Archive for February, 2010
Crafting Effective Plays

An important part of family (or any) football is the crafting of effective plays. These predetermined blueprints of how plays should develop on both offense and defense are a key part of football. This is just as true in family football. This article will look at both offensive and defensive plays for this game and suggest how they should be developed. It will also review the importance of good football equipment.
On offense there are three kinds of plays: passing, running and kicking. There are an infinite variety of plays that can be developed from these three kinds. However, in family football, play variety is not required. The key here is simplicity. This means that effective family football teams need to have only a few plays provided they are well executed. For passing there are nine basic plays. The quarter back can pass short (up to 10 yards), intermediate (11 to 20 yards) or deep (over 20 yards). Further, he can pass to the left, to the right or down the center. There are many variations but only nine pass plays. Running the football is very similar with even fewer options. Running plays can go wide left or right or down the center. Periodically the quarterback can call a draw play. But it too is a wide running play that looks like a pass. Kicking offers two choices, i.e. to kick it or fake it. Fake kicks are rare as are on side kicks. So, it is clear that all offenses can be easily categorized. But the secret in making all offensive plays work depends on good quarterback faking, effective down field deception and solid blocking. While the number of basic plays are few the variations are infinite.
The defense has offers even fewer play options. The offense will pass, run or kick and the defense must be ready to counter any of these three options. There are three keys to an effective defense: (1) a hard rushing line, (2) alert linebackers and (3) versatile defensive backs. On every play the defensive line must rush the quarterback but not get seriously out of position. The linebackers should be vigilant for passing or running plays. And the defensive backs must be particularly good at detecting and aborting passing and running plays. In the past football defenses were quite simple. But as the game has evolved defensive plays have become more sophisticated. This is even true in family football where the defense is now quite complex. It is no longer adequate to just rush the passer. Family football defenses must be alert to a variety of passing, running and kicking plays.
Good football equipment is always required. This includes an official football, quality accessories and a sturdy tote bag. The best football is an official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football is selected as first choice by many family football teams. The ball can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Good accessories are definitely needed. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a hand operated air pump or the preferred foot pump. It is unwise to skimp on football accessories.
The ball tote or ball bag is a well used accessory. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in a variety of colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag can accommodate up to 10 footballs. It can carry football equipment to and from games and protect unused equipment from theft at these games. A good tote bag should never be overlooked.
Effective plays are the essence of good play in family football. These plays on both offense and defense need not be complex. But they should be carefully developed and well practiced to ensure their payoff in games.
Encouraging Players

Family (or any) football is a game of encouragement. Players play better when they get positive reinforcement. Yes, there are other (less supportive) ways to encourage players. But positive reinforcement works all the time. It has four attributes: (1) support proper eating, (2) reinforce good conditioning, (3) enhance football skills, and (4) maintain personal attitude. These will each be discussed here along with a review of good football equipment.
The easiest action to take with family footballers is about proper nutrition. Many people today ignore good eating habits. They eat too much of the wrong foods leading to an alarming increase in obesity among Americans. The reason is obvious. Too many people rely on the high fat, cholesterol and sodium choices offered by fast foot restaurants. Many people, especially family footballers, must select nutritious food and leave fast food offerings alone.
Almost as important as eating is body conditioning. Many Americans spurn proper exercise. This action along with improper food increases their risk of heart disease and diabetes. Family football relies on good body condition since it requires running and strength. This emphasizes aerobic and weight training. If family footballers follow a solid body conditioning program they can escape many illnesses of the nonparticipant.
Another encouragement for family footballers is enhancing their football skills. This covers passing, blocking, kicking and even running. Even talented players need to upgrade their natural skills. This is evident in the NFL where the best players seek to become even better. Jerry Rice of the old
To win consistently in family football all players must have a positive attitude. This comes from the encouragement of coaches and fellow players. Nothing is served by downgrading a fellow player. All players are not champions. But all players will perform their best if given positive reinforcement. So always say something positive about every player. It pays off.
Good football equipment is required. This includes an official football, quality accessories and a sturdy tote bag. The best football is an official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This leather football is the choice of many family football teams. It can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Good accessories are needed too. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a hand operated air pump or the preferred foot pump.
The ball tote or ball bag is an important accessory. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in many colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag accommodates up to 10 footballs. It can carry football equipment to and from games and protect unused equipment from theft at these games. A good tote bag is an important part of any football equipment.
Encouraging players is the job of every family footballer, coaches and players alike. The player who receives positive feedback is the player who excels. So don’t ever stop encouraging. It’s good playing strategy
Keeping Fit

