#Motivation #Monday #Believe 
Professionalism In Youth Sports
One of the most unfortunate parts of working in youth sports: the lack of professionalism. If you think about who coaches and leads players through their youth sports careers, it’s usually those with a win at all costs attitude.
In the world of youth sports, it should be filled with people who always think, “what’s it the best interest of the child?” This might mean, throwing your team’s record or championship count out the window and focus on the one thing that should be most important – development.
If the question “…what’s in the best interest of the child?” is asked before each and every decision, than youth sports organizations, programs, and teams will never be wrong in their decision making process. Making sure decisions are made on the players behalf is what breeds:
- Professionalism
- Development
- Progress
- Positive Culture
- Community
- Respect
Unfortunately, greed and selfish motives drives the decision making process for many youth sports organizations.
As Club Director for 4-years at FLG lacrosse, one of the most refreshing experiences happened this past month. Mike Winkoff (CEO of FLG and my dad) and I met Dana Cavalea, Founder and Owner of ML Strength. ML Strength is a first class training environment for youth, collegiate, professional, and recreations activities. ML’s slogan is short and sweet, “Train Like a Pro.”
What was most impressive about ML Strength is the professionalism they bring to the youth sports market. Dana Caveala worked as the Head Trainer for the NY Yankees for 12 years. He trained professionals like Derek Jeter and Andy Pettit. These guys are some of the greatest athletes in the world. Dana’s experience working in a professional environment, with first class athletes has helped him shape the ML Strength locations into being places to truly Train Like a Pro. Most importantly, his experience working in the major league is the reason his team can actually train youth athletes like professional ones.
Not only does ML Strength train youth athletes like professionals, but they operate their business like professionals. ML is organized, responsive, and gets results. They use data to track progress of each athlete that walks through their door. They go thru an evaluation process that gives athletes a foundation to work on. Athletes focus on their weaknesses or insufficiencies from the start.
Overall, it’s great to see a company with professional experience enter the youth sports space right here on Long Island.
A big thanks to Dana and ML Strength for taking the time to evaluate our FLG Select Players. We look forward to introducing more and more youth lacrosse players to your first class training facilities. Learn more about ML Strength at MLstrengtb.com
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NEW FLG Helmet & Goggle Designs!
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Check out the new FLG Select Team Hard Goods for the 2015/2016 Season!
Big thanks for Cascade/Maverick for mocking up some great designs for our Program!
Goggles, Helmets, HeadWrapz, and Gloves are currently available for purchase.
To get some new FLG Gear, log onto your FLG Player Profile.
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Slide Caused Percentage
The slide caused percentage (SCP) is one of the most underrated stats in the game of lacrosse. The reason this stat is so underrated is because we made it up.
SCP stands for slide caused percentage. This is the number of slides caused divided by the number of dodges taken in a particular game. For example, if you dodged against your defender 10 times in a game and drew a slide 8 times, then your slide caused percentage (SCP) is 80%.
Although FLG created this stat and it doesn’t exist in stat books, doesn’t mean it’s not important. We track this stat amongst our FLG Select players because it gets players to think about the game in a different way. So many offensive players focus on how many goals they score or assists they get. However, college coaches are always looking for players who have the ability to draw a slide. The thing coaches look for is: what does a player do after they draw that slide?
Do they jam the ball into the crease with the hope their teammate will catch and score?
Do they take a bad shot?
Or, do they make the simple play?
All I know is what we teach, maintain a high SCP and make the easy play!
Do you have an underrated stat you track? If so, comment and let us know!
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Learning To Stay
Picture yourself getting a haircut at your local barber. You’re relaxed, sitting back, and enjoying the moment. All of a sudden you start to feel an itch on your forehead. You immediately take your hand from under the barber’s cape and scratch that itch. You feel the immediate relief from scratching that itch. However, the itch comes back again and again and again.
Have you ever sat in that barber chair and left that itch alone? I have. You may be surprised to find out that the itch goes away.
The idea of scratching that itch is a metaphor that can be applied to different avenues of life, including sports. Studletes who are training to become great experience uncomfortable (itchy-like) feelings all the time. The difference between those who break-though and become great and those who don’t, is the ability to stay.
