Line of scrimmage tactics
In various plays whether you are on offense or defense you will want to have a strategic advantage over your opponents. A great technique that will give you an advantage on the line is double team blocking. This play is simple, double up and push through. The strategy works for putting a hole in the line of scrimmage as two easily overpowers one. Here are some pointers for this strategy: First, players need to step together, and second lock hips. Next, form a wall, an impenetrable block that the opposing teams' linemen can't break. Concentrate on this wall so that the opponent cannot duck around or go through the double team. Also, this maneuver needs to happen quickly and efficiently.
Conditioning: Cross jumping
Conditioning in football is meant to help you react quickly on the field moving in a variety of directions. This drill will help players quickly change directions on the field. It starts by placing players in a small four square box. Then the player will proceed to jump from on area or box to another, thus forcing the player to jump laterally, diagonally, frontwards, and backwards. Changes can be made so that the player will only use one foot and then the other while they run the drill.
Secrets to a good hand off
Learning the basics in a hand-off is essential to a strong offense. Let's look at a simple hand off between a quarterback and a running back to point out the fundamentals of this skill. A running back at the start of a hand off should give the quarterback a target by opening up his arms that are in front of his chest enough to allow about one and a half footballs in. When the running back receives the football he clamps down both arms hard on the football to protect it. As the running back leaves from the handoff he needs to stay low to react quickly and again to protect the ball.
Hand off drill
Running backs should constantly practice the hand off. One great hand off drill starts by having two separate lines of players facing each other: line A and line B. A player leaves line A with the football and runs at line B. In sync with that first player, a second player leaves line B, when they meet player A passes to player B. Now player B has the ball and will hand off the ball to the next person in Line A who will hand off to the next player in Line B. The motion should be constantly moving from one line to another in this drill, almost like a juggling pattern. Practice this drill every day to ensure that your running backs are effective on their hand offs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Monday, December 29, 2008
Understanding Elementary Football Coaching Routines
Tackling Fundamentals and Safety
Tackling is fundamental to football, and should receive proper attention at practices. Tackling can be fun and exhilarating, but done improperly and it can be dangerous. Some points to remember when tackling:
First, plant yourself in front of your opponent. You can do this by placing your foot between your opponent's feet. Also, and in coordination with your feet throw your arms back preparing to grab.
Second, thrust your other foot again squarely in front of your opponent and with all the momentum that you have brought to the tackle grab your opponent. As your feet plants your head should be making its first contact. To protect yourself never, ever try to tackle with the crown of your head, but instead keep your head back, and your head square. Tell yourself, or your players to imagine that they are biting the football.
Third, throw your hips up and hard as you drive the offensive player backwards. Setting yourself up for this last step will ultimately prove the success in the tackle.
Powerful Blocking Strategy: Double Teaming
In various plays whether you are on offense or defense you will want to have a strategic advantage over your opponents. A great technique that will give you an advantage on the line is double team blocking. In essence you take two blockers or linemen and have them go after the same person. If you ever need to get a running back through or perform a great blitz, remember this technique. The basics are simple for this technique: First, both players will need to step together, and put their hips together. They form a wall that the opponent cannot break. Concentrate on this wall so that the opponent cannot duck around or go through the double team. Work it fast and work it hard
A great Handoff Drill
Running backs should constantly practice the hand off. A simple drill for a hand off is to line up all of your running backs in two lines facing each other in what we will call line A and Line B. A player leaves line A with the football and runs at line B. At the same time that the first player leaves player B leaves his line towards player A, as they pass each other in the middle player A hands off the football to player B. At this moment another player leaves line A and accepts a handoff from player B. It should be a constant motion. Practice this drill every day to ensure that your running backs are effective on their hand offs.
Making a great hand off
Handoff skills can secure yardage on the field and increase your overall success. Let's look at a simple hand off between a quarterback and a running back to point out the fundamentals of this skill. The running back starts the hand off running towards the quarterback with his arms open creating a pocket for the quarterback to slide the football right into the running back's chest. When the running back receives the football he clamps down both arms hard on the football to protect it. As the running back runs off with the football it is important to stay low to increase agility and speed.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Tackling is fundamental to football, and should receive proper attention at practices. Tackling can be fun and exhilarating, but done improperly and it can be dangerous. Some points to remember when tackling:
First, plant yourself in front of your opponent. You can do this by placing your foot between your opponent's feet. Also, and in coordination with your feet throw your arms back preparing to grab.
Second, thrust your other foot again squarely in front of your opponent and with all the momentum that you have brought to the tackle grab your opponent. As your feet plants your head should be making its first contact. To protect yourself never, ever try to tackle with the crown of your head, but instead keep your head back, and your head square. Tell yourself, or your players to imagine that they are biting the football.
Third, throw your hips up and hard as you drive the offensive player backwards. Setting yourself up for this last step will ultimately prove the success in the tackle.
Powerful Blocking Strategy: Double Teaming
In various plays whether you are on offense or defense you will want to have a strategic advantage over your opponents. A great technique that will give you an advantage on the line is double team blocking. In essence you take two blockers or linemen and have them go after the same person. If you ever need to get a running back through or perform a great blitz, remember this technique. The basics are simple for this technique: First, both players will need to step together, and put their hips together. They form a wall that the opponent cannot break. Concentrate on this wall so that the opponent cannot duck around or go through the double team. Work it fast and work it hard
A great Handoff Drill
Running backs should constantly practice the hand off. A simple drill for a hand off is to line up all of your running backs in two lines facing each other in what we will call line A and Line B. A player leaves line A with the football and runs at line B. At the same time that the first player leaves player B leaves his line towards player A, as they pass each other in the middle player A hands off the football to player B. At this moment another player leaves line A and accepts a handoff from player B. It should be a constant motion. Practice this drill every day to ensure that your running backs are effective on their hand offs.
Making a great hand off
Handoff skills can secure yardage on the field and increase your overall success. Let's look at a simple hand off between a quarterback and a running back to point out the fundamentals of this skill. The running back starts the hand off running towards the quarterback with his arms open creating a pocket for the quarterback to slide the football right into the running back's chest. When the running back receives the football he clamps down both arms hard on the football to protect it. As the running back runs off with the football it is important to stay low to increase agility and speed.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Revitalizing Elementary Sports - Running Back Suggestions
Secrets to a good hand off
Whether you are a quarterback, running back, or a player that at anytime will receive a hand off you need to realize the basics of a great hand off. Let's look at a simple hand off between a quarterback and a running back to point out the fundamentals of this skill. A running back at the start of a hand off should give the quarterback a target by opening up his arms that are in front of his chest enough to allow about one and a half footballs in. When the running back receives the football he clamps down both arms hard on the football to protect it. As the running back runs off with the football it is important to stay low to increase agility and speed.
Running will increase performance
If you have more energy at the fourth quarter then your opponent then you have won, and the best way to get endurance are running drills. These drills are meant to help you play your hardest throughout the entire game. Even with all of these benefits you will notice that most of the complaints in practice come from running drills. Because in the end, the team or players that are the fastest are the ones that win the championships. Running has a final help to your team, and that is learning how to push beyond your limits, you will be surprised how often that happens in football, and in life.
Open field tactics: covering ground with angle tackles
Because not every tackle is direct and head on, it is necessary to set up an angle tackling situations during practice. Set up a simple drill with two players, on as the offense with the ball running in a straight line, the other as the defender running towards him at some angle. As the opponent comes toward the defender he will need to adjust his body position and shorten the angle, put his foot in front of the opponent, and make sure that he put his head in front of the opponent. The tackle is completed as the defender wraps his hands tightly around the opponent, straightens his hips and pushes the opponent to the ground or off sides.
Hand off drill
Running backs should constantly practice the hand off. One great hand off drill starts by having two separate lines of players facing each other: line A and line B. A player leaves line A with the football and runs at line B. At the same time a player leaves line B, and when they meet in the middle Player A hands off the ball to Player B. At the point of the hand off another player leaves line A and runs towards player B, who hands off the ball to the new player. This drill should perform in a seamless motion. It is an effective drill to teach handoff skills and help running backs achieve higher accuracy and consistency.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Whether you are a quarterback, running back, or a player that at anytime will receive a hand off you need to realize the basics of a great hand off. Let's look at a simple hand off between a quarterback and a running back to point out the fundamentals of this skill. A running back at the start of a hand off should give the quarterback a target by opening up his arms that are in front of his chest enough to allow about one and a half footballs in. When the running back receives the football he clamps down both arms hard on the football to protect it. As the running back runs off with the football it is important to stay low to increase agility and speed.
Running will increase performance
If you have more energy at the fourth quarter then your opponent then you have won, and the best way to get endurance are running drills. These drills are meant to help you play your hardest throughout the entire game. Even with all of these benefits you will notice that most of the complaints in practice come from running drills. Because in the end, the team or players that are the fastest are the ones that win the championships. Running has a final help to your team, and that is learning how to push beyond your limits, you will be surprised how often that happens in football, and in life.
Open field tactics: covering ground with angle tackles
Because not every tackle is direct and head on, it is necessary to set up an angle tackling situations during practice. Set up a simple drill with two players, on as the offense with the ball running in a straight line, the other as the defender running towards him at some angle. As the opponent comes toward the defender he will need to adjust his body position and shorten the angle, put his foot in front of the opponent, and make sure that he put his head in front of the opponent. The tackle is completed as the defender wraps his hands tightly around the opponent, straightens his hips and pushes the opponent to the ground or off sides.
Hand off drill
Running backs should constantly practice the hand off. One great hand off drill starts by having two separate lines of players facing each other: line A and line B. A player leaves line A with the football and runs at line B. At the same time a player leaves line B, and when they meet in the middle Player A hands off the ball to Player B. At the point of the hand off another player leaves line A and runs towards player B, who hands off the ball to the new player. This drill should perform in a seamless motion. It is an effective drill to teach handoff skills and help running backs achieve higher accuracy and consistency.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Friday, October 31, 2008
Youth Football - Getting Your Youth Football Teams to Compete With the "Compete" Drill
September 16th, 2008
The "Compete" Drill for Youth Football
One of the many things youth football coaches have a problem with is having their team ready to play on game day. Many coaches tell me they see their kids coming to games lethargic and not ready to play. I've even seen some of my own teams in very early morning games maybe being less sharp than normal. This can cost your team, you can get down early, have a few breaks go against you and before your team finally wakes up out of its funk, the game can be out of reach.
We are blessed to have a 7 year NFL vet on our coaching staff this year. He is a very humble guy who has been an absolute joy to coach with so far, He hasn't tired to tkae over or pushed to get the kids to use techniques or schemes that non-select kids can't do, He has however been very helpful in helping us get ready in areas we probably needed help in. One of those areas was early morning games, making sure we were sharp from the opening gun.
This player played for Bill B and believe it or not they had some of the same issues, In order to solve the problem they used to do a drill called "Compete". At any point in the day, anytime, this NFL coach would blow his whistle and yelled "compete". The team would run full speed to the 10 yard line and go full speed, full contact for 10 minutes, with everyone yelling and whooping it up the entire time. During our offensive days, we do it with our first team offense against all the rest, with 24 kids that is 11 vs 13. Our kids know where to line up on offense and defense when we yell compete, they sprint to the predesignared area and we get after it. We no huddle with wrist bands and go all out for those 10 minutes. We don't take time to put scrimmage vests on or anything like that, when "compete" is yelled, everyone, players coaches etc run full blast to the designated area.
The key is to run this drill when the kids least expect it. In the middle of individual instruction, in the middle of a water break, in the middle of our first little talk at the end of cals/warmup and even after they thought practice was over. We never tell them when or even if we are going to run the "compete" drill. What seems to help is to be able to get the kids mentally conditioned to compete at a moments notice, anytime, anywhere. While this is our first season using this drill, so far so good, I highly recommend it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cisar
The "Compete" Drill for Youth Football
One of the many things youth football coaches have a problem with is having their team ready to play on game day. Many coaches tell me they see their kids coming to games lethargic and not ready to play. I've even seen some of my own teams in very early morning games maybe being less sharp than normal. This can cost your team, you can get down early, have a few breaks go against you and before your team finally wakes up out of its funk, the game can be out of reach.
We are blessed to have a 7 year NFL vet on our coaching staff this year. He is a very humble guy who has been an absolute joy to coach with so far, He hasn't tired to tkae over or pushed to get the kids to use techniques or schemes that non-select kids can't do, He has however been very helpful in helping us get ready in areas we probably needed help in. One of those areas was early morning games, making sure we were sharp from the opening gun.
This player played for Bill B and believe it or not they had some of the same issues, In order to solve the problem they used to do a drill called "Compete". At any point in the day, anytime, this NFL coach would blow his whistle and yelled "compete". The team would run full speed to the 10 yard line and go full speed, full contact for 10 minutes, with everyone yelling and whooping it up the entire time. During our offensive days, we do it with our first team offense against all the rest, with 24 kids that is 11 vs 13. Our kids know where to line up on offense and defense when we yell compete, they sprint to the predesignared area and we get after it. We no huddle with wrist bands and go all out for those 10 minutes. We don't take time to put scrimmage vests on or anything like that, when "compete" is yelled, everyone, players coaches etc run full blast to the designated area.
The key is to run this drill when the kids least expect it. In the middle of individual instruction, in the middle of a water break, in the middle of our first little talk at the end of cals/warmup and even after they thought practice was over. We never tell them when or even if we are going to run the "compete" drill. What seems to help is to be able to get the kids mentally conditioned to compete at a moments notice, anytime, anywhere. While this is our first season using this drill, so far so good, I highly recommend it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cisar
Youth Football Parents Say the Darndest Things
Sometimes youth football parents say the darndest and in some cases the most revealing things.
We pay to have all of our games filmed by a professional videographer. We do a year end video for each player, we add interesting and amusing text comments and set the entire video to contemporary Christian music. We add a very cool case cover and laser the disc with a team picture as well. This ends up being a great keepsake for the player and saves the parents the hassle of having to film every game for those that want to archive the memories their kids are getting from youth football. Our videographer is not connected to our team, doesn't care who wins and never wears any Eagle gear, so no one really every knows who he is. Since his microphone is always on, we get to hear a variety of comments from the fans in the seats. Some of them are interesting and even amusing.
Last week at a game my team was dominating and looking exceptionally crisp, you could hear one of the opponent's parents deep in conversation with one of our parents. Our parent was telling him how little we hit, how little we scrimmage etc the other parent says somewhat incredulously, "How much DO you guys practice?" probably thinking we practiced 4-5 times per week or something along those lines. Our parent replied "we are down to 90 minutes twice a week now", the other parent said in a nice but almost fawning way "you are kidding me?". My guess this parent was aleady thinking, well we only practice 2 times a week that's why we aren't doing very well, I bet these guys meet 4 times a week.
Fans perceptions can be far from reality but at the same time many players, parents and even coaches think "Practice Makes Perfect". I'm not so sure of that, if you practice the wrong technique hundreds of times no matter how much it's practiced, it's not going to be effective. A more common youth football problem is that players aren't held to a perfect standard within specific techniques, the player is not corrected every time he does it wrong. The standard is there is no standard, the technique is taught, then it is hit or miss from that point forward. Kids will only perform to the standard the coaching staff sets and enforces.
Another huge problem is priorities and pace. Many youth football coaches waste so much time on non football stuff that has little to do with true player development and team development. If your team is in it's 8th week of practice and you are still doing 30 minutes of "conditioning" every day, are your kids not in football playing shape yet? Keep in mind my last 11 teams have run not a single wind sprint or done anything resembling a "conditioning period" we get all of our conditioning done within the context for our normal very high paced practice.
Even teams using my system often fail to understand what the pace of practice should be like in order to maximize the efficiency of practice which allows you to practice less but allows you to get more done than your competition. Every team clinic I've ever done in the last 2 years the pace has been significantly slower than I would ever allow in my own youth football practices. We always aggressively guard our precious practice time and always have a sense of urgency about our practices, not just during the month leading up to the first game, but up to that last practice before the last game.
In the last 30 days I did two team clinics in Los Angeles and Indianapolis. Both teams were VERY well coached by coaches that knew the material inside and out, chapter and verse. However, their pace was predictably about half as fast as we go. For example; in our dynamic warm up angle form/fit tackle drill, we do one rep about every 5-6 seconds, these teams did one every 12 seconds plus. When running our football plays on air we run one play every 12 seconds or so and that's with subbing in every rep, they were at about 25 seconds. We try and do everything at a pace that has out kids just on the edge of breathing hard.
In the end if your priorities, pace and have a consistent high level of urgency, you won't have to practice as much as many people think in order to execute well in youth football. When you practice less, the practices become important and focused and of course the parents love it as well.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cisar
We pay to have all of our games filmed by a professional videographer. We do a year end video for each player, we add interesting and amusing text comments and set the entire video to contemporary Christian music. We add a very cool case cover and laser the disc with a team picture as well. This ends up being a great keepsake for the player and saves the parents the hassle of having to film every game for those that want to archive the memories their kids are getting from youth football. Our videographer is not connected to our team, doesn't care who wins and never wears any Eagle gear, so no one really every knows who he is. Since his microphone is always on, we get to hear a variety of comments from the fans in the seats. Some of them are interesting and even amusing.
