Archive for June, 2009
Ensuring Fairness
Playing family football is all about ensuring fairness for all participants. There should be no favoritism in playing or selecting players. Anyone who wishes to play should have the opportunity to do so. Age and skill level should not preclude anyone from playing family football unless the game is clearly designed for the most experienced players. This article looks at being fair in family football and describes how fairness can prevail. It also describes a role for quality equipment.
Being fair in family football is ensuring that all who wish to play do play. This means that regardless of skill, age or sex all who are not disabled can play the game. This requires that there be no favoritism of any kind. When selecting the teams to play a game of family football leave no one out who wishes to play. Not all prospective players will be skilled or experienced. Therefore, it is incumbent on the game organizer to guarantee a place for everyone who wishes to play, regardless of their individual skill level.
Family football is meant primarily to be a game of fun. Therefore, scoring and playing proficiency should never be considered when selecting players for the game. Give everyone who wishes a chance to play. Also, take the time to explain the game rules to new players and how to play the game properly. Not all new players will know how to play well. So give them lots of opportunity to succeed and ensure that they receive ample encouragement. This is the only way that new players will enjoy the game and come back for more games.
Quality equipment can also play an important part. New players must know what good equipment is. In family football there are only three choices. These are: (1) an official football, (2) good accessories and (3) a proven tote bag.
The preferred official football is a leather football. It is an official NFL football covered in top grain leather and can be a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. The next most preferred football is a composite football covered in a mix of leather and rubber. It plays less well than an all leather football and can be a Rawlings football or an
The needed accessories are a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a foot pump or a hand operated air pump. All accessories should be of good quality.
Another key accessory is the ball bag or ball tote. It is made of nylon mesh and can hold up to 10 footballs and accessories. The nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag is used to carry football equipment to and from games and keep this equipment safe at the games.
Ensuring fairness in family football means offering a place for who wish to play and using quality equipment so that all can share. Family football is not mean to be exclusive. It’s a game for all who wish to play!
Who Can Play?
Family football is a game meant for almost the whole family. Because it is football, however, it does exclude very young players, the elderly and anyone with an injury or disability. But for the most part family football welcomes all players, men and women, old and young and new or experienced. The basic game is meant to be fun for all players. But there are some family football games reserved for the most experienced and best players. We discuss family football here and examine who should play and the equipment they should use.
The typical family football game is played on a warm summer or fall afternoon in a grassy park location. The players are all ages and of both sexes. There is normally blocking only at the line of scrimmage and it features a lot of passing, some running and little, if any, kicking. The primary purpose of this game is to have fun. Also, its players learn about football and how to play it properly. The score is not really important provided that everyone enjoys themselves and learns a little football. As such this game is wide open to all players provided they are old enough and fit enough to play. There are few player restrictions.
This is not true of the more advanced game. The players here are the most experienced and they play very hard. Every variety of play is seen. There is passing, running and kicking and the game features much deception. Blocking is permitted all over the field as in a regulation game. Most players in this game wear cleated shoes and play for local high schools or even colleges. This game is high energy and played with intensity. It is not a game for the inexperienced.
The equipment used in both types of games is similar. It consists of three items: an official football, good accessories and a quality tote bag. The difference here is in the quality of the equipment. For example, in the aggressive game only a leather football is used. The preferred one is an official NFL football covered in top grain leather. It plays best and there are usually at least three such footballs on hand. This football is a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. Lesser footballs are the composite football covered in leather and rubber or the all rubber football. Either of these is used in the typical family game. The rubber football is more popular since it is less expensive. The composite football can be a Rawlings football or an
The accessories used are also similar but the best quality ones are used in the advanced game. Accessories include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a foot pump (as it usually is in the advanced game) or a hand operated air pump. Keeping game footballs ready to play is the role of the accessories.
Both types of family football attract only one type of ball bag or ball tote. It is made of nylon mesh and comes in a variety of colors. The nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag carries football equipment to and from games and keeps this equipment secure at the games. The advanced family football teams always use a ball tote. This may not be true of the typical family game.
Family football should never exclude anyone from playing unless the game is clearly too advanced. Most family football games are designed for fun in the out doors. It needs to remain this way!