Staying calm, cool, and collected under pressure or stress.
Staying with your training regiment despite feeling tired or sore.
Staying on a team even though you’ve experienced some adversity.
Staying consistent with your study habits, despite getting one bad grade on a test.
Learning to stay, isn’t about staying the same or taking short cuts to mask temporary discomfort. It’s about consistently staying with the habits and in a mind-set that will make you the best you can be.
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Building A Lacrosse Program
Last night was the FLG Girls Organizational Meeting. These types of meetings are great for groups looking to build lacrosse programs. There is a big difference between putting together lacrosse teams and building a lacrosse program.
The first key word is build. When you build, you need a plan. When you build, you need good people. When you build, you might makes mistakes, lose, or sometimes fail. When you build, it takes time. When you build it right, the right people will come.
The next key word here is Program. A Program has a plan. A program has good people. A program learns and grows from their failures. A program gives gifts. A program gives equal opportunity. A program educates. A program develops over time. A program responds positively to change. A program shares its passion with and cares for the people within it.
The FLG Organizational Meeting is more than an informative meeting for parents and players, it’s an opportunity to share what’s being built within the FLG Program.
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Set Yourself up for Success
It’s not just what you do on the field that matters.
By Bob Jahelka
While training and skill building is vital to success on the field, there are things you can be doing, right now, off the field that will pay off big time down the road.
Advice to young (Elementary & Middle School) studletes:
Explore, Connect and Contribute
When I talk to younger athletes, I’m always amazed at how open they are to learning. Curiosity, when put into action, can become one of the building blocks of confidence and success. As early as elementary school, young studletes can get a head start by:
- making new friends
- trying new things
- getting involved in the community
- training
The more they expand their world, the more they grow as individuals and as athletes.
Advice to High School studletes:
Study, Serve and Train
Once you enter high school, it’s time to start building a dynamite resume. Even if you impress college recruiters on the field, they still want to see an impressive academic resume.
To Build a Quality Academic Profile:
- Study and keep on top of schoolwork
- Find classes that interest you and crush it in those classes
- Give back through community service opportunities
- Train. Learn what you can improve. Find a routine and stick to it!
Be a proactive participant in the recruiting process.
Utilize an online recruiting platform to build a quality online recruiting profile. FLG Lacrosse uses the company Lacrosse recruits to build an online recruiting profile, research schools, and connect with coaches.
Take the following important steps during high school to build an impressive online recruiting profile:
Freshman Year
- Focus on HS academics! Get off to a great start!
- Start to think about what you want in a school (location, size, academic programs, cost, social life)
- Start researching the different types of schools online or in your local library
- Start to ramp up your training regiment for the sport you want to play at the varsity level or in college, train and stay healthy & strong
- Ensure you are on track for NCAA Academic Requirements
- Start collecting game tape to use for your highlight video
Sophomore Year
- Compile a list of 20 to 30 target schools
- Completely fill out your online recruiting profile/resume. This should include a profile picture, contact information, scheduling information Complete an athletic questionnaire on target school websites
- Contact college coaches through your online recruiting program and attach you Recruiting Player Profile
- Prepare for or even take the SAT and/or ACT
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
- Know the NCAA Rules and Regulations
Junior Year
- Set-up a webinar or meeting with you Club coaches to discuss recruiting
- Take or retake the SAT and/or ACT
- Decide which schools you’ll visit and reach out to those coaches
- Notify coaches of your Fall Club Schedule, Spring High School schedule and Summer tournament or individual recruiting schedule. Make sure they have your highlight film.
- Attend Showcases and Camps the summer after Junior year
- Send transcript and SAT scores to NCAA end of Junior year
Senior Year
- Set-up a meeting with your guidance counselor in the fall
- If you haven’t already verbally committed to a school, narrow your school list to those you’ll apply to. Understand early admission deadlines and options.
- Send updated transcript to college coaches
- Ask tough questions of each coach
- Notify those schools you’re no longer interested in attending
Remember, you are choosing the school.
Get inspired! See other studletes who are on the path to success. Click here and follow FLG on Instagram. Remember, success is a path you follow step by step.
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Player Spotlight: Jackie Jahelka
Who is your Favorite Athlete of all time?