Last week at a game my team was dominating and looking exceptionally crisp, you could hear one of the opponent's parents deep in conversation with one of our parents. Our parent was telling him how little we hit, how little we scrimmage etc the other parent says somewhat incredulously, "How much DO you guys practice?" probably thinking we practiced 4-5 times per week or something along those lines. Our parent replied "we are down to 90 minutes twice a week now", the other parent said in a nice but almost fawning way "you are kidding me?". My guess this parent was aleady thinking, well we only practice 2 times a week that's why we aren't doing very well, I bet these guys meet 4 times a week.
Fans perceptions can be far from reality but at the same time many players, parents and even coaches think "Practice Makes Perfect". I'm not so sure of that, if you practice the wrong technique hundreds of times no matter how much it's practiced, it's not going to be effective. A more common youth football problem is that players aren't held to a perfect standard within specific techniques, the player is not corrected every time he does it wrong. The standard is there is no standard, the technique is taught, then it is hit or miss from that point forward. Kids will only perform to the standard the coaching staff sets and enforces.
Another huge problem is priorities and pace. Many youth football coaches waste so much time on non football stuff that has little to do with true player development and team development. If your team is in it's 8th week of practice and you are still doing 30 minutes of "conditioning" every day, are your kids not in football playing shape yet? Keep in mind my last 11 teams have run not a single wind sprint or done anything resembling a "conditioning period" we get all of our conditioning done within the context for our normal very high paced practice.
Even teams using my system often fail to understand what the pace of practice should be like in order to maximize the efficiency of practice which allows you to practice less but allows you to get more done than your competition. Every team clinic I've ever done in the last 2 years the pace has been significantly slower than I would ever allow in my own youth football practices. We always aggressively guard our precious practice time and always have a sense of urgency about our practices, not just during the month leading up to the first game, but up to that last practice before the last game.
In the last 30 days I did two team clinics in Los Angeles and Indianapolis. Both teams were VERY well coached by coaches that knew the material inside and out, chapter and verse. However, their pace was predictably about half as fast as we go. For example; in our dynamic warm up angle form/fit tackle drill, we do one rep about every 5-6 seconds, these teams did one every 12 seconds plus. When running our football plays on air we run one play every 12 seconds or so and that's with subbing in every rep, they were at about 25 seconds. We try and do everything at a pace that has out kids just on the edge of breathing hard.
In the end if your priorities, pace and have a consistent high level of urgency, you won't have to practice as much as many people think in order to execute well in youth football. When you practice less, the practices become important and focused and of course the parents love it as well.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cisar
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Best Out of One Hundred Eleven
The all-time series between the Cleveland Franchise and the Pittsburgh Steelers is tied, knotted if you will, at 55-55. The Steelers have won nine in a row and 15 of 16 against their brown and orange clad division rivals, who took a break between 96-99 to leave for Baltimore and win a Super Bowl, before reappearing with Tim Couch as the team's QB for the '99-00 season.
The Browns are better than they were in the Butch Davis years, but in my mind the rivalry is still on hiatus until they beat the Steelers in a meaningful game, I still have a hard time processing the logic behind the whole, "leaving the franchises history and nickname behind while Art Modell moves us to Baltimore" factor. Watching the expansion Browns struggle while the Ravens assembled one of the best defenses in history and beat the Kerry Collins led Giants in 2000 could be fodder for a Sci-Fi movie. Maybe if Art Model had been whisked away in a Delorian in 1995, and had a chance to see two possible futures for Cleveland and Baltimore respectively, he would have stayed put, and allowed the Colts to return to Baltimore. Two different strands of time, two futures for Cleveland one involving a Super Bowl, the other involving Doug Pederson and Eric Rhett. "Is this the future that will be, or the future that could be?" Modell would have asked, and then he would have traveled back to 1955 to the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance to make sure Ray Lewis' parents fall in love.
Robert Heinlein's "All You Zombies" tackles the subject of multiple timelines, as does The Terminator.
I'm just gad Eric Metcalf is gone. Those were the days. Also glad the Penguins did not relocate
The Steelers will take the field tonight in Cleveland on the heels of one an impressive 38-17 win over the Huston Texans. Last week the Cleveland Brown Agains, lost at home to the Dallas Cowboys 28-10. There are rumblings of a 'must win' for Cleveland and it is only week 2. The Browns' schedule is as tough as Pittsburgh's, especially considering Derek Anderson won't get to pass against his own secondary. Regardless of how much intensity our neighbors to the northwest bring to tonight's 8:15pm contest, and no matter how objectively I look at the two teams it is hard to imagine the outcome will be in doubt during the fourth quarter.
During week 1; Cleveland allowed nearly 500 yards to Dallas, while the Steelers put up 38 points against Houston with their backup quarterback playing the fourth quarter. Under the assumption that the Texans' defense is better than Cleveland's and the Steelers offense is on par with Dallas', the BCS logic here says the Steelers will put up some big numbers. The Browns secondary is banged up; Cleveland is without both starting safeties for tonight's game.
The Steelers will play tonight without starting CB, Deshea Townsend. There is not much of a drop from Townsend to backup DB, Bryant McFadden, but the depth chart takes a hit, second year corner back William Gay will step into the nickel back role, I expect three safety formations when the Browns go to three and four wide receivers, either corner back Anthony Madison, or safety Anthony Smith will see time in passing situations with Townsend sidelined. This injury would be more of a concern if the Browns had the personnel to spread the field, but off-season acquisition, WR, Dante Stallworth will watch this game form the sidelines while he nurses a leg injury he sustained in warm-ups prior to the Dallas game.
The Steelers pass rush will keep dominating, the Browns will have to either keep in extra blockers, thus negating any advantage they hold over a Townsendless Steelers secondary, or they will send extra backs and tight ends into the pass patterns and feel the wrath of LaMarr Woodley; it will be a fun game for Steelers fans to watch.
I predict a final score of 49-12.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Gwin
The Browns are better than they were in the Butch Davis years, but in my mind the rivalry is still on hiatus until they beat the Steelers in a meaningful game, I still have a hard time processing the logic behind the whole, "leaving the franchises history and nickname behind while Art Modell moves us to Baltimore" factor. Watching the expansion Browns struggle while the Ravens assembled one of the best defenses in history and beat the Kerry Collins led Giants in 2000 could be fodder for a Sci-Fi movie. Maybe if Art Model had been whisked away in a Delorian in 1995, and had a chance to see two possible futures for Cleveland and Baltimore respectively, he would have stayed put, and allowed the Colts to return to Baltimore. Two different strands of time, two futures for Cleveland one involving a Super Bowl, the other involving Doug Pederson and Eric Rhett. "Is this the future that will be, or the future that could be?" Modell would have asked, and then he would have traveled back to 1955 to the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance to make sure Ray Lewis' parents fall in love.
Robert Heinlein's "All You Zombies" tackles the subject of multiple timelines, as does The Terminator.
I'm just gad Eric Metcalf is gone. Those were the days. Also glad the Penguins did not relocate
The Steelers will take the field tonight in Cleveland on the heels of one an impressive 38-17 win over the Huston Texans. Last week the Cleveland Brown Agains, lost at home to the Dallas Cowboys 28-10. There are rumblings of a 'must win' for Cleveland and it is only week 2. The Browns' schedule is as tough as Pittsburgh's, especially considering Derek Anderson won't get to pass against his own secondary. Regardless of how much intensity our neighbors to the northwest bring to tonight's 8:15pm contest, and no matter how objectively I look at the two teams it is hard to imagine the outcome will be in doubt during the fourth quarter.
During week 1; Cleveland allowed nearly 500 yards to Dallas, while the Steelers put up 38 points against Houston with their backup quarterback playing the fourth quarter. Under the assumption that the Texans' defense is better than Cleveland's and the Steelers offense is on par with Dallas', the BCS logic here says the Steelers will put up some big numbers. The Browns secondary is banged up; Cleveland is without both starting safeties for tonight's game.
The Steelers will play tonight without starting CB, Deshea Townsend. There is not much of a drop from Townsend to backup DB, Bryant McFadden, but the depth chart takes a hit, second year corner back William Gay will step into the nickel back role, I expect three safety formations when the Browns go to three and four wide receivers, either corner back Anthony Madison, or safety Anthony Smith will see time in passing situations with Townsend sidelined. This injury would be more of a concern if the Browns had the personnel to spread the field, but off-season acquisition, WR, Dante Stallworth will watch this game form the sidelines while he nurses a leg injury he sustained in warm-ups prior to the Dallas game.
The Steelers pass rush will keep dominating, the Browns will have to either keep in extra blockers, thus negating any advantage they hold over a Townsendless Steelers secondary, or they will send extra backs and tight ends into the pass patterns and feel the wrath of LaMarr Woodley; it will be a fun game for Steelers fans to watch.
I predict a final score of 49-12.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Gwin
Good Enough to Win is Good Enough
Steelers (2-0) 10, Browns (0-2)6
The Steelers defied the lake effect wind and an improved Cleveland team Saturday night, to move into sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
Willie Parker rushed for over 100 yards (28 for 105) for the second consecutive game, and Ben Roethlisberger turned in another efficient performance completing 12 of 19 passes for 186 yards and touchdown to Hines Ward.
The Steelers defense held the Browns to 53 yards rushing on 25 attempts. Cleveland's offense could only muster 208 total yards.
It may not have been the 49-12 apocalypse I predicted, bad weather has a way of leveling the playing field, I don't think these teams are as close as the score indicated.
The Browns Again's defense could not come up with a stop when it needed one late in the game. Derek Anderson did not make the clutch plays his team needed.
Not that I agree with the decision, but I see the logic behind Crennel taking the 3 points when they were in range with three timeouts, and over three minutes left. The poor timeout and clock management on display in the waning moments of both halves, however, was dumbfounding.
When the Browns got the ball back with 26 seconds left, needing two deep completions, Kellen Winslow was not on the field, interesting.
Ben Roethlisberger allegedly played with a separated shoulder. What a show of faith in an unproven offensive line, which has exhibited solid, yet unspectacular, play through two weeks. I don't know for certain, but it has to be his non-throwing shoulder that's supposedly separated.
I'm not a fan of the term, "statement game". The logic behind it does not satisfy me in the least, inferring only certain games allow for "statements", whereas one could argue all games tell us something therefore all games are "statement games", thus the cliché should be abolished. However, if the Browns were trying to "make a statement" about their final position in this season's AFC North standings, it would read, "second place."
The offense should benefit from playing in calmer conditions against a defensively deprived Philadelphia team next week.
If I were a Browns fan:
I'd be calling for Crennel's head, and for Brady Quinn. Who needs stability at QB and head coach anyway? There is no justification for the play calling at the end of the first half which resulted in Troy Polamalu's second interception in two games, and the coach played scared by kicking a field goal down seven late in the game.
Mission Impossible: The 2008 Steelers Schedule. Much has been said about the daunting schedule for this year's Steelers team. How much of that is warranted? Let's take a look at how the Steelers opponents fared this week.
PHILLY (1-1) 37, DALLAS (2-0) 41 The BCS says, the Browns are eighteen points worse than the Cowboys, therefore the Cowboys are 14 better than Pittsburgh (BCS does not take weather into account) thus the Eagles are 10 points better than Pittsburgh? Phooey! This is how the Big Ten send teams to national title games. Next week will be a fantastic game to watch. When he's not playing the Steelers, I'm a McNabb supporter; I remember when Philly fans booed him when he was drafted instead of Ricky Williams. Neither of these teams appear to play defense at all, the Steelers pay defense very well. I bet the Eagles are a slight favorite at home for next week. I can't stand 99% of Philadelphia fans, they know nothing about everything, and aren't afraid to let everyone know it.
BALTIMORE (1-0): SURPRISE HURRICANE BYE WEEK As if the Gulf coast hasn't had enough problems. The Texans should be happy they weren't forced to play a home game in Baltimore, or that they weren't scheduled to play the Giants or jets this week, and had the home game moved to the away team's home field so the league could make more money.
JACKSONVILLE 16 (0-2) BUFFALO 20 The Jaguars offensive line resembles the Steelers' last season, and suddenly Garrard looks average, good thing they have a capable back up in Byron Left..... It looks like the Bills are the team in the AFC East no one wants to play right now, I'm not upset they aren't on the Steelers schedule.
I THINK SOMEONE HAS PICKED THE STEELERS TO LOSE DURING THEIR BYE WEEK.
CINCY (0-2) 7, TENNESEE (2-0) 24 The Bengals are still irrelevant. The Titans defense is fantastic, and I'm a Kerry Collins fan (he needs a few). The Titans are still stuck with a chronic underachiever who may or may not be a head-case, and an over the hill backup. Too bad the Steelers Titans game on Dec. 21st won't take place in a snowstorm in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defense has a bigger edge over the Titans defense than the Titans defense may have over Pittsburgh's offense.
GIANTS (2-0) 41, RAMS 13
If the Rams can score 13 against the Giants, NY is in trouble.
WASHINGTON (1-1) 29, Saints 24. Campbell will lose more games with his arm than he wins, this was an exception. I could be wrong. Randel El, deserves better. Redskins are tough, but still allowed 24 points to a team with David Patten as its go to WR.
COLTS (1-1) 18, VIKINGS 15 Indy's is battling with the Jags to see who can win the most games before their offensive line gets healthy. Peyton Manning is good, the Colts defense is unlikely to be compared to the '76 Steelers.
SAN DIEGO (0-2) 38, DENVER 39. What a game this one was. I'm glad I was forced to watch the end of the Pats Jets game (which consisted of Matt Cassell kneeling three times) instead of getting to watch more of what will probably be known as the most exciting game this season. . The Chargers really got hosed by the refs., but the Broncos still made the plays to score and take the lead with the 2-pointer. SD is probably the best 0-2 team in the league, losing two games by a total of three points. However, their defense has allowed 64 points in two games.
N.E. (2-0) 19, NY Jest 10. The New York isn't that good, the Pats are now a boring, run-first team without a superstar QB. Patriots defense is still solid, but aging. I say make a play for Randy Moss at the deadline. Buffalo wins this division.
Opponents record: 12-11 Winning %: .522
Still tough and still very early, but four wins vs. the Bengals and Ravens are chickens worth counting now; a low estimate of .500 ball the rest of the way would result in 11-5 and a division crown. The Steelers would be battle tested and ready to go in the playoffs. Stay Healthy.
Go Steelers!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Gwin
The Steelers defied the lake effect wind and an improved Cleveland team Saturday night, to move into sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
Willie Parker rushed for over 100 yards (28 for 105) for the second consecutive game, and Ben Roethlisberger turned in another efficient performance completing 12 of 19 passes for 186 yards and touchdown to Hines Ward.
The Steelers defense held the Browns to 53 yards rushing on 25 attempts. Cleveland's offense could only muster 208 total yards.
It may not have been the 49-12 apocalypse I predicted, bad weather has a way of leveling the playing field, I don't think these teams are as close as the score indicated.
The Browns Again's defense could not come up with a stop when it needed one late in the game. Derek Anderson did not make the clutch plays his team needed.
Not that I agree with the decision, but I see the logic behind Crennel taking the 3 points when they were in range with three timeouts, and over three minutes left. The poor timeout and clock management on display in the waning moments of both halves, however, was dumbfounding.
When the Browns got the ball back with 26 seconds left, needing two deep completions, Kellen Winslow was not on the field, interesting.
Ben Roethlisberger allegedly played with a separated shoulder. What a show of faith in an unproven offensive line, which has exhibited solid, yet unspectacular, play through two weeks. I don't know for certain, but it has to be his non-throwing shoulder that's supposedly separated.
I'm not a fan of the term, "statement game". The logic behind it does not satisfy me in the least, inferring only certain games allow for "statements", whereas one could argue all games tell us something therefore all games are "statement games", thus the cliché should be abolished. However, if the Browns were trying to "make a statement" about their final position in this season's AFC North standings, it would read, "second place."
The offense should benefit from playing in calmer conditions against a defensively deprived Philadelphia team next week.
If I were a Browns fan:
I'd be calling for Crennel's head, and for Brady Quinn. Who needs stability at QB and head coach anyway? There is no justification for the play calling at the end of the first half which resulted in Troy Polamalu's second interception in two games, and the coach played scared by kicking a field goal down seven late in the game.
Mission Impossible: The 2008 Steelers Schedule. Much has been said about the daunting schedule for this year's Steelers team. How much of that is warranted? Let's take a look at how the Steelers opponents fared this week.
