It does not matter how organized you are while coaching your youth football team there are going to be days when everything seems to go wrong.
Sometimes right from the beginning of your youth football practice things will not go as according to plan. One of he sure signs that the practice is not going to be productive is unexcused absents. You may have it scheduled to work on a specific play or scheme and the player you need does not show up. If you are coaching a youth football team with fewer than 20 players it is hard enough to run plays but when a few kids miss your practice options become limited.
There will also be times where it feels like "there is something in the air" and the practice just sucks. You and your coaches are ready to go but the kids just have an off day. I am not talking about an off day because the players are screwing around, I cover how to handle that in the next topic, but just a day where all the players are missing tackles. The players are brain dead as you add a new youth football or a variety of other bad signs.
As long as this is an exception and not the rule, I tend to turn the balance of the practice into a drill or something FUN that the kids will enjoy.
I find when coaching youth football that by turning a bad experience into a fun one the kids respond well and come back strong the next practice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Oddo
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Biggest NFL Disappointments in 2009
The NFL season has been a pretty interesting one. No one expected the Denver Broncos to be undefeated through their first five games, nor did they expect the Cincinnati Bengals to start out the season with 4 wins in 5 games, including one over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Cowboys look weaker than usual, as do many other teams too. Let's take a look at some of the biggest underachievers through the beginning of the 2009 NFL season. With some luck, any of these teams still has some time to turn things around - the clock is ticking though.
First of all, the Carolina Panthers coasted through the 2008 regular season on the strong play of Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, and DeAngelo Williams. Many saw them as a favorite to win the NFC last season, and they ended the season with a playoff loss to the Cardinals, but still had a great year by all accounts. The beginning of the 2009 season has been anything but a follow up to their success in 2008, as the team has dropped 3 of its first 5 games and doesn't show many signs of improvement.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_McCormick
First of all, the Carolina Panthers coasted through the 2008 regular season on the strong play of Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, and DeAngelo Williams. Many saw them as a favorite to win the NFC last season, and they ended the season with a playoff loss to the Cardinals, but still had a great year by all accounts. The beginning of the 2009 season has been anything but a follow up to their success in 2008, as the team has dropped 3 of its first 5 games and doesn't show many signs of improvement.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_McCormick
Are the Minnesota Vikings Really This Good?
The Minnesota Vikings are in the midst of what looks like a dream season. After Brett Favre had a heroic win a few weeks back that saw him bring the Vikings a win with a last minute touchdown against the Bengals, the Minnesota Vikings followed up this win with a big victory against the Packers, Brett Favre's former team. This was a very dramatic game, and one that Favre wanted badly. He got it.
The following week, the Vikings faced a very tough foe in the visiting Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens put up an exceptional fight, taking a late lead in the 4th quarter before Brett Favre set up a winning drive during the last minute of the game. Favre's heroics bailed the Vikings out once again, and improved their record to 6-0.
Favre has been near impeccable through the course of the season, connecting with his receivers like he did during his prime in Green Bay, and the team looks to be having a lot of fun in doing it. His 12 TD passes with just 2 INTs through the first six weeks of the football season speak for themselves, and the Vikings are suddenly one of just four undefeated teams left in the NFL.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Maloney
The following week, the Vikings faced a very tough foe in the visiting Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens put up an exceptional fight, taking a late lead in the 4th quarter before Brett Favre set up a winning drive during the last minute of the game. Favre's heroics bailed the Vikings out once again, and improved their record to 6-0.
Favre has been near impeccable through the course of the season, connecting with his receivers like he did during his prime in Green Bay, and the team looks to be having a lot of fun in doing it. His 12 TD passes with just 2 INTs through the first six weeks of the football season speak for themselves, and the Vikings are suddenly one of just four undefeated teams left in the NFL.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Maloney
Who Are the Real NY Jets?
The 2009 season has been a whirlwind of a year for the New York Jets after just 6 weeks of football. What started out on an incredible note has quickly soured, leading many to believe that the proclamation about the Jets being a newly great AFC team were premature.
During the first week of football, the Jets had a very impressive win at Houston, holding Matt Schaub (the yards leader in the NFL among QBs) to virtually nothing. This was a big win for the team that would head back to New York to face the rival Patriots in week 2.
Amazingly, the Jets beat the Patriots in this game for the first time in years. A team that they could never win before was suddenly vulnerable and within reach, and the Jets' stellar defense was celebrated for it.
Week three brought them the Titans, a winless team that was still seen as dangerous because of their great 2008 season. Still, the Jets held them off and marched out to a 3-0 start.
Since then, the 2009 season has been nothing but trouble in New York. After losing a game they were expected to lose in New Orleans, the Jets proceeded to drop their next two games, losing to both the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills in games that should have been won. Mark Sanchez has regressed from his mature form and the offense is having trouble clicking as a unit.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Parachas
During the first week of football, the Jets had a very impressive win at Houston, holding Matt Schaub (the yards leader in the NFL among QBs) to virtually nothing. This was a big win for the team that would head back to New York to face the rival Patriots in week 2.
Amazingly, the Jets beat the Patriots in this game for the first time in years. A team that they could never win before was suddenly vulnerable and within reach, and the Jets' stellar defense was celebrated for it.
Week three brought them the Titans, a winless team that was still seen as dangerous because of their great 2008 season. Still, the Jets held them off and marched out to a 3-0 start.
Since then, the 2009 season has been nothing but trouble in New York. After losing a game they were expected to lose in New Orleans, the Jets proceeded to drop their next two games, losing to both the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills in games that should have been won. Mark Sanchez has regressed from his mature form and the offense is having trouble clicking as a unit.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Parachas
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Look For Steve Sarkisian to Turn Around Washington's Woeful Football Program
Just as thinking heads argue about whether leaders are born or made, so do college football fanatics argue about whether the coach or the players make the team.
Let's settle the latter argument once and for all-coaches make the team, not the players. If it were not so, then players would recruit the players, whereas it is the coaches who recruit the players that-with great coaching up of players-make the team successful as the program progresses.
Yes, it is true that even great coaches cannot do a lot with duds for players-that is why they immediately recruit better players and coach them up to speed.
My turf is Western Washington, the state, not the Beltway to DC. Let me share with you not what I think, but what I know about coaches and players on any team.
When the Seattle Mariners were going nowhere at 1,000 miles an hour, I immediately predicted success with the hiring of head coach Lou Piniella. Piniella came in and announced that the Mariners were going to start winning but, unfortunately, three-quarters of the players on the roster would not be there to enjoy the success. Within two years, 5 players were left from his original roster, and the Mariners winning streak starting in 1995 is a happy history for Seattle fans.
When the Seattle Seahawks were sloshing around doing nothing but taking up space, acting like a football team but not playing like one, I immediately predicted success with the hiring of head coach Mike Holmgren. Holmgren was much bigger than a lot of his players, and he was not interested in excuses; you were accountable, and you performed or you were gone. The Seahawks started winning right away and dominated their division.
When the University of Washington Huskies went winless last year in 12 games and had some of the worst performance statistics among all NCAA teams, I immediately predicted success with the hiring of new head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Nicknamed "Sark", Sarkisian is half-Armenian, half-Irish and all winner. Sarkisian and his hand-picked staff, including defensive coordinator Nick Holt, will get the Huskies back on the winning track, and he will not make a career out of it. It will happen. You will witness a giant step forward in his first year.
Sarkisian takes over a team that rung up these crummy national ratings last year-rushing offense (106th among 119 teams), passing offense (101st), total offense (116th), scoring offense (118th), rushing defense (117th), passing defense (62nd), total defense (110th) and scoring defense (116th). Washington scored 13 points a game and gave up an average of 38 points a game.
There is no way you can win games with these lame numbers. Was Washington's coaching staff last year the worst in the nation? You better believe it; that's why they have vacated the premises.
This is not a pretty picture for Sarkisian to inherit. However, you have to remember that Sark is a winner from the top of his head to the bottom of his toes. He spent 7 of his last 8 years at Southern California, first as a quarterbacks coach, then as the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
During his tenure with head coach Pete Carroll, USC was in a BCS game EVERY year for the past 7 years, unmatched by any team in college football. USC also has the best winning percentage among BCS teams-85% (6-1). Sarkisian's record as the offensive coordinator for 2 years was 22-3, and he called the offensive plays on the sideline.
Sark also coached up two Heisman Trophy winners-Carson Palmer in 2002 and Matt Leinart in 2004. He has also mentored additional NFL-draft picks John David Booty and Mark Sanchez.
Washington's newest head coach was also a standout quarterback at Brigham Young University. As a senior, he led the nation in passing efficiency as the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) champion Cougars went 14-1 and won the 1997 Cotton Bowl.
Sark has been an outstanding winner as a player and coach. He knows how to win. He is not going to surround himself with a bunch of losers at the University of Washington.
Virtually all players want to win, but far fewer have the will to prepare to win. Sark will quickly find out who will pay the price to improve and have fun in the process. Those who cannot cut the mustard will be watching a lot of football games instead of playing in them.
At 35, Steve Sarkisian is one of the youngest head coaches of a major college football program. No matter. Just because a head coach has 15 years of experience does not make him good. Competency, direction, judgment, focus and enthusiasm all count for more.
The Pac 10 Conference media types recently came out with their preseason poll, picking Washington to finish 9th, just ahead of 10th-place Washington State.
The more I hear about head coach Steve Sarkisian and assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Nick Holt, the better I like Washington's chances to exceed expectations with a better than 9th-place finish.
The latest word from the practice field is that the Husky offensive players are going to legally cut block, a very important element in zone-blocking schemes. Holt is going to find out who can knock players down and who can't. Those that can't will be spending less time on the field.
Cut-blocking is legal when the blocker goes below a defender's knees with the helmet out in front of the defender. It is illegal when the blocker comes at the defender from the side or back, or when the defender is blocking another offensive player.
Doug Nussmeier will be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Huskies. Washington opens its season at home Saturday, Sept. 5, against Louisiana State (LSU), 1 of 6 preseason top 25 teams the Huskies will face this season (the others are USC, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State and California). Yikes!
Washington fans and boosters are fired up for improvement; they are sick and tired of getting slapped around by teams the Huskies used to dominate, especially when Don James was at the helm. The Dawgfather's career mark at Washington was 153-57-2 (73%) from 1975 to 1992, and the team went to 14 bowl games, winning 10. They also went to bowl games 9 consecutive years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Bagley
Let's settle the latter argument once and for all-coaches make the team, not the players. If it were not so, then players would recruit the players, whereas it is the coaches who recruit the players that-with great coaching up of players-make the team successful as the program progresses.
Yes, it is true that even great coaches cannot do a lot with duds for players-that is why they immediately recruit better players and coach them up to speed.
My turf is Western Washington, the state, not the Beltway to DC. Let me share with you not what I think, but what I know about coaches and players on any team.
When the Seattle Mariners were going nowhere at 1,000 miles an hour, I immediately predicted success with the hiring of head coach Lou Piniella. Piniella came in and announced that the Mariners were going to start winning but, unfortunately, three-quarters of the players on the roster would not be there to enjoy the success. Within two years, 5 players were left from his original roster, and the Mariners winning streak starting in 1995 is a happy history for Seattle fans.
When the Seattle Seahawks were sloshing around doing nothing but taking up space, acting like a football team but not playing like one, I immediately predicted success with the hiring of head coach Mike Holmgren. Holmgren was much bigger than a lot of his players, and he was not interested in excuses; you were accountable, and you performed or you were gone. The Seahawks started winning right away and dominated their division.
When the University of Washington Huskies went winless last year in 12 games and had some of the worst performance statistics among all NCAA teams, I immediately predicted success with the hiring of new head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Nicknamed "Sark", Sarkisian is half-Armenian, half-Irish and all winner. Sarkisian and his hand-picked staff, including defensive coordinator Nick Holt, will get the Huskies back on the winning track, and he will not make a career out of it. It will happen. You will witness a giant step forward in his first year.
Sarkisian takes over a team that rung up these crummy national ratings last year-rushing offense (106th among 119 teams), passing offense (101st), total offense (116th), scoring offense (118th), rushing defense (117th), passing defense (62nd), total defense (110th) and scoring defense (116th). Washington scored 13 points a game and gave up an average of 38 points a game.
There is no way you can win games with these lame numbers. Was Washington's coaching staff last year the worst in the nation? You better believe it; that's why they have vacated the premises.
