Lacrosse Proves to Help One Football Recruit Get Better
Serious athletes take all aspects of their training into consideration; they are always looking for ways to improve and be the best. You may think that because you are a two-sport athlete that you are doing all the work you need because you are always working out, getting stronger and training. No doubt, being a multi-sport athlete will keep you in good shape, but if you want to improve on the skills you need most for your main sport, then you will want to hear how a multi-sport high school football player found a new way to be exceptional in his sport.
What One Football Player Discovered
Alex Collins, a high school running back and 3-sport athlete, always thought he was on the right track. He played basketball to keep in shape, and he ran track to get quicker. Both sports, he thought, were giving him the ultimate training advantage. He thought he was set for the rest of high school; he was going to continue his routine and then hopefully get recruited to play football, or so he thought…
Collins and Lacrosse
Collins was definitely a stand-out football player, making his way to compete in college. He had never considered the benefits of lacrosse until one of his football coaches who also coached the lacrosse team asked him to try-out. His coach told him playing lacrosse during the off-season could definitely help with footwork and coordination. So Collins, being an all-around athlete, took on the challenge with no hesitation, “You just want to be able to show that any sport is possible as long as you put your mind to it.” This attitude is what makes good athletes great, they are willing to do what is needed to put themselves in a better position for the sake of their sport, even if it puts them in a vulnerable position by trying something new.
Having an Open Mind
Athletes who are willing to take the advice of coaches, even if it seems unconventional, will be in a better position to continually improve their character and athleticism. As an athlete it will be your job to do what is necessary to continue to improve your game at all costs necessary. Just like Collins, take the challenge with an open mind. Like he said, “Every normal athlete does football and then track as their off-season sport, but this was something new.” Lacrosse is something that gave him more skills that he could later use to capitalize during football.
An Athlete with a Purpose
Collins first took on lacrosse as a challenge, and then found he had a love for the game. He convinced his other football teammates to try-out for lacrosse and learn the game too. He worked diligently on improving his footwork, awareness and visions, all skills which will help him when football season approaches. He now acts as an ambassador for lacrosse teaching other football players how they can train better in their off-season while still having fun and competing.
Collins’ transition to learning a new sport is inspirational. If you have questions about improving your skills or finding better ways to train in the off-season, then leave your comments below or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!