Play Beyond the Game…
In Practice
Play Beyond the Game comes alive in every practice, tournament, and summer camp. This is where our philosophy turns into action, creating an environment where athletes learn not just how to play field hockey but how to grow as individuals.
Read about how we weave these lessons into our sessions where we provide the tools to stay positive, embrace challenges, communicate effectively, and grow as both teammates and individuals.
One of our Favs: Feeding the Positive Dog
One of our favorite lessons is Feeding the Positive Dog. Imagine two dogs inside each of us—a positive dog that lifts us up and a negative dog that pulls us down. Whichever one we feed with our thoughts and actions becomes stronger.
Through this lesson, we teach athletes to recognize and redirect negative self-talk, replacing it with the same encouragement they’d give a friend. This helps build confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset both on and off the field.
Watch our PBG lesson in action as Coach Taleah introduces this concept in our summer camp setting!
Other PBG Lessons in Action
We use a variety of lessons to create well-rounded, resilient athletes. Here’s a glimpse at a few:
The Mistake Ritual: Everyone makes mistakes, but what matters is how we move forward. We teach athletes a simple physical cue—like brushing off their shoulder—to acknowledge a mistake, reset, and refocus. This builds resilience and helps them stay present in the game.
Event + Reaction = Outcome: Challenges are part of life, but our reactions shape the outcome. This lesson teaches athletes to pause and choose responses that lead to better results, whether on the field or in school and relationships.
Reframing Winning and Losing: Find a way to celebrate. We help athletes redefine success by focusing on effort, growth, and teamwork, encouraging a healthy and balanced approach to competition.
Why It Matters to You
Parents choose Beyond Sticks because they see the difference these lessons make. Athletes don’t just improve their skills—they gain tools to handle pressure, build relationships, and lead with empathy. Whether they’re preparing for a big game or navigating life’s challenges, these lessons stick with them for years to come.
Join us and experience how Play Beyond the Game transforms the way your child approaches sports and life.