Physical Aspects:

When diving into the physical dimensions of our game, there are many. Our environments are crazed. On the filed, I have always described it as the most controlled chaotic environment imaginable when asked.

When analyzing our athletes, we are looking at total movement capabilities along with rate of efficiency and consistency. A football stance may seem like a simple position to get into and move along through your block or pass set, but it is not. As we get set, we must adjust our weight to enhance our balance and stability through our steps. We must understand what steps to take in order not to lose ground, ever. The angles and spacing that must be understood on run blocking and pass sets. The list truly goes on. Now, understanding these techniques is one thing, being aware of them yourself is something entirely different.

Fine tuning is what is required to attack these aspects of our technique. The only way to optimize your skills is being consistent with drilling over time. We must break down every move, dissecting each step along with seeing how your upper body reacts - moving your lower body as need while keep your hands in and maintaining full body position. Three separate and different movements we are performing here at the same time. The only way to improve performance is to target the problematic areas by evaluation and constant practice of these designated areas.

We need to understand fully that playing on the line from both a physical and mental stand point, is the most difficult. Starting to practice a couple days per week come pre season just is not enough time to achieve what we are talking about here. The fundamentals mentioned are the ones that will give you an edge, but that takes time. In order to sharpen your skills to that point, the time starts now. Games are not won once our season is in our sights. If we wait that long, time has run out. Games are won when no one is looking, when no else is perfecting the skill sets you are.

Mental Aspect:

When looking into the mental aspects of our sport, we have a few different topics to look at. First and foremost, we have the literal connection of your mind enabling your body to move. Secondly, starting to tap into and grasp the concept on strengthening that connection to improve your actual physical movements. We also have both the mental performance of an individual player and its affects on himself and the entire team. Lastly, we have the social environments that will directly affect physical performance on and off the field. Being mentally aware and sound is vital to success in anything we do.

Understanding and improving the connection between the minds ability to enhance the body’s performance is something every elite athlete works on. Taking the right positive steps in preparing mentally, will enable your body to then function at its’ most optimal levels.

Emotional:

If we take a second to look at our sport, it is rapidly changing in front of our eyes. If we look at our conversations, not much has really changed though. The time has come to catch up the conversations to the shifting concepts that are redefining the way our game is played. Evolution is occurring and we must adapt.

We have to understand mindfulness is something we work on daily. On a day to day basis we may have this predetermined “mind set” that has our minds wandering with no focus. Perhaps, focusing on things we don’t have control of. All of which can be exhausting and lead to no sleep, low energy levels and a possible spike in performance. The Conscious Athlete is going to work on ones ability to stay present and focused. Helping one worry about what they can control with a rested, fulfilled and inspired spirit. We all overly focus on distractions, or about the past or even into the future.

Mindfulness is described as paying attention in the present moment.