It changed into August 2003 and my team on the time, the Pittsburgh Steelers, turned into protecting the primary stay scrimmage for education camp. As a rookie inside the NFL I had practiced some of instances with the team, however this changed into the first time I changed into going to fit it up for a “full touch and address goal line scrimmage”. The set up turned into clean. The first and 2d group offenses could move in opposition to the primary and 2d group defenses. The offense had 4 downs to attain a landing. If they scored, they received; if they did not rating the protection gained.
The first crew offense and defense took the sphere first. The offense protected Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, and Tommy Maddox who went against a defense such as Joey Porter, James Farrior, and Kendrell Bell. The opposing sides coated up towards every other, the referee blew his whistle to begin the play clock, Tommy Maddox referred to as out the cadence, then the ball became snapped … … From that immediate, the word “The Next Level” become defined for me.
“The Next Level” is a phrase typically thrown around by means of athletes regarding the capability to play in a professional area which includes the NFL, NBA or MLB. To me “The Next Level” is not a name you gain, e.G. Professional Football Player; it’s far more a nation of mind, an mind-set and way of wondering when competing. Therefore, I actually have come up with 3 traits that I believe all athletes need to posses with a view to acquire “The Next Level”.
1. Play, Practice and Think with 100% Effort. It is as simple as that. You have to have one velocity and one pace best – FAST! There isn’t any such aspect as “half speed” or “walk thru”. Regardless of what humans say, this is how we practiced and organized within the NFL. Mike Holmgren stated it best sooner or later whilst training within the center of December at the same time as getting ready for the playoffs, “We run performs at complete pace all through the week so whilst the sport comes it’ll be second nature and all you need to do is react.”
2. Be Able to “Flip the Switch” Once the Whistle Blows. This is probably the maximum intellectual of the 3 characteristics. Just photograph for your mind a Cheetah stalking a gazelle and the way meticulous, careful and alert it is because it sets up its technique. Once that Gazelle notices it’s far being hunted and starts offevolved walking, the Cheetah “flips the transfer” and quickens to exceptional speeds. Within seconds it has the Gazelle in its grasp and the quest is over. This is the same way you have to technique every play. An common soccer play lasts an average of 10 seconds or less, however while that ball is snapped a literal switch must be flipped to your thoughts and each ounce of power need to be launched at that moment.
Three. Dominate. This one phrase sums up every first-class of people who achieve “The Next Level”. To dominate surely way competing to be the BEST. Does it suggest you need to be the fine? NO! It just method you are running, making ready, practicing and believing YOU CAN be the BEST. You might also by no means obtain it and if you do there’ll constantly be someone with the intention to be better. But if you compete and technique the entirety with a hundred% effort, determination, commitment, and hold yourself responsible, you may dominate. While I was gambling with the Philadelphia Eagles all through our run up to the Super Bowl in 2004, starting tight stop and three-time Pro Bowl selection Chad Lewis might always inform the crew, “Time to DOMINATE!” That is actually the way you need to approach each conditioning drill, lift, exercise, assembly and play as an athlete. You technique it no different manner!!
When I witnessed the explosive strength, velocity and mind-set that my teammates displayed that overdue summer season day in Pittsburgh, I came to the belief that “The Next Level” isn’t always a name you gain when you make it to the NFL, it’s miles absolutely a state of thoughts and manner of existence for those who attain greatness in athletics.