What exactly does this message mean:

Hey Coach, just my 2 cents, but I think we could better utilize Hull's extra practice time by focusing on something other than footwork - he just doesn't seem to be making much more progress there.

Does it mean that Hull is maxed out in defense, shot blocking or both? Or something else?

Defense. It'll specifically say Shot Blocking when that area is getting capped. If he still has room to grow in SB, keep putting some minutes in there.

It does mean DE.

mlatsko, have you really gotten the maxed out message for BLK?

I don't think I've ever gotten one for BLK, and most of my players seemingly max out in it.

And by max out, I mean either hit 100, or stop improving in it despite substantial minutes in both conditioning and FW.

I'm not 100% certain but I think the reason you never see shotblocking messages is because the messages refer to practice categories, not attributes. Since defense practice covers both the defense and shotblocking attributes, you shouldn't ever get a shotblocking message. I looked through my mailbox and I saw none even though I know some guys were maxed.

Likewise, you don't see messages to stop practicing stamina, ath, or speed. it would say "conditioning", and only if all 3 are maxed.

Of course if this theory is correct then he is maxed in everything defensive practice covers.