The best parts of being on a professional team

Monday, November 15, 2021

Being on a team is an incredible experience. Challenging, of course, but generally amazing. Here are some of my favorite parts of being a professional team.

Supportive debriefs

We are pleasant to each other in the debriefs. We encourage and support, compliment, and motivate each other when someone is frustrated. It is easy to improve and have a great time in this environment.

Photo: Mike McGowan

The struggle is real – but then you get it

Think you are frustrated with your block 11? Make it your job and do it for HOURS. All teams struggle with specific areas of their game, and we must hammer through it. There is no answer book; we have to figure it out ourselves.

It can be maddening to fail over and over. However, you eventually have a breakthrough. And when you do, and the block is good after all the struggle, it is incredible.

 

We have a blast

I know it looks like we are super severe in our crazy matching gear and critical vibe, but it is only that way for the parts that need intense energy. There are lots of sharing, laughing, inside jokes, and friendly jesting happening. This flip can happen because we learn to weave in and out of focus effectively. Plus we have the advantage of knowing each other very well.

SDC Rhythm on the way to the world meet in style.

Experts at hand

I love always having a room full of experts at hand. I don’t know the answer to every skydiving question, but chances are someone on the team does. And when I have a hypothesis about a technique, idea, or concept, I have a terrific sounding board.

 

Everybody is hyper-motivated

At the stage you become professional, everyone is hyper-motivated and responsible. If you aren’t, you won’t make it far enough to get on the team. That means experienced teammates don’t flake, everyone is down to meet as early as needed, and everyone does what they are supposed to. It is great.

Photo: Denis Satler

Hanging Out

On an expert team, especially a traveling one, we hang out a lot. Since we aren’t rushing home, we chill with each other – watching tv, cooking food, recreating, exercising, etc. Since I have loved all my former teammates, this is truly fun.

 

Amateurs can find the joy as well as pros in most of these areas. Perhaps this list can help you appreciate the value your own team brings!

 

Keep in touch with Fury articles, news, and events by signing up for Christy’s not-too-often newsletter.

Tags: , , ,

I really like Christy's coaching style, it's a great mix of serious and fun, with the ratio adjusted as needed for each person/team. Great organizational skills to keep all the cats herded, and she is skilled and knowledgeable.

» Christine Deglau – Perris Quattro

Get the No-Go-Low Tunnel Drill Guide!

Download the tunnel drill cheat sheet for mastering fall rate.

    • Would you like hear Christy's tunnel and skydiving tips, events, and news by email?>

The cheat sheet is on it's way! You may need to confirm your email before it comes to you.

Share This

Share This

Share this post with your friends!