Being Fit
No one can play family (or any) football unless they’re fit. What does being fit mean? Does this refer only to physical or body fitness or is it a broader definition that includes body, mind and spirit? Fitness is meant to cover body, mind and spirit because only total fitness makes any sense to an aspiring family footballer. So we will review total fitness here and how equipment helps.
How does one achieve total fitness? For body fitness the answer is straightforward and refers to three actions: (1) conduct regular exercise, (2) eat proper food and (3) avoid damaging substances. Regular exercise means any physical activity that strengthens the heart and other parts of the body. Proper food includes fresh vegetables and fruit. Also, it is prudent to avoid all fast food that is loaded with fat, sodium and cholesterol. Also, anyone who cares about good physical fitness will never smoke, do drugs or consume alcohol. Body fitness is basic to every aspiring family footballer.
Not so basic is mind fitness. But to be totally fit the family footballer must focus his or her mind totally on the game. This means knowing all plays thoroughly, guarding deceptive opponents carefully and concentrating completely on all aspects of the game as it is played. Family football demands full mind concentration. Playing the game with any less concentration is a waste. So play family football with full mental commitment.
The spirit required in family football is even more difficult to assess. Any one who plays family football must commit their whole heart and soul to the game. There must never be any slacking off since this can give opponents an unbeatable edge. The best teams in family (or any) football have strong team spirit. This means to always put the team and your teammates first. Play as a team and not as an individual. Talent is important but committed team spirit wins football games!
Having good equipment also helps. In family football, this is an official football, quality accessories and proven ball tote. The preferred football is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This leather football plays best and can be a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. The next preferred football is a composite football covered in leather and rubber. It plays less well than a leather football and can be a Rawlings football or an
Accessories include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a foot pump or a hand operated air pump. These accessories are vital to keep the game footballs ready for play at all times.
Another valuable accessory is the tote bag. The ball bag is made of nylon mesh in a variety of colors. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag carries up to 10 footballs and accessories to and from games and keeps the equipment secure at the games.
Being fit in family football requires body, mind and spirit. The body is well conditioned. The mind is focused on the game. The spirit never gives up. Good equipment also helps. But being fit in family football means being completely committed to winning the game!
Avoiding Injury
Family football is a contact sport and it’s possible to get hurt. So, how should you play family football to avoid injury? There are three well proven ways: (1) be in good physical condition, (2) avoid unnecessary risks, and (3) play aggressively but smart. Another key requirement is to play with good equipment. These points are all reviewed here.
The best way to protect against injury in family football is to be in good physical condition. This means: (1) exercising regularly to strengthen heart and body, (2) eating a well balanced diet, and (3) avoiding dangerous substances like tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs. Regular physical exercise of at least 30 minutes a week ensures that the body is fit for the rigors of family football. A well balanced diet focuses on fresh vegetables and fruit and avoids fast food fare that is high in fat, sodium and cholesterol. Avoiding dangerous substances like tobacco has obvious benefits like proper breathing and overall wellness.
When playing family football it is unwise to take unnecessary risks. These are actions where you use your body instead of your brains to stop an opponent. For example, do not just fling your body at an opposing player. Use good sense to position yourself properly to stop or slow down an opponent with the football. As you observe the professionals watch carefully how they protect themselves and yet still stop an opponent. Yes, they do get injured but usually through no fault of their own. After all, professional football is a violent game; family football is not!
When playing family football, be both aggressive and smart. The best way to avoid injury in family football is not to play as if every play could hurt you. Go after the football and/or the ball carrier. Be alert for offensive blocks if these are allowed. Play with abandon but never lose control of your body. A smart family footballer is one who plays under control and sees opportunities to stop opponents.
Another aid to minimizing injury is good equipment. Worn or poorly maintained footballs can cause injuries. Use an official football, preferably an official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football plays very well and, if properly maintained, helps with injury avoidance. It can be a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. It is also acceptable to use a composite football covered in leather and rubber. The composite football plays less well than leather and is a Rawlings football or an
Keep the game footballs in good playing condition by using quality accessories. These are a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a foot pump or an air pump.
The tote bag is a valuable accessory for protecting football equipment. This ball bag or ball tote is made of nylon mesh in many colors and can hold up to 10 footballs. The nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag carries football equipment to and from games and protects it from theft at the games.
