How to be a better linebacker

Question
Hi i was hoping you could give me some ideas to better my performance on the field. I'm 5'6" and 164 pounds and a sophmore. I was captain of the jv team this year but i'm kinda wondering how to make myself standout to the varsity coaches and i really wanna try to play college ball. But i gotta a couple things going against one i go to a DoDDs school in Germany (school for millitary kids)so scouting will be hard and 2nd i'm small everyone talks a lot of hype about me that i hit hard and so forth but will skill be enough without size? I guess my real question is how do I improve on performance menatly and physically get stronger?

Answer
Hello Jess,

I can answer the mental performance part of your question.

My first question is, what does "improve on performance mentally" mean to you?  Does it mean more confidence, motivation or focus, or all three?  Does it mean you'll believe in yourself more?  Does it mean you'll keep trying even if you run into obstacles?  Does it mean you won't take NO for an answer and keep plugging away?  These are things coaches look for, and coaches will often bend over backwards to help a player who really works hard and is committed to helping the team win.  There are lots of players with speed and hitting power, but the ones with heart are the ones who stand out.  

Will this be enough to help you play HS varsity and college ball?  I don't know, but I'd suggest talking to your jv coach about it.  Talk to the varsity coach as well to find out what you need to do to be a contender for the team.  Once you find that out, DO IT.  The varsity coach needs to know that you are a team player, can follow directions and are committed to succeeding.

I'd also suggest searching the Internet and look at college teams to see the wide variety in size of college players.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

David

David Kenward, The Mental Coach
Sacramento, California
http://www.thementalcoach.com
Win the Mental Game: Perform better under pressure in any sport