PHILLY (1-1) 37, DALLAS (2-0) 41 The BCS says, the Browns are eighteen points worse than the Cowboys, therefore the Cowboys are 14 better than Pittsburgh (BCS does not take weather into account) thus the Eagles are 10 points better than Pittsburgh? Phooey! This is how the Big Ten send teams to national title games. Next week will be a fantastic game to watch. When he's not playing the Steelers, I'm a McNabb supporter; I remember when Philly fans booed him when he was drafted instead of Ricky Williams. Neither of these teams appear to play defense at all, the Steelers pay defense very well. I bet the Eagles are a slight favorite at home for next week. I can't stand 99% of Philadelphia fans, they know nothing about everything, and aren't afraid to let everyone know it.
BALTIMORE (1-0): SURPRISE HURRICANE BYE WEEK As if the Gulf coast hasn't had enough problems. The Texans should be happy they weren't forced to play a home game in Baltimore, or that they weren't scheduled to play the Giants or jets this week, and had the home game moved to the away team's home field so the league could make more money.
JACKSONVILLE 16 (0-2) BUFFALO 20 The Jaguars offensive line resembles the Steelers' last season, and suddenly Garrard looks average, good thing they have a capable back up in Byron Left..... It looks like the Bills are the team in the AFC East no one wants to play right now, I'm not upset they aren't on the Steelers schedule.
I THINK SOMEONE HAS PICKED THE STEELERS TO LOSE DURING THEIR BYE WEEK.
CINCY (0-2) 7, TENNESEE (2-0) 24 The Bengals are still irrelevant. The Titans defense is fantastic, and I'm a Kerry Collins fan (he needs a few). The Titans are still stuck with a chronic underachiever who may or may not be a head-case, and an over the hill backup. Too bad the Steelers Titans game on Dec. 21st won't take place in a snowstorm in Pittsburgh. The Steelers defense has a bigger edge over the Titans defense than the Titans defense may have over Pittsburgh's offense.
GIANTS (2-0) 41, RAMS 13
If the Rams can score 13 against the Giants, NY is in trouble.
WASHINGTON (1-1) 29, Saints 24. Campbell will lose more games with his arm than he wins, this was an exception. I could be wrong. Randel El, deserves better. Redskins are tough, but still allowed 24 points to a team with David Patten as its go to WR.
COLTS (1-1) 18, VIKINGS 15 Indy's is battling with the Jags to see who can win the most games before their offensive line gets healthy. Peyton Manning is good, the Colts defense is unlikely to be compared to the '76 Steelers.
SAN DIEGO (0-2) 38, DENVER 39. What a game this one was. I'm glad I was forced to watch the end of the Pats Jets game (which consisted of Matt Cassell kneeling three times) instead of getting to watch more of what will probably be known as the most exciting game this season. . The Chargers really got hosed by the refs., but the Broncos still made the plays to score and take the lead with the 2-pointer. SD is probably the best 0-2 team in the league, losing two games by a total of three points. However, their defense has allowed 64 points in two games.
N.E. (2-0) 19, NY Jest 10. The New York isn't that good, the Pats are now a boring, run-first team without a superstar QB. Patriots defense is still solid, but aging. I say make a play for Randy Moss at the deadline. Buffalo wins this division.
Opponents record: 12-11 Winning %: .522
Still tough and still very early, but four wins vs. the Bengals and Ravens are chickens worth counting now; a low estimate of .500 ball the rest of the way would result in 11-5 and a division crown. The Steelers would be battle tested and ready to go in the playoffs. Stay Healthy.
Go Steelers!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Gwin
Monday, October 20, 2008
Where Will the Patriots End Up?
The New England Patriots got a huge blow today, hearing that their main string and future Hall of Fame, quarterback Tom Brady, will be missing the entire season from a torn ACL. With the lack of playing time all other QBs behind Tom Brady received, I don't see a way that the Patriots will break .500 this year.
Sure, they have a great receiving core, an excellent defense, but reminiscent of the Chicago Bears, they will have to rely on short passes and running plays to get their points. Only winning 17-10 in a game they should have completely dominated, leads to the question, will the Patriots be able to get it done against the teams with solid first string quarterbacks?
Many believe that this is the end of the New England season, and I have to tend to agree. My prediction for the Patriots this year will be a record of anywhere between 4-12 and 8-8, but definitely, without a miracle, there will be no Patriots in the playoffs this year. However, the Patriots may end up trading or picking someone up that will fill that position, perhaps, recently retired Daunte Culpepper will get a chance to shine in the Boston area.
Bill Belichick will be tested as a true coach this year, as he must attempt to make the playoffs without possibly the best quarterback in the NFL. Will the New England Patriots make a run to the playoffs, or go home early this year? That's for them to decide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bobby_Guns
Sure, they have a great receiving core, an excellent defense, but reminiscent of the Chicago Bears, they will have to rely on short passes and running plays to get their points. Only winning 17-10 in a game they should have completely dominated, leads to the question, will the Patriots be able to get it done against the teams with solid first string quarterbacks?
Many believe that this is the end of the New England season, and I have to tend to agree. My prediction for the Patriots this year will be a record of anywhere between 4-12 and 8-8, but definitely, without a miracle, there will be no Patriots in the playoffs this year. However, the Patriots may end up trading or picking someone up that will fill that position, perhaps, recently retired Daunte Culpepper will get a chance to shine in the Boston area.
Bill Belichick will be tested as a true coach this year, as he must attempt to make the playoffs without possibly the best quarterback in the NFL. Will the New England Patriots make a run to the playoffs, or go home early this year? That's for them to decide.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bobby_Guns
Chad Ocho Cinco?
Most People thought Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson had changed his name to Ocho Cinco. Well he did but The National Football League is not letting him until some certain issues get dealt with in the NFL. He has a financial obligation to Reebok, which produces the Jersey available to fans. That situation has to be resolved before the on-field jersey can be changed. That goes with any player because if he changes his name or number they have to address that so that the licensing company is not stuck with a large inventory of a jersey that they can't sell or get rid of. It's fine with the NFL if he changes his name. He will still be keeping the number 85 though which is a good thing.
After his game this weekend where the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Baltimore Ravens 17 to 10, he said, "I ain't worried about the name, man. We just lost the game. I ain't worried about that." I think that it's great that Chad Johnson wants to change his name to Chad Ocho Cinco because it makes him want to play more. Chad is a great player and when he is happy he plays good and that's what all fans want to see out of him. Maybe he will try to start out new with his new name and keep the trash talking on the field. He would be great if he didn't trash talk so much and always try to be the center of attention.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bobby_Guns
After his game this weekend where the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Baltimore Ravens 17 to 10, he said, "I ain't worried about the name, man. We just lost the game. I ain't worried about that." I think that it's great that Chad Johnson wants to change his name to Chad Ocho Cinco because it makes him want to play more. Chad is a great player and when he is happy he plays good and that's what all fans want to see out of him. Maybe he will try to start out new with his new name and keep the trash talking on the field. He would be great if he didn't trash talk so much and always try to be the center of attention.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bobby_Guns
Daunte Culpepper Finally Retires
After 9 hard fought years, Daunte Culpepper announces that he is now retired. Culpepper is former teammates with Randy moss, they had it all in Minnesota but not the best relationship. Daunte then left from the Vikings, and headed to Miami. After his year in Miami, he left for Oakland. Culpepper has always had a knee injury, and that is some of the reason why he may have retired. But again, they get paid millions of dollars so he is not in bad shape if you ask me. Daunte will probably go back to his home town, (Ocala, Florida) and become an assistant or even a head football coach in Ocala. He was always fun to watch. He wasn't the fastest but he sure could run over somebody. I think when Daunte was with the vikings, they shouldn't of let him go.
Culpepper told the media that he said he has accomplished enough and would rather just head on into other events in life. He has money now, so he told everybody he wants to sort of explore the rest of the world, which I don't think anybody blames him for what he is doing because that's why most football players do when they retire. What down fall Culpepper had he stated was that he wasn't doing the right thing as a quarterback. The job just didn't to fit him well he said. Did you know how bad his knee was? He was sacked a total number of 21 times because of his knee injury. That is how bad his knee was after he went undergo surgery and that is mainly why he did retire. Culpepper is a great guy, loves kids, family, and has done a lot for his high school coach by donating thousands of dollars to pay for new uniforms.
Bang The Book offers free each week the NFL Pick of the Week to all its forum members, plus get top online reviews and weekly handicapping articles. Checkout Bookmaker Bonus Code at our partner site FBS.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Rozycki
Culpepper told the media that he said he has accomplished enough and would rather just head on into other events in life. He has money now, so he told everybody he wants to sort of explore the rest of the world, which I don't think anybody blames him for what he is doing because that's why most football players do when they retire. What down fall Culpepper had he stated was that he wasn't doing the right thing as a quarterback. The job just didn't to fit him well he said. Did you know how bad his knee was? He was sacked a total number of 21 times because of his knee injury. That is how bad his knee was after he went undergo surgery and that is mainly why he did retire. Culpepper is a great guy, loves kids, family, and has done a lot for his high school coach by donating thousands of dollars to pay for new uniforms.
Bang The Book offers free each week the NFL Pick of the Week to all its forum members, plus get top online reviews and weekly handicapping articles. Checkout Bookmaker Bonus Code at our partner site FBS.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Rozycki
Friday, October 17, 2008
High School Football - Setting Goals For Your Child
As this next season of high school rolls around football season is on everyone's mind. Especially if you are in the south where some high school football programs are as big as a small college. A new season is a great time to talk about goals for your sons starting the new season. This article's intention is to talk about some of the great goals that you might set, some appropriate ways to help your children achieve them, and being supportive of the outcome.
Setting goals for your children
As a parent of a football player you have to be proud of the achievements of your son. The fact that they have made it through several cuts and summer camps is extraordinary. All this preparation is about to pay off in during the football season. So what are some goals that you can help your son set?
First of all remember that no matter how much goals you set for your child, the ones that count are the ones that are accepted wholeheartedly by your son. No one likes to be forced into anything, and if you are setting unrealistic or unachievable goals it is going to cause more stress than productivity. Every child has different capabilities, for some making 10 touch downs during the season will not be a good goal because it doesn't stretch their capabilities. For others the mean fact that they got on to the team is an achieved goal. It comes down to knowing not only your kid's capabilities, but also their passions. Our objective as parents is to mold their passions to a worthwhile goal that is capable, but also stretches them.
The most important thing that you can do is set aside some time to talk to your child about their goals. Perhaps they have already set some goals for themselves. If your son has already set a goal then encourage them to give it their all. Remember that your son is not only learning how to catch and play a game, they are learning goal making skills, practice, endurance, and teamwork that will help them the rest of their lives.
Helping your child achieve their goals
Now that you have talked about and set some goals with your child, how are you going to help them achieve it? Support! First, make sure that you write these goals down on a piece of paper. It has been said that a goal unwritten is only a wish. Others have said that merely writing down a goal increases the commitment and achievement of that goal by 50%.
Second, revisit your son's goals from time to time. Perhaps a goal was accomplished early in the season and there is still time to make another goal. Or perhaps a goal that was made is causing overdue stress on your child, in this case it would be wise to break the goal up into smaller pieces or change the goal altogether.
Third and most important is to be supportive of your son's commitment. Give them reminders with love when they are not working rather than nagging or yelling. Be there at the games when they perform to their best. Listen to them when they talk about practices.
Be supportive of the outcome
Always be supportive of the outcome. Remember that goals are made to focus our energy toward an end result. If that end result was accomplished then celebrate. Take your son out for dinner, have a party, or give them a gift. Be careful that you don't make the reward greater than it should be. Perhaps you can hold out on the new car for something other than surviving a first day's practice. Most of the time giving encouraging words or congratulations is reward enough for the achieved goal.
If your son fails to accomplish the goal then it is time for a heart to heart talk and an evaluation of what has been accomplished. If you look at great athletes, many of whom do not get gold metals or super bowl rings, they still apply what they have learned, and are back next season with a redoubled effort.
Conclusion
As parents we can have a great influence on our children. When they start their next season of high school football it is important to sit down with them and go over their goals. Let them know that you love them and will support them in these goals. Then whether they accomplish or improve point out the improvements, rework the goals and push on through the rest of the season.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Setting goals for your children
As a parent of a football player you have to be proud of the achievements of your son. The fact that they have made it through several cuts and summer camps is extraordinary. All this preparation is about to pay off in during the football season. So what are some goals that you can help your son set?
First of all remember that no matter how much goals you set for your child, the ones that count are the ones that are accepted wholeheartedly by your son. No one likes to be forced into anything, and if you are setting unrealistic or unachievable goals it is going to cause more stress than productivity. Every child has different capabilities, for some making 10 touch downs during the season will not be a good goal because it doesn't stretch their capabilities. For others the mean fact that they got on to the team is an achieved goal. It comes down to knowing not only your kid's capabilities, but also their passions. Our objective as parents is to mold their passions to a worthwhile goal that is capable, but also stretches them.
The most important thing that you can do is set aside some time to talk to your child about their goals. Perhaps they have already set some goals for themselves. If your son has already set a goal then encourage them to give it their all. Remember that your son is not only learning how to catch and play a game, they are learning goal making skills, practice, endurance, and teamwork that will help them the rest of their lives.
Helping your child achieve their goals
Now that you have talked about and set some goals with your child, how are you going to help them achieve it? Support! First, make sure that you write these goals down on a piece of paper. It has been said that a goal unwritten is only a wish. Others have said that merely writing down a goal increases the commitment and achievement of that goal by 50%.
Second, revisit your son's goals from time to time. Perhaps a goal was accomplished early in the season and there is still time to make another goal. Or perhaps a goal that was made is causing overdue stress on your child, in this case it would be wise to break the goal up into smaller pieces or change the goal altogether.
Third and most important is to be supportive of your son's commitment. Give them reminders with love when they are not working rather than nagging or yelling. Be there at the games when they perform to their best. Listen to them when they talk about practices.
Be supportive of the outcome
Always be supportive of the outcome. Remember that goals are made to focus our energy toward an end result. If that end result was accomplished then celebrate. Take your son out for dinner, have a party, or give them a gift. Be careful that you don't make the reward greater than it should be. Perhaps you can hold out on the new car for something other than surviving a first day's practice. Most of the time giving encouraging words or congratulations is reward enough for the achieved goal.
If your son fails to accomplish the goal then it is time for a heart to heart talk and an evaluation of what has been accomplished. If you look at great athletes, many of whom do not get gold metals or super bowl rings, they still apply what they have learned, and are back next season with a redoubled effort.
Conclusion
As parents we can have a great influence on our children. When they start their next season of high school football it is important to sit down with them and go over their goals. Let them know that you love them and will support them in these goals. Then whether they accomplish or improve point out the improvements, rework the goals and push on through the rest of the season.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
High School Football Goals - How to Set a Goal For Your Self
As the summer holiday comes to a blissful end it is time again to turn our thoughts and attention to that great sport of football. Football is a challenging sport because of the athletic talent needed and the competitiveness involved. If you are interested in either starting your first football season or training for next year you are going to want to set some goals. This article describes some great ways to not only set appropriate goals, but to achieve those goals. The main things to remember in setting a goal is to first answer the why question and second write them down.
Goal Setting: Answering the Why Question
No goal will be fulfilled completely unless you know the reason behind the goal. Hence it is important to answer the why question. Why are you doing this? Why do you care? Why do you want the benefits of your succeeded goal? Some answers to the why question might be fame, glory, making myself and my team mates proud, a scholarship for college, among others.
The important thing to remember is that every good goal requires effort and sacrifice. It is not easy to stay after school day after day for long practices, giving up Saturdays or mornings for exercise. In order to make a good goal note what changes are going to happen to your lifestyle and decide if that is what you really want. If it is - great we can set some goals. If you are not ready for the sacrifice then either pick another goal that will give you what you want or except the fact that you might be a mediocre player.
Show me a great athlete and I will show you someone who has made sacrifices. The 20008 Olympics in Beijing reminded us all of athletes that are willing to sacrifice all of their free time for one sport. Exercising, practicing, eating right, and setting goal after goal. They have the desire, and have surely answered the why question. Have you?
Goal Setting: Writing your goals down
It never fails to surprise me how many times people make goals but do not write them down. An unwritten goal is like a faint wish or dream. It is like saying, "well I hope that I can achieve this goal, but if not I will not beat myself up over it." Power comes from being decisive, taking control of your live and your situation.
Please follow these steps, or ones similar to them, in making your goal. Take out a piece of paper and your favorite pencil and at the top in bold letters write down the answer to your why questions. Why do I want to be on the high school football team? Why do I want to be a starting player? Why do I want to be in shape for the start of the season? Etc.