This is not a pretty picture for Sarkisian to inherit. However, you have to remember that Sark is a winner from the top of his head to the bottom of his toes. He spent 7 of his last 8 years at Southern California, first as a quarterbacks coach, then as the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach.
During his tenure with head coach Pete Carroll, USC was in a BCS game EVERY year for the past 7 years, unmatched by any team in college football. USC also has the best winning percentage among BCS teams-85% (6-1). Sarkisian's record as the offensive coordinator for 2 years was 22-3, and he called the offensive plays on the sideline.
Sark also coached up two Heisman Trophy winners-Carson Palmer in 2002 and Matt Leinart in 2004. He has also mentored additional NFL-draft picks John David Booty and Mark Sanchez.
Washington's newest head coach was also a standout quarterback at Brigham Young University. As a senior, he led the nation in passing efficiency as the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) champion Cougars went 14-1 and won the 1997 Cotton Bowl.
Sark has been an outstanding winner as a player and coach. He knows how to win. He is not going to surround himself with a bunch of losers at the University of Washington.
Virtually all players want to win, but far fewer have the will to prepare to win. Sark will quickly find out who will pay the price to improve and have fun in the process. Those who cannot cut the mustard will be watching a lot of football games instead of playing in them.
At 35, Steve Sarkisian is one of the youngest head coaches of a major college football program. No matter. Just because a head coach has 15 years of experience does not make him good. Competency, direction, judgment, focus and enthusiasm all count for more.
The Pac 10 Conference media types recently came out with their preseason poll, picking Washington to finish 9th, just ahead of 10th-place Washington State.
The more I hear about head coach Steve Sarkisian and assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Nick Holt, the better I like Washington's chances to exceed expectations with a better than 9th-place finish.
The latest word from the practice field is that the Husky offensive players are going to legally cut block, a very important element in zone-blocking schemes. Holt is going to find out who can knock players down and who can't. Those that can't will be spending less time on the field.
Cut-blocking is legal when the blocker goes below a defender's knees with the helmet out in front of the defender. It is illegal when the blocker comes at the defender from the side or back, or when the defender is blocking another offensive player.
Doug Nussmeier will be the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Huskies. Washington opens its season at home Saturday, Sept. 5, against Louisiana State (LSU), 1 of 6 preseason top 25 teams the Huskies will face this season (the others are USC, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oregon State and California). Yikes!
Washington fans and boosters are fired up for improvement; they are sick and tired of getting slapped around by teams the Huskies used to dominate, especially when Don James was at the helm. The Dawgfather's career mark at Washington was 153-57-2 (73%) from 1975 to 1992, and the team went to 14 bowl games, winning 10. They also went to bowl games 9 consecutive years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Bagley
Back-to-Back Winning Seasons and Bowl Appearances Say Michigan State is Back
When Mark Dantonio became the new Michigan State University football coach two years ago, he came to the East Lansing Campus with a pedigree that shouted success is on the way. He has not disappointed the Spartan faithful.
Michigan State had not done diddly-squat since its 1999 team went 10-2, whipped Florida in the Citrus Bowl, led the Big Ten in total defense, and ranked 7th in the final polls. Times have changed in East Lansing. If diddly-squat shows up since Dantonio has arrived, he is in for a fight.
Here is what Dantonio has accomplished since his debut 55-18 victory against UAB (the University of Alabama at Birmingham):
Turn a losing program into a winning one by going 7-5 in his first regular season, and getting Michigan State its first bowl appearance in 4 years. Despite being a 5-point underdog to No. 14-ranked Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl, the Spartans only lost by a field goal, 24-21.
Their final 7-6 record included a 4-3 mark against bowl-bound teams, and the Spartans lost the 6 games by a total of 31 points, including two in overtime. All 6 games were decided by 7 points or less. It is called defense.
With their 31-14 victory over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame on the road in 2007, the Spartans became the first visiting team to win 6-straight games in the 77-year history of Notre Dame Stadium.
Last year the progress continued as the Spartans went 9-3 in the regular season, beating Michigan and Notre Dame. They lost at California in their opener 38-31, took it on the chin 45-7 against No. 12-ranked Ohio State at home, and let No. 7-ranked Penn State take it to them 49-18 on the road at Happy Valley.
Had they beaten Penn State, they would have had a share of the Big Ten title. Michigan State's 6-2 Big Ten record was its best since the 1999 season, and its 9 wins represented only the 3rd time since 1966 (the year I graduated from Michigan State) that it had won 9 games in a season.
Last season's second step forward led to the No. 19-ranked Spartans facing off against the No. 16-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Bowl; State lost 24-12. Nevertheless, they ended the year with their second straight winning season (7-6 and 9-4)-their first back-to-back winning seasons in 19 years-and their second straight bowl appearance-their first back-to-back bowl appearances in 12 years.
That is what is calling "getting after it".
Dantonio really became prominent as the defensive coordinator for Ohio State, where his defensive unit helped the Buckeyes to a 32-6 record in 3 years, and the 2002 National Championship. In the championship year, Ohio State was 2nd nationally in scoring defense (13 points a game) and 3rd in rushing defense (77 yards per game).
Coming into this season, Michigan States loses two All Big Ten seniors-tailback Javon Ringer and safety Otis Wiley, and returns All Big Ten junior linebacker Greg Jones.
To say Ringer left a hole in the running game would be a gross understatement. He rushed for 1,637 yards (accounting for 97% of Michigan State's rushing offense) and scored a school-record 22 touchdowns. Ringer, a consensus All American, was drafted by the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Ringer's starting spot will be a competitive battle that just may be won by either of two outstanding freshmen-Edwin Baker out of Oak Park High School in Highland Park, or Larry Caper out of Battle Creek Central in Battle Creek. Baker is 5-9 and 200, and Caper is 5-11 and 215. Both are potentially explosive runners with some speed.
Replacing senior quarterback Brian Hoyer, an inconsistent 2-year starter, is also an issue. Sophomore Kirk Cousins and redshirt sophomore Keith Nichol have limited experience, appearing in only a combined 8 games.
All Big Ten junior Greg Jones had 127 tackles last year, and is arguably the best linebacker in the Big Ten. He must remain tough and healthy for Michigan State to again compete for the Big Ten title.
The Spartan offense will also rely heavily on kicker Brett Swenson (22 field goals last year, including one last-minute, game-winner on a weak offense); wide receivers Blair White, Mark Dell and BJ Cunningham; tight end Charlie Gantt; guard Joel Foreman and center Joel Nitchman.
Dantonio's two recruiting classes must produce more new faces on the field this year. New faces better than the players they will replace. In its two biggest games of the year last season-Ohio State and Penn State-Michigan State did not show well and paid for it when the Preseason Coaches' Top 25 Poll found them absent.
Major coaches generally applauded the fact that the Spartans did not take a dive late last season, they won many games they have lost in prior years, but when push came to shove, it was still Ohio State and Penn State on top of the heap.
What many boosters may have missed is the fact that Michigan State took one huge step forward in bowl participation. Two years ago they had to settle for the Champs Sports Bowl and a $2.25 million payout. Last year they moved up to the Capital One Bowl and a $4.25 million payout. After the 5 BCS bowl games, the Capital One Bowl is the highest paying and most prestigious of the remaining 34 bowl games played last season.
Michigan State's schedule is favorable this year. The Spartans get both Michigan and Penn State at home, and do not play Ohio State. They also play 1-AA Montana State, Central Michigan and Western Michigan. If they cannot beat the latter three teams and Michigan, they have no business going to a bowl game.
On a more positive note, while virtually everyone West of the Mississippi River thinks Michigan State could not possibly run the table, there is at least one Spartan in Washington State who thinks otherwise. Never underestimate what Mark Dantonio can accomplish.
What if the Spartans beat Notre Dame, Michigan and the rest, and face Penn State at home with an 11-0 mark? That is why college football is so great. It could happen. The odds say it will not happen, but rest assured that if Michigan State plays in a BCS bowl game this season, it will be another giant step forward for Mark Dantonio and his Spartans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Bagley
Michigan State had not done diddly-squat since its 1999 team went 10-2, whipped Florida in the Citrus Bowl, led the Big Ten in total defense, and ranked 7th in the final polls. Times have changed in East Lansing. If diddly-squat shows up since Dantonio has arrived, he is in for a fight.
Here is what Dantonio has accomplished since his debut 55-18 victory against UAB (the University of Alabama at Birmingham):
Turn a losing program into a winning one by going 7-5 in his first regular season, and getting Michigan State its first bowl appearance in 4 years. Despite being a 5-point underdog to No. 14-ranked Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl, the Spartans only lost by a field goal, 24-21.
Their final 7-6 record included a 4-3 mark against bowl-bound teams, and the Spartans lost the 6 games by a total of 31 points, including two in overtime. All 6 games were decided by 7 points or less. It is called defense.
With their 31-14 victory over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame on the road in 2007, the Spartans became the first visiting team to win 6-straight games in the 77-year history of Notre Dame Stadium.
Last year the progress continued as the Spartans went 9-3 in the regular season, beating Michigan and Notre Dame. They lost at California in their opener 38-31, took it on the chin 45-7 against No. 12-ranked Ohio State at home, and let No. 7-ranked Penn State take it to them 49-18 on the road at Happy Valley.
Had they beaten Penn State, they would have had a share of the Big Ten title. Michigan State's 6-2 Big Ten record was its best since the 1999 season, and its 9 wins represented only the 3rd time since 1966 (the year I graduated from Michigan State) that it had won 9 games in a season.
Last season's second step forward led to the No. 19-ranked Spartans facing off against the No. 16-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Bowl; State lost 24-12. Nevertheless, they ended the year with their second straight winning season (7-6 and 9-4)-their first back-to-back winning seasons in 19 years-and their second straight bowl appearance-their first back-to-back bowl appearances in 12 years.
That is what is calling "getting after it".
Dantonio really became prominent as the defensive coordinator for Ohio State, where his defensive unit helped the Buckeyes to a 32-6 record in 3 years, and the 2002 National Championship. In the championship year, Ohio State was 2nd nationally in scoring defense (13 points a game) and 3rd in rushing defense (77 yards per game).
Coming into this season, Michigan States loses two All Big Ten seniors-tailback Javon Ringer and safety Otis Wiley, and returns All Big Ten junior linebacker Greg Jones.
To say Ringer left a hole in the running game would be a gross understatement. He rushed for 1,637 yards (accounting for 97% of Michigan State's rushing offense) and scored a school-record 22 touchdowns. Ringer, a consensus All American, was drafted by the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Ringer's starting spot will be a competitive battle that just may be won by either of two outstanding freshmen-Edwin Baker out of Oak Park High School in Highland Park, or Larry Caper out of Battle Creek Central in Battle Creek. Baker is 5-9 and 200, and Caper is 5-11 and 215. Both are potentially explosive runners with some speed.
Replacing senior quarterback Brian Hoyer, an inconsistent 2-year starter, is also an issue. Sophomore Kirk Cousins and redshirt sophomore Keith Nichol have limited experience, appearing in only a combined 8 games.
All Big Ten junior Greg Jones had 127 tackles last year, and is arguably the best linebacker in the Big Ten. He must remain tough and healthy for Michigan State to again compete for the Big Ten title.
The Spartan offense will also rely heavily on kicker Brett Swenson (22 field goals last year, including one last-minute, game-winner on a weak offense); wide receivers Blair White, Mark Dell and BJ Cunningham; tight end Charlie Gantt; guard Joel Foreman and center Joel Nitchman.
Dantonio's two recruiting classes must produce more new faces on the field this year. New faces better than the players they will replace. In its two biggest games of the year last season-Ohio State and Penn State-Michigan State did not show well and paid for it when the Preseason Coaches' Top 25 Poll found them absent.
Major coaches generally applauded the fact that the Spartans did not take a dive late last season, they won many games they have lost in prior years, but when push came to shove, it was still Ohio State and Penn State on top of the heap.
What many boosters may have missed is the fact that Michigan State took one huge step forward in bowl participation. Two years ago they had to settle for the Champs Sports Bowl and a $2.25 million payout. Last year they moved up to the Capital One Bowl and a $4.25 million payout. After the 5 BCS bowl games, the Capital One Bowl is the highest paying and most prestigious of the remaining 34 bowl games played last season.
