5 answers
Angel
Student
O'Fallon, Missouri
2
Questions
Updated
1299 views
How did you learn to stay consistent with your training? How could I adapt from this info?
I am 14 and in 8th grade. I played my first year of football in 7th grade, and got rewards for most tackles and being the newcomer of the year. I want to continue this type of streak.
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5 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1058
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Be a "Generalist": Participating in multiple sports rather than specializing too early. He suggests that skills and abilities from different activities cross over, improving overall development. Individuals like Roger Federer played many different sports early in their career. Even wide receiver DK Metcalf (Seattle and Pittsburgh) still participates in track and field sprint events to help maintain his speed and to test himself against competition.
Prioritize Physical Conditioning: Physical and mental fitness is the foundation for success. For example, in basketball, we can note that dribbling and shooting skills are "useless" if an athlete lacks the speed and strength to get open or the stamina to perform through fatigue. So run, lift weights, and work on your flexibility.
Consistent Training and Recovery: Success requires a commitment to consistent physical training paired with deliberate recovery and a focus on physical health.
Discipline as a Bridge: Discipline gained from sports training—such as following a set schedule for practices and workouts—as a tool that transfers directly to academic success and time management. Basically, try and train at the same time each day, and not deviate from this schedule.
Stay "Ready": Echoing the athletic mindset, maintain a level of readiness so that extensive retraining isn't necessary when athletic and sports opportunities arise. Coaches might approach you to participate in track and field, and other sports, so definitely be physically ready to transition into other sports.
Prioritize Physical Conditioning: Physical and mental fitness is the foundation for success. For example, in basketball, we can note that dribbling and shooting skills are "useless" if an athlete lacks the speed and strength to get open or the stamina to perform through fatigue. So run, lift weights, and work on your flexibility.
Consistent Training and Recovery: Success requires a commitment to consistent physical training paired with deliberate recovery and a focus on physical health.
Discipline as a Bridge: Discipline gained from sports training—such as following a set schedule for practices and workouts—as a tool that transfers directly to academic success and time management. Basically, try and train at the same time each day, and not deviate from this schedule.
Stay "Ready": Echoing the athletic mindset, maintain a level of readiness so that extensive retraining isn't necessary when athletic and sports opportunities arise. Coaches might approach you to participate in track and field, and other sports, so definitely be physically ready to transition into other sports.
Wow, this really made me think. I have been training day after day, so this is extremely helpful. I have gotten some great advice, and this tops everything. I will take your advice Gladly. Thank you!
Angel
Bettyann Lemist
artist
2
Answers
Carver, Massachusetts
Updated
Bettyann’s Answer
I don't profess to be a football pro or being able to give you professional advice...but I can suggest sound advice on a future pathway...Look for a mentor. It could be the coach but usually they are far too involved with the team . He/She could suggest one who could be helpful for you in the position that you are interested in...or several positions....One learns? Football has a lot of studying involved, learning of plays and execution …practice makes perfect? isn't just a saying ....You can look at all the best players? GOATS? and see the same exact thing..serious study, practice and play with team spirit.....I truly wish you well in searching for one who can help you...ps: we are Patriots Fans....and Believe!
Thank You for your time! I haven't thought about finding a mentor, but that's actually a great idea. there is a lot of competition around me, so this will give me a competitive edge! Thank you!
Angel
Colleen Sovory
Learning and Development Senior Manager
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Colleen’s Answer
Hi Angel,
This is a marvelous question!!! You should be encouraged that you asked it - it shows you are already aware that one of the greatest skills you will ever build in life is "grit." Being consistent is about knowing yourself (as much as you can - it will take time and experience for you to become an expert on yourself), knowing what is important to you, making decisions based on this knowledge, then taking action. Start with exploring why you are doing your sport or actually anything in life. Knowing your "why" will be very helpful when your willpower is low. Remember that life is a 360 degree thing, so your "why" can and will come from many directions. You may want to be consistent because you want to reach the top of your abilities and yes, practice does make perfect. You may want the strength and coordination consistent practice will bring you. You might want to prove to someone that you are capable of achieving something. You may want to impress someone-- all of these reasons plus all the others that come to mind are good things for your brain to know. Next, importance - think through where the work you are doing fits into your life in one year, 3 years, 5 years - think of the benefits down the road - time spent being consistent is an investment in the future. Knowing why the work you do now will be important to you in the future will keep you energized.
Now that you know why you want to be consistent AND the benefits it will bring, it is time to make a decision and take action. Here is what is important - life is a set of decisions we make. The decisions we make move us through our lives, BUT decisions mean nothing without action. Decide to be consistent. Decide what consistent means: practice weekly? practice 2 times a week? practice daily? For how much time? Finally, Just. Do it. Consistency is just doing what you say you are going to do.