Now that you have the why question written down, proceed to write down some goals that will help you achieve your "why questions". Make sure to write down big goals and then split them up into smaller increments. The more traceable your goals are the better meaning instead of a goal "Be the best football player" write down a measurable goal such as "play in all the games" or "score 15 touchdowns this season"
The last step in writing down your goals is to make a plan. Writing down your smaller goals and how they will lead you to your larger goal. Also make a note of the sacrifices that you are going to make, and why you are doing this in the first place. After you have completed your plan, put it altogether in a power statement. An example - "I, john doe, plan to make the most touchdowns this season by exercising 2 hours a day, never missing a practice, not eating junk food, listening to my coach, and having a winning attitude, because I want to help my team win regionals this season"
Conclusion
Whether it be football any other worthwhile accomplishment that you want to make in this life learning how to make goals will be a great benefit. It is important to remember that when you start setting goals to answer the why question, really understand the reasons of what you are doing, and why you are doing it. Also no goal is really set without writing it down. So find an inspiring spot, answer your questions, form your plan, write it all down, and start to see the effects of a powerful goal.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Goal Setting: Answering the Why Question
No goal will be fulfilled completely unless you know the reason behind the goal. Hence it is important to answer the why question. Why are you doing this? Why do you care? Why do you want the benefits of your succeeded goal? Some answers to the why question might be fame, glory, making myself and my team mates proud, a scholarship for college, among others.
The important thing to remember is that every good goal requires effort and sacrifice. It is not easy to stay after school day after day for long practices, giving up Saturdays or mornings for exercise. In order to make a good goal note what changes are going to happen to your lifestyle and decide if that is what you really want. If it is - great we can set some goals. If you are not ready for the sacrifice then either pick another goal that will give you what you want or except the fact that you might be a mediocre player.
Show me a great athlete and I will show you someone who has made sacrifices. The 20008 Olympics in Beijing reminded us all of athletes that are willing to sacrifice all of their free time for one sport. Exercising, practicing, eating right, and setting goal after goal. They have the desire, and have surely answered the why question. Have you?
Goal Setting: Writing your goals down
It never fails to surprise me how many times people make goals but do not write them down. An unwritten goal is like a faint wish or dream. It is like saying, "well I hope that I can achieve this goal, but if not I will not beat myself up over it." Power comes from being decisive, taking control of your live and your situation.
Please follow these steps, or ones similar to them, in making your goal. Take out a piece of paper and your favorite pencil and at the top in bold letters write down the answer to your why questions. Why do I want to be on the high school football team? Why do I want to be a starting player? Why do I want to be in shape for the start of the season? Etc.
Now that you have the why question written down, proceed to write down some goals that will help you achieve your "why questions". Make sure to write down big goals and then split them up into smaller increments. The more traceable your goals are the better meaning instead of a goal "Be the best football player" write down a measurable goal such as "play in all the games" or "score 15 touchdowns this season"
The last step in writing down your goals is to make a plan. Writing down your smaller goals and how they will lead you to your larger goal. Also make a note of the sacrifices that you are going to make, and why you are doing this in the first place. After you have completed your plan, put it altogether in a power statement. An example - "I, john doe, plan to make the most touchdowns this season by exercising 2 hours a day, never missing a practice, not eating junk food, listening to my coach, and having a winning attitude, because I want to help my team win regionals this season"
Conclusion
Whether it be football any other worthwhile accomplishment that you want to make in this life learning how to make goals will be a great benefit. It is important to remember that when you start setting goals to answer the why question, really understand the reasons of what you are doing, and why you are doing it. Also no goal is really set without writing it down. So find an inspiring spot, answer your questions, form your plan, write it all down, and start to see the effects of a powerful goal.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Football Tailgating Parties - 5 Items That You Don't Want to Forget
Tailgating more and more is turning into a sport of its own. There are cooking competitions, tailgating parties that look more like 5 star hotels, and the tremendous energy and excitement. It seems like everyone has their own tailgating experience down to an art, and are more than willing to share a few secrets of tailgating bliss. Instead of doing the usual article of "this is what you need" we have decided to cover some essential items that you don't want to leave at home. So break out your note pads let's get ready to plan.
Item number 1: The Meat
Who would forget the meat? Seriously, I mean who would ever forget the best part of tailgating. Well we wouldn't state it if it wasn't important, and I have heard rumors of a tailgater in Tennessee that forgot the pulled pork...let's just say that a 30 mile walk home was considered a light punishment. All kidding aside you really ca not forget the beef, pork, brats, and whatever else you want to consume on a fine tailgating afternoon. Just as a note for all of you hot pepper lovers...bring antacids and lots of them!
Item number 2: The tickets
Do not, I repeat, do not forget the tickets. We have put this as number 2 because however odd it may seem, there are many people who tailgate just to tailgate. They bring their plasma TV park it and then watch it in the parking lot. Now we will not discriminate you for wanting to enjoy a good tailgate. Hey we would rather be tailgating than pretty much any other place, but you have to enjoy the game at lease a couple of times from in the stadium. There is nothing that can capture the action like being in the stadium, hearing the crowd, and cheering for a great team.
Item number 3: The football
You got to have fun in tailgating. It is all about getting yourself in the mood to watch a great game. It is about remembering old times and experiencing the football fever all over again. There isn't a tailgate that we have not gone too that didn't have at least a father and son playing catch in the parking lot. Tailgate parties are great for a pickup game or even a light game of 500.
Item number 4: The team flag
Team flags equal team spirit. However another reason that you should bring a flag is find-ability. With most tailgating parties there will be a lot of cars from many different places coming to your tailgating party. Having a team flag will help them find you in a flash. Make sure to hoist it up high, we have heard that the highest flag means that they are the biggest fan!
Item number 5: The fan gear
Nothing gets you in the mood for a great football season then the latest football gear. This is especially true if your team just won the super bowl. I mean, what is the point of winning if you are not going to show off a little!
Conclusion
Tailgating is about having a great time with your friends and families. This list of essentials: Meat, tickets, footballs, flags, and fan gear are meant to help you get ready for an awesome season and to enjoy tailgating to its fullest extent. So kick back relax and enjoy!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Item number 1: The Meat
Who would forget the meat? Seriously, I mean who would ever forget the best part of tailgating. Well we wouldn't state it if it wasn't important, and I have heard rumors of a tailgater in Tennessee that forgot the pulled pork...let's just say that a 30 mile walk home was considered a light punishment. All kidding aside you really ca not forget the beef, pork, brats, and whatever else you want to consume on a fine tailgating afternoon. Just as a note for all of you hot pepper lovers...bring antacids and lots of them!
Item number 2: The tickets
Do not, I repeat, do not forget the tickets. We have put this as number 2 because however odd it may seem, there are many people who tailgate just to tailgate. They bring their plasma TV park it and then watch it in the parking lot. Now we will not discriminate you for wanting to enjoy a good tailgate. Hey we would rather be tailgating than pretty much any other place, but you have to enjoy the game at lease a couple of times from in the stadium. There is nothing that can capture the action like being in the stadium, hearing the crowd, and cheering for a great team.
Item number 3: The football
You got to have fun in tailgating. It is all about getting yourself in the mood to watch a great game. It is about remembering old times and experiencing the football fever all over again. There isn't a tailgate that we have not gone too that didn't have at least a father and son playing catch in the parking lot. Tailgate parties are great for a pickup game or even a light game of 500.
Item number 4: The team flag
Team flags equal team spirit. However another reason that you should bring a flag is find-ability. With most tailgating parties there will be a lot of cars from many different places coming to your tailgating party. Having a team flag will help them find you in a flash. Make sure to hoist it up high, we have heard that the highest flag means that they are the biggest fan!
Item number 5: The fan gear
Nothing gets you in the mood for a great football season then the latest football gear. This is especially true if your team just won the super bowl. I mean, what is the point of winning if you are not going to show off a little!
Conclusion
Tailgating is about having a great time with your friends and families. This list of essentials: Meat, tickets, footballs, flags, and fan gear are meant to help you get ready for an awesome season and to enjoy tailgating to its fullest extent. So kick back relax and enjoy!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Monday, October 13, 2008
Youth Football Practice Number 10
After assessing our teams performance and watching the game film we set the practice plans for the week. As is the case with most teams we will do a little bit of tweaking with personnel, but not much. Our initial evaluations were pretty much right on target, but we did see some additional effort and potential coming from a couple of first year players that warranted some additional responsibilities.
On my youngest team that means our undersized power tackle will see some reps at wingback and on the age 10-11 team the safety will see some reps at linebacker.
On individuals we worked on finishing our blocks off, with hands and playing to a very long whistle of about 7 seconds. We emphasized coming of the ball on the "G" of go. A longer than normal in time and distance board drill was added and we worked our quickness off the ball with our tennis ball drill to round out the work for our linemen.
The backs worked on open field blocking technique including the diamond drill as well as some 3 level Oklahoma and the Gauntlet drill. We still have a few of the backup backs hesitating a bit, not attacking the line of scrimmage, so we worked the chaser drill some as well. All of our starters we are real happy with their aggressiveness, the backups however needed the work and we are coaching everyone up.
We worked the last hour on team fit and freeze offense and to get some conditioning is, we are moving the play forward and spotting the ball 10 yards forward every snap. We rotate on every play at full speed and are at about 14 seconds between reps at the age 12-13 level. Both teams worked out some minor execution problems that one can expect after just 9 practices.
All the drills, offense and defense can be found in the book "Winning Youth Football a Step by Step Plan".
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cisar
On my youngest team that means our undersized power tackle will see some reps at wingback and on the age 10-11 team the safety will see some reps at linebacker.
On individuals we worked on finishing our blocks off, with hands and playing to a very long whistle of about 7 seconds. We emphasized coming of the ball on the "G" of go. A longer than normal in time and distance board drill was added and we worked our quickness off the ball with our tennis ball drill to round out the work for our linemen.
The backs worked on open field blocking technique including the diamond drill as well as some 3 level Oklahoma and the Gauntlet drill. We still have a few of the backup backs hesitating a bit, not attacking the line of scrimmage, so we worked the chaser drill some as well. All of our starters we are real happy with their aggressiveness, the backups however needed the work and we are coaching everyone up.
We worked the last hour on team fit and freeze offense and to get some conditioning is, we are moving the play forward and spotting the ball 10 yards forward every snap. We rotate on every play at full speed and are at about 14 seconds between reps at the age 12-13 level. Both teams worked out some minor execution problems that one can expect after just 9 practices.
All the drills, offense and defense can be found in the book "Winning Youth Football a Step by Step Plan".
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cisar
Youth Football - Getting Your Offensive Linemen to Get the Lead Out
In youth football, if you have the most size and talent in the league, you probably don't need to bother pulling linemen. With proper technique your team should be able to handle all their blocks 1 on 1. On the other hand if you don't have the most size and talent, most likely you will have to rely on double team blocks and overwhelming the opposition at the point of attack with more numbers. The only effective way to really do that consistently is to pull linemen.
Some of you may say, hey we cant pull at this age. That's simply not true, pulling can be taught to players as young as 5 years old, I've seen may youth team even age 5-7 run trap and reverse plays with pullers. I coached an age 6-8 team in 2002 and we pulled and pulled well.
One of the problems with pullers in the youth game is they aren't getting to the point of attack quick enough. There are several reasons why they don't and a few simple solutions.
#1) Pulling too deep.
Often a player won't make it to the point of attack if he is pulling too deep. When a player pulls deep, he has a lot more ground to cover. If he is pulling too deep it is often because that is the way he has been taught or because your double team blocks are not getting the defender to the second level. If the double team is getting the defender to the second level the puller doesn't go lateral at all, he is running downhill on his second step.
#2) Puller is hesitating.
Often a puller will stop in his tracks after he takes his drop step and opens up his hips. He has to explode off his drop step and run full speed to his point of attack. A simple way to do this is rep the drop step first and then the first 2 steps of the pull.
After you feel there is no hesitation you can use a simple chaser drill. Put a chaser (tackler) 1 step behind and away from the side the puller is pulling. Mark a "safe zone" with pylons at the point of attack. Give a cadence and have the puller move to the point of attack at full speed using the proper technique and footwork. Hold the chaser up just for a moment, then release him to tackle the puller from behind. Release the chaser at a point where the puller has to run at maximum potential to get to the safe zone. Mark with cones the holes etc to make sure there is not corner cutting.
This will teach your linemen to explode off their drop step and run full speed. After doing this drill a few times, I've found many youth football linemen have no idea that they could or should run this fast when they pull.
#3) Wrong players pulling
While not all of our linemen will pull, those that do have to have reasonable feet. While none of our linemen are going to be great athletes don't hesitate to put a backup fullback or blocking back in a pulling position. You can help develop some quickness with things like the tennis ball drill listed here on the blog and in the book.
Pulling is like any other football technique and skill, it has to be taught, repped and developed. Rest assured it is time very well spent and will work if you make it a priority in youth football.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cisar
Some of you may say, hey we cant pull at this age. That's simply not true, pulling can be taught to players as young as 5 years old, I've seen may youth team even age 5-7 run trap and reverse plays with pullers. I coached an age 6-8 team in 2002 and we pulled and pulled well.
One of the problems with pullers in the youth game is they aren't getting to the point of attack quick enough. There are several reasons why they don't and a few simple solutions.
#1) Pulling too deep.
Often a player won't make it to the point of attack if he is pulling too deep. When a player pulls deep, he has a lot more ground to cover. If he is pulling too deep it is often because that is the way he has been taught or because your double team blocks are not getting the defender to the second level. If the double team is getting the defender to the second level the puller doesn't go lateral at all, he is running downhill on his second step.
#2) Puller is hesitating.
Often a puller will stop in his tracks after he takes his drop step and opens up his hips. He has to explode off his drop step and run full speed to his point of attack. A simple way to do this is rep the drop step first and then the first 2 steps of the pull.
After you feel there is no hesitation you can use a simple chaser drill. Put a chaser (tackler) 1 step behind and away from the side the puller is pulling. Mark a "safe zone" with pylons at the point of attack. Give a cadence and have the puller move to the point of attack at full speed using the proper technique and footwork. Hold the chaser up just for a moment, then release him to tackle the puller from behind. Release the chaser at a point where the puller has to run at maximum potential to get to the safe zone. Mark with cones the holes etc to make sure there is not corner cutting.
This will teach your linemen to explode off their drop step and run full speed. After doing this drill a few times, I've found many youth football linemen have no idea that they could or should run this fast when they pull.
#3) Wrong players pulling
While not all of our linemen will pull, those that do have to have reasonable feet. While none of our linemen are going to be great athletes don't hesitate to put a backup fullback or blocking back in a pulling position. You can help develop some quickness with things like the tennis ball drill listed here on the blog and in the book.
Pulling is like any other football technique and skill, it has to be taught, repped and developed. Rest assured it is time very well spent and will work if you make it a priority in youth football.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Cisar
Atlanta Falcons to Repeat As NFC South Cellar Dwellers
Three of the four teams in the NFC South have a legitimate shot at winning the division. The Atlanta Falcons are the only team out of the running, but this is considered a rebuilding year for them. They have already named former Boston College standout Matt Ryan as their starting quarterback.
A first-string rookie quarterback is a microcosm of his team. Like his team, he is not ready to be a league standout. Like his team, he will take regular weekly beatings. Like his team, he will make costly errors. And like his team, he labors in the hopes that his ordeal will make him better in the long run.
History suggests the opposite scenario.
Since it takes a couple of years to fully learn an NFL playbook, starting rookie QBs typically learn on the fly, working behind subpar offensive lines while trying to read aggressive defenses led by aggressive coordinators. The physical and mental beatings - magnified by a constantly-growing media - are more likely to break a young passer than make him stronger. Ask David Carr. Or Alex Smith.
I said all that so I could say this: Atlanta is probably making a mistake in starting Ryan. But it wouldn't be the first time the Falcons made an erroneous quarterback decision (Michael Vick, anyone?).
In the wide-open NFC South, only one thing is certain: The Falcons will finish last.
New Orleans Saints
There are a lot of questions with this team, not the least of which is this: Will Reggie Bush become the back everyone believed he would be? Whether he justifies his salary or not, this team is offensively loaded. Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, Marques Colston, and a rejuvenated Jeremy Shockey figure to put lots of points on the scoreboard. But can they stop anyone?
Circle this date: Oct. 26, vs. San Diego (in London). Drew Brees doesn't have a cross word to say about the team that dissed him in favor of Phillip Rivers, but you can bet he's looking forward to this game.
Outlook: I don't think this team is a fluke. Sean Payton has put together a team that prides itself on its toughness and consistency. I expect to see them at or near the top of the division for the next few years.
Projected finish: 11-5, good enough for tops in the division. And maybe even a first-round playoff win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There is something about Jeff Garcia that teams seem to dislike. He was jettisoned in his prime by the 49ers. He was run out of town in Cleveland and Detroit. And after a Pro Bowl season that seemed to trumpet the rebirth of his career, the Buccaneers tried to get the recently-unretired Brett Favre. If he weren't married to the 2004 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Jeff might be feeling a little insecure.