Avoid injury in family football by being fit, avoiding unnecessary risks and playing aggressively. Well maintained equipment also helps. Play family football for enjoyment and not for injury!
Getting Good Equipment
You cannot play a good game of family football with poor equipment. Some players do this and regret their action. Family football or any football is played best with good equipment. What is good equipment how do you obtain it? This article addresses these two issues.
In family football there are three categories of equipment – (1) footballs, (2) accessories, and (3) tote bags. What are the choices for each?
Any football used for family football should be an official football. It is 11 inches long and inflated to 13PSI. There are three coverings: (1) a leather football, (2) a composite football (leather and rubber) and (3) a rubber football. The best football is an official NFL football covered in top grain leather. It plays the best of all the footballs and costs about $75.00. It is the choice of many family football teams and can be a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. Next in playability is the composite football. It costs about $45.00 but does not play as well as an all leather football. It can be an
Supporting the footballs are quality accessories. These include a football pump, a pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a foot pump or a hand operated air pump. These items keep the game footballs ready for play.
Another useful accessory is the ball bag or tote bag. It is made of nylon mesh and comes in at least seven colors. It has a nylon draw string and can carry up to 10 footballs and accessories. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag transports the football equipment to and from games. The ball tote also keeps this equipment secure at the games.
There are quite a few places to purchase family football equipment. These include discount stores, sporting goods stores, department stores and specialty shops. But the best place to buy football equipment is on the Internet in sites like footballs4family.com. This site specializes in family football equipment. It offers a full compliment of footballs of all types and prices as well as a wide selection of accessories and tote bags. There are at least four good reasons for using the web. The sites there offer: (1) a good equipment selection, (2) excellent service, (3) competitive prices, and (4) maximum convenience. So don’t overlook the Internet as a viable equipment source.
Getting good football equipment is knowing what to buy and where to buy. Just follow the advice given here and you can’t go wrong!
Deceiving Opponents
The name of the game in family (or any) football these days is deception. Most teams are pretty evenly matched in players and plays. Therefore, the winning team in such a contest is the one who has the best deception on both offense and defense. This article looks at offensive and defensive deception and also describes the role of equipment in this process
On offense there are three basic plays – pass, run or kick. There are endless varieties of these plays but only three fundamental plays. So the deception secret on offensive is to get the defense to believe that the play is not what it seems. This means that pass plays should look like running plays, running plays should look like pass plays and kicking plays can be either one. Much offensive deception depends on the quarterback and how he handles the football. However, offensive deception is the part of the job of every offensive player. For example, lineman can make passing plays look like runs in how they block. The most deceptive teams are those who work hardest on deception.
On defense there are many deceptive plays. At one time there were very few. Now the best teams can literally change defenses and be totally deceptive on every play. Football, especially at the professional and college level, has become very complex on defense. So to be good on defense a dedicated player must be intelligent and wary as well as strong. Football now is not a game for dummies. On defense the key deception is to be where the offense doesn’t expect you. This is accomplished by tricks on the line of scrimmage and very aggressive defensive play, like storming the passer, on all offensive plays. Totally deceptive defensive play has become the standard for the best teams.
Good equipment can also help deception. The most important item here is the game football. It must be an official football and the preferred one is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football plays very well in all conditions but it is also the most expensive. The best teams use this football and it can be a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. It is also possible to use a less expensive composite football covered in leather and rubber. But this football, that can be an
Accessories like a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit should be of good quality. The ball pump can be a foot pump or an air pump. But they should be good quality to keep the game footballs playing properly.
Another key accessory is the tote bag. This ball bag holds up to 10 footballs and is made of nylon mesh in a variety of colors. The nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag carries the football equipment to and from the games and safeguards this equipment at the games. Don’t be without a ball tote!
Using maximum deception is how all football is played these days. The best teams do it extremely well on both offense and defense. So be sure that your family team works hard on deception!
No Holds Barred
When playing family football, “no holds barred” means playing the game all out. This is not a game for the inexperienced player since every aggressive offensive and defensive maneuver is used. For example, the “no holds barred” game permits all aspects of the game like tackling and down field blocking. This all out game encourages hard play and so should only be undertaken by the most experienced male players.
