Yo, tribe! When Do You Hit Flow State the Most? Let's talk about something every baller dreams of — hitting that flow state. You know that feeling when everything just clicks, and you’re playing like you're on a different level? That’s the flow state. It’s when you stop thinking and start playing purely on instinct, and the game becomes effortless. Whether you're in training or during a match, tapping into this state can completely change your game. What is Flow State? Flow state is that sweet spot where your mind and body are working together seamlessly. You’re focused, in the zone, and performing at your highest level without even realizing it. Time seems to fly by, and you’re making decisions without hesitation. It’s the peak of mental and physical synchronization. Here’s the thing, though — flow state isn’t something you just “switch on” whenever you feel like it. You have to set yourself up for it. But the good news is, it’s totally possible with the right approach. How to Set Yourself Up for Flow State: 1. Master the Fundamentals Flow comes when you stop overthinking. But to stop overthinking, you need to know your basics inside out. You can’t hit flow if you’re still stressing about your first touch, positioning, or simple passes. So, nail those core skills down to where they become automatic. Repetition is key. Get so good at the fundamentals that they’re second nature. 2. Set Clear Goals Whether it's a drill or a full match, know exactly what you want to achieve. Are you working on defensive positioning or attacking runs? Or are you focused on communication with your teammates? A clear objective keeps your mind locked in on the present, which is essential for hitting that flow state. No distractions, no overthinking. 3. Push Yourself, but Not Too Hard Flow happens in the sweet spot between challenge and skill. You need to be doing something that pushes you just enough to stay engaged, but not so hard that it becomes frustrating. That’s why elite athletes are always looking for that next level of improvement. Find that balance in your drills or during games to stay engaged but not overwhelmed.

Instead of running a 5k everyday what type of training should I focus on in order to become match fit?

Hey everyone, I wanted to share a great question @Collin Maringa brought up. He’s been running a 5K every day to improve his fitness, but he’s wondering what type of training is really going to get him match fit. First off, I get it. Running is one of those go-to activities that feels productive, but when it comes to football, match fitness is way more than just how far or how long you can run. Let’s break down how to train smarter, not harder, so we’re ready to dominate on the pitch. 1. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Football isn’t about jogging for 5K. It’s about quick sprints, fast changes in direction, and bursts of energy. HIIT mimics this perfectly. Try alternating between 30-second sprints and 30-second rest for 15-20 minutes. Trust me, this will push your stamina to match levels. 2. Small-Sided Games Want to get fit while actually playing football? Small-sided games (think 3v3 or 4v4) are perfect. They keep you moving non-stop, constantly changing direction, and working on ball control under pressure. Plus, it’s fun and way more game-realistic than long-distance running. 3. Agility Drills Quick feet, sharp turns, and acceleration are the name of the game. Incorporate agility ladders, cone drills, or zig-zag runs into your weekly routine. This is going to improve not only your foot speed but also how you move in tight spaces during a match. 4. Strength Training Football isn’t just about cardio. Building leg, core, and upper body strength helps with balance, power, and injury prevention. Squats, lunges, and deadlifts should be a regular part of your training. And don't forget core exercises like planks or Russian twists to stay strong in challenges. 5. Recovery and Mobility Work Your body needs rest to adapt to all this hard work. Stretching, foam rolling, and yoga can help keep your muscles fresh and prevent injury. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working smart. The Key Takeaway: Running a 5K might build some endurance, but if your goal is to become match-fit, you need a mix of sprints, agility, strength, and recovery work. It’s all about training your body the way you play on the field.

How to balance my financial work with training. And how to not fall behind while I'm injured.

Hey everyone, I wanted to take a moment to highlight a struggle one of our own, @Isaac Chanda , is currently facing. He's dealing with the difficult balance of managing finances, working, and training, all while recovering from an injury. I know a lot of us can relate to the feeling of trying to do it all, and that fear of falling behind when life throws curveballs like an injury or financial stress. Isaac’s situation brings up two huge questions: 1. How do we balance financial work and training? 2. How can we stay on track when we're injured? For those of you out there facing the same challenges, let's share strategies that have worked for us. Here are some thoughts I’ve had, and I'd love to hear your input too: 1. Balancing Financial Work with Training Time blocking: Set specific times for work, training, and rest. Keep your focus sharp and make sure you’re fully present in each task. Optimize your recovery: Whether it’s ice baths, foam rolling, or proper sleep, make sure you’re recovering well to maximize the limited time you have for training. Leverage support: If possible, lean on your network for support, whether it’s getting help with meals, rides, or even advice from a mentor. The people around you can be a game-changer. 2. Staying on Track While Injured Focus on what you CAN do: Even when you’re sidelined, there are always ways to improve—mental training, game analysis, upper body workouts, or even practicing passing if it’s your legs that need rest. Patience is key: Don’t rush your recovery. Falling back into action too quickly can lead to setbacks. Trust that with time, you’ll come back stronger. Keep learning: Use this time to grow your football IQ by studying tactics, watching games, and reviewing your own performances. And this brings me to something super important: Financial issues are a big part of why @Eric Friedlander put this guide together for FREE for all of you. We know the struggle of balancing expenses with your football journey, and we wanted to make sure you had access to practical steps that won’t cost you a thing.