Circle this date: November 30, vs. New Orleans. Garcia and Drew Brees shoot it out in a game that could have serious playoff implications.
Outlook: Defensive toughness will make up for the Bucs' lack of a consistent running game. Garcia has another solid season, but, at age 38, how many solid seasons does he have left?
Projected finish: 10-6.
Carolina Panthers
Let's see...a quarterback coming off Tommy John surgery, a star receiver serving a two-game suspension, the lack of a proven running back...doesn't look good. But John Fox knows how to do more with less, and the Panthers always seem to be in the thick of things near season's end.
Circle this date: Sept. 21, at Minnesota Vikings. This should be Steve Smith's first game back from a suspension (levied by the team after Smith broke his teammate's nose in a fight). Expect him to have a breakout game.
Outlook: The Panthers have talent, but something always seems to be in their way. This year, it's several somethings. Jake Delhomme's elbow, Smith's shortened season, a revamped offensive line, and a decimated defensive line.
Projected finish: 8-8.
Atlanta Falcons
When your best player gets banned from the league and hauled off to Leavenworth, you've got problems. These guys have problems. They've got a rookie quarterback in Ryan, a running back (Michael Turner) who is unproven as a starter, and they have had several key losses on both sides of the ball.
Circle this date: Oct. 5, at Green Bay Packers. This is my Upset Special. If the Falcons can pull this one off, they might even parlay it into a two-game winning streak with an Oct. 12 victory over the Chicago Bears. Hey, anything's possible. Kevin Garnett said so.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=O'Dell_Isaac_II
A first-string rookie quarterback is a microcosm of his team. Like his team, he is not ready to be a league standout. Like his team, he will take regular weekly beatings. Like his team, he will make costly errors. And like his team, he labors in the hopes that his ordeal will make him better in the long run.
History suggests the opposite scenario.
Since it takes a couple of years to fully learn an NFL playbook, starting rookie QBs typically learn on the fly, working behind subpar offensive lines while trying to read aggressive defenses led by aggressive coordinators. The physical and mental beatings - magnified by a constantly-growing media - are more likely to break a young passer than make him stronger. Ask David Carr. Or Alex Smith.
I said all that so I could say this: Atlanta is probably making a mistake in starting Ryan. But it wouldn't be the first time the Falcons made an erroneous quarterback decision (Michael Vick, anyone?).
In the wide-open NFC South, only one thing is certain: The Falcons will finish last.
New Orleans Saints
There are a lot of questions with this team, not the least of which is this: Will Reggie Bush become the back everyone believed he would be? Whether he justifies his salary or not, this team is offensively loaded. Drew Brees, Deuce McAllister, Marques Colston, and a rejuvenated Jeremy Shockey figure to put lots of points on the scoreboard. But can they stop anyone?
Circle this date: Oct. 26, vs. San Diego (in London). Drew Brees doesn't have a cross word to say about the team that dissed him in favor of Phillip Rivers, but you can bet he's looking forward to this game.
Outlook: I don't think this team is a fluke. Sean Payton has put together a team that prides itself on its toughness and consistency. I expect to see them at or near the top of the division for the next few years.
Projected finish: 11-5, good enough for tops in the division. And maybe even a first-round playoff win.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There is something about Jeff Garcia that teams seem to dislike. He was jettisoned in his prime by the 49ers. He was run out of town in Cleveland and Detroit. And after a Pro Bowl season that seemed to trumpet the rebirth of his career, the Buccaneers tried to get the recently-unretired Brett Favre. If he weren't married to the 2004 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Jeff might be feeling a little insecure.
Circle this date: November 30, vs. New Orleans. Garcia and Drew Brees shoot it out in a game that could have serious playoff implications.
Outlook: Defensive toughness will make up for the Bucs' lack of a consistent running game. Garcia has another solid season, but, at age 38, how many solid seasons does he have left?
Projected finish: 10-6.
Carolina Panthers
Let's see...a quarterback coming off Tommy John surgery, a star receiver serving a two-game suspension, the lack of a proven running back...doesn't look good. But John Fox knows how to do more with less, and the Panthers always seem to be in the thick of things near season's end.
Circle this date: Sept. 21, at Minnesota Vikings. This should be Steve Smith's first game back from a suspension (levied by the team after Smith broke his teammate's nose in a fight). Expect him to have a breakout game.
Outlook: The Panthers have talent, but something always seems to be in their way. This year, it's several somethings. Jake Delhomme's elbow, Smith's shortened season, a revamped offensive line, and a decimated defensive line.
Projected finish: 8-8.
Atlanta Falcons
When your best player gets banned from the league and hauled off to Leavenworth, you've got problems. These guys have problems. They've got a rookie quarterback in Ryan, a running back (Michael Turner) who is unproven as a starter, and they have had several key losses on both sides of the ball.
Circle this date: Oct. 5, at Green Bay Packers. This is my Upset Special. If the Falcons can pull this one off, they might even parlay it into a two-game winning streak with an Oct. 12 victory over the Chicago Bears. Hey, anything's possible. Kevin Garnett said so.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=O'Dell_Isaac_II
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Get Your Football Tickets Somehow, Someway
As a fan of a very popular and successful professional football team, I know it can be difficult to get tickets, but what if you want to buy Detroit Lions' tickets? In recent history, the Detroit Lions have not been overly successful, but does that make the tickets any cheaper or easier to obtain? I suppose it depends on who sets ticket prices and how often they sell out their stadium, no matter what their record is http://www.westminsterweekly.com. The more I look into it, the more I realize that the best prices on about anything can be found online, and Detroit Lions' tickets, or any NFL tickets for that matter, are no exception. All you need to do then, is understand the step by step process of buying Detroit Lions' tickets online to get the best price possible.
The first couple of steps may seem obvious, but it is important that you are prepared when to make your Detroit Lions ticket purchase. First of all, you will need to figure out which game you want to attend. Is there a particular opponent you want to see? If not, you can just check all games and see where there is availability. Many games for a number of NFL teams are sold out before the season even begins, due to the enormous popularity of pro football http://www.dltdetroitliontickettips.info. However, just in case, go online to the Detroit Lions official website and check to see if there are tickets available for the game you want to see. If so, you are in luck, the team will be selling the tickets at face value, which is really as low as you can expect to get them for unless you are buying an enormous quantity of Detroit Lions' tickets.
If you are planning a season or more ahead to buy your Detroit Lions' tickets, you may want to join the teams waitlist of fan club. You will then, likely get access tickets on a preferential basis. In addition, you will likely have a great shot at playoff tickets if that is something that becomes an issue during the season. Because no matter which game you want to go to, Detroit Lions' tickets for the playoffs sure would make for a good time.
Another option is to buy your Detroit Lions' tickets from a ticket broker. Brokering is illegal in some states, but rarely prosecuted. If you are concerned, however, just check with your local and state laws to make sure everything you do is on the up and up. A broker will buy up tickets to sold- out events and resell them for a profit. Your Detroit Lions' tickets wont be cheap going this route, but you are likely to get tickets to whatever event you would like to go to. If you want to bottom feed a little bit more, there are always ticket scalpers around on game day http://www.dldetroitliontickettips.info. They basically do what brokers do, only without the office. If you are the type who likes to wheel a deal and doesnt mind gambling a bit, you can certainly do all of those things if you get your Detroit Lions' tickets from a ticket scalper.
Tickets for any NFL team, yes even the Detroit Lions, are difficult to get sometimes. However, if you plan out which game you want to see, getting the Detroit Lions' tickets you want is not difficult. You may have to spend some money, but if you get to see the game you want, isnt it worth it?
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
The first couple of steps may seem obvious, but it is important that you are prepared when to make your Detroit Lions ticket purchase. First of all, you will need to figure out which game you want to attend. Is there a particular opponent you want to see? If not, you can just check all games and see where there is availability. Many games for a number of NFL teams are sold out before the season even begins, due to the enormous popularity of pro football http://www.dltdetroitliontickettips.info. However, just in case, go online to the Detroit Lions official website and check to see if there are tickets available for the game you want to see. If so, you are in luck, the team will be selling the tickets at face value, which is really as low as you can expect to get them for unless you are buying an enormous quantity of Detroit Lions' tickets.
If you are planning a season or more ahead to buy your Detroit Lions' tickets, you may want to join the teams waitlist of fan club. You will then, likely get access tickets on a preferential basis. In addition, you will likely have a great shot at playoff tickets if that is something that becomes an issue during the season. Because no matter which game you want to go to, Detroit Lions' tickets for the playoffs sure would make for a good time.
Another option is to buy your Detroit Lions' tickets from a ticket broker. Brokering is illegal in some states, but rarely prosecuted. If you are concerned, however, just check with your local and state laws to make sure everything you do is on the up and up. A broker will buy up tickets to sold- out events and resell them for a profit. Your Detroit Lions' tickets wont be cheap going this route, but you are likely to get tickets to whatever event you would like to go to. If you want to bottom feed a little bit more, there are always ticket scalpers around on game day http://www.dldetroitliontickettips.info. They basically do what brokers do, only without the office. If you are the type who likes to wheel a deal and doesnt mind gambling a bit, you can certainly do all of those things if you get your Detroit Lions' tickets from a ticket scalper.
Tickets for any NFL team, yes even the Detroit Lions, are difficult to get sometimes. However, if you plan out which game you want to see, getting the Detroit Lions' tickets you want is not difficult. You may have to spend some money, but if you get to see the game you want, isnt it worth it?
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Rugby - the most strength-oriented code of football
Rugby players spend considerably more playing time in physical contact and contest with opponents than players in other forms of football.
Much of this contact involves extended grappling and wrestling, but what is also characteristic of rugby is the amount of time spent attempting to drive forward under loads considerably heavier than bodyweight. Obviously this is so in the scrum and maul, but also at the tackle. Both ball-carrier and tackler may strive to drive one another backward for an extended time after engagement. American football and rugby league are also primarily collision sports, but their tackles tend to terminate much more quickly.
Recognition of the importance of physical strength has led to a tendency for rugby selectors to favour increasingly heavier players even for backline positions. A modern professional rugby team is likely to average over 100kg bodyweight, compared with less than 95kg and less than 90kg for rugby league and Australian football respectively. Increased bodyweight appears to confer no advantage in soccer.
No valid size comparison can be made with players in American football. Its use of specialist teams means that individual players are only on the field for limited periods and therefore really massive players can be employed for the more static areas of engagement.
For professional rugby, players are often chosen on the basis of their size and apparent strength but are then not really expected to work to become significantly stronger. Much strength training in rugby appears to have the aim of generating hypertrophy - increasing muscle size and thus body mass - or of maintaining strength levels rather than seriously exploring the potential for markedly increased power.
Soccer, Australian football and rugby league are continuous-flow type games, whereas rugby and, to a much greater extent, American football are characterised by frequent stoppages and thus require lower levels of aerobic fitness. But I see little evidence that rugby coaches have fully realised the potential this provides to gain a competitive edge by requiring their players, backs and forwards, to seriously train for strength.
I would suggest that, given the development of very well-drilled coordinated defensive lines, the next stage in the evolution of rugby is likely to involve a concentration on the identification of and development of heavy, very mobile players who possess very high-range explosive strength.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Much of this contact involves extended grappling and wrestling, but what is also characteristic of rugby is the amount of time spent attempting to drive forward under loads considerably heavier than bodyweight. Obviously this is so in the scrum and maul, but also at the tackle. Both ball-carrier and tackler may strive to drive one another backward for an extended time after engagement. American football and rugby league are also primarily collision sports, but their tackles tend to terminate much more quickly.
Recognition of the importance of physical strength has led to a tendency for rugby selectors to favour increasingly heavier players even for backline positions. A modern professional rugby team is likely to average over 100kg bodyweight, compared with less than 95kg and less than 90kg for rugby league and Australian football respectively. Increased bodyweight appears to confer no advantage in soccer.
No valid size comparison can be made with players in American football. Its use of specialist teams means that individual players are only on the field for limited periods and therefore really massive players can be employed for the more static areas of engagement.
For professional rugby, players are often chosen on the basis of their size and apparent strength but are then not really expected to work to become significantly stronger. Much strength training in rugby appears to have the aim of generating hypertrophy - increasing muscle size and thus body mass - or of maintaining strength levels rather than seriously exploring the potential for markedly increased power.
Soccer, Australian football and rugby league are continuous-flow type games, whereas rugby and, to a much greater extent, American football are characterised by frequent stoppages and thus require lower levels of aerobic fitness. But I see little evidence that rugby coaches have fully realised the potential this provides to gain a competitive edge by requiring their players, backs and forwards, to seriously train for strength.
I would suggest that, given the development of very well-drilled coordinated defensive lines, the next stage in the evolution of rugby is likely to involve a concentration on the identification of and development of heavy, very mobile players who possess very high-range explosive strength.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Watching the NFL versus the MLB
Imagine placing two flat screen plasma TV’s side by side in your living room smack dab in front of your couch. You’ve got beer, snacks a-plenty and fresh batteries in your clicker.
One TV has an NFL game on and the other has a Major League Baseball game and they both start at the same time.
Besides this being many sports fans’ idea of hog heaven and even better than clicking back and forth between games with only one TV, it’s fun to watch the differences between these two pro sports. Watching the NFL on TV is a weekly ritual; baseball is on every night of the week, but watching the two combined is almost as rewarding as joining a Cowboy cheerleader snuggle-fest.
And that’s exactly what I did recently (not the snuggle-fest, but the two TV’s thing). Here’s what happened:
The football game started with a massive kick to the opposing team, and a line of 250-pound plus men with murder in their eyes started charging after the poor slob who caught the ball. After a few seconds he was crushed by his pursuers, becoming the bottom man in a very scary adult male pig-pile. MLB players tend to be a little mellower and less physical, but all pro players in any sport need to be strong. Football players take steroids, baseball players get caught.
Meanwhile, the MLB game started off a little less exciting. My heart rate and pulse began to slow down as I watched the catcher and pitcher play catch as the batter just stood there spitting and adjusting his crotch. I got quickly bored and turned back to the NFL game.
In a matter of a three minute span two men had been injured, with one having his ankle relocated to his armpit. A touchdown was scored, the ball changed hands twice, and a whole lot of tackling, smashing, crunching and finger-breaking happened.
Football is more of an immediate gratification, ADD-friendly game to watch.
I glanced back at the MLB game for a couple of minutes. Two strikeouts and four fly outs came and went and we were already in the second inning, with little action to show for it. A baseball game is more of a wise-old-man kind of sport, where patience and number-crunching are paramount. It reveres serenity.
Football reveres mayhem. Watching football gets me angry and all charged up. Watching baseball makes me sleepy. In fact, I usually like to watch the first two or three innings, fall asleep, and then wake up to catch the last few innings. Watching football players hit each other full force and light each other up is exciting, and dozing is out of the question. Watching one grown man with ball in glove chase another grown man to tag him in a pickle is kind of funny.
As 10,000 commercials played on the football TV, I had a few minutes to catch up on my MLB game. Finally, in the bottom of the third, a man hit the ball and dropped it in the right field gap for a single. All the baseball players, including the guy running up to first base, seemed quite pleasant. Why not be? They were playing in a nice park, on a nice warm and sunny day and no one had even broken a sweat yet. The batter reached first base and started chatting with the opposing team’s first baseman. They started smiling and having a great time with each other. My lip-reading skills are not what they used to be but I think I saw one say to the other, “Hi Johnny! How’s the wife doing? It’s been a while since we saw her. We’ve got to get together sometime soon.”
Growing restless, I turned back to the NFL game just in time to see one man standing over a writhing and groaning man on the turf. I think I saw his lips yelling, “Hey Bruno, while we were having breakfast together this morning, your wife told me to tackle you into next Tuesday, did I do a good job?”
In the very next play a running back was nailed in a bone-splitting tackle. Indeed, his bone did split, and then protruded right out of his bloody skin causing a wave of nausea to spread over the crowd.
Fascinated but horrified, I quickly turned to the baseball game and witnessed a wild pitch hit the batter on the finger. The batter yelped and had to sit the rest of the game out, his pinky was smarting.
To replace the bone-sticking-out-of-his-leg guy in the NFL game, a bulky player with flowing dreadlocks sticking out of his helmet started lumbering onto the field. He had a huge cast on his arm that looked like a big club. With the hand totally encased, forming a big bulbous weapon, he shook it as his opponents in defiance while possibly struggling to stick one particular finger up, and then reluctantly joined the huddle.
It was nearing the halftime and so many timeouts had been called that they seemed to have run out of commercials to play. So the cameras started scanning the crowd. It was a lot colder where this game was being held, and I could see people’s breath. I also saw a guy in shorts and no shirt who had painted his skin from head to toe in his NFL team’s colors. His head was shaved and also painted, and he was wearing a big pig’s nose on his face.
As I briefly scanned the crowd on the other TV, I saw lots of people in button down, short sleeve shirts, baseball caps and gloves on, waiting expectantly for that ever-elusive foul ball.
