--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Champions take responsibility. When the…" description: "\"Champions take responsibility. When the ball is coming over the net, you can be sure I want the ball.\" — Billie Jean King" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/03a/billie-jean-king-3780_balls_champions-take-responsibility-when-the-b_1676332.jpg" --- # Champions take responsibility. When the ball is coming… ![“Champions take responsibility. When the ball is coming over the net, you can be sure I want the ball.” quote by Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/03a/billie-jean-king-3780_balls_champions-take-responsibility-when-the-b_1676332.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/03a/billie-jean-king-3780_balls_champions-take-responsibility-when-the-b_1676332.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/03a/billie-jean-king-3780_balls_champions-take-responsibility-when-the-b_1676332.jpg) > “Champions take responsibility. When the ball is coming over the net, you can be sure I want the ball.” [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Champions actively seek the opportunity to succeed, never waiting passively. **In simple terms:** Champions pursue the ball, not wait. Key Takeaway Take initiative in pursuit of goals. Themes sports competition initiative responsibility mindset Mood motivational assertive focused Type sports leadership When to use this quote - team sports - business negotiations - personal projects - career advancement Key Concepts goal orientation proactive behavior confidence Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance initiative with patience? - What signals indicate the right moment to act? A Different Perspective Overconfidence can lead to reckless actions. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Champion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/champion/) [Football](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/football/) [Perseverance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/perseverance/) [Persistence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persistence/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) [Sports](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sports/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [Taking responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taking-responsibility/) [Tennis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tennis/) ## Related quotes > [Champions take responsibility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/champions-take-responsibility/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Thinking about the things that happened, I don't know any other ball player would could have done what he (Jackie Robinson) did. To be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pee-wee-reese/thinking-about-the-things-that-happened-i-don-t-know-any-other-ball/) [Pee Wee Reese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pee-wee-reese/) > [The ball was coming down like a butterfly with sore feet.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jamie-redknapp/the-ball-was-coming-down-like-a-butterfly-with-sore-feet/) [Jamie Redknapp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamie-redknapp/) > [WHEN THE BALL IS COMING AT 100 MPH FROM PITCHER THERES NOTHING SOFT ABOUT THAT](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-madison/when-the-ball-is-coming-at-100-mph-from-pitcher-theres-nothing-soft/) [James Madison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-madison/) > [Whenever I see that ball coming my way I am just hungry to get it. When I get the chance to take it I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erick-green/whenever-i-see-that-ball-coming-my-way-i-am-just-hungry-to-get-it/) [Erick Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erick-green/) > [On crosses, sometimes I make my move one or two seconds before the ball is coming because I'm trying to guess that the ball…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/javier-hernandez/on-crosses-sometimes-i-make-my-move-one-or-two-seconds-before-the/) [Javier Hernandez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/javier-hernandez/) > [Any time as a corner you feel like you're in good position and the ball's still coming, you don't understand why, but you don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-woodson/any-time-as-a-corner-you-feel-like-you-re-in-good-position-and-the/) [Charles Woodson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-woodson/) > [A lot of guys, when the ball is coming, sit there and look at the clock; then it makes you rush your shot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-horry/a-lot-of-guys-when-the-ball-is-coming-sit-there-and-look-at-the-clock/) [Robert Horry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-horry/) > [If you pick up that information, the first metre or two, the ball coming out of the hand, you can analyse what's coming.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ab-de-villiers/if-you-pick-up-that-information-the-first-metre-or-two-the-ball/) [AB de Villiers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ab-de-villiers/) > [Hitting the ball when it is coming across your body and dropping from height is one of the most difficult techniques in the game.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-sutton/hitting-the-ball-when-it-is-coming-across-your-body-and-dropping-from/) [Chris Sutton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-sutton/) > [For me, losing a tennis match isn't failure, it's research.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/for-me-losing-a-tennis-match-isn-t-failure-it-s-research/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Every pro has to decide what they want from their ball.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/xander-schauffele/every-pro-has-to-decide-what-they-want-from-their-ball/) [Xander Schauffele](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/xander-schauffele/) > [Do I want the ball more? No, I'm good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jonas-valanciunas/do-i-want-the-ball-more-no-i-m-good/) [Jonas Valanciunas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonas-valanciunas/) > [I'm a competitor. I want the ball when it matters. But I came to Houston because I wanted to play with Chris Paul (a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/p-j-tucker/i-m-a-competitor-i-want-the-ball-when-it-matters-but-i-came-to/) [P. J. Tucker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/p-j-tucker/) > [I can't just tell the guys I want the ball, I have to do it with my body language.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lamarcus-aldridge/i-can-t-just-tell-the-guys-i-want-the-ball-i-have-to-do-it-with-my/) [LaMarcus Aldridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lamarcus-aldridge/) ## More by Billie Jean King > [I like to see what future generations are thinking about.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/i-like-to-see-what-future-generations-are-thinking-about/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Natural talent only determines the limits of your athletic potential. It's dedication and a willingness to discipline your life that makes you great.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/natural-talent-only-determines-the-limits-of-your-athletic-potential/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Don't worry about what people say.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/don-t-worry-about-what-people-say/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [I was always in the tennis business-from 1968. I was in tournaments and also on World Team Tennis teams as well.