But it is still curious that when they are racing against themselves, as in ' times to 1st base ', they are not dogging it ...While when they are in a group of runners they are happy to run in the middle or back of the pack when they are capable of leading the pack based on their individual times ... I've not really noticed this phenomenon previously ... Is it because the spot light is not on them ? Does it indicate they are not a team player ... Are a team player ? Will they push harder to beat out a single than the less talented players who I see trying harder ? OR ... is it that these less talented players are actually even pushing harder when direct competition with who they may perceive as a superior player ?????? AND ... the more talented player is .... I"M SO CONFUSED !!!!

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My DD is fairly fast, and I have noticed her doing the things you are talking about. In my DDs case, she will first test the other girl's speed discreetly, like during warm ups when nobody is really watching. Then, she will go all out to try and outrun anyone she thinks has the ability to beat her. Once she knows she is faster, she will not try that hard again unless it is game time, or some kind of official time is being kept.
It makes no sense to me or my husband, and we have told her that, but teenagers are not that bright. At least in my DDs case, there is no rhyme or reason for what she's doing, so it's not surprising that this action is confusing!