There are three characteristics that distinguish “no holds barred” play. These are: (1) resembles regulation football, (2) uses the best and most experienced players, and (3) follows professional rules. Further, this game uses only the best equipment. Each of these items is reviewed here.
“No holds barred” football resembles regulation football in its play. For example, players may wear cleated shoes and even some padding. There is tackling and blocking everywhere in the playing field. And kicking is a key past of the scoring and strategic aspect of this game. The major difference in the “no holds” game is the lack of full padding by the playing teams. Otherwise, the football game played by organized teams is indistinguishable from this family football game.
This more aggressive family football games use only the best and most experienced players. Everyone who plays the “no holds” game has played family football for some time. They know the benefits and risks of this more demanding game. Also, this game is so rough that women cannot participate. Further this game does produce injuries but since all players are in excellent condition, injury is held to a minimum. “No holds barred” family football is not for the faint hearted.
The “no holds” game is played strictly according to professional rules. This means that at least two referees are used and none of the rules laxity that can occur in traditional family football is allowed. Play is watched closely and penalties are awarded judiciously for all infractions. Playing this game is demanding and so this rules out all but the most knowledgeable players.
The football equipment used is the best. This means a leather football. The preferred one is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This official football is a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. The “no holds” game does not use a composite football (leather and rubber) or a rubber football. The composite football can be a Rawlings or an
Only the best accessories are used. These include a ball pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The football pump is normally a foot pump but an air pump is also acceptable. These items keep the game footballs in prime playing condition.
Another key accessory is the tote bag or ball bag. This ball tote is made of nylon mesh in a variety of colors and can hold up to 10 footballs. The nylon ball bag or nylon ball tote can carry all football equipment to and from games and keep it secure at the games.
The “no holds barred” family football game is the domain of the best and most experienced players. So it is great fun to watch and enjoy!
Playing Best
How do you play your best in family football? This should be the objective of everyone who plays the family game. Playing your best requires four key actions: (1) be in good physical condition, (2) know the plays, (3) never give up and (4) use the best equipment. Each of these actions will be reviewed in turn.
Being in good physical condition is a basic requirement for every family (or any) footballer. Good physical condition means: (1) doing demanding aerobic and strengthening exercises, (2) avoiding all tobacco, illegal drugs and alcohol, and (3) eating nutritious food. Good regular exercise makes the body durable for the rigors of family football and mitigates injuries. Avoiding injurious substances like tobacco improves physical and mental fitness. Eating nutritious food like fresh vegetables and fruits (and bypassing all fast food) keeps the body properly fueled for healthy play.
A dedicated family footballer knows and can execute all offensive and defensive plays. In this way he or she can be an effective player on both offense and defense. Not knowing the plays makes such a player of little value to the team. Family football is a game whose success is built on executing offensive and defensive plays effectively. So to play your best in family (or any) football know what the plays are and how to carry them out successfully.
There is no quitting in family (or any) football. The game is not over till the final whistle blows. Regardless of the score dedicated players never give up. They continue to play as aggressively as possible. There are just too many examples of apparently badly beaten teams coming back strongly to win games. This kind of dramatic turnaround never happens to a team of quitters. There is no quitting in winning family football.
An official football is 11 inches long and inflated to 13PSI. It can be a leather football, a composite football (leather and rubber), or a rubber football. The best family teams prefer an official NFL football covered in top grain leather. It can be a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. The composite football is less expensive than a leather football. But it does not play as well and can be an
Quality accessories should be in good condition and include a ball pump, a pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The football pump can be a hand operated air pump or a foot pump. These items keep game footballs ready for play and should be good quality.
The ball bag or ball tote is made of nylon mesh and comes in a variety of colors. This nylon ball bag can hold up to 10 footballs and accessories and provides passage for this equipment to and from games. The nylon ball tote also keeps unused football equipment safely stored at the games.
Playing your best means being in condition, knowing the plays, never giving up and using quality equipment. This is the only way to play!
Building Talent
A key responsibility in family football is building talent. Week after week families and others play a rigorous game of football. Some games are played just for fun but most are not. Family games may involve talented players who are often excellent high school players and may even be top college players or the occasional professional. Family football is a good proving ground for aspiring football talent. It offers them the opportunity to learn and play the game under often rigorous circumstances. This article explores the subject of talent in family and describes how it is built and the role good equipment plays.
