Both in professional and youth games, some players are simply not playing their best. Not every player gives his/her best performance in every game or in every moment of a game. For those players trying their hardest, watching other players not making the same effort can be extremely frustrating. When this occurs, these players can respond by:
- Slowing down to match lessor efforts
- Playing at the same intensity
- Playing at a higher level to try to compensate
Players can always find an excuse to work less hard. However, players who can continue to play their best or raise their level of play, even when others are not, are learning how to become champions.