An easy off season action to take is to get out of shape. But the dedicated family footballer will not let this happen. He or she maintains a fitness regimen that includes the following activities: (1) eating properly, (2) doing aerobics, (3) increasing strength, and (4) maintaining attitude. They also ensure the integrity of all football equipment.
Continue to eat improperly in the off season. The imprudent player forgets all training rules and loads up on improper foods like fatty hamburgers, greasy French fries and sugary soft drinks. This is doorway to obesity and poor health suffered by too many Americans. A correct diet features grilled chicken and fish, fresh vegetables and fruit. Water is always the best beverage. Watch your diet in the off season and maintain proper foot habits.
Family football is all about running. So keeping in good aerobic fitness is paramount. Use a treadmill regularly or go for extended daily walks. Keeping your heart and lungs fit is not only needed for family football, it’s an essential part of good heart health. Too many Americans get little or no exercise. As a result they are grossly overweight and suffer generally poor health. Don’t fall into this trap. Keep up your family football aerobic regimen all year round.
Increasing strength is also important for excelling in family football. Many activities like blocking and tackling are strength related. The stronger you are the better you will play. This message is also true for daily living. Strength training at any age keeps bones and muscles strong. This avoids premature fractures and other age related maladies. The stronger you are the better you will avoid serious disease and accidents.
Having the right attitude is all important. Family football gives all players a sense of well being that is easily carried over into other daily activities. The individual who has a positive mental attitude is the person who is not depressed and can cope well with life’s vagaries. Family football is not a cure all for depression. However, the person who plays a sport like family football regularly is a person who can handle daily problems well.
Good football equipment is always required. This includes an official football, quality accessories and a sturdytote bag. The best football is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football is the first choice of many family football teams. It can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Good accessories are always needed. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a hand operated air pump or the preferred foot pump. Don’t ever skimp on good accessories!
The ball tote or ball bag is another key accessory. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in many colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag can accommodate up to 10 footballs. It is used to carry football equipment to and from games and to protect unused equipment from theft at these games. A proven tote bag is an important part of any football equipment.
Keep your body and mind fit for family football and life by eating properly, doing aerobics and strength exercises and keeping a positive attitude. Family football can make you a better person and athlete.
Advance Preparation

