Free Play Academy Newsletter #25

Topics that will be covered:

1. The Flow Channel.

2. Aaron Greyeyes. 

3. An Excerpt from The Free Game.


The Flow Channel.

Mindset skill of the week!

This graphic below on flow is fascinating.

Flow is defined as a state of mind in which a person becomes fully immersed in an activity. It is one of the most elusive states of mind there is.

In sports, we call it "being in the zone." 

The graph shows that flow is found when the level of our skills is matched with a challenge right at the edge of our capabilities.

A challenge too easy leads to boredom and a seemingly impossible challenge just leads to anxiety. 

It is interesting to think of how this relates to youth sports, development, and even free play. Parents always want their kids to "play with and against the best", but you can see the disconnect created with this mentality if their skills aren't there yet. You can also see the problem with always being the best on the field... the kid might become bored and complacent.

Food for thought!

- Courtesy of Coach Jamie Munro & JM3 Sports


Aaron Greyeyes.

I’ve recently been revising old junior indoor world championship games from the past 4 years.

A player that pops off the floor is Aaron Greyeyes, player for the Haudenosaunee.

Playing with a motor unparalleled to anyone else on the floor, his reckless abandonment pace of play combined with a world-class skill set is a mixture that all players aspire to emulate.

Not to mention a coaches’ & teammates’ dream to be around! 


An Excerpt from The Free Game.

The Principle of Gravitas - The game comes to the player who does not reach for it.

HOW TO TRAIN IT:

1. STOP COUNTING OUR POINTS AND BEING FIXATED ON OUR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE ON THE FIELD. INSTEAD, SIMPLY FOCUS ON THE PLAY RIGHT HERE AND NOW IN THE MOMENT AND THE PROCESS OCCURRING RIGHT HERE AND NOW IN THE MOMENT, SHUT OUT ANY DESIRE TO ACHIEVE ANY SUPERFICIAL GOALS.

2. FALL BACK ON THIS WHEN TRAINING, ON THE PRACTICE FIELD AND DURING GAMEDAY.

WHEN SUCCESSFUL AT THIS:

1. WE WILL FIND THE BALL IN OUR STICK AND MAKING PLAYS NATURALLY.

2. WE WILL FIND THAT WE ARE GUARDING THE TOP PLAYER ON THE OTHER TEAM AND NEUTRALIZING THEM.

3. WE WILL FIND OURSELF WINNING DRAWS IN THE MOST MEANINGFUL MINUTES.

4. OUR TEAMMATES AND COACHES WILL VIEW US AS A TRUSTWORTHY LEADER.

BREAK FREE OF TUNNEL VISION AND NOT BEING TRUSTED ON THE FIELD.

STOP THINKING ABOUT INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AS A PLAYER AND FOCUS ON THE TEAM.

THE MORE YOU PULL, THE MORE YOU PUSH THE GAME AWAY.


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.


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Free Play Academy Newsletter #26

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Free Play Academy Newsletter #24