The first half started to wind down in the NFL game, and I actively awaited gratuitous shots of hot cheerleaders. I was rewarded with lots of silly pompom waving and cleavage. I then happily turned back to the MLB game but only saw three heavy-set women shoving sausage dogs and peanuts in their mouths.
At halftime I got a chance to go to the bathroom and grab another cold beer and more snacks. There is never a big break in baseball, and every time I go to the bathroom while watching baseball I always miss the big play, which of course happened this time too.
My MLB game continued to plod along when I got back, inducing the unique ball-strike-out hypnotic state that only baseball can cause. I was about to doze off when I was jarred out of my trance by the flashy touchdown dance I saw on my other TV. The guy who just scored was moonwalking across the uprights while flapping his arms like wings. He then proceeded to do a magnificent swan dive which turned into a double summersault with a twist and finally landed perfectly on the field.
I then quickly caught the replay of the big baseball play I had just missed. Someone hit a grand slam, rounded the bases and was greeted by a big, warm, bouncing-in-unison group hug.
After a while, both games ended and I had experienced a full range of emotions. Both games are great to watch and if you can get past the roller coaster ride of stimulation, watching football and baseball simultaneously is a blast. I decided to keep both plasma TV’s in front of the couch permanently
Finally, no football vs. baseball article could be complete without mentioning one of the masters of comedy and this subject, George Carlin. Here’s a quote from Carlin’s famous monologue that inspired this article:
“And finally, the objectives of the two games are completely different:
In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line. In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll be safe at home! “
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
One TV has an NFL game on and the other has a Major League Baseball game and they both start at the same time.
Besides this being many sports fans’ idea of hog heaven and even better than clicking back and forth between games with only one TV, it’s fun to watch the differences between these two pro sports. Watching the NFL on TV is a weekly ritual; baseball is on every night of the week, but watching the two combined is almost as rewarding as joining a Cowboy cheerleader snuggle-fest.
And that’s exactly what I did recently (not the snuggle-fest, but the two TV’s thing). Here’s what happened:
The football game started with a massive kick to the opposing team, and a line of 250-pound plus men with murder in their eyes started charging after the poor slob who caught the ball. After a few seconds he was crushed by his pursuers, becoming the bottom man in a very scary adult male pig-pile. MLB players tend to be a little mellower and less physical, but all pro players in any sport need to be strong. Football players take steroids, baseball players get caught.
Meanwhile, the MLB game started off a little less exciting. My heart rate and pulse began to slow down as I watched the catcher and pitcher play catch as the batter just stood there spitting and adjusting his crotch. I got quickly bored and turned back to the NFL game.
In a matter of a three minute span two men had been injured, with one having his ankle relocated to his armpit. A touchdown was scored, the ball changed hands twice, and a whole lot of tackling, smashing, crunching and finger-breaking happened.
Football is more of an immediate gratification, ADD-friendly game to watch.
I glanced back at the MLB game for a couple of minutes. Two strikeouts and four fly outs came and went and we were already in the second inning, with little action to show for it. A baseball game is more of a wise-old-man kind of sport, where patience and number-crunching are paramount. It reveres serenity.
Football reveres mayhem. Watching football gets me angry and all charged up. Watching baseball makes me sleepy. In fact, I usually like to watch the first two or three innings, fall asleep, and then wake up to catch the last few innings. Watching football players hit each other full force and light each other up is exciting, and dozing is out of the question. Watching one grown man with ball in glove chase another grown man to tag him in a pickle is kind of funny.
As 10,000 commercials played on the football TV, I had a few minutes to catch up on my MLB game. Finally, in the bottom of the third, a man hit the ball and dropped it in the right field gap for a single. All the baseball players, including the guy running up to first base, seemed quite pleasant. Why not be? They were playing in a nice park, on a nice warm and sunny day and no one had even broken a sweat yet. The batter reached first base and started chatting with the opposing team’s first baseman. They started smiling and having a great time with each other. My lip-reading skills are not what they used to be but I think I saw one say to the other, “Hi Johnny! How’s the wife doing? It’s been a while since we saw her. We’ve got to get together sometime soon.”
Growing restless, I turned back to the NFL game just in time to see one man standing over a writhing and groaning man on the turf. I think I saw his lips yelling, “Hey Bruno, while we were having breakfast together this morning, your wife told me to tackle you into next Tuesday, did I do a good job?”
In the very next play a running back was nailed in a bone-splitting tackle. Indeed, his bone did split, and then protruded right out of his bloody skin causing a wave of nausea to spread over the crowd.
Fascinated but horrified, I quickly turned to the baseball game and witnessed a wild pitch hit the batter on the finger. The batter yelped and had to sit the rest of the game out, his pinky was smarting.
To replace the bone-sticking-out-of-his-leg guy in the NFL game, a bulky player with flowing dreadlocks sticking out of his helmet started lumbering onto the field. He had a huge cast on his arm that looked like a big club. With the hand totally encased, forming a big bulbous weapon, he shook it as his opponents in defiance while possibly struggling to stick one particular finger up, and then reluctantly joined the huddle.
It was nearing the halftime and so many timeouts had been called that they seemed to have run out of commercials to play. So the cameras started scanning the crowd. It was a lot colder where this game was being held, and I could see people’s breath. I also saw a guy in shorts and no shirt who had painted his skin from head to toe in his NFL team’s colors. His head was shaved and also painted, and he was wearing a big pig’s nose on his face.
As I briefly scanned the crowd on the other TV, I saw lots of people in button down, short sleeve shirts, baseball caps and gloves on, waiting expectantly for that ever-elusive foul ball.
The first half started to wind down in the NFL game, and I actively awaited gratuitous shots of hot cheerleaders. I was rewarded with lots of silly pompom waving and cleavage. I then happily turned back to the MLB game but only saw three heavy-set women shoving sausage dogs and peanuts in their mouths.
At halftime I got a chance to go to the bathroom and grab another cold beer and more snacks. There is never a big break in baseball, and every time I go to the bathroom while watching baseball I always miss the big play, which of course happened this time too.
My MLB game continued to plod along when I got back, inducing the unique ball-strike-out hypnotic state that only baseball can cause. I was about to doze off when I was jarred out of my trance by the flashy touchdown dance I saw on my other TV. The guy who just scored was moonwalking across the uprights while flapping his arms like wings. He then proceeded to do a magnificent swan dive which turned into a double summersault with a twist and finally landed perfectly on the field.
I then quickly caught the replay of the big baseball play I had just missed. Someone hit a grand slam, rounded the bases and was greeted by a big, warm, bouncing-in-unison group hug.
After a while, both games ended and I had experienced a full range of emotions. Both games are great to watch and if you can get past the roller coaster ride of stimulation, watching football and baseball simultaneously is a blast. I decided to keep both plasma TV’s in front of the couch permanently
Finally, no football vs. baseball article could be complete without mentioning one of the masters of comedy and this subject, George Carlin. Here’s a quote from Carlin’s famous monologue that inspired this article:
“And finally, the objectives of the two games are completely different:
In football the object is for the quarterback, also known as the field general, to be on target with his aerial assault, riddling the defense by hitting his receivers with deadly accuracy in spite of the blitz, even if he has to use shotgun. With short bullet passes and long bombs, he marches his troops into enemy territory, balancing this aerial assault with a sustained ground attack that punches holes in the forward wall of the enemy's defensive line. In baseball the object is to go home! And to be safe! - I hope I'll be safe at home! “
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Football Betting Secrets: Get 90% Winning Bet's On The Football
Would you like to know how you can make good money from your football betting? Well, this is the right time! Check out the whole article from just one of the sensational systems now available at Compiler System. Do you bet in the same way, what is described there?
An Extract from the Secret Manuals:
'This weekend you have spent no time looking at the teams you are betting on you simply pick 4 teams you like the look of and hand your cash to the bookmaker hoping for a good weekend, Your bet is as follows:
£10 accumulator
Man Utd to win @ 1.33 (3/10)
Everton to win @ 1.50 (1/2)
Preston to win @ 1.28 (2/7)
Hibs to win @ evens
Your banker is Man Utd, the rest are evens or better so you have a better chance of winning than not winning right? Wrong.
Every selection that comes in after the first selection with accumulators statistically multiplies in the chance that it will lose. If you were to place £10 on this game you would win back £51.43 if they all came up....
But the chance of this happening is actually 11/1, so basically you win 5 times your money back when you win, but this only happens around 1 in 10 weekends - only half your money back, this sounds familiar...
BUT WAIT.
...Certain Bets 'CENSORED' will win more than 9 out of 10 times...'
We have had to censor this information is FAR too sensitive to be available on this website; we are talking into the bookies are trying to BAN! This is the Real Deal and it works perfectly to LEVEL STAKES.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
An Extract from the Secret Manuals:
'This weekend you have spent no time looking at the teams you are betting on you simply pick 4 teams you like the look of and hand your cash to the bookmaker hoping for a good weekend, Your bet is as follows:
£10 accumulator
Man Utd to win @ 1.33 (3/10)
Everton to win @ 1.50 (1/2)
Preston to win @ 1.28 (2/7)
Hibs to win @ evens
Your banker is Man Utd, the rest are evens or better so you have a better chance of winning than not winning right? Wrong.
Every selection that comes in after the first selection with accumulators statistically multiplies in the chance that it will lose. If you were to place £10 on this game you would win back £51.43 if they all came up....
But the chance of this happening is actually 11/1, so basically you win 5 times your money back when you win, but this only happens around 1 in 10 weekends - only half your money back, this sounds familiar...
BUT WAIT.
...Certain Bets 'CENSORED' will win more than 9 out of 10 times...'
We have had to censor this information is FAR too sensitive to be available on this website; we are talking into the bookies are trying to BAN! This is the Real Deal and it works perfectly to LEVEL STAKES.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Directv And Football Is A Great Pair!
Football is one of Americas favorite pass times and not only do we like to play football but we like to watch it too. DirecTV understands this and supports us 100% with our pass time. DirecTV has service like no others and packages that are great to make watching Football that much better. First off, DirecTV has a digital signal delivering 99.96% of the time no matter what kind of weather conditions are in the way. With such a high average your football games will never be interrupted due to the failure of service from your satellite provider. With DirecTV using a 100% digital signal to broadcast you satellite television you are guaranteed a supremely clear and precise image with pure, unfaltering sound quality.
DirecTV also tackles another issue that is common on game day and that is you having to go to work. DirecTV can not pay you for not going to work or explain to your boss that you can not make it in because the championship game is on today but DirecTV can provide you with your very own DVR system! The DVR ( Digital Video Recorder ) system is a football godsend. The DVR system will let you select the game you want to watch and set it to be recorded! Then when you come home from work you can plop down, get comfy and watch the entire game! The Digital Video Recorder is capable of recording over 200 hours of television so you can hold more football games than you could ever watch in one day on your DVR system!
Sometimes you do not have to go to work on the big football game day but it happens to be the day your kids are going to be home too. Nothing bad to the little ones but sometimes they are not the best at understanding that they have to be quiet so that the game is not interrupted. With children there are also times when they really need your assistance and they can not wait one more minuet for a commercial which means that you have to walk away from your game. With DirecTV all of this is OK because DirecTV understands that these issues might occur and interrupt your football game and they are way ahead of us. DirecTV has the fix for this and it is your remote. With DirecTV you can pause, fast forward and rewind if you need to assist your little ones with any questions or snacks they may need.
DirecTV makes football game day that much better with so many pluses making DirecTV and Football and excellent pair! Again three of those plus points are:
- With DirecTV using a 100% digital signal to broadcast you satellite television you are guaranteed a supremely clear and precise image with pure, unfaltering sound quality.
- DirecTV knows you might have to go to go to work so DirecTV includes Digital Video Recorder systems in many of their available packages.
- The DVR system will let you record your games and watch them when you get home! DirecTV even allows you to pause, fast forward and rewind if you need.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
DirecTV also tackles another issue that is common on game day and that is you having to go to work. DirecTV can not pay you for not going to work or explain to your boss that you can not make it in because the championship game is on today but DirecTV can provide you with your very own DVR system! The DVR ( Digital Video Recorder ) system is a football godsend. The DVR system will let you select the game you want to watch and set it to be recorded! Then when you come home from work you can plop down, get comfy and watch the entire game! The Digital Video Recorder is capable of recording over 200 hours of television so you can hold more football games than you could ever watch in one day on your DVR system!
Sometimes you do not have to go to work on the big football game day but it happens to be the day your kids are going to be home too. Nothing bad to the little ones but sometimes they are not the best at understanding that they have to be quiet so that the game is not interrupted. With children there are also times when they really need your assistance and they can not wait one more minuet for a commercial which means that you have to walk away from your game. With DirecTV all of this is OK because DirecTV understands that these issues might occur and interrupt your football game and they are way ahead of us. DirecTV has the fix for this and it is your remote. With DirecTV you can pause, fast forward and rewind if you need to assist your little ones with any questions or snacks they may need.
DirecTV makes football game day that much better with so many pluses making DirecTV and Football and excellent pair! Again three of those plus points are:
- With DirecTV using a 100% digital signal to broadcast you satellite television you are guaranteed a supremely clear and precise image with pure, unfaltering sound quality.
- DirecTV knows you might have to go to go to work so DirecTV includes Digital Video Recorder systems in many of their available packages.
- The DVR system will let you record your games and watch them when you get home! DirecTV even allows you to pause, fast forward and rewind if you need.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Football Kit Store: Finding The Best Quality Football Kits Online
Football has won the hearts of millions of people all over the world. Football is popularly known as soccer. In the past few years it has emerged as one of the most accepted contact sports around the world in its style, and it has become "all the rage". Football is a very invigorating sport, which is played all over the world. Football has been cherished for a long time and the game has its contenders in all corners of the world. If you have been planning to play the game religiously then you must have a properly well-organized football kit.
A "Football kit" does not only refer to the shirts, but to the entire apparel that is to be worn by the team members, along with the standard equipment which is used when playing the sport. The terms and laws of this wonderful game specify not to make use of anything which is not safe to any of the teammates. While looking forward to buy the best football kits, ensure that you buy the goods from a reputable football kit store.
Basic of football kit
The basic apparel required to be worn by the players of football include items such as shirts, shorts, socks, proper shin guards and comfortable footwear. A goalkeeper is required to wear attire that is different from the rest of the team members and the match officials. The kit prescribed to other match officers, including fourth officials, assistant referees and main referees, usually include dressing in black with the jerseys having yellow and red color pockets.
Nowadays, cities have come up with a good number of football kit stores that offer quality stuff, which keep in mind both the needs and the comfort of the players. With the growing popularity and fame of certain clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea and many more, the goal towards setting up several parallel industries is clear. Industries associated with stock sales including football shirts or the soccer jerseys, caps and gloves have turned out to be very successful.
Factors To Keep In Mind When Purchasing Football Kits
- The football kits should fit the players so well that they experience no discomfort when playing the game.
- The kits should be purchased with the budget well in mind.
- The kits should be bought keeping the weather in mind. For example, if the weather is cold, kits that have boots and attire for winters should be chosen. For summer, light and airy clothing and boots must be used.
- Each season a new kit is launched, so it is better that the players and the soccer enthusiasts buy the latest football kits from the football kit store.
Brand Names And Online Stores
Most of the branded football stores offer official football shirts directly from the professional clubs, such as Real Madrid and AC Milan. This has opened up fantastic opportunities for soccer lovers to flaunt the football shirts with their cherished football team names and pictures.
Some online football kit stores are also available. These online stores offer a great range of football shirts, smart shorts, caps, gloves, and best quality footwear. Best of all, you can browse the list of all the options available and easily place your order.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
A "Football kit" does not only refer to the shirts, but to the entire apparel that is to be worn by the team members, along with the standard equipment which is used when playing the sport. The terms and laws of this wonderful game specify not to make use of anything which is not safe to any of the teammates. While looking forward to buy the best football kits, ensure that you buy the goods from a reputable football kit store.
Basic of football kit
The basic apparel required to be worn by the players of football include items such as shirts, shorts, socks, proper shin guards and comfortable footwear. A goalkeeper is required to wear attire that is different from the rest of the team members and the match officials. The kit prescribed to other match officers, including fourth officials, assistant referees and main referees, usually include dressing in black with the jerseys having yellow and red color pockets.
Nowadays, cities have come up with a good number of football kit stores that offer quality stuff, which keep in mind both the needs and the comfort of the players. With the growing popularity and fame of certain clubs such as Liverpool, Chelsea and many more, the goal towards setting up several parallel industries is clear. Industries associated with stock sales including football shirts or the soccer jerseys, caps and gloves have turned out to be very successful.
Factors To Keep In Mind When Purchasing Football Kits
- The football kits should fit the players so well that they experience no discomfort when playing the game.
- The kits should be purchased with the budget well in mind.
