Things are starting to look up! As state officials continue to announce openings, I wanted to send along my free BFF Insiders “return to play athlete checklist”. These are the 10 most important action items athletes should be doing right now to prepare for a return to play.
With a long break in gameplay, athletes need to be mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to get back out there. One reality we will see is, those players that have done the work over these past few weeks will shine. It is more important than ever to stay fit, stay strong, keep your stick in your hand, and never underestimate the power of hard work (especially when no one is watching)!
Here is a checklist of 10 important action items all athletes can do TODAY!
1-Fill out & update team questionnaires
If you haven’t already-make sure fill out school questionnaires (that way you can be on their mailing list). Questionnaires are used as coaches' main database for recruiting. If you don’t fill it out at schools you are interested in, they may not even know you are interested. They are usually on their website. If not you can email the coaches and ask them to send you information on camps, clinics, etc. It is legal for them to respond to you about general interest questions.
2-Check out a virtual tours
I always tell my clients to make sure to visit campuses throughout the summer when they are traveling tournaments, camps, or even on their way to and from vacation. However, since many college campuses are closed- Consider checking out some Virtual tours. Use this time to really get a feel for campus life.
Make sure all the information is correct & updated
Considering updating your page to include video, any academic progress, any quarantine videos!
Many coaches use this to watch videos, get your contact information, etc. This must be updated correctly so that coaches can easily find contact information for you when they need it.
If you play a fall or winter sport, put a highlight video of that up there!
If coaches are interested they will dig to find out more information, so be creative.
4-Create personalized content for top schools
Use this time to let your personality shine through. Film yourself speaking directly to coaches at their school. Incorporate your gameplay, things you like to do, how you have been improving during this time. Make it personalized: mention the coaches’ name, wear a t-shirt. Really get creative here!
5-Check your NCAA eligibility status
All College-bound Student-Athletes should create an account through the eligibility center. You need to be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center to compete at an NCAA Division I or II school.
Shows coaches you are interested and engaged. Since coaches can’t be out recruiting, social media has become more important than ever. Use this time to market yourself in the best light.
7-Create an academic Plan - GPA, SAT’s, ACT’s
While many dates were canceled, with states reopening look for new dates to schedule these tests.
Looking for some additional support for your AP Exams?
@APforStudents has a YouTube channel with live video support:
After having so much time away, it’s more important than ever to be in “lacrosse shape”, when you are able to return to play. Footwork, sprints, endurance, strength!
Be ready to go when facilities open up.
You don’t want to risk injury because you took this time off, or didn’t go as hard as you could have.
9-Keep your stick in your hand!
Consistent with training. Wallball, shooting, footwork, dodging, wrist work. Come back with the best stick you have ever had! Stop making excuses and get out and do the work!
Remember- confidence comes from doing the work. Consistent, focused, game-like training!
10-Finally- keep a positive, open mindset
What have you improved over the last 12 weeks?
There will be a distinct difference in those that have done the work and those that haven’t. Coaches will be able to tell who dedicated this time to improve their game.
Remember coaches want athletes that are self-motivated. Players who are passionate about improving every single day. Create good habits and stick to a gameplan to improve.
AS A REMINDER THERE ARE OVER 800 OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY LACROSSE IN COLLEGE!
IF YOU WANT TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL…….
The best thing you can do now is to work on YOU.
Get to a wall and do wallball.
Work on your footwork every day.
Practice shooting, feeding, dodging, all the skills that can elevate your game.
You have the opportunity TODAY & every single day to decide how good you want to be.
Let’s all be GREAT. Rise above.
As always, if you need anything we are here to help! We work 1 on 1 with clients to help get organized, create recruiting and player development plans, and help players Put their Best Foote Forward!