Michigan State's schedule is favorable this year. The Spartans get both Michigan and Penn State at home, and do not play Ohio State. They also play 1-AA Montana State, Central Michigan and Western Michigan. If they cannot beat the latter three teams and Michigan, they have no business going to a bowl game.
On a more positive note, while virtually everyone West of the Mississippi River thinks Michigan State could not possibly run the table, there is at least one Spartan in Washington State who thinks otherwise. Never underestimate what Mark Dantonio can accomplish.
What if the Spartans beat Notre Dame, Michigan and the rest, and face Penn State at home with an 11-0 mark? That is why college football is so great. It could happen. The odds say it will not happen, but rest assured that if Michigan State plays in a BCS bowl game this season, it will be another giant step forward for Mark Dantonio and his Spartans.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Bagley
Free Football Recruiting Methods - Getting the Attention of Coaches Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
Are you looking for ways to get noticed by college coaches? Are you searching for free football recruiting methods that really work? Have you priced some athletic recruiting services and quickly learned just how expensive their services can be?
If you have and you decided free football recruiting methods is the only avenue available to you, this article can get you on the path to being noticed by college coaches. Making it to the college level in football is not easy. The competition is very tough and coaches have thousands of players from around the country to choose from. To play at the the college level, you need:
1- The right skills
2- The right amount of speed
3- The right amount of strength
4- The right height and weight for the position you play
5- The right amount of mental toughness
If you do have the the ability to play at some level of college football, you need a way to get noticed by football coaches. If you happen to be a blue chip or elite level player, this won't be a problem. In fact, the coaches will find you sooner rather than later.
However, if you are a good football player yet you are flying under the radar of college coaches, you need to use some free football recruiting methods to make sure you get noticed! These methods can include:
1- Asking your high school coach if he can help you get noticed by college coaches
2- Attending camps and showcase events in the summer
3- Sending letters and your athletic resume to coaches
By far, the best method for getting the attention of football coaches is to make direct contact with them. Coaches from around the country need quality players and they may not know about the talent and skills you can offer them.
The best free football recruiting methods are clearly letters and athletic resumes from you. Use these tools and you may be surprised at the results you get.
Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarship expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled:
"Five Secrets You Must Know To Get Recruited For Athletic Scholarships"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_V_Hawkins
If you have and you decided free football recruiting methods is the only avenue available to you, this article can get you on the path to being noticed by college coaches. Making it to the college level in football is not easy. The competition is very tough and coaches have thousands of players from around the country to choose from. To play at the the college level, you need:
1- The right skills
2- The right amount of speed
3- The right amount of strength
4- The right height and weight for the position you play
5- The right amount of mental toughness
If you do have the the ability to play at some level of college football, you need a way to get noticed by football coaches. If you happen to be a blue chip or elite level player, this won't be a problem. In fact, the coaches will find you sooner rather than later.
However, if you are a good football player yet you are flying under the radar of college coaches, you need to use some free football recruiting methods to make sure you get noticed! These methods can include:
1- Asking your high school coach if he can help you get noticed by college coaches
2- Attending camps and showcase events in the summer
3- Sending letters and your athletic resume to coaches
By far, the best method for getting the attention of football coaches is to make direct contact with them. Coaches from around the country need quality players and they may not know about the talent and skills you can offer them.
The best free football recruiting methods are clearly letters and athletic resumes from you. Use these tools and you may be surprised at the results you get.
Gary Hawkins is a well known recruiting and athletic scholarship expert and the author of a popular 17-page free report titled:
"Five Secrets You Must Know To Get Recruited For Athletic Scholarships"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_V_Hawkins
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Should Michael Vick Play in the NFL Again?
In America, we have a judicial system that takes criminals and punishes them. However, once they have served their allotted time in prison, they are released to the community to get their life back together. Why should Michael Vick be any different?
Michael Vick has done some terrible things in his life, who hasn't? I would bet that there are some other professional athletes who have done worse things than Vick and have not been caught. Vick got caught, and served his punishment till the end. He never once pulled a Paris Hilton and cried his way back home, or used his star power to weasel out of prison. He took his punishment and faced the consequences. Even when he was released, he conformed to meet with his parole officer, followed his rules of house arrest and took a full time construction job to start paying for his debt.
There are some people who get out of prison and never learn their lesson. Vick has learned his lesson. He has lost nearly everything, but still wants to chance to play again. I think he should get the chance.
To me, when his time is fully up, he is just as much of a free man as you or I. He should be reinstated to the NFL and get the chance to play, if he can hack it.
Can he physically play in the NFL? I highly doubt it. It is hard to think that, even an athlete of his caliper, can take 2 years off and not miss a beat. He was a great quarterback when it came to scrambling and moving, but his arm was already sub par at best. I personally think, if he was to get reinstated, he would not be able to comeback full swing. He will not be able to help any NFL team and his comeback will be nothing more than a one time story on SportCenter.
But I truly hope that Vick gets the chance to prove me wrong.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zachay_Ninteman
Michael Vick has done some terrible things in his life, who hasn't? I would bet that there are some other professional athletes who have done worse things than Vick and have not been caught. Vick got caught, and served his punishment till the end. He never once pulled a Paris Hilton and cried his way back home, or used his star power to weasel out of prison. He took his punishment and faced the consequences. Even when he was released, he conformed to meet with his parole officer, followed his rules of house arrest and took a full time construction job to start paying for his debt.
There are some people who get out of prison and never learn their lesson. Vick has learned his lesson. He has lost nearly everything, but still wants to chance to play again. I think he should get the chance.
To me, when his time is fully up, he is just as much of a free man as you or I. He should be reinstated to the NFL and get the chance to play, if he can hack it.
Can he physically play in the NFL? I highly doubt it. It is hard to think that, even an athlete of his caliper, can take 2 years off and not miss a beat. He was a great quarterback when it came to scrambling and moving, but his arm was already sub par at best. I personally think, if he was to get reinstated, he would not be able to comeback full swing. He will not be able to help any NFL team and his comeback will be nothing more than a one time story on SportCenter.
But I truly hope that Vick gets the chance to prove me wrong.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zachay_Ninteman
Coaching Youth Football - Homecoming Or Rally Night For Youth Football
I hate homecoming games for youth football. My record with the last five teams I have coached is 1-4. What is the purpose of a "homecoming"? I believe it is for prior players and families to come back and support the team. What a bunch of hogwash! I have never seen any returning players come back to watch a game because it was a homecoming game. The other players will come back if they have a sibling playing on your youth football team.
The truth is the players get completely distracted. They want to screw around, paint their faces and pig out on junk food. Some parents want to have parties before and after the game. A double dose of BS as far as I am concerned.
Once again, we live in a democracy so I need to deal with youth football homecoming. I have found it best to use that Team Mom and depending on how she and the other parents feel about it let them have at it. I ask that the festivities be held after the game. Let Team Mom put together a committee and make homecoming as big as they want. I usually leave after the game to go scout. Some of my assistants have enjoyed hanging out after the game for the social event. I know it is for the kids so I try to keep a low profile regarding homecoming. You will want to check with your league as to what the require you to do. Make sure the Team Mom coordinates with the cheerleaders since they live and die for this day. Some years the cheerleaders have made a banner for the kids to run through. This really keeps the focus in check before the game (joke).
One youth football league I coached for had a rally night. I thought this was a good idea. They had the Youth football Rally Night before the first game. This is brilliant since all teams are undefeated at this point and optimism is at the highest level.
All the youth football teams would line up and each player had his name announced. The player would run through a large inflatable helmet. This helmet came from a local high school. Each player gets his moment in the sun by running through this helmet. I believe they even used a fog machine so the players ran through a cloud of smoke. They had one of the families donate hamburgers and hot dogs. All food was cooked and given to the players free. The league bought Gatorade which was given free too the players.
This was well run and fast. There was no youth football game following the event so the kids were able to be as crazy as they wanted to be.
Jim has over 22 years of hands-on experience as a youth coach. The system he has used with great sucess for both youth football and youth basketball. His personal teams have won over 80% of their games.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Oddo
The truth is the players get completely distracted. They want to screw around, paint their faces and pig out on junk food. Some parents want to have parties before and after the game. A double dose of BS as far as I am concerned.
Once again, we live in a democracy so I need to deal with youth football homecoming. I have found it best to use that Team Mom and depending on how she and the other parents feel about it let them have at it. I ask that the festivities be held after the game. Let Team Mom put together a committee and make homecoming as big as they want. I usually leave after the game to go scout. Some of my assistants have enjoyed hanging out after the game for the social event. I know it is for the kids so I try to keep a low profile regarding homecoming. You will want to check with your league as to what the require you to do. Make sure the Team Mom coordinates with the cheerleaders since they live and die for this day. Some years the cheerleaders have made a banner for the kids to run through. This really keeps the focus in check before the game (joke).
One youth football league I coached for had a rally night. I thought this was a good idea. They had the Youth football Rally Night before the first game. This is brilliant since all teams are undefeated at this point and optimism is at the highest level.
All the youth football teams would line up and each player had his name announced. The player would run through a large inflatable helmet. This helmet came from a local high school. Each player gets his moment in the sun by running through this helmet. I believe they even used a fog machine so the players ran through a cloud of smoke. They had one of the families donate hamburgers and hot dogs. All food was cooked and given to the players free. The league bought Gatorade which was given free too the players.
This was well run and fast. There was no youth football game following the event so the kids were able to be as crazy as they wanted to be.
Jim has over 22 years of hands-on experience as a youth coach. The system he has used with great sucess for both youth football and youth basketball. His personal teams have won over 80% of their games.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Oddo
Coaching Youth Football - Zero Tolerance Policy
I believe in adopting a zero tolerance policy for bad behavior for the football team you are coaching. I am writing in the parent section of the book so let me explain what I mean be zero tolerance. If you have done what has been suggested, and set the ground rules up front early in the year at the parent meeting, then I do not believe in second chances. There are not a lot of rules and most of them are just common courtesy.
There is no tolerance for any parent to question or complain to you in public. Coaching youth football is a voluntary position and everyone including the parents should respect you. If a parent has a question make sure, you have a way and a time for them to approach you. In a private manner, it is fine to ask any questions they may have, but not in front of an audience.
Please check with your youth football administration regarding your zero tolerance policy and have their approval before the season starts. Most youth football programs will applaud your efforts to keep things under control.
The penalties I have used for noncompliant parents has ranged from suspending them from games, suspending them from our youth football practices and kicking them out of the league. The parents need to realize that this is little kid football and we volunteers are there to give the kids as good of an experience as possible. Thankfully, most parents are aware of this.
Jim has over 22 years of hands-on experience as a youth coach. The system he has used with great sucess for both youth football and youth basketball. His personal teams have won over 80% of their games.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Oddo
There is no tolerance for any parent to question or complain to you in public. Coaching youth football is a voluntary position and everyone including the parents should respect you. If a parent has a question make sure, you have a way and a time for them to approach you. In a private manner, it is fine to ask any questions they may have, but not in front of an audience.
Please check with your youth football administration regarding your zero tolerance policy and have their approval before the season starts. Most youth football programs will applaud your efforts to keep things under control.
The penalties I have used for noncompliant parents has ranged from suspending them from games, suspending them from our youth football practices and kicking them out of the league. The parents need to realize that this is little kid football and we volunteers are there to give the kids as good of an experience as possible. Thankfully, most parents are aware of this.
Jim has over 22 years of hands-on experience as a youth coach. The system he has used with great sucess for both youth football and youth basketball. His personal teams have won over 80% of their games.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Oddo
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Football Defense - Pass Rushing - Part 1
The variations of the Spread Offenses puts the ball in the air more, making it more important for defenses to successfully rush the passer. This article, part 1, will focus on Swim Move, one of 4 proven pass rushing techniques that produce a more effective pass rush.
1. Swim Move:
The Swim Move is a favorite pass rushing technique of many defensive linemen and can be the most dangerous. The pass rusher has to rise up above the blocker, however if done properly it can be one of the easiest ways to successfully rush the passer. Timing is key to a successful Swim Move, the D-linemen must beat the blocker off the snap of the ball.
Next comes a jab step designed to get the blocker off balance. This is when the defender step one direction while intending to move another. This is followed by a short balanced step using the jab foot, bring it in front of the blocker in the opposite direction. Typically the blocker will follow the first step, the jab step, and find himself off balance.
At the same time the pass rusher brings his inside arm up and reaching out to the back of the blocker, pulling the O-lineman forward, exploiting his lack of balance and swim through the offensive line to effectively rush the passer.