- The kits should be bought keeping the weather in mind. For example, if the weather is cold, kits that have boots and attire for winters should be chosen. For summer, light and airy clothing and boots must be used.
- Each season a new kit is launched, so it is better that the players and the soccer enthusiasts buy the latest football kits from the football kit store.
Brand Names And Online Stores
Most of the branded football stores offer official football shirts directly from the professional clubs, such as Real Madrid and AC Milan. This has opened up fantastic opportunities for soccer lovers to flaunt the football shirts with their cherished football team names and pictures.
Some online football kit stores are also available. These online stores offer a great range of football shirts, smart shorts, caps, gloves, and best quality footwear. Best of all, you can browse the list of all the options available and easily place your order.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Monday, September 29, 2008
Myron Cope
Myron is as much a part of Steelers lore as any player or coach. He provided the soundtrack to the dynasty of the 70's that still resonates in Pittsburgh.
I remember my mom telling me the story of the terrible towel's inception. At the time the Houston Oilers passed out tiny white swaths of cloth, to be waved by the Oiler faithful at home games (the irony of Bud Grant's teams of the 70's waving the white flag is lost on no one, I'm sure.) Cope, in response produced an enormous yellow towel, not one of the hand-towel sized numbers you can find in any convenience store in Pittsburgh, but a parachute-esque beach towel that could apparently also be used for warmth during playoff games at Three Rivers.
I'd say the trend has passed the test of time.
I was lucky enough to listen to most of the last five years of Myron Cope's broadcasting career. Towards the end it was sad, and I imagine this effect was intensified in those who had listened to Cope since the 70's. Even those fans who found his voice less than melodic, respect his work as a journalist and sports writer.
Cope's color commentary during the 2004 season was like listening to Jerry Garcia in the early 90's. He couldn't do the job he did in the past, but there was still an almost mythical quality to his voice that made it acceptable, and enjoyable. In a way it was almost more special at the end because there was a palpable feeling that he was going to hang it up soon, one way or another, and we might as well enjoy it.
I saw the Rolling Stones play at PNC in 2005, Pearl Jam was the opening act, and I left wishing I could have seen the Stones in the 70's when they had the same energy Peal Jam has now. But it is the energy and passion of their early years that will define the Stones, not the last few tours where everything was played at a slower speed, because they were physically unable to kick up the tempo; Keith Richards played very deliberately, but it was still Richards.
I remember my mom telling me the story of the terrible towel's inception. At the time the Houston Oilers passed out tiny white swaths of cloth, to be waved by the Oiler faithful at home games (the irony of Bud Grant's teams of the 70's waving the white flag is lost on no one, I'm sure.) Cope, in response produced an enormous yellow towel, not one of the hand-towel sized numbers you can find in any convenience store in Pittsburgh, but a parachute-esque beach towel that could apparently also be used for warmth during playoff games at Three Rivers.
I'd say the trend has passed the test of time.
I was lucky enough to listen to most of the last five years of Myron Cope's broadcasting career. Towards the end it was sad, and I imagine this effect was intensified in those who had listened to Cope since the 70's. Even those fans who found his voice less than melodic, respect his work as a journalist and sports writer.
Cope's color commentary during the 2004 season was like listening to Jerry Garcia in the early 90's. He couldn't do the job he did in the past, but there was still an almost mythical quality to his voice that made it acceptable, and enjoyable. In a way it was almost more special at the end because there was a palpable feeling that he was going to hang it up soon, one way or another, and we might as well enjoy it.
I saw the Rolling Stones play at PNC in 2005, Pearl Jam was the opening act, and I left wishing I could have seen the Stones in the 70's when they had the same energy Peal Jam has now. But it is the energy and passion of their early years that will define the Stones, not the last few tours where everything was played at a slower speed, because they were physically unable to kick up the tempo; Keith Richards played very deliberately, but it was still Richards.
Steelers Look Good in Their 1st Preseason Game
The Steelers first preseason game was against the Eagles on August 8th, 2008 at Heinz Field. I have been waiting patiently for this game so that I could see our rookie draft picks in action. I was pleased with the Steelers draft but now I want to see Mendenhall, Sweed, and Dixon in action. The 1st series for our offense and defense would be good tests because the Eagles are good on both sides of the ball.
Big Ben came out and executed a nice looking 80-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard td pass to Santonio Holmes. That first drive had me on the edge of my seat and it felt like it was a regular game! It was great to sell Willie Parker running the ball again. I was not pleased with the defense letting McNabb drive 70 yards for a field goal and later 65 yards for a td. I want to see our defense shutting down teams so our running game can take control of games.
I know it's only the 1st preseason game but man I am jacked up about Rashard Mendenhall. At 5'11 224 pounds, he is a mack truck that will help soften up defenses. The Steelers could be dangerous with the duo of Parker and Mendenall. Limas Sweed also played well and I was impressed with his 1st catch over the middle. With good hands and 6'5, Sweed should be a big impact player on offense. With the unfortunte injury to Charlie Batch, the drafting of Dixon in even more important. Dixon has a good arm and he can run. I'd like to see the Steelers design some offensive plays where Dixon comes in as QB and maybe even wr!
Big Ben came out and executed a nice looking 80-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard td pass to Santonio Holmes. That first drive had me on the edge of my seat and it felt like it was a regular game! It was great to sell Willie Parker running the ball again. I was not pleased with the defense letting McNabb drive 70 yards for a field goal and later 65 yards for a td. I want to see our defense shutting down teams so our running game can take control of games.
I know it's only the 1st preseason game but man I am jacked up about Rashard Mendenhall. At 5'11 224 pounds, he is a mack truck that will help soften up defenses. The Steelers could be dangerous with the duo of Parker and Mendenall. Limas Sweed also played well and I was impressed with his 1st catch over the middle. With good hands and 6'5, Sweed should be a big impact player on offense. With the unfortunte injury to Charlie Batch, the drafting of Dixon in even more important. Dixon has a good arm and he can run. I'd like to see the Steelers design some offensive plays where Dixon comes in as QB and maybe even wr!
Can the Pittsburgh Steelers Pull it Off This Time?
It's no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers have a big reputation to live up to. Not only are they the oldest team in the American Football Conference, they also have the most champion wins. They've played in no less than six Super Bowls and have won the Super Bowl not once but five times! Maybe the most memorable thing about the Steelers is that they are the only team in the NFL to go from a sixth seed position to a Super Bowl win. Today, the question on every football fan's mind is, 'Will the Steelers pull off a win this time too?
Ketchup And Mustard
You can't talk about Steelers football without mentioning Heinz Field. Affectionately referred to as the 'Big Ketchup Bottle and the Mustard Palace', Heinz Field has been the home turf for the Steelers since 2001. There has always been a lot of buzz about Heinz Field, and it hasn't always been good. For instance, in 2006 the field was voted as having the worst turf according to a survey by the NFL Players Association - in fact, it has gained a reputation for having one of the most difficult kicking surfaces. However the turf has been improved since then and Green Packers rookie Mason Crosby broke the NFL record for kicking at Heinz Field.
Today, Heinz Field is home to a team that is on the rebound. It's no secret that the Steelers have been working through some rough patches. 2006 was a tough year for the team, as it struggled to improve their 11-5 record and defend their Super Bowl title. The year before had been littered with player injuries, with Steelers Superstar Ben Roethlisberger being hospitalized after a motorcycle accident. But the team have definitely made a comeback; in 2007 they were able to bring their 11-5 record up to an impressive 8-8 tie.
Tomlin - Roethlisberger Magic
If there seems to be some magic in the Steelers, it might be because of two pieces of heavy-duty arsenal that the team has. One is Coach Mike Tomlin, the first ever African-American head coach for the team. Though Tomlin has never played in the NFL, he has been one of the best defensive coaches in the league. He was the defensive coordinator for the Vikings in 2006 and they had the distinction of having the best defense against the run. Expectations are high regarding how Tomlin will lead the Steelers in future games.
The second weapon that the Steelers have is a player called Ben Roethlisberger. Often referred to as Big Ben, he was named Rookie of the Year in 2005. But he's probably best remembered for leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl win, becoming the youngest quarterback to win the Super Bowl in NFL history. Roethlisberger is getting back into gear after his 2006 accident and seems to be in top-notch comeback form. In 2007, he was also named to his first Pro Bowl.
Ketchup And Mustard
You can't talk about Steelers football without mentioning Heinz Field. Affectionately referred to as the 'Big Ketchup Bottle and the Mustard Palace', Heinz Field has been the home turf for the Steelers since 2001. There has always been a lot of buzz about Heinz Field, and it hasn't always been good. For instance, in 2006 the field was voted as having the worst turf according to a survey by the NFL Players Association - in fact, it has gained a reputation for having one of the most difficult kicking surfaces. However the turf has been improved since then and Green Packers rookie Mason Crosby broke the NFL record for kicking at Heinz Field.
Today, Heinz Field is home to a team that is on the rebound. It's no secret that the Steelers have been working through some rough patches. 2006 was a tough year for the team, as it struggled to improve their 11-5 record and defend their Super Bowl title. The year before had been littered with player injuries, with Steelers Superstar Ben Roethlisberger being hospitalized after a motorcycle accident. But the team have definitely made a comeback; in 2007 they were able to bring their 11-5 record up to an impressive 8-8 tie.
Tomlin - Roethlisberger Magic
If there seems to be some magic in the Steelers, it might be because of two pieces of heavy-duty arsenal that the team has. One is Coach Mike Tomlin, the first ever African-American head coach for the team. Though Tomlin has never played in the NFL, he has been one of the best defensive coaches in the league. He was the defensive coordinator for the Vikings in 2006 and they had the distinction of having the best defense against the run. Expectations are high regarding how Tomlin will lead the Steelers in future games.
The second weapon that the Steelers have is a player called Ben Roethlisberger. Often referred to as Big Ben, he was named Rookie of the Year in 2005. But he's probably best remembered for leading the Steelers to a Super Bowl win, becoming the youngest quarterback to win the Super Bowl in NFL history. Roethlisberger is getting back into gear after his 2006 accident and seems to be in top-notch comeback form. In 2007, he was also named to his first Pro Bowl.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Angola World Cup 2006 National Football Team Profile
The Angola national football team, nicknamed Palancas Negras, ("Black Impalas") is the national team of Angola and is controlled by the Federação Angolana de Futebol. On October 8, 2005, Angola qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever, when they beat Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali. The team is coached by the nation's favourite Luis Oliveira Goncalves, who had earlier successes while managing the Angola Under-20 National Team. Goncalves took over the men's team in 2003. Angola entered the World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in 1986.
Angola finished top of Group 4 in the African Qualifying Zone. Group 4 was considered one of the toughest groups and Angola finished top of the group against teams such as Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Angola actually finished with the same points as Nigeria, but automatically qualified for the World Cup 2006, as it had a better record in the head-to-head matches.
Celebrations and festivities broke out over the entire nation after the team qualified for the first time, in a magnitude only having been experienced before, during the independence celebrations 30 years ago. Every Angolan, from the youngest to the country's president, José Eduardo dos Santos, has now football in their hearts. Upon arrival in Luanda, the Angolan capital city, after their win against Rwanda, the Angolans gave a "heroes" Welcome to the team with every household celebrating.
Captain Fabrice Akwa scored some crucial goals, including the winners against Rwanda in the last game, and in the game against Nigeria. Akwa is the fans' favourite having scored 31 goals in 67 international appearances. "This is the first time we are in the finals and we want to show off our football. We also want to show there is more to Angola than just war and oil," Akwa said.
Benfica's striker Pedro Mantorras (Pedro Manuel Torres) is the most famous player outside Angola. However, Mantorras was unfortunate after suffering an injury, thus missing Angola's last crucial matches. Pedro Mantorras has setup a local housing project in Angola for the kids who live on the streets, which he funds with a fat percentage from his salary.
Angola finished top of Group 4 in the African Qualifying Zone. Group 4 was considered one of the toughest groups and Angola finished top of the group against teams such as Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Angola actually finished with the same points as Nigeria, but automatically qualified for the World Cup 2006, as it had a better record in the head-to-head matches.
Celebrations and festivities broke out over the entire nation after the team qualified for the first time, in a magnitude only having been experienced before, during the independence celebrations 30 years ago. Every Angolan, from the youngest to the country's president, José Eduardo dos Santos, has now football in their hearts. Upon arrival in Luanda, the Angolan capital city, after their win against Rwanda, the Angolans gave a "heroes" Welcome to the team with every household celebrating.
Captain Fabrice Akwa scored some crucial goals, including the winners against Rwanda in the last game, and in the game against Nigeria. Akwa is the fans' favourite having scored 31 goals in 67 international appearances. "This is the first time we are in the finals and we want to show off our football. We also want to show there is more to Angola than just war and oil," Akwa said.
Benfica's striker Pedro Mantorras (Pedro Manuel Torres) is the most famous player outside Angola. However, Mantorras was unfortunate after suffering an injury, thus missing Angola's last crucial matches. Pedro Mantorras has setup a local housing project in Angola for the kids who live on the streets, which he funds with a fat percentage from his salary.
Triple Option Football Explained
Triple option football has all three elements of the different styles of running attacks - quickness, finesse and power.
Homer Rice is given credit for inventing triple option football. He retired as Georgia Tech's athletic director in 1997. Before that, he was head coach at Kentucky, Oklahoma, Cincinnati and Rice. Mr. Rice also worked as athletic director at Rice and North Carolina as well as a brief stint as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
But it was when he was coaching high school in the 1950's that he came up with triple option football. The two usual triple option styles are the wishbone and veer.
The main idea behind this offensive set is to leave the defensive tackle and end unblocked in order to double-team the linebackers with extra offensive lineman. This brings an element of power to this basically finesse type of running attack.
The "Wishbone" style of triple option football gets its name from the alignment of the backs. You have a quarterback, a fullback directly behind him and then two halfbacks split behind the fullback. At the snap, the quarterback turns and puts the football in the fullback's gut as he reads the defensive tackle.
If the QB sees the tackle taking outside responsibility, he hands off to the fullback. If the tackle takes inside position, the QB keeps the ball and the fullback blocks the tackle. Now the quarterback's attention turns to the defensive end. If the end comes in to tackle him, he pitches out to the halfback who is trailing behind the play.
The quarterback has much responsibility in triple option football. He must first make sure there is no confusion with his first option (whether to handoff to the fullback or not) in order to prevent a fumble. He must also make a good pitchout to his halfback. Further complications can arise if the QB makes the wrong read on the defensive tackle or end.
Here's one way to teach the quarterback to read the end - If he can see the end's number, he should pitch the football as the end is probably coming in to tackle him. If he sees the end coming across the line of scrimmage focusing on the halfback, the QB should keep the ball. The quarterback should also keep an out for further pitch opportunities to his halfback even as he's making his way downfield.
The "Veer" style of triple option football adds a passing element. Bill Yeoman invented the veer in 1965 as coach of the Houston Cougars. That's why you'll hear it also called the "Houston Veer". Yeoman replaced the fullback with a wide receiver and split out an end.
Now the QB's first option is to a diving halfback (no fullback). The pitchout option then goes to the other halfback in the set. The tight end helps get the defensive end wide by taking a wide split. At the snap, the tight end arcs around the end (remember, the end is left unblocked) to block anyone trying to tackle the quarterback (usually a safety). The wide-out takes on the cornerback.
Homer Rice is given credit for inventing triple option football. He retired as Georgia Tech's athletic director in 1997. Before that, he was head coach at Kentucky, Oklahoma, Cincinnati and Rice. Mr. Rice also worked as athletic director at Rice and North Carolina as well as a brief stint as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.
But it was when he was coaching high school in the 1950's that he came up with triple option football. The two usual triple option styles are the wishbone and veer.
The main idea behind this offensive set is to leave the defensive tackle and end unblocked in order to double-team the linebackers with extra offensive lineman. This brings an element of power to this basically finesse type of running attack.
The "Wishbone" style of triple option football gets its name from the alignment of the backs. You have a quarterback, a fullback directly behind him and then two halfbacks split behind the fullback. At the snap, the quarterback turns and puts the football in the fullback's gut as he reads the defensive tackle.
If the QB sees the tackle taking outside responsibility, he hands off to the fullback. If the tackle takes inside position, the QB keeps the ball and the fullback blocks the tackle. Now the quarterback's attention turns to the defensive end. If the end comes in to tackle him, he pitches out to the halfback who is trailing behind the play.
The quarterback has much responsibility in triple option football. He must first make sure there is no confusion with his first option (whether to handoff to the fullback or not) in order to prevent a fumble. He must also make a good pitchout to his halfback. Further complications can arise if the QB makes the wrong read on the defensive tackle or end.
Here's one way to teach the quarterback to read the end - If he can see the end's number, he should pitch the football as the end is probably coming in to tackle him. If he sees the end coming across the line of scrimmage focusing on the halfback, the QB should keep the ball. The quarterback should also keep an out for further pitch opportunities to his halfback even as he's making his way downfield.
