TIP #2-Take the time to Evaluate yourself: Academically, Physically, Emotionally, Mentally.

Hello BFF INSIDERS!

I hope you are all doing well. I don’t know about you, but it took me a few weeks of quarantine to change my mindset and choose to focus on positivity and leadership. I have found that creating a schedule, focusing on self-improvement, and knowing this Will pass in time, has allowed me to get out of bed and continue to lead others in a positive way. I hope by spreading positivity and encouraging others to stay strong in these tough times- we together can get through this.

Last week we discussed tip #1 of the “10 tips to help you put your Best Foote Forward throughout the recruiting process”, which was FOCUS ON YOU! We focused on controlling what we can control, not comparing ourselves to others, and taking some time to self reflect on what we want out of our experience as a Student-Athlete.  

Today, we discuss tip #2-Take the time to Evaluate yourself: Academically, Physically, Emotionally, Mentally.

The recruiting process should be looked at as a journey. There is no “one size fits all” product that can perfectly match you to the school of your dreams.  However I hope by providing some insider tips, tricks, and tactics, I can inspire and educate you to continue to put your Best Foote Forward.

Remember: It’s your own journey.  Journeys are marathons, not sprints.  It’s a process.

Like I have said before: The more educated and prepared we are, the less stressful the process can be.  You can begin to see the process as a privilege, and honor instead of a scary beast! 

Tip # 2 focuses on EVALUATION.  It is important to honestly self evaluate. Take the time to find someone you trust, a coach or mentor who can provide you honest feedback, and help prepare a system to track progress.

 To be successful at the next level you must be able to thrive in all aspects- Academically, Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally.  Being a student-athlete isn’t for everyone.  By having tough conversations now with coaches and mentors NOW, you can start to see what level (Division 1, 2, 3) is best for you, and honestly analyze where you will thrive.

BFF INSIDER: TIP #2- Evaluate yourself: Academically, Physically, Emotionally, Mentally

The second tip is to now sit down and evaluate different parts of who you are, and where you want to go.  Dream Big- but it’s important to be as honest as possible.  

Sit down with a coach or mentor and ask for help in evaluating these areas. 

(BFF Lacrosse has created a systematic approach to doing this.  If interested we  can help with a professional evaluation)

There is no better time to do this.  By evaluating now, you can create a plan for improvement, and track progress over time.  

Here is a list of specific’s to consider:

1- Academically- GPA, SAT’s, Major, career interests, ability to do an internship, do you need tutors, do you thrive in small or large classroom settings.

2-Physically- speed, agility, strength, height, quickness, eye-hand coordination. Start to really understand the strengths and areas you need to improve to play at the next level.  Physicality is a huge part of the game- speed can separate you from others.  Again- evaluate and create a plan to improve in those areas.

3-Emotionally- What is your motivation level?- Are you self motivated? Or do you need to be pushed? What is your work ethic?  Are you consistent with training? Do you practice and play at a high-Intensity level?

4-Mentally-   Mental training deals with the psychological factors that influence participation in sport. Mental training is about training the brain and it is one way to take your game to the next level. 

 Do you struggle with self-confidence?

**side note**most top athletes do struggle with confidence- it’s okay as long as we identify it and commit to the daily training of our mind.  Are you positive? Do you hate to lose more than you love to win?  Do you compete in everything you do?  Think about these tough questions and really start to understand how mentality can be your weakness or your weapon. 

Top performing athletes win first in their mind and then they play the game. 

5-Lacrosse Skillsets- left, right, dodging, shooting, footwork, 8 meters, feeding, finishing.  There is a laundry list when considering skillsets.  Being able to work on 3-5 skills a week will give you a plan and help you grow these important areas of your game.

6-Lacrosse IQ- The last component is what we call lacrosse IQ.  It is your overall understanding of the game.  Your ability to see plays before they happen.  You understand on ball vs. off-ball defense.  Spacing, timing, picks, flips- having a high lacrosse IQ is a very important factor that coaches consider in the process.  By watching and analyzing game film. By being a student of the game, and taking time to “study” outside of practice- you will increase your knowledge and maybe even put yourself one step ahead of another recruit!

Thanks again for reading and continuing to follow BFF LACROSSE as we look to mentor, train, and prepare athletes and parents for how to “Put your Best Foote Forward”

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