Free Play Academy Newsletter #26
Topics that will be covered:
1. Provide the athlete with autonomy and space.
2. Shoutout to two day-ones.
3. Clip from yesterday’s Free Play Session.
Provide the athlete with autonomy and space.
“True instruction goes beyond mere presentation of information; it's only accomplished when the athlete genuinely grasps and internalizes the knowledge.
There are instances when the best approach for a coach or mentor is to pause, providing the athlete with the autonomy and space to process and apply what they've been taught.
This emphasizes that the true gauge of effective teaching isn't in the delivery of content, but in the athlete's comprehension and application of that content.
A hands-on approach can be beneficial, but there are moments when stepping back can empower the learner to self-reflect, experiment, and truly understand the material or technique.
In the realm of sports, or any discipline for that matter, this means recognizing when to guide and when to let individuals explore, make mistakes, and come to their own realizations.
It's a reminder that genuine learning often flourishes in moments of independence and self-discovery.”
- Ted Suihkone, current head of player development for the EVZ Hockey Academy in the Czech Republic
Shoutout to two day-ones.
Noah Callahan & Brody McClure have been two players I’ve had the pleasure of working with on an individual basis for ~5 years.
Each are and continue to be major contributors to their respective high school and clubs programs.
Both Noah & Brody are on their own paths to becoming recruited college-athletes very soon and ready to compete at the next level!
Great job boys, it’s been nothing but fun time spent together on the field.
Noah
Brody
Clip from yesterday’s Free Play Session.
I love these two offensive sequences back to back. Creativity within the confined situation.
Here, I have placed the athletes in a situation with context, 2v2 with the player starting with the ball directly at the nose of the cage with a GLE pick.
I offered a few suggestions but no hard rules.
I simply gave the players autonomy and space to play within the confined situation.
The players loved it and found a flow and their own rhythm 3-4 repetitions in.
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.