A Football Player's Perspective - How To Make It Towards The Next Level Of Perform

It was August 2003 and my group at the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers

, was holding the first live scrimmage for training camp. As a rookie within the NFL I had practiced a number of times with the group, but this was the very first time I was going to suit it up for a "full contact and tackle goal line scrimmage". The set up was easy. The first and second team offenses would go against the first and second group defenses. The offense had four downs to score a touchdown. If they scored, they won; if they failed to score the defense won. The first group offense and defense took the field very first. The offense included Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Tommy Maddox who went against a defense consisting of Joey Porter, James Farrior, and Kendrell Bell. The opposing sides lined up against each other, the referee blew his whistle to start the perform clock, Tommy Maddox known as out the cadence, then the ball was snapped ... ... from that instant, the phrase "The Next Level" was defined for me.

"The Next Level" is a phrase commonly thrown around by athletes referring to the ability to play in a expert arena for example the NFL, NBA or MLB. To me "The Next Level" isn't a title you obtain, e.g. Professional Football Player; it's more a state of mind, an attitude and way of thinking when competing. Therefore, I have come up with three characteristics that I believe all athletes should posses in order to accomplish "The Next Level".

1. Play, Practice and Think with 100% Effort. It's as easy as that. You ought to have one speed and one speed only - FAST! There is no such thing as "half speed" or "walk thru". Regardless of what individuals say, that's how we practiced and prepared within the NFL. Mike Holmgren said it greatest 1 day whilst practicing in the middle of December whilst preparing for the playoffs, "We run plays at full speed during the week so when the game comes it will be second nature and all you have to do is react."

2. Be Able to "Flip the Switch" As soon as the Whistle Blows. This is most likely the most mental of the three characteristics. Just picture inside your mind a Cheetah stalking a gazelle and how meticulous, careful and alert it's as it sets up its strategy. As soon as that Gazelle notices it's being hunted and starts running, the Cheetah "flips the switch" and accelerates to incredible speeds. Within seconds it has the Gazelle in its grasp and the hunt is over. This is the same way you should approach each and every play. An average football play lasts an average of 10 seconds or less, but when that ball is snapped a literal switch should be flipped inside your mind and each and every ounce of energy ought to be released at that moment.

3. Dominate. This one word sums up every quality of those who achieve "The Next Level". To dominate simply means competing to be the Best. Does it mean you have to be the greatest? NO! It just indicates you're working, preparing, practicing and believing YOU Could be the Greatest. You might never accomplish it and if you do there will always be someone that will probably be much better. But when you compete and approach everything with 100% effort, dedication, commitment, and hold yourself accountable, you'll dominate. While I was playing with the Philadelphia Eagles throughout our run up towards the Super Bowl in 2004, starting tight end and 3-time Pro Bowl selection Chad Lewis would usually tell the group, "Time to DOMINATE!" That is literally how you ought to approach every conditioning drill, lift, practice, meeting and play as an athlete. You approach it no other way!!

When I witnessed the explosive power, speed and attitude that my teammates displayed that late summer day in Pittsburgh, I came to the conclusion that "The Next Level" isn't a title you gain when you make it to the NFL, it's truly a state of mind and way of life for those that accomplish greatness in athletics.

Funny Football Goals

by: Nick Michenne

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