Building talented family (or any) football players require three actions: (1) know the rules, (2) get in condition, and (3) play the game. Each action will be discussed here in turn.
Knowing the rules is basic in any sport and especially for football. If a player does not know the rules of family football (they are nearly identical in all football), he or she does not play effectively. They make too many mistakes and routinely commit penalty offenses. So the first action that is taken with a new player is to ensure that they understand and play by the rules. In this way they can focus on playing well.
Getting in condition is a fundamental requirement in all sport. Family football is a tough game with lots of running and occasional hitting. Players not in good condition get hurt. So a simple rule for family (or any) football is to be in top physical condition. This means (1) eating properly, (2) exercising regularly, and (3) avoiding dangerous items like tobacco, drugs and alcohol. A well conditioned family footballer plays best.
Once the rules and body conditioning are mastered the next step in the talent building process is playing the game. For the inexperienced player all play must begin with fundamentals. The more experienced players coach the new players in the basics of family football. This includes blocking, tackling (where allowed), running and catching the football. Some new players will learn quickly while others need more time. But every player should be coached in the correct technique and given a full opportunity to play.
An important requirement in family football is equipment. It consists of an official football, quality accessories and a proven tote bag. Any football used should be an official football. Many family teams prefer an official NFL football covered in top grain leather. It plays the best and can be a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. Next in preference and cost is the composite football. This leather and rubber football is less expensive than an all leather football and does not play as well. It can be a Rawlings football or an
Accessories are a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair. The ball pump can be an air pump or a foot pump. These items keep game footballs properly inflated and always ready for play.
A ball tote or ball bag is especially useful. This item made of nylon mesh holds up to 10 footballs and all accessories. The nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag carries all football equipment to and from games and keeps this equipment secure at the games.
Build family football talent by knowing the rules, getting in excellent condition and playing regularly with good equipment. But true talent comes naturally from hard work.
Is Scoring Important?
Is scoring important in family football? After all isn’t the primary purpose of family football to just have fun? If this is the case why bother to keep score? There are three good reasons to keep score: (1) engender enthusiasm, (2) instill a purpose, and (3) make it a contest. Each of these reasons and the required equipment to make them happen is reviewed here.
No game is much fun unless there is enthusiasm to play. This is where scoring comes in. By keeping score in a family football game each competing team can be enthusiastic about the game. Being behind in the score encourages the losing team to perform harder to catch up and even surpass the then winning team. Being ahead in the score encourages the winning team to keep ahead. In both cases keeping score maintains game enthusiasm and promotes a viable reason for playing.
Without keeping score why bother to play? Scoring gives any contest a basic reason for being. Yes, it’s fine to just play for the fun of it. But this fun wears off quickly because fun alone is not a good enough reason to play hard at family football. By keeping score each team knows immediately where they stand in the game. The score keeps track of the results of winning and losing plays. The winning team scores. It’s that simple. So the primary purpose for playing football is to score points and be a winner!
Scoring is what makes any family football game a true contest. Each team strives as hard as it can to beat its opponent and this is only done by outscoring it. There is no credit given for just playing or even having fun. The true test of team excellence is how often and how much it scores. So scoring in family football is fundamental. Without keeping score the family football game might just as well not be played. Having winners and losers is basic in all sports. Family football is no exception.
To fully support hard-playing family football teams good equipment is needed. In family football this equipment is simple: (1) a quality official football, (2) good accessories, and (3) a serviceable tote bag.
All family teams need to play with an official football to give the game authenticity. The preferred football is an official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This leather football ball can be a Spalding football or a Rawlings football. The family team can also use a composite football. This football has a rubber and leather cover. It does not play as well as the all leather football and can be an
Good accessories are also important. These are a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a hand operated air pump or a foot pump. These items keep the game football ready for play. So, never play family football without them.
The ball tote is another key accessory. It made of nylon mesh and can hold up to 10 footballs and accessories. This nylon ball bag or nylon ball tote carries the football equipment to and from games. The ball bag also keeps this equipment secure at the games.
Scoring is important in family football. So keep score and use the best possible equipment in order to make the game as authentic as possible.