Once the defender swims through the line, he wants to be running at the quarterback with his hands up, fully extending and waving his arms. This puts him in position to disrupt the play by temporarily blocking the quarterback's vision, tip the ball, knock the ball down, or make the pick. At the same time he is poised to make the quarterback rush his throw or sack the quarterback. If he can sack the QB with his arms raised the defender can bring his hands down with more force to attack the ball and possibly force the fumble.
There are pass rushing DVDS available that demonstrate more detailed rushing techniques and practice drills to successfully rush the passer. Please use the link in the resource box below to examine these videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Berkey
1. Swim Move:
The Swim Move is a favorite pass rushing technique of many defensive linemen and can be the most dangerous. The pass rusher has to rise up above the blocker, however if done properly it can be one of the easiest ways to successfully rush the passer. Timing is key to a successful Swim Move, the D-linemen must beat the blocker off the snap of the ball.
Next comes a jab step designed to get the blocker off balance. This is when the defender step one direction while intending to move another. This is followed by a short balanced step using the jab foot, bring it in front of the blocker in the opposite direction. Typically the blocker will follow the first step, the jab step, and find himself off balance.
At the same time the pass rusher brings his inside arm up and reaching out to the back of the blocker, pulling the O-lineman forward, exploiting his lack of balance and swim through the offensive line to effectively rush the passer.
Once the defender swims through the line, he wants to be running at the quarterback with his hands up, fully extending and waving his arms. This puts him in position to disrupt the play by temporarily blocking the quarterback's vision, tip the ball, knock the ball down, or make the pick. At the same time he is poised to make the quarterback rush his throw or sack the quarterback. If he can sack the QB with his arms raised the defender can bring his hands down with more force to attack the ball and possibly force the fumble.
There are pass rushing DVDS available that demonstrate more detailed rushing techniques and practice drills to successfully rush the passer. Please use the link in the resource box below to examine these videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Berkey
Tips on Finding College Football Predictions
There are tons of college football fans from your little sister to your best friend. Everyone just knows their team is going to win the championship bowl, but how can you really be sure? All you need to do is search for college football predictions on certain websites. They have the opinions of fans and professional sports commentators which will keep you informed about all of the college football predictions for the current season.
Surf to coolegefootballpoll.com. This is one of the first places you should go to look for game predictions. It contains current football polls, picks and game scores. You can find out all of the most recent comments on college fooball, including pre-game and post-game discussions. If you follow the 'standings' link, found above, resources are available to aid you in making your game predictions. Read about your favourite team by due to clicking on the teams link. The forum on this page has a lot of fan predictions. Here you will find forums called "General Discussion", "Top 25 Voters" and "Picks", so you can potentially find any game predictions. Surf to cbssports.com/. If you are searching for college football prediction this is also another good website.
CBS keeps track of the game also so head to this website, then click on the 'College FB' link under the main banner. Or go to www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/bowls/predictions for a look at their bowl predictions for the upcoming year. You can even join in yourself - find a link called can 'Post Your Own Game Prediction'. Check outcome opinions generated by other fans, and also share your thoughts. You can then watch the game that week to see if your predictions were right! Surf to msn.foxsports.com/cfb/. Another popular website where game fans can go to find college football predictions is at foxsports.
Found on MSN, the odds and predictions are stated for each college football game played each week. You can use these to make your weekly guesses, or to prove to your friends and college buddies that your team going to win this weekend's game. You may also enjoy following the popular comments section found there. Have discussions with thousands of other game fans about who you think will be the next big winner. Find people just like yourself, who want to get the predictions and the odds about their favorite college football team.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tiffany_Provost
Surf to coolegefootballpoll.com. This is one of the first places you should go to look for game predictions. It contains current football polls, picks and game scores. You can find out all of the most recent comments on college fooball, including pre-game and post-game discussions. If you follow the 'standings' link, found above, resources are available to aid you in making your game predictions. Read about your favourite team by due to clicking on the teams link. The forum on this page has a lot of fan predictions. Here you will find forums called "General Discussion", "Top 25 Voters" and "Picks", so you can potentially find any game predictions. Surf to cbssports.com/. If you are searching for college football prediction this is also another good website.
CBS keeps track of the game also so head to this website, then click on the 'College FB' link under the main banner. Or go to www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/bowls/predictions for a look at their bowl predictions for the upcoming year. You can even join in yourself - find a link called can 'Post Your Own Game Prediction'. Check outcome opinions generated by other fans, and also share your thoughts. You can then watch the game that week to see if your predictions were right! Surf to msn.foxsports.com/cfb/. Another popular website where game fans can go to find college football predictions is at foxsports.
Found on MSN, the odds and predictions are stated for each college football game played each week. You can use these to make your weekly guesses, or to prove to your friends and college buddies that your team going to win this weekend's game. You may also enjoy following the popular comments section found there. Have discussions with thousands of other game fans about who you think will be the next big winner. Find people just like yourself, who want to get the predictions and the odds about their favorite college football team.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tiffany_Provost
How to Coach Youth Football
I think those who are interested in coaching youth football are admirable. Not only do you get to teach kids football fundamentals; but you teach them well-documented life lessons and become an example and mentor. A youth football coach's responsibility is to instill quality values such as confidence, discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Applying these values to the game of football will help you to produce winners on and off the field. Here are a couple simple tips to focus on as you approach your first time coaching youth football.
Youth Football Coaching Strategies
Rules
• Set the ground rules for the players and their parents at the start of the season. Be clear on the rules for practices, attendance, player participation, fundraising, effort, and sportsmanship. That way everyone knows what to expect and there are no surprises during the season.
Time Management
• You have the football field for a limited amount of time. Don't waste it performing extensive conditioning drills. Use the time wisely and teach "real" football during these sessions. You want kids to have fun and learn the game. That's what they signed up for...they can run conditioning and agility drills any time.
Drills
Yes, you need to run conditioning drills but limit them in your practice. You should be teaching your kids life skills such as developing the discipline to work out and perform interval training on their own. Develop the child's love of the game first, but keep them accountable.
• Moreover, there are many elaborate football drill libraries on the Internet such as those at Weplay. While a coach should select a variety of age-appropriate drills for coaching his team, focusing on these basics and making them fun for the team will often lead to greater success.
Morale
• End your practices on a high note. Too many coaches run sprints or laps at the end of the practice and the players dislike them. Instead, run special team drills such as kickoff returns or punt coverage for your end-of-practice conditioning drills. You'll get them in top shape while making it fun and teaching valuable football skills at the same time.
Playbook
• In youth football, its better to run a few plays really well than run many plays poorly. Pick four or five plays as the core of your offensive strategy and practice the execution until the players can run them in their sleep. Only then, should you start introducing new plays.
With a focus on some simple basics, youth football coaches can successfully start down their path. By teaching youth football and the life lessons of discipline, self-motivation, sportsmanship and fair play, a coach's experience can be both enjoyable and meaningful. The integrity that you insist they use on the field will follow them off the field.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_A._Sumner
Youth Football Coaching Strategies
Rules
• Set the ground rules for the players and their parents at the start of the season. Be clear on the rules for practices, attendance, player participation, fundraising, effort, and sportsmanship. That way everyone knows what to expect and there are no surprises during the season.
Time Management
• You have the football field for a limited amount of time. Don't waste it performing extensive conditioning drills. Use the time wisely and teach "real" football during these sessions. You want kids to have fun and learn the game. That's what they signed up for...they can run conditioning and agility drills any time.
Drills
Yes, you need to run conditioning drills but limit them in your practice. You should be teaching your kids life skills such as developing the discipline to work out and perform interval training on their own. Develop the child's love of the game first, but keep them accountable.
• Moreover, there are many elaborate football drill libraries on the Internet such as those at Weplay. While a coach should select a variety of age-appropriate drills for coaching his team, focusing on these basics and making them fun for the team will often lead to greater success.
Morale
• End your practices on a high note. Too many coaches run sprints or laps at the end of the practice and the players dislike them. Instead, run special team drills such as kickoff returns or punt coverage for your end-of-practice conditioning drills. You'll get them in top shape while making it fun and teaching valuable football skills at the same time.
Playbook
• In youth football, its better to run a few plays really well than run many plays poorly. Pick four or five plays as the core of your offensive strategy and practice the execution until the players can run them in their sleep. Only then, should you start introducing new plays.
With a focus on some simple basics, youth football coaches can successfully start down their path. By teaching youth football and the life lessons of discipline, self-motivation, sportsmanship and fair play, a coach's experience can be both enjoyable and meaningful. The integrity that you insist they use on the field will follow them off the field.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_A._Sumner
Sunday, August 2, 2009
How to Purchase College Bowl Tickets
One of the greatest things that you can do is to go to a College Bowl Game and if it is your favorite team it is even better. Getting tickets that you can afford is the key to seeing a great bowl game this season. There are some tips to finding deals online.
The first thing you want to do is to try to get tickets with ticket masters the day they are released. There is usually a small amount of tickets up for grabs so you may want to get online or the phone early to try to get your seats for the game. Do not worry if you strike out because there are other ways to get tickets.
Next you should use Craigslist or your local newspaper to have an ad that states you are looking for tickets you may be surprised that there could be an alumni that had something come up and they are willing to sell there tickets at face value. Make sure that you have a price in mind that you are willing to spend.
Lastly check online ticket dealers you may find some place such as stubhub that you can get tickets form a ticket holder at a good price. It is a better solution than going to a regular ticket broker who in most cases will over charge for the tickets. eBay is another great solution to find tickets to your favorite bowl game. You want to find someone who has good feedback to purchase great seats from.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Burbank
The first thing you want to do is to try to get tickets with ticket masters the day they are released. There is usually a small amount of tickets up for grabs so you may want to get online or the phone early to try to get your seats for the game. Do not worry if you strike out because there are other ways to get tickets.
Next you should use Craigslist or your local newspaper to have an ad that states you are looking for tickets you may be surprised that there could be an alumni that had something come up and they are willing to sell there tickets at face value. Make sure that you have a price in mind that you are willing to spend.
Lastly check online ticket dealers you may find some place such as stubhub that you can get tickets form a ticket holder at a good price. It is a better solution than going to a regular ticket broker who in most cases will over charge for the tickets. eBay is another great solution to find tickets to your favorite bowl game. You want to find someone who has good feedback to purchase great seats from.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Burbank
Cardinals - One Hit Wonders Or Threat to Repeat?
This year the Cardinals are projected to win 8.5 games, are 15/2 to win the NFC Championship game, and 15/1 to win the Super Bowl. Are these Vegas odds making your head spin? Well, to summarize, the odds that the Arizona Cardinals are going back to Super Bowl, or even the playoffs, are not good.
At first glance, the Cardinals chances seem great. Pro bowler Kurt Warner, despite his age of 37, is still arguably one of the top QB's in the NFL. Safety Adrian Wilson leads a much underrated defensive unit that played great down the stretch last year. The Cards also have one of the most lethal receiving cores in the game. Locking up Anquan Boldin would make everyone feel a little better about the 2009 season, but the fact he wasn't traded is a good sign. Larry Fitzgerald is an elite playmaker who needs Boldin in the line up to free up double (even triple) coverage.
The NFC West was a walking band-aid last year, and should not be considered as weak as many people think. With some of the improvements made this off-season, there is no way any one team will win the division with ease. The Seattle Seahawks grabbed Houshmandzadeh in free agency, helping a laughable receiving core get better quickly; key players Deion Brach and Matt Hasselbeck are both returning from injury. A fresh start with new coach Jim Mora could also be good for some of these seasoned Seattle veterans. Not since the 1992 season have the Seattle Seahawks had such a low win total. The shocking 4-12 season will be huge motivation to improve quickly and challenge for a playoff spot.
The Rams lost playmaker Torry Holt and veteran LT Orlando Pace, but look somewhat strong after bringing in the New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to lead the pack. The Rams had an excellent draft and even made a few solid free agent signings.
The San Francisco 49ers, who were ghosts in free agency, came away laughing after Oakland passed on Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree at the NFL Draft in April. The only question now is who's going to lead this young team? The right quarterback might have the 49ers finally pulling out of the repair shop with a serious muscle car.
