Hustle, Hustle, Hustle!

I have just started reading Ryan Holiday’s new book, “Discipline is Destiny.” Ryan is a famous author and content creator, who studies stoicism and the ancient stoic philosophers. I have enjoyed several of Ryan’s books and many concepts in stoicism certainly crossover to sport and coaching.

As I work through this book, one chapter stuck out to me, titled, “Hustle, Hustle, Hustle”. 

“We hustle because you never know—when it will make a difference, when someone might be watching, when it might be our last try, when “the slows” might cost us everything. We should always run them out. Run, period.”

This excerpt stuck with me. This chapter is all about hustle, which they feel is synonymous for “a sense of urgency.” The quick chapter compares a few examples of those who pick and choose their spots, versus comparison to players, like the great “Ironman” Lou Gehrig, and his consistency in showing up every day and doing the work.

When we show up to train or practice, you are already there, and you’ve already committed the time. Are you going to train or practice with that next level sense of urgency? With that desire to be your best? The best players we work with have that nonstop hunger, and no matter who is watching, that desire to stick the shot or execute the best rep possible.

Interesting enough, I started this blog last weekend. Then, in one of our training sessions this week, after a rocky start, one of our longtime trainees and top workers, challenged the group. “We don’t always get these opportunities to do this. We’re investing our time and money to be here. Let’s pick it up and make the most of it.” It was a great message, and I was impressed by his leadership. He didn’t just want it for himself, he wanted every guy there to have that sense of urgency to get better.

I think this also holds true for recruiting. Does your compete level, or “hustle” change when college coaches are watching versus when they aren’t? Does it matter if its a big showcase versus a last minute scrimmage versus another club? Or a high school practice, in which you think the competition isn’t as great?

This isn’t about just “working hard”. This is about that fire in your belly, that fire to be the best you can be. I’ve been loving this book because of the simple reminders and crossover to give that constant hustle and a sense of urgency to everything you do! Highly recommend!

We hope you found this newsletter helpful. We started First Class Lacrosse because we believe in the power player development. We believe you can get exponentially better if you combine a great work ethic with the guidance of knowing what to work on and how to do it. Luckily, we experienced it firsthand as players and coaches. Our goal is to pass on what we have learned and experienced to future generations of lacrosse players, parents, and coaches. Join our Email List here.

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Clip of the Week: "Jet" Slide Off of the Clear Through

Watch here how Brett Makar slides off of a clear through as Syracuse attacks the backside on a secondary dodge.

Offenses use clear throughs to create space for dodgers. As a defense, learning proper positioning and technique on clear throughs will save goals. Coach Dunn breaks this concept down in our new online video for members.

We hope you found this helpful. We started First Class Lacrosse because we believe in the power player development. We believe you can get exponentially better if you combine a great work ethic with the guidance of knowing what to work on and how to do it. Luckily, we experienced it firsthand as players and coaches. Our goal is to pass on what we have learned and experienced to future generations of lacrosse players, parents, and coaches. Join our Email List here.

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