The football season is finally ended or is it? All professional and college games are now history but football goes on. The pro football draft is coming up and spring training is almost here. So what does a family football player do to get ready? There are four key actions: (1) be in condition, (2) eat properly, (3) improve football skills and (4) assess equipment. In addition, it is also wise to ensure that good football equipment is used.
During the off season it’s easy to get out of shape. There is no rigorous program provided by a team or coach to keep the typical family footballer properly motivated. But being in good physical condition to play family football is a basic requirement. The pros and college players never get out of shape. They train their bodies hard during the winter and spring. In this way they are ready when a new football season begins.
Proper nutrition is another basic requirement. Serious family footballers avoid bad eating habits. They know how important proper food is and so watch their diets carefully. High fat and cholesterol foods like hamburgers, French fries and rich desserts are spurned. Proper foods include broiled chicken and fish coupled with fresh vegetables and fruits. Dedicated athletes also avoid sugary beverages and drink plenty of fresh water. Proper eating is a critical need to any athlete.
The off season is a great time to work on improving football skills. These include passing, kicking, running and blocking. All of these skills can be practiced indoors at a local gym. Many high schools and all college and professional teams have dedicated workout facilities. They are there to keep athletes game ready the year round. No longer is football just a fall sport. Improving football skills is a year round activity.
The winter months are a good time to assess all football equipment. Every piece of equipment should be scrutinized carefully for wear or damage. If it can be repaired it should be. If not, discard it. There is no reason to keep worn equipment. It does not help the football game and may even cause injuries. So treat all family football equipment with a critical eye. If it’s still serviceable, keep it and repair it. Otherwise, discard it. Always play with the best equipment possible!
Good football equipment is fundamental. This includes an official football, quality accessories and a proven tote bag. The best football is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football is the top choice of many family teams. It can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Good accessories are also needed. 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 the more expensive foot pump. It is unwise to ever skimp on good accessories!
The ball tote or ball bag is another key accessory. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in many colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag can accommodate up to 10 footballs. It is used to carry football equipment to and from games and to protect unused equipment from theft at these games. A proven tote bag should be a key part of any football equipment.
Prepare in advance for the upcoming season. Stay in condition, eat properly, improve football skills and assess equipment. There is no substitute for good preparation!
Perfecting Skills

A continuing activity in family football is skill perfection. No family football player is ever skilled enough at family football to ever stop getting better. What are the football skills that need improvement? There are at least four: passing, blocking, kicking and running. This article describes how to improve each of these skills in the off season – the best time to do this! Also, the importance of good football equipment is reviewed here.
Passing is the key offensive weapon in family football. But to be effective the aspiring family football passer must work on accuracy. Being able to throw the football a long way is fun but does not score points. Accuracy does. So, in the offseason work on passing accuracy. This means setting up passing drills to force the passer to hit a moving target consistently at varying distances. Start with a short distance (up to 10 yards) and gradually increase it. About 30 yards is the maximum distance. Beyond that it is too difficult to complete most passes.
Blocking is a key offensive weapon. But is not done well. A good blocker is someone who keeps himself between the rusher and the quarterback. Technique is also important. Keep your feet and use your hands to fend off the rushing lineman. There is no need to be fancy. The best blockers are those who can sense where the rusher is going and head him off. Remember an effective blocker is the only one to protect the passer.
Kicking well takes a lot of practice. But, good kickers do not abound in family football since kicking is not used much. However, kicking on both fourth down and for field goals is a true offensive weapon. While kicking is not highly regarded in family football it is in every other football venue. Don’t be dissuaded. Continue to work on kicking skills and use them wherever possible in family football.Running is the least practiced offensive skill in family football. It is assumed to be a natural talent and, therefore, not worthy of much practice. While running fast is a natural skill, running effectively in family football (or any) is not. Practice being an elusive runner who can deftly avoid being touched or tackled. Elusiveness in running is a talent that can score points from almost anywhere on the field.
Good football equipment is also needed. This includes an official football, quality accessories and a sturdy tote bag. The best football is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football is the first choice of many family teams. It can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Good accessories are always required. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a hand operated air pump or the more popular foot pump. Don’t ever skimp on good accessories!
Another key accessory is the ball tote or ball bag. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in many colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag can accommodate up to 10 footballs. It is used to carry football equipment to and from games and to protect unused equipment from theft at these games. Don’t forget to use a sturdy tote bag!
Perfecting your playing skills in family football is a never ending requirement. The best family (or any) footballers are those who perfect their playing skills. Practice does make perfect!
Off Season Fun