The Cardinals didn't get to the Super Bowl by default, they knocked off three strong offensive teams: Falcons, Panthers, and Eagles. With each playoff win the team grew more confidence, but an off-season of headaches may hurt the Cardinals 2009 season. Top teams always get picked apart in free agency, although losing as many starters as Arizona did hasn't sat well with the loyal fan base, not to mention losing both their defensive and offensive coordinators Clancy Pendergast and Todd Haley.
Even with the additions of RB Beanie Wells and Safety Rashad Johnson in the draft, this team has the look of being dubbed a one hit wonder. Too many losses on defense and the shake up of the coaching staff will mean the offense will be forced to win games in a shoot out fashion. This is great news if you have fantasy players, but hard to rely on down the stretch of the NFL season. The Cardinals schedule isn't easy, playing 4 out of 5 road games starting in the middle of November, while going up against many up and coming teams such as the Jaguars, Texans, Bears, and Packers. Gridiron Experts predicts anywhere between a 6 to 9 win season.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Rodriguez
At first glance, the Cardinals chances seem great. Pro bowler Kurt Warner, despite his age of 37, is still arguably one of the top QB's in the NFL. Safety Adrian Wilson leads a much underrated defensive unit that played great down the stretch last year. The Cards also have one of the most lethal receiving cores in the game. Locking up Anquan Boldin would make everyone feel a little better about the 2009 season, but the fact he wasn't traded is a good sign. Larry Fitzgerald is an elite playmaker who needs Boldin in the line up to free up double (even triple) coverage.
The NFC West was a walking band-aid last year, and should not be considered as weak as many people think. With some of the improvements made this off-season, there is no way any one team will win the division with ease. The Seattle Seahawks grabbed Houshmandzadeh in free agency, helping a laughable receiving core get better quickly; key players Deion Brach and Matt Hasselbeck are both returning from injury. A fresh start with new coach Jim Mora could also be good for some of these seasoned Seattle veterans. Not since the 1992 season have the Seattle Seahawks had such a low win total. The shocking 4-12 season will be huge motivation to improve quickly and challenge for a playoff spot.
The Rams lost playmaker Torry Holt and veteran LT Orlando Pace, but look somewhat strong after bringing in the New York Giants Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to lead the pack. The Rams had an excellent draft and even made a few solid free agent signings.
The San Francisco 49ers, who were ghosts in free agency, came away laughing after Oakland passed on Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree at the NFL Draft in April. The only question now is who's going to lead this young team? The right quarterback might have the 49ers finally pulling out of the repair shop with a serious muscle car.
The Cardinals didn't get to the Super Bowl by default, they knocked off three strong offensive teams: Falcons, Panthers, and Eagles. With each playoff win the team grew more confidence, but an off-season of headaches may hurt the Cardinals 2009 season. Top teams always get picked apart in free agency, although losing as many starters as Arizona did hasn't sat well with the loyal fan base, not to mention losing both their defensive and offensive coordinators Clancy Pendergast and Todd Haley.
Even with the additions of RB Beanie Wells and Safety Rashad Johnson in the draft, this team has the look of being dubbed a one hit wonder. Too many losses on defense and the shake up of the coaching staff will mean the offense will be forced to win games in a shoot out fashion. This is great news if you have fantasy players, but hard to rely on down the stretch of the NFL season. The Cardinals schedule isn't easy, playing 4 out of 5 road games starting in the middle of November, while going up against many up and coming teams such as the Jaguars, Texans, Bears, and Packers. Gridiron Experts predicts anywhere between a 6 to 9 win season.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Rodriguez
Orgins of the BCS - How College Football Got in This Mess
Other NCAA sports tournaments started holding post-season play-offs in the 1930's and 1940's to determine their national champion but college football was already very popular by this time. Because travel was both time-consuming and expensive, post-season playoffs were difficult to support. The bowl system that was adopted started in 1902 with the East-West game held in Pasadena, California.
In conjunction with the Tournament of Roses, the East-West Game was held on New Year's Day between a top-rated team representing the West Coast and a team from the East of the Mississippi River. The timing was perfect for fans to travel and take-off from work or school to witness the games due to the holiday season. The new stadium was shaped like a Rose thus; the game was renamed into the Rose Bowl in the late 1920s. The Cotton, Orange, and Sugar Bowl which followed a decade after showcasing the teams representing each region of the country were also held on New Year's Day.
Contracts were signed during the 1940s by the College Football Conferences tying their championship with a certain bowl. Commitment between the Big Ten Conference and the Pac Ten Conference formerly known as the Pacific Coast Conference agreed to join their winning teams in the yearly Rose Bowl. This agreement is still being honored under the BCS. The top two-ranked teams had only played each other for a total of six games since the final poll in the bowl games was released in 1968 right after the system raised the probability of hindering the teams from playing each other. This also increased the possibility of having a divided national championship which has already occurred on many instances.
A great example of this would be the case of the two leading teams in 1991: the University of Miami Hurricanes and the University of Washington Huskies who had to share the national championship title. Because the Huskies were tied in the Rose Bowl in the role of the Pac 10 Conference against the Big Ten of Michigan, while the Miami Hurricanes were tied to the Orange Bowl, there was no way that they could compete with each other. The Miami ended up gaining the Associated Press Poll and the Washington Huskies winning as the number 1 team for the Coaches' Poll.
To remedy the existing problem, a Bowl Coalition was created in 1992 by the joint forces of five (5) Conferences, six (6) Bowl games and the dominating independent Notre Dame. The intent of the Bowl Coalition was to cause a movement for the top two teams to compete in a National Championship game. The Bowl Coalition disregarded the participation of all the other conferences, and made it impossible for a non-bowl coalition team to triumph in a National Championship. Although the traditional tie-ins remained existent between conferences and bowls, the system continued from the period of the 1992 season until the 1994 season. In the need to bring about a championship game, a team would be freed to play in another bowl with the exception of the Big Ten and Pac 10 champions who were already required to play in the Rose Bowl. The Bowl Coalition failed in its attempts to convince the Rose Bowl to free the Big Ten and Pac 10 champions if the need arises for a championship game. In the case of 1994, Penn State never got the chance to play Nebraska in a championship game, both undefeated champions in their respective bowls.
It was during the 1995 season that the Bowl Coalition was reorganized into the Bowl Alliance now with the involvement of five conferences which was reduced to four in the 1996 season; and the Fiesta, Sugar, and Orange Bowls. The Pac 10 and Big Ten champions, the Rose Bowl and other non-bowl alliance teams were still not included in the rotation of the championship game among the three bowls.
The 1998 season once again saw reformation from the Bowl Alliance to the Bowl Championship Series. This time, the Rose Bowl operated by the Tournament of Roses Association had agreed to free the champions of the Big Ten and Pac 10 for the National Championship game as necessary. Because of this agreement, the Rose Bowl was placed as an addition to the annual rotation of the national championship and was able to retain its exclusive exposure on a television time slot during the afternoon of New Year's Day. But at the start of the 2006 season, the BCS National Championship Game held a week after New Year's Day was played at the same location as a host bowl and as a separate event.
The man considered to be behind the creation of the BCS is former SEC Commissioner Roy Kramer. Teams from mid-major conferences are now given an opportunity to participate based on their performance and standing. Although none have made it to the National Championship game.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_A_Parks
In conjunction with the Tournament of Roses, the East-West Game was held on New Year's Day between a top-rated team representing the West Coast and a team from the East of the Mississippi River. The timing was perfect for fans to travel and take-off from work or school to witness the games due to the holiday season. The new stadium was shaped like a Rose thus; the game was renamed into the Rose Bowl in the late 1920s. The Cotton, Orange, and Sugar Bowl which followed a decade after showcasing the teams representing each region of the country were also held on New Year's Day.
Contracts were signed during the 1940s by the College Football Conferences tying their championship with a certain bowl. Commitment between the Big Ten Conference and the Pac Ten Conference formerly known as the Pacific Coast Conference agreed to join their winning teams in the yearly Rose Bowl. This agreement is still being honored under the BCS. The top two-ranked teams had only played each other for a total of six games since the final poll in the bowl games was released in 1968 right after the system raised the probability of hindering the teams from playing each other. This also increased the possibility of having a divided national championship which has already occurred on many instances.
A great example of this would be the case of the two leading teams in 1991: the University of Miami Hurricanes and the University of Washington Huskies who had to share the national championship title. Because the Huskies were tied in the Rose Bowl in the role of the Pac 10 Conference against the Big Ten of Michigan, while the Miami Hurricanes were tied to the Orange Bowl, there was no way that they could compete with each other. The Miami ended up gaining the Associated Press Poll and the Washington Huskies winning as the number 1 team for the Coaches' Poll.
To remedy the existing problem, a Bowl Coalition was created in 1992 by the joint forces of five (5) Conferences, six (6) Bowl games and the dominating independent Notre Dame. The intent of the Bowl Coalition was to cause a movement for the top two teams to compete in a National Championship game. The Bowl Coalition disregarded the participation of all the other conferences, and made it impossible for a non-bowl coalition team to triumph in a National Championship. Although the traditional tie-ins remained existent between conferences and bowls, the system continued from the period of the 1992 season until the 1994 season. In the need to bring about a championship game, a team would be freed to play in another bowl with the exception of the Big Ten and Pac 10 champions who were already required to play in the Rose Bowl. The Bowl Coalition failed in its attempts to convince the Rose Bowl to free the Big Ten and Pac 10 champions if the need arises for a championship game. In the case of 1994, Penn State never got the chance to play Nebraska in a championship game, both undefeated champions in their respective bowls.
It was during the 1995 season that the Bowl Coalition was reorganized into the Bowl Alliance now with the involvement of five conferences which was reduced to four in the 1996 season; and the Fiesta, Sugar, and Orange Bowls. The Pac 10 and Big Ten champions, the Rose Bowl and other non-bowl alliance teams were still not included in the rotation of the championship game among the three bowls.
The 1998 season once again saw reformation from the Bowl Alliance to the Bowl Championship Series. This time, the Rose Bowl operated by the Tournament of Roses Association had agreed to free the champions of the Big Ten and Pac 10 for the National Championship game as necessary. Because of this agreement, the Rose Bowl was placed as an addition to the annual rotation of the national championship and was able to retain its exclusive exposure on a television time slot during the afternoon of New Year's Day. But at the start of the 2006 season, the BCS National Championship Game held a week after New Year's Day was played at the same location as a host bowl and as a separate event.
The man considered to be behind the creation of the BCS is former SEC Commissioner Roy Kramer. Teams from mid-major conferences are now given an opportunity to participate based on their performance and standing. Although none have made it to the National Championship game.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_A_Parks
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Coaching Football Cornerback Mentality
Anyone who's designed or implemented a defense, at any level, knows one of the toughest decisions is deciding what the Linebacker reads should be. Options for linebacker reads include: one offensive lineman (most commonly a Guard); one offensive back; multiple offense linemen; or multiple offensive backs. There are many other variations, particularly for specialty offenses. An example of this would be coaches reading the butt of the Quarterback vs. a Wing-T.
In order to be successful, it is necessary for linebackers to read more than one player or action in a given play. Instead, you should teach a Triangle Read of some sort. For our 4-3 Defense, our Linebacker read Triangle was:
1. The snap of the football. See the football from the corner of your eye. This is not necessarily the "Primary" read, but something you have to see before anything else can happen. It may be possible to play a base defense without ever seeing the football - simply move when your 1st key moves. However, with our extensive blitz package, I believe players need ball movement to time up blitzes. Therefore, they should get used to moving on ball movement.
2. The Nearest Running Back. The Mike Linebacker would always read the Fullback - an easy concept vs. the I-Formation. The Will and Sam backers read the nearest back to them. In the I-Formation, they both read Tailback. Against certain offensive styles, this will change. It is common to "Cross-key" or read the back opposite their alignment, against a Wing-T. We may also cross-key against Zone Read Teams, including the Quarterback as one of the reads if there is no pitch back.
3. Nearest Offensive Guard. We want to look through the Guards to the backs, picking up anything strange in Guard movement with our peripheral vision as we see our primary key, the nearest back. The "Pretty Girl in the Mall" concept usually catches their attention - see guards just like you see a pretty girl in the mall. You're walking along, minding your own business - and then a good looking girl catches your eye, let your attention go to it. A Guard is usually firing out, run blocking. If you see something different - pull inside, pull outside, or high hat pass read - react to it! You will find that while Guards are the key to the offense, at the high school level they are hard to read when they are not doing something out of the ordinary (the Pretty Girl theory is stolen - but I don't know who from!).
