As I have probably mentioned before, I’m old. Not ancient, but I do remember using a typewriter so I’m no spring chicken. My point is, I’ve been around for a while, and I’ve been coaching for half of my time on this planet (I promise I will not go into what I have done on other planets). However, I recently agreed to do something I’ve never done before — present at the US Lacrosse National Convention, #laxcon. I have been attending this event for years, but I have never presented. Actually, I will be co-presenting with Swax Lax/Swax Lax Lacrosse founder Laura Gump. I never would have agreed to do this by myself, but I have a difficult time saying no to Laura.
Go Outside Your Comfort Zone
I have coached at every level, from preK to post college. There is not much I enjoy more than sharing my knowledge and passion for the game of lacrosse with my players. I enjoy it so much sometimes I need to have my assistant coaches remind me that they have families they would like to go home and see. So speaking to large groups is not that big of a deal right? Well it seems that speaking to my peers as opposed to my players is a little out of my comfort zone. I am a little anxious about speaking at the convention.
I really shouldn’t be. Laura and I have a great presentation planned offering coaches a number of drills and games that have been both effective and fun for our Sum It Up campers. We have some professional looking videos demonstrating the drills, and we have more than 40 years of coaching experience between us — but this is a new experience.
As a lacrosse coach I ask my players to go outside of their comfort zone almost every day. Stepping out of my own comfort zone and trying something new is an excellent reminder of the anxiety some of my players might experience as they attempt to master a new lacrosse skill, play a new position, or try do something unfamiliar to them. I should probably challenge myself more often, as a reminder of what I’m asking of my players.
Maybe you can teach an old dog …