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/i-was-always-in-the-tennis-business-from-1968-i-was-in-tournaments/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [In 1973, women got 59 cents on the dollar; now we are getting 74 cents on the dollar. In the area of finance and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/in-1973-women-got-59-cents-on-the-dollar-now-we-are-getting-74-cents/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Martina's gone with people who don't want to be out, and it drives her crazy because she'd rather be open.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/martina-s-gone-with-people-who-don-t-want-to-be-out-and-it-drives-her/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [They're not put on earth to be martyrs; they have to want to come out. It depends on your culture, where you work, where…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/they-re-not-put-on-earth-to-be-martyrs-they-have-to-want-to-come-out/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Trust and respect is something you earn, not something that is given.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/trust-and-respect-is-something-you-earn-not-something-that-is-given/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [When we reach the point where the women athletes are getting their pick of dates just as easily as the men athletes, then we've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/when-we-reach-the-point-where-the-women-athletes-are-getting-their/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Everyone has people in their lives that are gay, lesbian or transgender or bisexual. They may not want to admit it, but I guarantee…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/everyone-has-people-in-their-lives-that-are-gay-lesbian-or/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [A girl didn't get an athletic scholarship until the fall of 1972 for the very first time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/a-girl-didn-t-get-an-athletic-scholarship-until-the-fall-of-1972-for/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Women get the attention when we get into the men's arena, and that's sad.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/women-get-the-attention-when-we-get-into-the-men-s-arena-and-that-s/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [Men still get a lot more opportunity. It is still a big part of the old boy network. They have more companies they can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/men-still-get-a-lot-more-opportunity-it-is-still-a-big-part-of-the/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [It's very important to take tennis to the people. For young people, they get to see the best in the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/it-s-very-important-to-take-tennis-to-the-people-for-young-people/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) > [For me, losing a tennis match isn't failure, it's research.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billie-jean-king/for-me-losing-a-tennis-match-isn-t-failure-it-s-research/) [Billie Jean King](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) [Explore all 122 Billie Jean King quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billie-jean-king/) ## More Balls quotes > [It's a lot harder to play football when you haven't got the ball.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-gray/it-s-a-lot-harder-to-play-football-when-you-haven-t-got-the-ball/) [Andy Gray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-gray/) > [Once you pull the trigger, you've got to throw balls aggressively and with conviction.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-smith/once-you-pull-the-trigger-you-ve-got-to-throw-balls-aggressively-and/) [Alex Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-smith/) > [Thinking about the things that happened, I don't know any other ball player would could have done what he (Jackie Robinson) did. To be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pee-wee-reese/thinking-about-the-things-that-happened-i-don-t-know-any-other-ball/) [Pee Wee Reese](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pee-wee-reese/) > [Play small ball. Get back to basics. I would say that you need to be a conservative, but you need to maintain your independent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrea-tantaros/play-small-ball-get-back-to-basics-i-would-say-that-you-need-to-be-a/) [Andrea Tantaros](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrea-tantaros/) > [Donald Trump is a different ball of wax. I've been trying to say for I don't know how many months now that the traditional…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/donald-trump-is-a-different-ball-of-wax-i-ve-been-trying-to-say-for-i/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [Well, you can certainly teach free-throwing. And you can teach the boys to pass at angles and run in curves. - University of Kansas…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/darryl-dawkins/well-you-can-certainly-teach-free-throwing-and-you-can-teach-the-boys/) [Darryl Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/darryl-dawkins/) > [Maybe bring in sponge balls to learn the technique and gain that experience of actually challenging for a header.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-mason/maybe-bring-in-sponge-balls-to-learn-the-technique-and-gain-that/) [Ryan Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryan-mason/) > [I like René Descartes' theory about a ball of wax. You can change its form from solid to liquid, but it's still the same…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emmy-rossum/i-like-ren-descartes-theory-about-a-ball-of-wax-you-can-change-its/) [Emmy Rossum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmy-rossum/) > [It wasn't really touching to be young; it was touching not to be young, because you had less of life left. Touching to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rose-macaulay/it-wasn-t-really-touching-to-be-young-it-was-touching-not-to-be-young/) [Rose Macaulay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rose-macaulay/) > [This ball was so crowded that it took me - a trained professional journalist with vast experience in this area - forty five minutes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dave-barry/this-ball-was-so-crowded-that-it-took-me-a-trained-professional/) [Dave Barry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dave-barry/) > [Common sense is the guy who tells you that you ought to have had your brakes relined last week before you smashed a front…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raymond-chandler/common-sense-is-the-guy-who-tells-you-that-you-ought-to-have-had-your/) [Raymond Chandler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raymond-chandler/) > [Throwing a ball is not natural, whether it's overhand or underhand.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jennie-finch/throwing-a-ball-is-not-natural-whether-it-s-overhand-or-underhand/) [Jennie Finch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jennie-finch/) > [I don't feel like I have to live up to anything because I've proven that I can play. Give me the ball and let's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clinton-portis/i-don-t-feel-like-i-have-to-live-up-to-anything-because-i-ve-proven/) [Clinton Portis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clinton-portis/) > [And if we seem nutty to you and if we seem like an odd ball to you, just remember one thing. The mighty oak…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/glenn-turner/and-if-we-seem-nutty-to-you-and-if-we-seem-like-an-odd-ball-to-you/) [Glenn Turner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/glenn-turner/) > [You run the football for toughness. You run the ball to tell your opponent that you're as tough as they are. But you throw…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jerry-glanville/you-run-the-football-for-toughness-you-run-the-ball-to-tell-your/) Jerry Glanville Browse all 3,005 Balls quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Champions take responsibility. 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