If your experience has been anything like mine, you have found that some players prefer one type of read, while others are more comfortable with another. Perhaps if you are 100% certain that one way or another is most effective, you are more effective in coaching it. I am not, so I often find myself conflicted and tailor the reads to each individual player - so long as they generally accomplish the same objective.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_R._Daniel_III
In order to be successful, it is necessary for linebackers to read more than one player or action in a given play. Instead, you should teach a Triangle Read of some sort. For our 4-3 Defense, our Linebacker read Triangle was:
1. The snap of the football. See the football from the corner of your eye. This is not necessarily the "Primary" read, but something you have to see before anything else can happen. It may be possible to play a base defense without ever seeing the football - simply move when your 1st key moves. However, with our extensive blitz package, I believe players need ball movement to time up blitzes. Therefore, they should get used to moving on ball movement.
2. The Nearest Running Back. The Mike Linebacker would always read the Fullback - an easy concept vs. the I-Formation. The Will and Sam backers read the nearest back to them. In the I-Formation, they both read Tailback. Against certain offensive styles, this will change. It is common to "Cross-key" or read the back opposite their alignment, against a Wing-T. We may also cross-key against Zone Read Teams, including the Quarterback as one of the reads if there is no pitch back.
3. Nearest Offensive Guard. We want to look through the Guards to the backs, picking up anything strange in Guard movement with our peripheral vision as we see our primary key, the nearest back. The "Pretty Girl in the Mall" concept usually catches their attention - see guards just like you see a pretty girl in the mall. You're walking along, minding your own business - and then a good looking girl catches your eye, let your attention go to it. A Guard is usually firing out, run blocking. If you see something different - pull inside, pull outside, or high hat pass read - react to it! You will find that while Guards are the key to the offense, at the high school level they are hard to read when they are not doing something out of the ordinary (the Pretty Girl theory is stolen - but I don't know who from!).
If your experience has been anything like mine, you have found that some players prefer one type of read, while others are more comfortable with another. Perhaps if you are 100% certain that one way or another is most effective, you are more effective in coaching it. I am not, so I often find myself conflicted and tailor the reads to each individual player - so long as they generally accomplish the same objective.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_R._Daniel_III
Creating an Aggressive Football Defense
A defensive coach must have the level of aggressiveness he desires ingrained into his football philosophy. That level may also be affected if he is not the Head Coach of the team. The aggressive nature of the Head Coach will obviously factor in to the Defensive Coordinator's philosophy within a game plan. If the play caller of a football defense does not have a defined philosophy relating to how aggressive he will be, his play calling will be erratic and without purpose or meaning.
If a defensive coordinator intends to use 5, 6 and 7 man blitzes frequently, he will be playing an aggressive style. Aggressive style includes high risk/reward play calling. An aggressive football defense uses a high percentage of man coverage, particularly press-man or Bump & Run coverage, coupled with blitzing linebackers, safeties, and even occasional corner blitzes.
The alternative to aggressive defense is to be conservative, playing a "Bend but don't Break" philosophy. The conservative play caller uses a high percentage of zone defenses, with deep defenders highly conscious of letting nothing get behind them. Conservative philosophy dictates limited blitzes and, in general, a relatively simplistic playbook. The defensive coordinator wants to make sure that his football defense does not beat itself, rather relying on the other team to make mistakes.
Neither philosophy is inherently wrong. Success can be had through a highly aggressive defensive philosophy, or a sound, safe, and conservative philosophy. Wins and losses are still dependent on superior talent, and superior teaching of the fundamentals. Teams that can pursue and tackle will defeat teams that cannot. But in order to put players in the best position possible to be successful, the defense must be run under a clearly defined philosophy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_R._Daniel_III
If a defensive coordinator intends to use 5, 6 and 7 man blitzes frequently, he will be playing an aggressive style. Aggressive style includes high risk/reward play calling. An aggressive football defense uses a high percentage of man coverage, particularly press-man or Bump & Run coverage, coupled with blitzing linebackers, safeties, and even occasional corner blitzes.
The alternative to aggressive defense is to be conservative, playing a "Bend but don't Break" philosophy. The conservative play caller uses a high percentage of zone defenses, with deep defenders highly conscious of letting nothing get behind them. Conservative philosophy dictates limited blitzes and, in general, a relatively simplistic playbook. The defensive coordinator wants to make sure that his football defense does not beat itself, rather relying on the other team to make mistakes.
Neither philosophy is inherently wrong. Success can be had through a highly aggressive defensive philosophy, or a sound, safe, and conservative philosophy. Wins and losses are still dependent on superior talent, and superior teaching of the fundamentals. Teams that can pursue and tackle will defeat teams that cannot. But in order to put players in the best position possible to be successful, the defense must be run under a clearly defined philosophy.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_R._Daniel_III
Defensive Drills For Football
Every football defensive position coach needs to identify the 4 most important skills for their player to have. These skills need to be covered every single day in practice, and perhaps even during pre-game warm-up. For us, these are position-specific drills and do not include the basics which all defenders must do. We will have a separate period for pursuit, or for tackling.
There should be no discussion of individual play calls during these periods. In fact, after Day 1 or 2, there should be no discussion during this period. Everything is habit, everything is planned. This is not a time for creativity, it is a time for establishing great habits in the players.
After a warm-up using the Pursuit Drill (5 minutes), we will move directly in to individual groups to work those Big 4 skills. This period is no more than 10 minutes, and will become less as the season goes on. Linebackers may perform a drill for footwork, for block destruct, for blitzing and for pass drops. Defensive Linemen will need Get Off & Engage work, Escape technique, wrong arming and pass rush moves. We understand that if a player is an expert, a natural, in his Big 4, he can play for us.
Never ask a player to perform a task that goes against his Big 4. Do not suddenly change those techniques in the middle of the season as a knee-jerk reaction to early season failures. These are ingrained habits. They can be performed by the player without thinking, and without slowing down.
Be careful not to ask much more than those Big 4 out of a player. If a practice includes 10 minutes on the Big 4, and 20 minutes on other skill sets - you send the player the wrong message. They will get the impression, and rightly so, that the Big 4 are only half as important as the other skill sets, since practice time of the Big 4 is half as long. Use the extra time for group work, installation, film, or weight room time.
Or, just get off the field. Your hard work and preparation has led to the players gaining great football defense habits. Let them benefit from it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_R._Daniel_III
There should be no discussion of individual play calls during these periods. In fact, after Day 1 or 2, there should be no discussion during this period. Everything is habit, everything is planned. This is not a time for creativity, it is a time for establishing great habits in the players.
After a warm-up using the Pursuit Drill (5 minutes), we will move directly in to individual groups to work those Big 4 skills. This period is no more than 10 minutes, and will become less as the season goes on. Linebackers may perform a drill for footwork, for block destruct, for blitzing and for pass drops. Defensive Linemen will need Get Off & Engage work, Escape technique, wrong arming and pass rush moves. We understand that if a player is an expert, a natural, in his Big 4, he can play for us.
Never ask a player to perform a task that goes against his Big 4. Do not suddenly change those techniques in the middle of the season as a knee-jerk reaction to early season failures. These are ingrained habits. They can be performed by the player without thinking, and without slowing down.
Be careful not to ask much more than those Big 4 out of a player. If a practice includes 10 minutes on the Big 4, and 20 minutes on other skill sets - you send the player the wrong message. They will get the impression, and rightly so, that the Big 4 are only half as important as the other skill sets, since practice time of the Big 4 is half as long. Use the extra time for group work, installation, film, or weight room time.
Or, just get off the field. Your hard work and preparation has led to the players gaining great football defense habits. Let them benefit from it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_R._Daniel_III
Friday, January 30, 2009
Dallas Cowboys Disappoint Their Fan Base - Again
Because they are accustomed to the wild ups and downs of sports, most fans are used to a fair share of disappointment. But right now, the most disappointed fan base in sports has to be that of the Dallas Cowboys. Even the Detroit Lions, who set a record for ignominy by going 0-16, didn't let their fans down as badly. Lions fans regularly enter the National Football League season with low expectations.
For the past two or three seasons, the Dallas Cowboys have been the prohibitive favorites to win the Super Bowl, despite the fact that they last won a playoff game during the Clinton administration. They have regularly been among the league leaders on offense, and when they picked up wide receiver Terrell Owens, it seemed like the sky was the limit. After all, Owens had taken the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2005, and played the game on a broken leg. Surely the Cowboys, a team with more overall talent than the Eagles, would use the mercurial receiver to take the next step.
Only it didn't happen. The New York Giants eliminated the Cowboys from the playoffs in 2007 on their way to the Super Bowl. It was a disappointment, sure, but it was only one game. Next year would be the year.
Only that didn't happen, either. The first sign of trouble came during weeks 6 and 7. The Arizona Cardinals beat the Cowboys on Oct. 12, 30-24. Then the Cowboys' lost to the St. Louis Rams, one of the NFL's worst teams of late. Great teams win the games they are supposed to win.
Then, quite predictably, Terrell Owens began to complain. According to Ed Werder of ESPN, Owens was upset that quarterback Tony Romo was throwing almost exclusively to tight end Jason Witten, who happens to be Romo's best friend on the team. Werder's report stated that Owens had called a meeting with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to discuss the problem. Several unnamed players backed Owens' claim. Garrett publicly said that nothing was wrong with the Cowboys that a win couldn't solve.
Despite the inner turmoil, things weren't looking so bad for the Cowboys. They went into the Dec. 14 game against the Giants with an 8-5 record and a legitimate chance to finish the season with 11 wins. They beat the Giants, 20-8, in a game that essentially a shutout until late in the fourth quarter. Suddenly the Cowboys were looking like a dangerous playoff dark horse.
Then came the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles. Now the Cowboys, the sexy preseason pick to win the Super Bowl, are out of the playoffs, with major changes coming. Owner Jerry Jones is one of the NFL's most prideful owners, and despite his assertions to the contrary, he's going to be tempted to make some personnel moves. Head coach Wade Phillips might do well to put his house on the market now. Owens, the agitator, might find himself out of a job as well. Even Jason Garrett, who was a popular candidate for a head coaching position two years ago, could be fired.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=O'Dell_Isaac_II
For the past two or three seasons, the Dallas Cowboys have been the prohibitive favorites to win the Super Bowl, despite the fact that they last won a playoff game during the Clinton administration. They have regularly been among the league leaders on offense, and when they picked up wide receiver Terrell Owens, it seemed like the sky was the limit. After all, Owens had taken the Philadelphia Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2005, and played the game on a broken leg. Surely the Cowboys, a team with more overall talent than the Eagles, would use the mercurial receiver to take the next step.
Only it didn't happen. The New York Giants eliminated the Cowboys from the playoffs in 2007 on their way to the Super Bowl. It was a disappointment, sure, but it was only one game. Next year would be the year.
Only that didn't happen, either. The first sign of trouble came during weeks 6 and 7. The Arizona Cardinals beat the Cowboys on Oct. 12, 30-24. Then the Cowboys' lost to the St. Louis Rams, one of the NFL's worst teams of late. Great teams win the games they are supposed to win.
Then, quite predictably, Terrell Owens began to complain. According to Ed Werder of ESPN, Owens was upset that quarterback Tony Romo was throwing almost exclusively to tight end Jason Witten, who happens to be Romo's best friend on the team. Werder's report stated that Owens had called a meeting with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to discuss the problem. Several unnamed players backed Owens' claim. Garrett publicly said that nothing was wrong with the Cowboys that a win couldn't solve.
Despite the inner turmoil, things weren't looking so bad for the Cowboys. They went into the Dec. 14 game against the Giants with an 8-5 record and a legitimate chance to finish the season with 11 wins. They beat the Giants, 20-8, in a game that essentially a shutout until late in the fourth quarter. Suddenly the Cowboys were looking like a dangerous playoff dark horse.
Then came the Baltimore Ravens and the Philadelphia Eagles. Now the Cowboys, the sexy preseason pick to win the Super Bowl, are out of the playoffs, with major changes coming. Owner Jerry Jones is one of the NFL's most prideful owners, and despite his assertions to the contrary, he's going to be tempted to make some personnel moves. Head coach Wade Phillips might do well to put his house on the market now. Owens, the agitator, might find himself out of a job as well. Even Jason Garrett, who was a popular candidate for a head coaching position two years ago, could be fired.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=O'Dell_Isaac_II
2008 Poinsettia Bowl - Texas Christian Beats Boise State, Destroys Broncos Perfect Season
The beauty of the Western Athletic Conference is not lost on Boise State. The Broncos waltzed to the WAC title with a perfect 8-0 record and then continued on for a perfect 12-0 regular season, scoring victory after victory against weak, sometimes pathetic, opponents.
