Free Play Academy Newsletter #39
Topics that will be covered:
1. The Free Game Paradigm.
2. The Pre-game Huddle with youth parents.
3. The Big 4 Mental Performance Skills.
The Free Game Paradigm.
The inner dynamics & outer dynamics of the athlete & of the team.
To be a great athlete and be apart of a great team, each one of these questions must be answered in a genuinely constructive & positive way.
The Pre-game huddle with youth parents.
For my youth coaches out there.
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THE WHY BEHIND THE PRE-GAME HUDDLE
The moments before a game starts are potential high-stress times for sports parents. The Pre-Game Huddle works to ease this stress in a number of important ways:
Brings parents together on the sidelines to establish important solidarity.
Provides direction from the coach on game moments parents can be on the lookout for.
Creates a timely opportunity for the coach to reinforce the opportunity of eliminating distracting & hostile behaviors.
HOW THE PRE-GAME HUDDLE WORKS
WHAT
The Pre-Game Huddle is a 1-3 minute parent "huddle" a coach holds on the sideline during the team warm-up.
PLACE & TIME
Set a pre-determined place and time for the Pre-Game Huddle that you can commit to for the season. For instance, 10 minutes before the game at the corner of the 18 and sideline. You should not have to wait for parents to gather, as you walk to the sideline, they should gather naturally.
LENGTH
It should be fast – 1 - 3 minutes maximum. Imagine a quick pre-game soundbite to a sideline reporter... that's what this should feel like.
INTERACTION
No time for questions or comments from parents, just a quick message from the coach.
SUGGESTED TOPICS FOR A COACH TO COVER
What you've been working on at practices recently that parents can look for in the flow of the game.
Style or system of play you are going to be focusing on.
A relevant update on the game... for instance if you know it's a novice referee, or if there is something notable about the other team or your team to mention.
Reminder about eliminating hostile behaviors and being mindful to not engage in distracting behavior.
The Big 4 Mental Performance Skills.
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.