Summary
A Football Players Perspective How to Make It to the Next Level of Play Best Guide 2023 – “The Next Level” is a mindset that transcends professional titles in sports. In this article, we explore the three essential characteristics every athlete must possess to reach “The Next Level” of their game.
It was August 2003, and my team at the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers, was holding the first live scrimmage for training camp. As a rookie in the NFL, I had practiced with the team multiple times, but this was different – it was the first time I was going to suit up for a “full contact and tackle goal-line scrimmage.” The setup was straightforward: the first and second-team offenses against the first and second-team defenses. Four downs to score a touchdown for the offense, and the defense won if they stopped them.
The first-team offense included legends like Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Tommy Maddox. They faced off against a formidable defense consisting of Joey Porter, James Farrior, and Kendrell Bell. As the opposing sides lined up, the referee blew his whistle to start the play clock, Tommy Maddox called out the cadence, and then the ball was snapped. From that instant, the phrase “The Next Level” was vividly defined for me.
“The Next Level” is a phrase commonly tossed around by athletes, referring to the dream of playing professionally in leagues like the NFL, NBA, or MLB. However, to me, it’s not merely a professional title like “Professional Football Player”; it’s a state of mind, an attitude, and a way of thinking when competing. With this perspective in mind, I’ve outlined three crucial characteristics that I believe all athletes must possess to reach “The Next Level.”
1. Play, Practice, and Think with 100% Effort
It’s as simple as this: there’s only one speed in the game, and that’s full throttle – FAST! There’s no room for “half-speed” or “walk-throughs.” In the NFL, this is how we practiced and prepared. Mike Holmgren summed it up best during a December practice session preparing for the playoffs: “We run plays at full speed during the week so when the game comes, it’s second nature, and all you have to do is react.” This level of commitment and intensity is what separates the great from the good.
2. Be Able to “Flip the Switch” Once the Whistle Blows
This is where the mental aspect of the game comes into play. Picture a Cheetah stalking a gazelle – meticulous, careful, alert. As the Gazelle starts to run, the Cheetah “flips the switch” and accelerates to incredible speeds, capturing its prey within seconds. That’s precisely how you should approach every play. An average football play lasts around 10 seconds or less, but when that ball is snapped, a figurative switch should flip in your mind, releasing every ounce of energy and focus at that moment.
3. Dominate
The term “dominate” encapsulates the essence of those who reach “The Next Level.” It means competing with the intention of being the BEST. Do you have to be the best? Not necessarily. What’s crucial is that you work, prepare, practice, and believe that you CAN be the BEST. Even if you never reach the pinnacle, and even if someone else outshines you, that competitive spirit, dedication, commitment, and self-accountability will drive you to dominate. During my time with the Philadelphia Eagles on our journey to the Super Bowl in 2004, our starting tight end and three-time Pro Bowl selection, Chad Lewis, would rally the team by saying, “Time to DOMINATE!” This is precisely how you should approach every conditioning drill, lift, practice, meeting, and play as an athlete – with an unwavering commitment to dominance.
When I witnessed the explosive power, speed, and attitude displayed by my teammates on that late summer day in Pittsburgh, I came to a profound realization. “The Next Level” is not a mere title bestowed upon you when you make it to the NFL; it is truly a state of mind and a way of life for those who aspire to achieve greatness in athletics.
So, whether you’re a young football player dreaming of the NFL or an athlete in any discipline striving for excellence, remember that “The Next Level” is within reach when you adopt these three characteristics: unwavering effort, the ability to switch gears instantly, and an unrelenting drive to dominate.
Blog : Click Here
Sitemap : Click Here
How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level? How can I improve my football level?
A Football Players Perspective How to Make It to the Next Level of Play Best Guide 2023 -A Football Players Perspective How to Make It to the Next Level of Play Best Guide 2023 -A Football Players Perspective How to Make It to the Next Level of Play Best Guide 2023 -A Football Players Perspective How to Make It to the Next Level of Play Best Guide 2023 -A Football Players Perspective How to Make It to the Next Level of Play Best Guide 2023 -A Football Players Perspective How to Make It to the Next Level of Play Best Guide 2023 -A Football Players Perspective How to Make It to the Next Level of Play Best Guide 2023 –