The Broncos played only two teams all season worthy of mention-Oregon (who they barely beat 37-32) and the weaker Fresno State Bulldogs (who they slaughtered 61-10 in their regular season finale, proving that the Bulldogs were more bark than bite).
Boise State came to the Poinsettia Bowl (12-23-08) with a No. 9-rank in the AP Top 25 Poll to meet the No. 11-ranked Texas Christian University Horned Frogs, yes, those Horned Frogs. The result was predictable, if not laughable. TCU won 17-16, ruining Boise State's perfect season.
TCU was behind 13-10 midway through the 4th quarter when Joseph Turner scored on a 17-yard run to put TCU up 17-13. Boise State later had to settle for a field goal and lost 17-16. End of story. The comeback win for TCU was not as close as the score would indicate.
TCU bested Boise State in nearly every critical category-first downs (28 to 15), third down efficiency (9 of 18 to 3 of 11), rushing yards (275 to 28) and total yards (472 to 250). Boise State beat TCU in passing by a mere 25 yards (222 to 197). In the end, TCU's defense held and Boise State's did not.
"They had better athletes than we've ever seen," said Boise State running back Ian Johnson. "They played with so much heart. You didn't look over there one time and say, 'We broke them.' They knew they were going to come back and they believed in themselves the whole time."
So what happened that Boise State should have its dream of a second 13-0 season in three years fade away?
Just this: Boise State played one tough opponent-Oregon-to get to 12-0. TCU played two even tougher opponents-Oklahoma and Utah, losing to both-to get to a 10-2 mark in the regular season.
The fast, aggressive Horned Frog defense shut the door on the Broncos. Boise State came into the Poinsettia Bowl averaging 39 points and 456 yards a game, mostly against weak opponents, and left scoring 16 points and gaining 250 yards.
Boise State ended its season at 12-1 while TCU was 11-2.
Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley
Read my other detailed, knowledgeable, interesting articles on college football, including:
"So Who Are the Current Worst Players in Division 1-A Football in the Nation?"
"Tulsa the 19th Best Team in Nation? You Must Be Kidding and Here Is Why"
"4 AP Top 25 Teams Have Some Proving to Do-Missouri, Texas Tech, South Florida and Kansas"
"Meet the Illinois Fighting Illini - The Most Overrated Team in the AP's Top 25 Poll"
"Famous Quotes by Vince Lombardi, Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz During Football's Annual Bowl Season"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Bagley
The Broncos played only two teams all season worthy of mention-Oregon (who they barely beat 37-32) and the weaker Fresno State Bulldogs (who they slaughtered 61-10 in their regular season finale, proving that the Bulldogs were more bark than bite).
Boise State came to the Poinsettia Bowl (12-23-08) with a No. 9-rank in the AP Top 25 Poll to meet the No. 11-ranked Texas Christian University Horned Frogs, yes, those Horned Frogs. The result was predictable, if not laughable. TCU won 17-16, ruining Boise State's perfect season.
TCU was behind 13-10 midway through the 4th quarter when Joseph Turner scored on a 17-yard run to put TCU up 17-13. Boise State later had to settle for a field goal and lost 17-16. End of story. The comeback win for TCU was not as close as the score would indicate.
TCU bested Boise State in nearly every critical category-first downs (28 to 15), third down efficiency (9 of 18 to 3 of 11), rushing yards (275 to 28) and total yards (472 to 250). Boise State beat TCU in passing by a mere 25 yards (222 to 197). In the end, TCU's defense held and Boise State's did not.
"They had better athletes than we've ever seen," said Boise State running back Ian Johnson. "They played with so much heart. You didn't look over there one time and say, 'We broke them.' They knew they were going to come back and they believed in themselves the whole time."
So what happened that Boise State should have its dream of a second 13-0 season in three years fade away?
Just this: Boise State played one tough opponent-Oregon-to get to 12-0. TCU played two even tougher opponents-Oklahoma and Utah, losing to both-to get to a 10-2 mark in the regular season.
The fast, aggressive Horned Frog defense shut the door on the Broncos. Boise State came into the Poinsettia Bowl averaging 39 points and 456 yards a game, mostly against weak opponents, and left scoring 16 points and gaining 250 yards.
Boise State ended its season at 12-1 while TCU was 11-2.
Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley
Read my other detailed, knowledgeable, interesting articles on college football, including:
"So Who Are the Current Worst Players in Division 1-A Football in the Nation?"
"Tulsa the 19th Best Team in Nation? You Must Be Kidding and Here Is Why"
"4 AP Top 25 Teams Have Some Proving to Do-Missouri, Texas Tech, South Florida and Kansas"
"Meet the Illinois Fighting Illini - The Most Overrated Team in the AP's Top 25 Poll"
"Famous Quotes by Vince Lombardi, Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz During Football's Annual Bowl Season"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Bagley
2008 Las Vegas Bowl - No 17-Ranked Brigham Young Gets Upset by Unranked Arizona, 31-21
The unranked Arizona Wildcats and their head coach Mike Stoops never made the AP Top 25 Poll during the 15-week regular season, but showed how overranked No. 17 Brigham Young University was by beating the Cougars 31-21 in the Las Vegas Bowl.
BYU wanted to strut its stuff at the expense of Arizona but came up sucking pond water in Louisiana. After getting whipped by Arizona Saturday (12-20-08), the Cougars finished the year at 10-3 while the Wildcats ended their campaign at 8-5.
There is a real significance to BYU's only 3 losses, and it is this: the Cougars got beat by the only 3 decent teams they played all year. After waltzing through 6 straight wins and rising to No. 8 in the AP Poll, the Cougars traveled to TCU and got crushed 32-7. After 4 more wins against weak opponents on an easy schedule, they ran smack into the Utah and got burned 48-24.
Both Utah and TCU are from the same Mountain West Conference as BYU, and Utah went on the win the MWC title with an unbeaten 8-0 record and a 12-0 perfect regular season. TCU was runner-up in the Conference and BYU was 3rd.
Who would have thought that the mighty Cougars, now ranked No. 17 and with an "outstanding" 10-2 record, would have a problem with a 7-5 Arizona squad? Answer: Mike Stoops and everyone on his Wildcat team.
Just listen to BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall after being upset by Arizona: "Ten and three is a solid season, but the standards here are much higher," said Mendenhall. "Our standards here are to win the conference championship and be on the national scene." Yeah, Bronco, like Arizona doesn't have any standards, the Wildcats just have the victory in the Las Vegas Bowl and still no national ranking.
Mendenhall should have been a spin doctor for a political party. Mendenhall should answer this question in a press conference: If Brigham Young is the 17th best team in the nation coming into the Las Vegas Bowl, where should Arizona be ranked? Arizona got no props from the polls all season while the Cougars were playing weak opponents and sitting around reading their press clippings.
Somehow the national media seems to fawn over unbeaten mid-major teams-like Utah and Boise State-and exaggerate their importance in the national rankings. Both Brigham Young and Arizona played and won against two common opponents-UCLA and Washington. That is the end of head-to-head comparisons and, in the final analysis of opponents, BYU comes up on the short end of the stick.
During the regular season, BYU faced and lost against only 2 AP Top 25 teams-TCU and Utah. Arizona faced 5 AP Top 25 teams, beating California and Arizona State and losing to Southern Cal, Oregon and Oregon State.
Had BYU also faced Southern Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, California and Arizona State instead of 5 cupcake opponents, there is no way BYU would have come out with 5 victories; the Cougar record might well have been 7-5 (exactly the same as Arizona) if not 5-7.
Arizona won the 1st half against BYU 10-7 and also the 2nd half 21-14.
The game itself was no big deal. Willie Tuitama, Arizona's senior quarterback, was 24-for-35 for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air and 1 on the ground. The victory over BYU was Arizona's first in 10 years. Wildcat head coach Mike Stoops spent 5 years building up an Arizona program that needed some major attention, and now the Wildcat program is gaining credibility at the expense of Brigham Young University.
Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley
Read my other detailed, knowledgeable, interesting articles on college football, including:
"So Who Are the Current Worst Players in Division 1-A Football in the Nation?"
"Tulsa the 19th Best Team in Nation? You Must Be Kidding and Here Is Why"
"4 AP Top 25 Teams Have Some Proving to Do-Missouri, Texas Tech, South Florida and Kansas"
"Meet the Illinois Fighting Illini - The Most Overrated Team in the AP's Top 25 Poll"
"Famous Quotes by Vince Lombardi, Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz During Football's Annual Bowl Season"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Bagley
BYU wanted to strut its stuff at the expense of Arizona but came up sucking pond water in Louisiana. After getting whipped by Arizona Saturday (12-20-08), the Cougars finished the year at 10-3 while the Wildcats ended their campaign at 8-5.
There is a real significance to BYU's only 3 losses, and it is this: the Cougars got beat by the only 3 decent teams they played all year. After waltzing through 6 straight wins and rising to No. 8 in the AP Poll, the Cougars traveled to TCU and got crushed 32-7. After 4 more wins against weak opponents on an easy schedule, they ran smack into the Utah and got burned 48-24.
Both Utah and TCU are from the same Mountain West Conference as BYU, and Utah went on the win the MWC title with an unbeaten 8-0 record and a 12-0 perfect regular season. TCU was runner-up in the Conference and BYU was 3rd.
Who would have thought that the mighty Cougars, now ranked No. 17 and with an "outstanding" 10-2 record, would have a problem with a 7-5 Arizona squad? Answer: Mike Stoops and everyone on his Wildcat team.
Just listen to BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall after being upset by Arizona: "Ten and three is a solid season, but the standards here are much higher," said Mendenhall. "Our standards here are to win the conference championship and be on the national scene." Yeah, Bronco, like Arizona doesn't have any standards, the Wildcats just have the victory in the Las Vegas Bowl and still no national ranking.
Mendenhall should have been a spin doctor for a political party. Mendenhall should answer this question in a press conference: If Brigham Young is the 17th best team in the nation coming into the Las Vegas Bowl, where should Arizona be ranked? Arizona got no props from the polls all season while the Cougars were playing weak opponents and sitting around reading their press clippings.
Somehow the national media seems to fawn over unbeaten mid-major teams-like Utah and Boise State-and exaggerate their importance in the national rankings. Both Brigham Young and Arizona played and won against two common opponents-UCLA and Washington. That is the end of head-to-head comparisons and, in the final analysis of opponents, BYU comes up on the short end of the stick.
During the regular season, BYU faced and lost against only 2 AP Top 25 teams-TCU and Utah. Arizona faced 5 AP Top 25 teams, beating California and Arizona State and losing to Southern Cal, Oregon and Oregon State.
Had BYU also faced Southern Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, California and Arizona State instead of 5 cupcake opponents, there is no way BYU would have come out with 5 victories; the Cougar record might well have been 7-5 (exactly the same as Arizona) if not 5-7.
Arizona won the 1st half against BYU 10-7 and also the 2nd half 21-14.
The game itself was no big deal. Willie Tuitama, Arizona's senior quarterback, was 24-for-35 for 325 yards and 2 touchdowns in the air and 1 on the ground. The victory over BYU was Arizona's first in 10 years. Wildcat head coach Mike Stoops spent 5 years building up an Arizona program that needed some major attention, and now the Wildcat program is gaining credibility at the expense of Brigham Young University.
Copyright © 2008 Ed Bagley
Read my other detailed, knowledgeable, interesting articles on college football, including:
"So Who Are the Current Worst Players in Division 1-A Football in the Nation?"
"Tulsa the 19th Best Team in Nation? You Must Be Kidding and Here Is Why"
"4 AP Top 25 Teams Have Some Proving to Do-Missouri, Texas Tech, South Florida and Kansas"
"Meet the Illinois Fighting Illini - The Most Overrated Team in the AP's Top 25 Poll"
"Famous Quotes by Vince Lombardi, Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz During Football's Annual Bowl Season"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Bagley
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Boosting Elementary American Football Defensive Routines
Water on and off the field
Sufficient water intake on and off the field for athletes should be a concern for both the coaches and the players. Make sure that during the football practice players have their water bottles handy and are drinking often. Always remember that if you prevent, punish, or otherwise use water as a motivational tool it is very counterproductive, and there are many other motivating paths that you can take. Keeping everyone happy and hydrated will go a long way to a successful practice.
