Ever hear the saying, “Attack or be attacked”?
The idea is, in sports, you can either be the predator or the prey. And, if you want to win, you’ll choose to attack.
But, here's the thing. There aren't just two options. There's more.
Level 1: Be Attacked
The players at Level 1 want nothing to do with contact. They’re nowhere near “the action.”
Most athletes start out at this level. I was one of them.
Then, a switch flips inside of them. They realize that attacking is way better than being attacked…
Level 2: Attack
The players at level 2 are aggressive. All they want is contact and all they think is, “attack.”
Winning favors the aggressor: In pickleball & tennis, you see this with net cords. In basketball, you see this with and-ones. In volleyball you see this with aces.
But when a player’s only goal is “attack,” bad things happen. It gets them in trouble.
In basketball, players foul out. In football, players rough the quarterback, get a late-hit out of bounds, and run into the punter as his leg’s coming down. This level of aggression is bad for you and your team. Penalties follow.
“Me go take hammer to me opponents kneecaps.” – The Caveman.
It’s not about attacking like a caveman. It’s about attacking with purpose.
Level 3: Attack Strategically
The players at Level 3 don’t back down from their opponents. They don’t let their aggression get the best of them either. They use it to help their team.
Drawing fouls on the other team’s best player. Not letting contact from their opponent bother them. Using the opponent’s aggression against them. (In basketball, they take charges).
Thinking “be attacked” leaves you on the right side of the bench. Thinking “attack” actually leaves you vulnerable. Thinking “attack strategically,” leaves you smiling (because you’ll win more games).
Don’t just attack. Attack strategically.
Happy Impacting,
Dylan
P.S. Send this to athletes at each level (and don’t tell them which is which) 😉.