Free Play Academy Newsletter #35
Topics that will be covered:
1. The Daily Blueprint by a Stanford Scientist.
2. NLL Full Games.
3. The Killer Instinct.
The Daily Blueprint by a Stanford Scientist.
Andrew Huberman is a Professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine, and here is his recommended daily morning routine for optimal performance.
NLL Full Games.
With the NLL right around the corner, enjoy 100+ full games available free from the 2019/20 season on the NLL’s YouTube channel.
The Killer Instinct.
“Where’s the killer instinct?”
Killer instinct, or the lack of, is something I’ve heard repeatedly within the last year. More specifically, in the past few months.
Parents have come to me expressing how their kid just doesn’t have that “killer instinct” yet.
They don’t have a drive to compete when things get tough like they do when the play is easy and they’re winning big.
Various coaches have talked with me on the same subject from their perspective.
As I attend practices and games I keep hearing, “you gotta want it” or “you gotta have that killer instinct.”
As a former elite player and now coach and mental coach, I too have observed this shift in mercilessness, especially among youth athletes.
While talking with other prior athletes, comparisons are always made between our game and what we notice in this generation of young athletes.
It used to be rare for a player to lack some level of killer instinct; now the killer instinct seems to be a rarity.
When I mention killer instinct, I’m referring to that “go-getter,” grit mentality.
When you’re up in a game or match, you keep pressing on the gas pedal.
When you’re down, you’re fighting and scratching to crawl out of the hole.
Simply put, it’s a battle state of mind. Killer instinct, however, isn’t just a game-day attitude.
When an athlete has a killer instinct they continuously train and work on their game, both strengths and weaknesses.
They do extra, they do the little things, and they focus on what they can control, such as, effort, energy, and preparation.
As I’ve listened to and observed this “killer instinct” phenomenon lately, I’ve developed two approaches as to why it seems to be extinct among youth athletes today.
There are still young players that demonstrate the fighter mentality, however, it’s slowly becoming exceptional.
Two Killers of Killer Instinct:
1. “Everyone is a winner”: while everyone is unique and comes with their own individual strengths and talents, a team or athlete ranked 50th is not on the same level as a team or athlete classified as 1st. Our culture tends to award everyone, specifically in youth sports. This concept is understandable to an extent, though failing and learning is a crucial factor in creating success. If you don’t know what it’s like to lose, it’s hard to ever truly appreciate winning. The “everyone is a winner” mentality likely kills the motivation for all. When each player or team is rewarded regardless of the outcome, what kind of work ethic and motivation does that create?
2. Too much screen time: screen time, including technology and social media is a major distinction between generations of athletes. Screen time takes away from work time. Screens also provoke sedentary activity. Social media and the amount of time young people spend comparing and being occupied with others destroys self-confidence, self-worth, and self-respect. Likewise, technology takes away from reality. Great athletes become great by going out and playing, being active, working on their stuff. There are wearables and other technology that can perhaps help enhance performance, though, more so for elite, experienced athletes.
The youth needs to get up and go do. Nothing simulates performance like performing does.
Killer instinct is something we all desire as an athlete, parent, or coach.
It’s not a skill I believe can necessarily be taught, rather influenced through failures, lessons, and an environment that encourages hard work and the process.
- Megan Melchiorre, Psy.D., Mental training expert Dr. Megan Melchiorre specializes in sports psychology strategies for all athletes. She is a certified Mental Game Coaching Professional (MGCP) and is the director of mental game coaching at Peak Performance Sports.
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.