked, "Say, Skipper, has this guy Musial got any weaknesses?"

"Yeah," replied Newsom, "he can't hit doubles."

Instead of focusing on weaknesses, pay attention to your athlete's strengths. Sharpen skills that already exist. Compliment positive qualities. Bring out the gifts and talents already inherent in them. Weaknesses can wait - unless they are character flaws. Only after you have developed a strong rapport with your athletes, and have seen them begin to grow and gain confidence should you address the areas of weakness. Handle them gently and one at a time.