Free Play Academy Newsletter #22
Topics that will be covered:
1. The Immersion Paradigm in Sport.
2. Application open for Free Play Academy Youth.
3. Context, Context, Context.
The Immersion Paradigm in Sport.
“Specific sport abilities arise from intricate motor program patterns.
These patterns can be mirrored when we connect with our body's innate knowledge. By immersing ourselves in diverse movement patterns, we learn to let them unfold naturally, initiating a domino effect of proficient movement.
This brings forth a pressing question: Do we instruct our players in every single motion? Or Do we give athletes the pleasure of unearthing techniques through exploration. There's a lingering concern about them making mistakes, but what truly constitutes a mistake?
Movements should carry a sense of unpredictability and foresight, rather than a mechanical, scripted method. Having worked with athletes across various stages, I've observed that they often uncover the most effective method for themselves when required to adjust. Their adaptability is remarkable. Each athlete possesses a distinct movement signature influenced by their physique, mindset, and more. We should promote spontaneity. For the younger ones, it's essential to prioritize unstructured play, fostering versatility and creativity in movement. This forms a foundation for more specialized sports skills in the future.”
- Ted Suihkone, current head of player development for the EVZ Hockey Academy in the Czech Republic
Application open for Free Play Academy Youth.
We have opened applications for our new Youth Free Play Academy!
High School players have been the focus for the academy as of recent, but it is time we expand to a younger demographic.
If interested, or have others that may be interested, please fill out our application form for the player
(The Youth Free Play Sessions will take place Sunday mornings at Gainesville Middle School.)
Context, Context, Context.
“In the realm of coaching and training, context reigns supreme.
It's a guiding compass that ensures decisions are not made in a vacuum but are rooted in the specific situations and needs at hand. This means that what may work for one athlete or team in one scenario might not necessarily be the right fit in another.
As a coach, your primary responsibility is to discern what's best for you and your athletes, ensuring their well-being, growth, and advancement.
However, defining what is "right" can be a fluid concept. As with many aspects of life, the goalposts of appropriateness and effectiveness might shift based on evolving knowledge, experiences, and circumstances. This dynamic nature of "rightness" makes it all the more essential to have a solid grounding and understanding of what you're aiming to achieve.
Evaluating training programs is no small task, and a coach's arsenal should always be rooted in foundational training principles. These principles, imbued with your core coaching philosophy, become the lens through which you view and assess any program. One of the primary elements to focus on is progression. It's not just about knowing where to begin but understanding the journey the athlete will undertake. A good program will map out this journey, setting clear milestones that help both the coach and the athlete track progress and make necessary adjustments.
Beyond progression, a holistic approach takes several other factors into account. An athlete's developmental age might differ from their biological age, and it's crucial that a training program distinguishes between the two. This differentiation ensures that the athlete is not pushed too hard or held back based on just one aspect of their age.
The uniqueness of each athlete also comes into play. A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely, if ever, effective in training. Every athlete comes with their strengths, weaknesses, and potential. Recognizing this individuality and tailoring programs accordingly is key to ensuring optimal growth and development.
Furthermore, assessing an athlete's trainability - their capacity and readiness to train - can provide valuable insights. Some might need more intensive training, while others might require a more moderate or paced approach. Adjusting training based on this assessment ensures that athletes are neither undertrained nor pushed beyond their limits.
The specificity of the sport cannot be ignored. Training routines for a sprinter will differ vastly from those for a long-distance runner or a hockey player. Ensuring that training is sport-appropriate is crucial to develop the specific skills, stamina, and techniques required.
The art and science of training are intertwined. While there's no singular "right" way that fits all, a deep understanding of training principles, combined with a keen sense of observation and adaptability, ensures that the chosen path aligns with the athletes' needs, setting them up for success.”
- Ted Suihkone, current head of player development for the EVZ Hockey Academy in the Czech Republic
The Free Game
The part of lacrosse that is played with the mind.
What will be covered are the 8 Principles of Performance.
Any lacrosse player can own the 1st ever sport psychology methodology specific to the game of Lacrosse.
This purchase will include a FREE consultation with Coach McDonnell via in-person or Zoom.
Here is a preview.
The cost is $24.99
You can purchase The Free Game here.
Lean in, do the work, stay focused and become uncommon.
Have a great week.