Training as an Investment

Last week, we discussed different ways to think about the value of private lessons and small group training. This week we’re going to examine, and break down, training as an investment in terms of time, money, and energy.

TIME

It’s important to think about training as an investment in your personal time. After all, we can only be in one place at one time and we all have schedules to keep. So, the questions then become:

• “How do we optimize our available time to train and get the most out of it?”
• “How do I balance Strength and Conditioning training with Skills / Mechanics work?”
• “Do I benefit from more games and team practices or individual work and perfecting my fundamental skills?”
• The answer will be different depending on each athlete, but these are the questions that we should be asking ourselves.

MONEY

We should view training as a foundational investment. With hour private lessons costing $50-200, hour groups from $30-100, and events/camps in the $250-650+ range, it quickly adds up. When you commit to any type of training, ask yourself a few questions:

• What are your goals and/or desired outcomes in lacrosse? (e.g., exposure or improvement?)?
• What is your expected timeline? Will one or two sessions make a difference?
• Are you getting out what you are putting in? Are you progressing?

ENERGY

Finally, it is important, as a team, to accept that one practice doesn’t create a perfect offense or the best clearing unit. Why would one individual or group training session be any different? Training is an investment of your energy.

We often fall into the mathematical trap that 1 + 1 + 1 = 3. If I participate in 3 individual lessons, with different coaches, or group sessions, I improve.

However, for long-term tangible improvement, consistency in form with appropriate feedback is critical. The most valuable skills developed in training focus on minor details. Details that are easy to learn, but take years to master.

• How many coaches does Serena Williams consult on her stroke?
• Tiger Woods on his swing?
• Tom Brady on his throwing mechanics?

I have certainly benefited from different coaches over time. I have learned different tips and nuances from many people over the course of my career. However, we must assess if values, techniques, and methods are aligned to push forward in the right direction. We must ask ourselves if the “More is better” mindset truly adds up.

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