This one is so hard, I don’t think I have one.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Ever since I was young, I have been surrounded by teachers. Numerous people in my family are involved in the education program, and I have inherited the same interest! I’ve wanted to be a teacher ever since I was little.
Who is your Role Model?
My role model is my older brother Stephen. He truly defines the words perseverance and hard work. I am so lucky to have someone like him to look up to and to aspire to be like.
What is your favorite motivational quote?
“Don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.” -Muhammad Ali
What was your favorite thing about playing lacrosse in college?
The memories and friendships I have created with my teammates.
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not playing or coaching lacrosse?
I enjoy playing tennis, reading and spending time with my family and friends.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Any show on the Bravo TV network, specifically the Real Housewives of Orange County.
What is your best sports memory?
Winning back to back Division 2 National Championships!!!
Did you have any pregame rituals?
I don’t have any pregame rituals, but during the game I always have to play with either a scrunchie or bow in my hair.
What is the one thing you can’t live without?
Unfortunately, I would have to say my cell phone.
OT QUESTION
What would the world be like without you?
A lot less pink!!!!
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Why Coach Dunne Has No Voice
He coaches every play, of every game.
He doesn’t let the same mistake happen twice.
He doesn’t let you get away with selfish play.
He cares.
He’s an equal opportunity yeller.
He coaches both sides of the ball.
He doesn’t settle for the team taking steps backwards.
His team played 4 games in 1 day.
#FLG #FLGLAX #DEVELOP
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Make the Most of Road Trips
Today, myself and a group of our FLG coaches were travelingup to Ithaca, NY. Our FLG middle school teams are competing in a one-day tournament tomorrow, so we figured it would be best to head north a day early and settle in. Personally, I’ve been to Ithaca several time. I visited Ithaca while going through the recruiting process, I’ve been to Ithaca during my college days, and I’ve been to Ithaca to coach youth lacrosse tournaments. Ithaca, NY is home to Ithaca College and Cornell University, two great schools. Being that I’ve seen these two schools on several occasions, I wanted to see somewhere entirely new.
A big part of our job as Club Lacrosse Directors is building relationships with College Lacrosse Coaches, learning about different schools, and seeing different campuses all over the country (pretty awesome, I know!) Reason being, it’s our duty to help guide and educate High School studletes through the recruiting process. The more people we know and schools we’ve seen, the more knowledge we can relay to our families. It’s sort of like how guidance counselors within High School’s help match specific students to one specific school.
Today, we had the pleasure of stopping by at the University of Scranton. Most people recognize Scranton, Pennsylvania from the hit television comedy “The Office.” Now, after visiting the city and touring its streets, I think of Scranton, PA as the town with that magnificent Jesuit University. Not only did we get the opportunity to tour ‘Electric City’, we got an opportunity to do it with the Head Coach of Scranton’s Men’s Lacrose Team. Coach Doug Sage took us through campus buildings, the newly renovated campus center, and into the heart of the city. Coach Sage just finished his fourth year as Head Coach and is taking the Men’s Lacrosse Program in one direction, UP.
The best part of our trip was talking X’s and O’s with Coach Sage at lunch. FLG coaches Eric Dunne, Brandon Mangan, Mike Wink, and myself talked about the FLG methodology, the concept of using multi-colored lacrosse balls to represent different rules in drills, the purpose of playing small area competitive games in practice, and much more! Coach Sage was very receptive to learning about FLG’s coaching methodologies. We spent some time learning how Coach Sage has worked to build the Scranton Lacrosse Program and why he really enjoys the University. I was very impressed with how he ran his program. From the importance he puts on keeping his studletes’ grade up to how hard he makes his kids work. It’s no surprise Scranton is now competing for Conference Championships and NCAA Playoff births.
A big thanks to Coach Sage for giving us an opportunity to meet up with him today and show us around Scranton.
We all have an impact on the recruiting process of High School studletes. The more we can learn as Club Coaches and High School Coaches and the more Colleges and Universities parents can show their kids, the less pressure High School studletes will have during their recruiting process. Also, this will allow recruits to make more educated decisions on where to attend.
Make the most of your road trips.
See somewhere new.
Learn about the places you go.
Make the right choice and it will be a great choice.
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