So what are your actual chances of making it pro? Odds are not very high. For example, according to North Texas Select Baseball, only one in 1,600 high school players makes it into the baseball leagues, which is a 0.015% chance. The NFL says that, in football, only 1.6% of college players make it to the professional level. The NCAA states that 1% or less makes it to the NBA. Those numbers are pretty brutal, but do not let them discourage you. Although you do not make it all the way, you will still get a lot out of the experience.

If you really want to make it in the big leagues for any sport, there are a few things you will need to do. Starting young in your preferred sport is a great way to begin your journey. You need to be completely obsessed with your sport – and I mean totally consumed by it – because the time commitment is unsound. Discipline is huge. Like, you cannot just show up when you feel like it. And honestly? You need some luck, too. Sometimes it is about being in the right place at the right time when a scout is watching. You are looking at years of non-stop work just to have a chance at making it. If you are really serious about going pro, you got a treat it like it is your full-time job – same thing every single day. Start with light stretching and a short run – just getting loose before the real training begins. Don’t be afraid to ask your coaches what you are doing wrong – they have seen it all before and can spot things you cannot. Use the feedback given to you to make improvements. Make sure you are always learning new strategies and techniques, and watch games to learn from the professionals.

Don’t let the odds get you down. You may have a chance. Do try your best and do not stop once you have reached your goal.