Playbook Practicing
Learning a play is critical because when an individual learns a play and executes it properly, it benefits the whole team. In order to start learning a play, make sure that you first pay attention to the instructions when they are given. In order to avoid learning a play wrong, or developing bad habits, we recommend that you go through the entire play slowly at first. Remember that if you need help, you should ask for it. At times we have seen a player fail to advance or refine their techniques because they don't ask for added assistance. Don't let this happen to you Are you done with the play after practice? No way! One thing that you can do after practice is visualize your plays. Sleep on them, and you will learn them twice as fast.
Low Ball Catching Techniques
Execution on a football field starts with practice. Perfect and not so perfect scenarios should constantly run at football practice. Here are some secrets to making this catch. Here are some basics to a great low catch. This ensures that the ball will not slip through your fingers. Second, keep low to the ground as a reference your knees should be level with your elbows, and if this means that you are down on all fours better a complete and no extra yards than an incomplete pass. Once you have the football in your hands scoop it up and tuck it away. Remember, the cardinal rule of catching is to use your hands and not your body. Keep your eyes right on the ball. Catch it first and then worry about running it.
Some fundamentals of ball security
A team that prevents fumbles is a team that wins. There is nothing worse than almost getting a first down or even a touchdown and fumbling the ball, for this reason there is a great need for ball security. There are four points to protecting the football. First grab the football with your carrying hand with the tips of the football being covered with your fingers. The second point is making sure that your forearm is wrapped tightly on the outer rim of the football. Third, pull the football in close to your bicep to protect it from opponent jabs and attempts to make you fumble. Fourth, pull the football up and tight against your ribcage closing the gap on the football from all four sides. Run a couple of drills were the ball carrier runs through a pack of defenders to practice. As your ball carrying continues to improve you will insure less turnovers and greater success on the field.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Sufficient water intake on and off the field for athletes should be a concern for both the coaches and the players. Make sure that during the football practice players have their water bottles handy and are drinking often. Always remember that if you prevent, punish, or otherwise use water as a motivational tool it is very counterproductive, and there are many other motivating paths that you can take. Keeping everyone happy and hydrated will go a long way to a successful practice.
Playbook Practicing
Learning a play is critical because when an individual learns a play and executes it properly, it benefits the whole team. In order to start learning a play, make sure that you first pay attention to the instructions when they are given. In order to avoid learning a play wrong, or developing bad habits, we recommend that you go through the entire play slowly at first. Remember that if you need help, you should ask for it. At times we have seen a player fail to advance or refine their techniques because they don't ask for added assistance. Don't let this happen to you Are you done with the play after practice? No way! One thing that you can do after practice is visualize your plays. Sleep on them, and you will learn them twice as fast.
Low Ball Catching Techniques
Execution on a football field starts with practice. Perfect and not so perfect scenarios should constantly run at football practice. Here are some secrets to making this catch. Here are some basics to a great low catch. This ensures that the ball will not slip through your fingers. Second, keep low to the ground as a reference your knees should be level with your elbows, and if this means that you are down on all fours better a complete and no extra yards than an incomplete pass. Once you have the football in your hands scoop it up and tuck it away. Remember, the cardinal rule of catching is to use your hands and not your body. Keep your eyes right on the ball. Catch it first and then worry about running it.
Some fundamentals of ball security
A team that prevents fumbles is a team that wins. There is nothing worse than almost getting a first down or even a touchdown and fumbling the ball, for this reason there is a great need for ball security. There are four points to protecting the football. First grab the football with your carrying hand with the tips of the football being covered with your fingers. The second point is making sure that your forearm is wrapped tightly on the outer rim of the football. Third, pull the football in close to your bicep to protect it from opponent jabs and attempts to make you fumble. Fourth, pull the football up and tight against your ribcage closing the gap on the football from all four sides. Run a couple of drills were the ball carrier runs through a pack of defenders to practice. As your ball carrying continues to improve you will insure less turnovers and greater success on the field.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Learning & Playing - Football Practice
Constant motion drill to increase ball handling skills
This drill is used to increase player's ball handling skills on the field. Players will move the football from one hand to another hand around differing parts of their body. The drill is simple and starts by having the player pass the ball around their head, torso, arms, knees, and even between their feet from one hand to another in constant motion.
The best thing that a coach can do is call out body parts that the players will have to move the ball around, or even calling a reverse command were the players will need to change the direction of the football. Changing the direction of the football ensures that they don't form a habit, and that they remained focused on the ball and controlling the movement.
We recommend that you end this drill by doing several football drops. This means that the player will drop the football and retrieve it again quickly. It will also help to change the hand that the player's uses to pick up the ball to ensure both hands are learning this technique.
Proper Catching Leads to Great Ball Security
When a receiver catches the ball they need to immediately put it into a secure ball carrying position. A great catch can be broken down into three steps: First, keep your arms extended out in front of your body with your hands out forming an imaginary triangle with your fingers and thumbs. Second, follow the ball through with your eyes. Third, secure the ball tight and high against your ribs, forearm, and biceps. Bad habits can form easily as many receivers look away mid catch to scan the field for defenders. This increases fumbles and turnovers. In order to increase catching and ball security effectiveness have two receivers pass to each other, when one of them catches the ball make sure that they slow the motion down pausing when they catch, follow through, and secure the football.
Football tackling 101
Tackling is fundamental to football, and should receive proper attention at practices. If you, or your players don't take tackling seriously you will not stop the offense and could also cause injuries. Here are three important steps to practice:
First is to cut off your opponent by placing yourself directly in front of them. You can do this by placing your foot between your opponent's feet. Also, at this time thrust your arms backward to prepare for the next step.
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. Now is the time that injuries can happen. Never, ever, ever tackle with the top of your head down, keep it up and square against your opponent. You need to literally imagine that the football is a big hamburger and you want to bite it and not slam your forehead against it.
Third, at this point you have successfully grabbed your opponent and all that's left is to lunge your hips forward and bear all of your momentum against your opponent. Setting yourself up for this last step will ultimately prove the success in the tackle.
Conditioning: The Quick Jump
Football is all about action and reaction, and those that practice reacting quickly in a variety of directions will dominate the field. This practice drill is intended to increase reaction speed and the ability to quickly change directions. 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. Some of the variations can be on legged; either right or left, or changing the order those players will perform the drill.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
This drill is used to increase player's ball handling skills on the field. Players will move the football from one hand to another hand around differing parts of their body. The drill is simple and starts by having the player pass the ball around their head, torso, arms, knees, and even between their feet from one hand to another in constant motion.
The best thing that a coach can do is call out body parts that the players will have to move the ball around, or even calling a reverse command were the players will need to change the direction of the football. Changing the direction of the football ensures that they don't form a habit, and that they remained focused on the ball and controlling the movement.
We recommend that you end this drill by doing several football drops. This means that the player will drop the football and retrieve it again quickly. It will also help to change the hand that the player's uses to pick up the ball to ensure both hands are learning this technique.
Proper Catching Leads to Great Ball Security
When a receiver catches the ball they need to immediately put it into a secure ball carrying position. A great catch can be broken down into three steps: First, keep your arms extended out in front of your body with your hands out forming an imaginary triangle with your fingers and thumbs. Second, follow the ball through with your eyes. Third, secure the ball tight and high against your ribs, forearm, and biceps. Bad habits can form easily as many receivers look away mid catch to scan the field for defenders. This increases fumbles and turnovers. In order to increase catching and ball security effectiveness have two receivers pass to each other, when one of them catches the ball make sure that they slow the motion down pausing when they catch, follow through, and secure the football.
Football tackling 101
Tackling is fundamental to football, and should receive proper attention at practices. If you, or your players don't take tackling seriously you will not stop the offense and could also cause injuries. Here are three important steps to practice:
First is to cut off your opponent by placing yourself directly in front of them. You can do this by placing your foot between your opponent's feet. Also, at this time thrust your arms backward to prepare for the next step.
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. Now is the time that injuries can happen. Never, ever, ever tackle with the top of your head down, keep it up and square against your opponent. You need to literally imagine that the football is a big hamburger and you want to bite it and not slam your forehead against it.
Third, at this point you have successfully grabbed your opponent and all that's left is to lunge your hips forward and bear all of your momentum against your opponent. Setting yourself up for this last step will ultimately prove the success in the tackle.
Conditioning: The Quick Jump
Football is all about action and reaction, and those that practice reacting quickly in a variety of directions will dominate the field. This practice drill is intended to increase reaction speed and the ability to quickly change directions. 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. Some of the variations can be on legged; either right or left, or changing the order those players will perform the drill.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
Correcting NFL American Football Offensive Drills
Prevent fumbles with strong techniques
You can't run with the football until you have learned some basic ball security measures. Football teams have lost many games because a couple of players were lax in there ball carrying and fumbled the football. There are four points to protecting the football. The claw position is the first point, meaning that you grab the football clawing at the point of the football with your fingers. The second point is making sure that your forearm is wrapped tightly on the outer rim of the football. The third point is securing the other point of the football with your bicep making sure that it is right up against it. Fourth, pull the football up and tight against your ribcage closing the gap on the football from all four sides. As a player, you will want to make sure that you are well practiced in this skill, and as a coach you should dedicate some time to ball carrying skills. By reducing the risk of a fumble you will increase the offensive strength in effectively driving across the field and scoring touchdowns.
The importance of learning the Playbook
Practicing the plays is fun, and also very important. When you master your part of the play it will strengthen your team and yourself. In order to start learning a play, make sure that you first pay attention to the instructions when they are given. In order to avoid learning a play wrong, or developing bad habits, we recommend that you go through the entire play slowly at first. As always, when learning a new play don't hesitate to ask for individual help to master the techniques needed. After practice is over visualize the play in your mind. Go over it again and again, and you will find that your mind will help you learn the plays even when you sleep.
Basics to football hand offs
Learning the basics in a hand off is essential to a strong offense. We will explain this in a common scenario between a quarterback and a running back. 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 backs chest. 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 hand off he needs to stay low to react quickly and again to protect the ball.
Staying Hydrated
Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Make sure that during the football practice players have their water bottles handy and are drinking often. Water should never be used as a motivational or reward type basis. These safe practices will help keep players energized and healthy.
Looking for Official New York Giants Gear. Giants Pro Shop.com is the official online store for the New York Giants. You will find Giants Jerseys, Collectibles and Gear. Its products include jerseys, authentic Giants Hats, Apparel, and More!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
You can't run with the football until you have learned some basic ball security measures. Football teams have lost many games because a couple of players were lax in there ball carrying and fumbled the football. There are four points to protecting the football. The claw position is the first point, meaning that you grab the football clawing at the point of the football with your fingers. The second point is making sure that your forearm is wrapped tightly on the outer rim of the football. The third point is securing the other point of the football with your bicep making sure that it is right up against it. Fourth, pull the football up and tight against your ribcage closing the gap on the football from all four sides. As a player, you will want to make sure that you are well practiced in this skill, and as a coach you should dedicate some time to ball carrying skills. By reducing the risk of a fumble you will increase the offensive strength in effectively driving across the field and scoring touchdowns.
The importance of learning the Playbook
Practicing the plays is fun, and also very important. When you master your part of the play it will strengthen your team and yourself. In order to start learning a play, make sure that you first pay attention to the instructions when they are given. In order to avoid learning a play wrong, or developing bad habits, we recommend that you go through the entire play slowly at first. As always, when learning a new play don't hesitate to ask for individual help to master the techniques needed. After practice is over visualize the play in your mind. Go over it again and again, and you will find that your mind will help you learn the plays even when you sleep.
Basics to football hand offs
Learning the basics in a hand off is essential to a strong offense. We will explain this in a common scenario between a quarterback and a running back. 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 backs chest. 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 hand off he needs to stay low to react quickly and again to protect the ball.
Staying Hydrated
Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Make sure that during the football practice players have their water bottles handy and are drinking often. Water should never be used as a motivational or reward type basis. These safe practices will help keep players energized and healthy.
Looking for Official New York Giants Gear. Giants Pro Shop.com is the official online store for the New York Giants. You will find Giants Jerseys, Collectibles and Gear. Its products include jerseys, authentic Giants Hats, Apparel, and More!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wellington_Wetwater
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