Free Play Academy Newsletter #51
Topics will be covered:
At the core of the Free Play Academy.
Youth Faceoff Development.
The Free Play Academy Performance 6: Time in Nature.
At the core of the Free Play Academy.
The groundwork of the Free Play Academy is based off of what is known as ecological developmental approach to sport development.
It is a perspective that views athletes’ growth and performance within the context of their interaction with the environment, including social, cultural, and physical factors.
This approach emphasizes the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between an athlete and their surroundings, considering how these interactions shape their development over time.
It is grounded in ecological psychology and developmental systems theory, which suggest that development is not just a result of internal factors (like genetics) but also of ongoing interactions with the environment.
For the next few week we will take a deep dive into the key Principles of an Ecological Developmental Approach to Sport Development:
Interaction with the Environment:
• Affordances: In ecological psychology, affordances are opportunities for action provided by the environment. In sport, this means that athletes learn and develop skills by perceiving and utilizing the affordances in their environment, such as a lacrosse ball’s feel in one’s stick or the spacing of players on a field.
• Adaptation: Athletes continuously adapt their movements and strategies based on environmental feedback. For example, in the game of lacrosse, a player adjusts their shooting technique based on the position of defenders and the goalie, and the distance from the cage.
Youth Faceoff Development.
I wanted to give a special shoutout to our young bucks participating in the Faceoff development through the academy.
We had our best & most competitive Youth Faceoff training group to date yesterday! The group was a collection of multiple different players representing all different clubs across the region, Virginia Lacrosse Club, Annapolis Hawks, True Virginia & Next Level.
All the boys were locked in focused, gave great effort & competed hard throughout the entire hour.
Crowned champion of our King of the Hill was Nathan Wasilausky of True Virginia. Great job Nathan!
The Free Play Academy Performance 6: Time in Nature.
Covering the third of the 6 Free Play Academy Performance 6: Time in Nature.
Get outside every day to run/walk, breathe, get some direct sunlight, and clear your head.
Why..? See Below!
Evolutionary Adaptation:
• Survival and Safety: Humans evolved in natural environments, where being attuned to nature was crucial for survival. Natural settings often provided food, water, and shelter, so our brains are wired to feel safe and relaxed in these environments. I recommend reading the book Blue Mind, by Wallace J. Nichols, that reveals remarkable truths about the benefits of being in, on, under, or simply near water. Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with compelling personal stories from top athletes, leading scientists, military veterans, and gifted artists, Blue Mind shares how proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success.
Reduction of Mental Fatigue:
• Attention Restoration Theory: Modern life requires sustained attention, which can lead to mental fatigue. Nature provides “soft fascinations” (like the sound of rustling leaves or flowing water) that engage our attention effortlessly and allow the mind to recover from cognitive overload.
Sensory Relaxation:
• Natural Sounds: Sounds like birds chirping, water flowing, or wind rustling through trees are typically non-threatening and rhythmic, which helps to calm the nervous system. These sounds can lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, and reduce the production of stress hormones.
• Visual Aesthetics: The colors and patterns found in nature, particularly greens and blues, are visually soothing and are associated with tranquility and relaxation.
Physiological Benefits:
• Fresh Air: The air in natural environments is often cleaner and richer in oxygen, which can have a calming effect on the body, reducing stress and improving mood. Parasympathetic Activation: Nature tends to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation.
• Parasympathetic Activation: Nature tends to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation.
Disconnection from Stressors:
• Escape from Technology: Being in nature often means a break from the constant stimuli of modern life, such as screens, notifications, and urban noise. This disconnection allows the mind to relax and focus on the present moment.
• Sense of Scale: Nature can provide a sense of perspective by reminding us of the vastness of the world, which can make everyday worries feel smaller and less overwhelming.
Mindfulness and Presence:
• Heightened Awareness: Nature encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment. The sensory experiences and beauty of the natural world draw attention away from worries and stressors, helping to center the mind.
Start here:
GET OUTSIDE IN NATURE.
RELAX.
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.