Now, for the most important bit of advice. Be extremely kind and flexible with yourself. Let me explain:
You will always be the person who decides what actions you will take. Believe it or not, the best way to coach and support yourself is through a combination of discipline, kindness and perseverance. There will be days when even though you know why you should practice or train, and even though you know why it is important AND even though you have decided you will take action, you don't! When you don't follow through, it is extremely important that you review in your head WHY you didn't follow through. You may have a very good reason - maybe your body was too tired and you got a signal you needed rest. Maybe your mind just wasn't in the right place. Before you judge yourself or get discouraged, review what happened and why you didn't follow through. Apply discipline or kindness or both if need, but most importantly recommit
Sports (football) is an incredible way for you to learn how to lead yourself!
I hope this is helpful, Angel! Best of luck, you got this!
Sincerely,
Colleen
This is a marvelous question!!! You should be encouraged that you asked it - it shows you are already aware that one of the greatest skills you will ever build in life is "grit." Being consistent is about knowing yourself (as much as you can - it will take time and experience for you to become an expert on yourself), knowing what is important to you, making decisions based on this knowledge, then taking action. Start with exploring why you are doing your sport or actually anything in life. Knowing your "why" will be very helpful when your willpower is low. Remember that life is a 360 degree thing, so your "why" can and will come from many directions. You may want to be consistent because you want to reach the top of your abilities and yes, practice does make perfect. You may want the strength and coordination consistent practice will bring you. You might want to prove to someone that you are capable of achieving something. You may want to impress someone-- all of these reasons plus all the others that come to mind are good things for your brain to know. Next, importance - think through where the work you are doing fits into your life in one year, 3 years, 5 years - think of the benefits down the road - time spent being consistent is an investment in the future. Knowing why the work you do now will be important to you in the future will keep you energized.
Now that you know why you want to be consistent AND the benefits it will bring, it is time to make a decision and take action. Here is what is important - life is a set of decisions we make. The decisions we make move us through our lives, BUT decisions mean nothing without action. Decide to be consistent. Decide what consistent means: practice weekly? practice 2 times a week? practice daily? For how much time? Finally, Just. Do it. Consistency is just doing what you say you are going to do.
Now, for the most important bit of advice. Be extremely kind and flexible with yourself. Let me explain:
You will always be the person who decides what actions you will take. Believe it or not, the best way to coach and support yourself is through a combination of discipline, kindness and perseverance. There will be days when even though you know why you should practice or train, and even though you know why it is important AND even though you have decided you will take action, you don't! When you don't follow through, it is extremely important that you review in your head WHY you didn't follow through. You may have a very good reason - maybe your body was too tired and you got a signal you needed rest. Maybe your mind just wasn't in the right place. Before you judge yourself or get discouraged, review what happened and why you didn't follow through. Apply discipline or kindness or both if need, but most importantly recommit
Sports (football) is an incredible way for you to learn how to lead yourself!
I hope this is helpful, Angel! Best of luck, you got this!
Sincerely,
Colleen
I appreciate your answer very much, Colleen. Thank you!
Angel
Zachary Morris, CPA
Accountant
14
Answers
Delray Beach, Florida
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
First of all, the fact that you are asking this question shows is a great first step. It shows true awareness. To be successful in any type of field, including football, training is key. Even those who are natural athletes (or businesspeople, or actors, or anything) must continue to train and practice to be successful. I would encourage you to work with your coach to understand the key skills for your position. For instance, for a linebacker, intuition and reaction time are key skills. Once you have identified those skills, create a plan to develop those skills further. Consistency is one of the greatest factors in achieving your goals in training, so I would encourage you to build a habit of developing these skills and practicing.
There is also the concept of a "mental rep." This means that even when you are not on the field practicing, you can visualize the play and what you would do. You can do this on your own or while watching fellow teammates practice when it isn't your turn to play. This trains your brain to further "practice" and be ready for when it is your turn.
It may be a good idea to work with your coach, a friend, or a family member in setting these goals, developing these skills, and planning.
There is also the concept of a "mental rep." This means that even when you are not on the field practicing, you can visualize the play and what you would do. You can do this on your own or while watching fellow teammates practice when it isn't your turn to play. This trains your brain to further "practice" and be ready for when it is your turn.
It may be a good idea to work with your coach, a friend, or a family member in setting these goals, developing these skills, and planning.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question! I want to succeed in this field, and I know it takes discipline and commitment. I have been training constantly, and this will allow me to push one step further. Thank You!
Angel
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
828
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
I constantly remind myself that the work I do today will be appreciated by the version of me that wakes up tomorrow. With so much in this world we can’t control, your effort and showing up for yourself are mostly something you can control! You are worth the effort.
I haven't thought about this way. Reading this really lifted me up, and I know it will continue to!
Angel