It is that time of the year.
Every game takes on increasing significance.
Win you continue…. lose and you are on to “next year”
Each week half the remaining teams are eliminated.
For the remaining teams, practice time takes on increasing importance… each week more is on the line.
But, you have to stay healthy… no one wants to lose a player during the week’s prep.
The season is always a grind physically and mentally… and you and your team are still grinding.
So how do you balance the need for quality practice time, and the need to keep your players physically and mentally healthy?
Late Friday night (while uploading video to Hudl) I saw this piece on the STRIVR virtual reality system that Clemson (currently 7-0 and ranked #3 in the NCAA) is using in their football program.
This next leap in virtual reality training is remarkable.
The systems have gone from CGI animated players (EON SportsVR) which is somewhat akin to being immersed in a video game using your playbook, to the STRIVR system that uses actual 360° video and audio from your practice.
You can see more about the STRIVR system here… Football Meets Silicon Valley.
So what about the programs that can’t take the budget hit that comes with implementing these virtual reality systems?
I have written several pieces on the topic of mental preparation… maybe you can find an idea here:
- Adaptation
- Mental Visualization
- The Highest Quality Mental Reps
- Lessons From the Masters – Blue Angles
- Inside Russell Wilson’s Brain
What methods do you use to mentally train your athletes? I would be interested in knowing and sharing… just shoot me an email or comment to this post!
Good luck to those of you still playing… it is always fun watching great football during this time of the year.
You Can Do More… your brain is lying to you… Don’t Believe It!
Jeff Floyd – youcandomore1@yahoo.com