The "Veer" style of triple option football adds a passing element. Bill Yeoman invented the veer in 1965 as coach of the Houston Cougars. That's why you'll hear it also called the "Houston Veer". Yeoman replaced the fullback with a wide receiver and split out an end.
Now the QB's first option is to a diving halfback (no fullback). The pitchout option then goes to the other halfback in the set. The tight end helps get the defensive end wide by taking a wide split. At the snap, the tight end arcs around the end (remember, the end is left unblocked) to block anyone trying to tackle the quarterback (usually a safety). The wide-out takes on the cornerback.
The Sagarin College Football Ratings: What They Are, How to Read Them and What to Do With Them
While betting on sports is only legal in a few places in the United States, such as Las Vegas, millions of office workers are involved in sports pools every week now that the football season has arrived.
When you know that more than $700 million can be bet on one game—the Super Bowl—in only Las Vegas, then you understand that billions were bet illegally on the Super Bowl last year in the United States and in offshore sports books around the world.
Folks in the gaming business know that more than a billion dollars is wagered on every Monday Night Football game during the season.
For those who wager, it may be helpful to put some science on your side when you wager, and one of the best places to do that is with the Sagarin College Football Ratings.
Created by Jeff Sagarin, a 1970 MIT mathematics graduate, these computer ratings are for Division I-A (what the NCAA now calls the Football Bowl (FB) Subdivision) and Division I-AA (what the NCAA now calls the Football Championship (FC) Subdivision) teams.
You will have to forgive the NCAA for taking titles that have been used for years and are perfectly clear, then renaming them and creating confusion in the process.
If there is a way for the NCAA to assert its superior power, it does so by making everything more difficult and confusing, similar to your United States government and its IRS tax code which could reduce a sane person to tears just reading it.
Anyway, the Sagarin rating is a numerical measure of a team's strength.
A hypothetical victory margin is determined by comparing the rating of the two teams after adding 2.93 points to the home team. The home edge will vary during the season.
Only Division I (both A and AA) are counted for rating and schedule strength during the season.
A diminishing-returns principle exists to prevent teams from building up ratings by running up large victory margins against weak teams. Instead, it rewards teams that do well against good opponents.
The BCS (Bowl Championship Series) does not factor in scoring margin. For Sagarin ratings and more detailed information go to: www.usatoday.com
USA Today, the largest circulation newspaper in the United States, is the nation's daily newspaper and carries the Sagarin College Football Ratings. The ratings are updated following each week's games and published in USA Today on Wednesdays.
Following the first week of college football action, here are some facts that interested me about Sagarin's first-week ratings:
1) Washington, one of the poor to mediocre teams in the country the last several years, was rated No. 31 after hammering Syracuse 42-14 in its home opener.
2) Michigan State, another short end of the stick team for far too long, was rated No. 36 after steamrolling over UAB 55-18 in its home opener.
3) Appalachian State, a AA school, was rated No. 38 following its upset of mighty Michigan 34-32 on Michigan's home field. The win was the biggest upset in college football history as no AA team had ever beaten a ranked team.
Michigan was ranked No. 5 by both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll going into the game. Following its horrendous loss, Michigan ended up being ranked No. 40 by Sagarin.
4) Wyoming, a small school and never among the nation's top teams, was ranked No. 41 by Sagarin following its 23-3 home victory over Virginia.
5) Notre Dame, beaten badly (33-3) by Georgia Tech, was rated No. 57 after the loss. Georgia Tech was rated No. 2. The Irish failed to score a touchdown for the first time ever in their home opener.
6) Temple (ranked No. 143 after its opening loss) and Buffalo (ranked No. 145 after its opening loss) face off in week two. Both teams are among the 7 worst Division I-A teams in the country, joining Louisiana-Monroe, Rice, Duke, Utah State and Florida International.
7) A total of 242 teams, 119 A schools and 123 AA schools, make up the Sagarin College Football Ratings. The worst-rated A school is Florida International at No. 174 (56 AA teams are rated better), and their play reflects their rating. The worst-rated AA school is the No. 242 La Salle Explorers. La Salle is a Catholic university located in Philadelphia.
La Salle lost its home opener to Ursinus 28-0. Ursinus is not a planet but a real liberal arts college in Pennsylvania.
Ursinus College is not a Division 1 school (which includes the 242 teams with La Salle), not a Division II team (which includes another 157 teams), but a Division III team. Now you can better understand why La Salle College is ranked last among 242 Division I schools.
The first job for La Salle this year will be to score a touchdown, or any points, including a field goal or touchback. The Explorers next job will be to actually win a game. Good luck, La Salle, and God speed.
When you know that more than $700 million can be bet on one game—the Super Bowl—in only Las Vegas, then you understand that billions were bet illegally on the Super Bowl last year in the United States and in offshore sports books around the world.
Folks in the gaming business know that more than a billion dollars is wagered on every Monday Night Football game during the season.
For those who wager, it may be helpful to put some science on your side when you wager, and one of the best places to do that is with the Sagarin College Football Ratings.
Created by Jeff Sagarin, a 1970 MIT mathematics graduate, these computer ratings are for Division I-A (what the NCAA now calls the Football Bowl (FB) Subdivision) and Division I-AA (what the NCAA now calls the Football Championship (FC) Subdivision) teams.
You will have to forgive the NCAA for taking titles that have been used for years and are perfectly clear, then renaming them and creating confusion in the process.
If there is a way for the NCAA to assert its superior power, it does so by making everything more difficult and confusing, similar to your United States government and its IRS tax code which could reduce a sane person to tears just reading it.
Anyway, the Sagarin rating is a numerical measure of a team's strength.
A hypothetical victory margin is determined by comparing the rating of the two teams after adding 2.93 points to the home team. The home edge will vary during the season.
Only Division I (both A and AA) are counted for rating and schedule strength during the season.
A diminishing-returns principle exists to prevent teams from building up ratings by running up large victory margins against weak teams. Instead, it rewards teams that do well against good opponents.
The BCS (Bowl Championship Series) does not factor in scoring margin. For Sagarin ratings and more detailed information go to: www.usatoday.com
USA Today, the largest circulation newspaper in the United States, is the nation's daily newspaper and carries the Sagarin College Football Ratings. The ratings are updated following each week's games and published in USA Today on Wednesdays.
Following the first week of college football action, here are some facts that interested me about Sagarin's first-week ratings:
1) Washington, one of the poor to mediocre teams in the country the last several years, was rated No. 31 after hammering Syracuse 42-14 in its home opener.
2) Michigan State, another short end of the stick team for far too long, was rated No. 36 after steamrolling over UAB 55-18 in its home opener.
3) Appalachian State, a AA school, was rated No. 38 following its upset of mighty Michigan 34-32 on Michigan's home field. The win was the biggest upset in college football history as no AA team had ever beaten a ranked team.
Michigan was ranked No. 5 by both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll going into the game. Following its horrendous loss, Michigan ended up being ranked No. 40 by Sagarin.
4) Wyoming, a small school and never among the nation's top teams, was ranked No. 41 by Sagarin following its 23-3 home victory over Virginia.
5) Notre Dame, beaten badly (33-3) by Georgia Tech, was rated No. 57 after the loss. Georgia Tech was rated No. 2. The Irish failed to score a touchdown for the first time ever in their home opener.
6) Temple (ranked No. 143 after its opening loss) and Buffalo (ranked No. 145 after its opening loss) face off in week two. Both teams are among the 7 worst Division I-A teams in the country, joining Louisiana-Monroe, Rice, Duke, Utah State and Florida International.
7) A total of 242 teams, 119 A schools and 123 AA schools, make up the Sagarin College Football Ratings. The worst-rated A school is Florida International at No. 174 (56 AA teams are rated better), and their play reflects their rating. The worst-rated AA school is the No. 242 La Salle Explorers. La Salle is a Catholic university located in Philadelphia.
La Salle lost its home opener to Ursinus 28-0. Ursinus is not a planet but a real liberal arts college in Pennsylvania.
Ursinus College is not a Division 1 school (which includes the 242 teams with La Salle), not a Division II team (which includes another 157 teams), but a Division III team. Now you can better understand why La Salle College is ranked last among 242 Division I schools.
The first job for La Salle this year will be to score a touchdown, or any points, including a field goal or touchback. The Explorers next job will be to actually win a game. Good luck, La Salle, and God speed.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
The Offensive Line, No Worries
Going into training camp every column I read by knowledgeable, and some semi-stupid, sports writers had the Steelers o-line as the biggest concern for 2008. I pondered on this for a while and when I had half a migraine I decided I'm just not buying it.
The loss of Alan Faneca will impact the run game to a degree but only for the start of the season. By week 4 or 5 Chris Kemoeatu will be, should be, able to gel with the rest of the unit. Although Faneca was a huge presence for the ground game he never excelled in the passing game and like it or not that is the direction the Steelers offense is headed in. In drafting Limas Sweed and Rashard Mendenhall the focus of the offense will shift squarely to the arm of Ben Roethlisberger. Last year Ben set the franchise record for touchdowns in a single season. I believe he can repeat or even exceed those numbers with the return of a healthy Marvel Smith.
Last season Marvel Smith played in a limited number of games due to a piece of broken vertebrae rubbing against his spinal chord. At times throughout the season the bone fragment would pinch the nerves and he would actually lose feeling in his right leg and foot for quarters at a time. Being that Smith plays the left tackle position it's no wonder Ben's sack totals went up last year. With the return of Marvel it should be a lock for those totals to go down.
Max Starks is said to be the most impressive lineman in camp. It's kind of hard to believe being that Max has never really wowed anyone. If Starks beats out Willie Colon for the right tackle spot it makes me wonder if Willie will get a crack at the right guard position. Kendall Simmons is good there so I don't necessarily see him losing the job, I just think it will be interesting to see if Mike Tomlin will make drastic changes or try to work with what he has.
The most important acquisition the Steelers made in the off-season could be Justin Hartwig. Last year Pittsburgh had virtually no push up the middle and Sean Mahan was the reason. Mahan did not transition well from a guard to a center and the line as a whole suffered for it. With the addition of Hartwig the o-line will immediately improve to some extent but until they have some reps in the regular season and start to move the pile as one unit it's all just hype and theory.
I can hear them talking about it on NFL Live in the background. It's kind of funny to me. They make it sound like the line is a wash, but somehow I'm still not worried.
The loss of Alan Faneca will impact the run game to a degree but only for the start of the season. By week 4 or 5 Chris Kemoeatu will be, should be, able to gel with the rest of the unit. Although Faneca was a huge presence for the ground game he never excelled in the passing game and like it or not that is the direction the Steelers offense is headed in. In drafting Limas Sweed and Rashard Mendenhall the focus of the offense will shift squarely to the arm of Ben Roethlisberger. Last year Ben set the franchise record for touchdowns in a single season. I believe he can repeat or even exceed those numbers with the return of a healthy Marvel Smith.
Last season Marvel Smith played in a limited number of games due to a piece of broken vertebrae rubbing against his spinal chord. At times throughout the season the bone fragment would pinch the nerves and he would actually lose feeling in his right leg and foot for quarters at a time. Being that Smith plays the left tackle position it's no wonder Ben's sack totals went up last year. With the return of Marvel it should be a lock for those totals to go down.
Max Starks is said to be the most impressive lineman in camp. It's kind of hard to believe being that Max has never really wowed anyone. If Starks beats out Willie Colon for the right tackle spot it makes me wonder if Willie will get a crack at the right guard position. Kendall Simmons is good there so I don't necessarily see him losing the job, I just think it will be interesting to see if Mike Tomlin will make drastic changes or try to work with what he has.
The most important acquisition the Steelers made in the off-season could be Justin Hartwig. Last year Pittsburgh had virtually no push up the middle and Sean Mahan was the reason. Mahan did not transition well from a guard to a center and the line as a whole suffered for it. With the addition of Hartwig the o-line will immediately improve to some extent but until they have some reps in the regular season and start to move the pile as one unit it's all just hype and theory.
I can hear them talking about it on NFL Live in the background. It's kind of funny to me. They make it sound like the line is a wash, but somehow I'm still not worried.
Passing in the Single Wing Offense
The next statements are the single most important factors in the success of your passing game. Develop, practice, then master protection schemes for each drop and sprint series. Linemen are the key to your team's success. It is an honor to be O-Line. Make sure everyone on the team knows it.
Passing is a symphony; comprised of good protection, route running, reads, and execution. This is why passing is challenging to implement well below the high school level. There just is not enough time.
Coaches your job is:
* Understand the different coverages. You need to be able to recognize cover 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Know the weaknesses of each coverage and the areas of the field that are easiest to exploit.
* Watch film. Even at the youth level. Film every opponent and trade film. Look for tendencies and tells. Most athletes are animals of habit. Studies have been completed on pre-performance rituals in sport. Use them to your advantage.
* Coach up the athletes. Give them a chance to work on fundamentals and drill the routes, reads, and adjustments. Passing requires more work than the running game. Demand good technique and proper decision-making.
* Simulate game conditions as close as possible when running drills. Work on the plays you plan to use in the game. Use the playbook, 7-on-7, chalk board, defensive recognition drills, and videotape.
The Single Wing Quarterback must:
* Learn to read defensive schemes. The method for reading the defense should be the same each time. Look to the middle of the field; locate the free safety, then the strong safety. Look left at the cornerback. Look right at the cornerback, then at the linebackers. This has to be done in 2-3 seconds. Expect the defense to move around and try to disguise the coverage.
* When looking for the safeties, determine if the middle of the field is open or closed. Do this by seeing if a safety is between the goal posts or center up on the formation. Check the depth, eyes, and leverage of the cornerbacks. These give you an indication of zone or man coverage.
* If the corners are off 6 or more yards, lined up on or outside of the receiver and looking at you, it is probably a zone. If they are closer, either in bump and run or under 6 yards and looking at the receiver, it is probably man coverage.
* If the middle of the field is closed, the defense is cover 1 or 3. If the depth, eyes, and leverage of the corners look like zone, then the coverage is cover 3. If they are in a man look, it is cover 1.
* If the middle of the field is open, the defense is in cover 0,2,4, or 5. It is cover 2 or 4, if the corners look to be playing zone. It is cover 0 or 5, if the corners are in man. If the safeties have cheated up to under 10 yards and have their eyes on a man, expect cover 0, and if they are back, it will be cover 2 press, dog, or cover 5 depending on what you call it.
One last point that I see most coaches below the college level fail to do is to diagram each of the passing concepts within the system against each of the defenses. This one exercise will immediately improve the decision making speed and accuracy of the quarterback.
Passing is a symphony; comprised of good protection, route running, reads, and execution. This is why passing is challenging to implement well below the high school level. There just is not enough time.
Coaches your job is:
* Understand the different coverages. You need to be able to recognize cover 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Know the weaknesses of each coverage and the areas of the field that are easiest to exploit.
* Watch film. Even at the youth level. Film every opponent and trade film. Look for tendencies and tells. Most athletes are animals of habit. Studies have been completed on pre-performance rituals in sport. Use them to your advantage.
* Coach up the athletes. Give them a chance to work on fundamentals and drill the routes, reads, and adjustments. Passing requires more work than the running game. Demand good technique and proper decision-making.
* Simulate game conditions as close as possible when running drills. Work on the plays you plan to use in the game. Use the playbook, 7-on-7, chalk board, defensive recognition drills, and videotape.
The Single Wing Quarterback must:
* Learn to read defensive schemes. The method for reading the defense should be the same each time. Look to the middle of the field; locate the free safety, then the strong safety. Look left at the cornerback. Look right at the cornerback, then at the linebackers. This has to be done in 2-3 seconds. Expect the defense to move around and try to disguise the coverage.
* When looking for the safeties, determine if the middle of the field is open or closed. Do this by seeing if a safety is between the goal posts or center up on the formation. Check the depth, eyes, and leverage of the cornerbacks. These give you an indication of zone or man coverage.
* If the corners are off 6 or more yards, lined up on or outside of the receiver and looking at you, it is probably a zone. If they are closer, either in bump and run or under 6 yards and looking at the receiver, it is probably man coverage.
* If the middle of the field is closed, the defense is cover 1 or 3. If the depth, eyes, and leverage of the corners look like zone, then the coverage is cover 3. If they are in a man look, it is cover 1.
* If the middle of the field is open, the defense is in cover 0,2,4, or 5. It is cover 2 or 4, if the corners look to be playing zone. It is cover 0 or 5, if the corners are in man. If the safeties have cheated up to under 10 yards and have their eyes on a man, expect cover 0, and if they are back, it will be cover 2 press, dog, or cover 5 depending on what you call it.
One last point that I see most coaches below the college level fail to do is to diagram each of the passing concepts within the system against each of the defenses. This one exercise will immediately improve the decision making speed and accuracy of the quarterback.
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