HOW TO MAKE MORE BIG-TIME PLAYS The Impact of a Big-Time Play The best part about football is that just one play can completely transform the energy and outcome of a game. All it takes is one player to make an interception, cause a forced fumble, break one tackle, and take it into the endzone,…
Understanding the Competition Unfortunately, you’re not the only athlete or coach who wants to win. You’re also not the only person who works hard. Your desire to win the starting job or the game is not a bold approach—everyone on the team, on the field, and in the stadium is hoping for a victory, planning…
“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” – Carlos Castaneda The warrior is a force to be reckoned with and the most feared and dangerous of all character types. They are capable of causing death and destruction to anyone at any time if they so…
Scoring touchdowns, crossing the finish line, hitting a game-winning home run, and winning the championship are the moments athletes sacrifice their time, blood, sweat, and tears for. We play to experience the thrill of winning, the culmination of overcoming a significant challenge that most cannot say they’ve experienced. However, this external display of excellence and…
Peace Within Despite the constant attention and hype athletes receive for their prowess on the field, being an athlete is not nearly as glamorous as some make it look. To be successful as an athlete, you must learn to balance the rigors of relentless training and a pressure-packed season with schoolwork and attending to your…
The Silent Struggle of Professional Athletes In a 2019 article, researchers found that 35% of professional athletes have mental health concerns, which include burnout, anxiety, depression, and more (1). Further, 30-40% of athletes are often overtrained and undernourished (2). When an athlete arrives in this state, it leads to a greater risk for injury, poor…
How to be the hammer, not the nail Growing up, the pre-game pep talk often included a simple question from my parents and coaches: “Would you rather be the hammer or the nail?” Although the answer seems obvious, the true challenge lies in embodying the hammer, which represents fearlessness and courage, critical character traits in…
In our modern world, extended periods of sitting have become the norm, but this sedentary lifestyle can have detrimental effects on our cognitive, metabolic, and physical health. Incorporating consistent, low-intensity movements throughout the day is crucial not only for athletes but for everyone seeking to maintain and enhance bodily functions. Fundamentals of Movement Movement is…
Finding Your Purpose through Athletics Many young athletes and parents believe they may be the next Tom Brady, make it to the NFL, or even make it to D1. Unfortunately, for many avid dreamers, those chances are very slim. That doesn’t mean it can’t happen, and of course, I want that for all of my…
During the 2023/4 college football playoffs, you might have heard Michigan Quarterback JJ McCarthy espousing his pre-game meditation routine, eventually leading him and his team to a national championship. Meditation? Do you mean the Buddhist practice? What in the world is going on? Eastern and Western worlds colliding? Well, in fact, he’s not crazy, and…