The 2009 football season is officially over with the playing of Super Bowl XLIV. So what does the dedicated family footballer do in the off season to stay in shape? There are several suggestions including: (1) running, (2) strength training, (3) eating properly, and (4) playing indoor sports. These activities should be supplemented by maintaining good football equipment.
Running is a key family football activity. This sport revolves around the ability of serious players to keep up an aggressive aerobic program. If players can’t run then they cannot play family football since the game requires much running. Yes, there are plays but these are not sedentary. Top family footballers keep on the move aggressively. So, a good off season activity should focus on improving running skill and endurance.
Strength training is also important. In the off season this can be accomplished by regular weight training. A strong body is required in family football for blocking and tackling when it’s allowed. A family football team that does not block well will be unable to pass or run well. Blocking is a key offensive activity. So in the off season dedicated family footballers need to work diligently at getting stronger by weight training.
Proper eating habits should always be stressed for serious family footballers. This means low fat and cholesterol food and minimum amounts of such foods as hamburgers, French fries and sugary drinks. A proper diet ensures that the serious family footballer has the food energy needed to play an aggressive game. Empty calories exemplified by fast food do not provide family footballers the food energy they need to play well. So in the off season maintain good food habits.
There is nothing quite so good in the off season than playing indoor sports. These include such sports as basketball, volleyball, floor hockey and even swimming. Playing these games permits the family footballer to remain in good physical condition and continue to be competitive. Also, indoor sports require good personal discipline and proper nutrition to play well. So don’t be a couch potato during the off season. Compete in a demanding indoor sport!
Good football equipment will be needed when the family football season begins again. This includes an official football, quality accessories and a proven tote bag. The best football is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football is the first choice of all top family teams. It can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Good accessories are needed. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a hand operated air pump or the more popular foot pump.
Another useful accessory is the ball tote or ball bag. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in many colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag can accommodate up to 10 footballs. It is useful for carrying football equipment to and from games and for protecting unused equipment from theft.
Don’t forget to keep in good football shape during the offseason. Run, strength train, eat properly and play a demanding indoor sport. These activities will help you to get a fast start on the next family football season!
How To Prepare

Family football, like any football, is a game of preparation. What does it take to prepare properly? There are four key actions: (1) be in good condition, (2) know your plays, (3) understand the opponents, and (4) play the game aggressively. Each action is reviewed here along with a look at good football equipment.
You cannot play family (or any) football successfully if you are not in good physical condition. Family football is a game that depends on players being fit to play. This game features much running and also requires strength for such actions as blocking. To avoid injuries the dedicated family football player stays in top condition. He or she exercises diligently and avoids all harmful substances like drugs, tobacco, alcohol or unhealthy food. A good family footballer stays in top physical condition!
There is no excuse for not knowing the plays. These are the lifeblood of any effective family football team. Top family teams normally have a few good plays that they perfect religiously. To play your best don’t be confused about any play on offense or defense. Winning in family football depends on scoring and good plays accomplish this objective. So learn the plays and execute them well!
The very best family (or any) football teams scout their opponents well. They study their opponent’s plays and formations on both offense and defense. In the recent Super Bowl game this strategy was clearly shown. The clinching Saints touchdown occurred when a smart
Nothing replaces aggressive play in the game. This does not mean excessively rough play. This kind of play is unacceptable in family (or any) football. The best players in any game play hard on every play. They keep the pressure on the offense and defense looking to create mistakes. This is the essence of hard play. An aggressive player always seeks to create mistakes in the opponent’s game. And this happens all the time!
Good football equipment should not be forgotten. This includes an official football, quality accessories and a sturdy tote bag. The best football to use is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football is the choice of top family football teams and can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
There is no excuse for using anything but the best accessories. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be the hand operated air pump or the preferred foot pump. Regardless, always enhance your game by using top accessories.
The ball tote or ball bag is another key accessory. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in many colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball bag or nylon ball tote can handle up to 10 footballs. It is invaluable at carrying football equipment to and from games. It also protects unused football equipment from theft at these games. Always make full use of a tote bag!
Good preparation for family football means being in condition, knowing your plays and opponents and playing aggressively, Anything less does not win games!
What Do We Learn From The Super Bowl?

Super Bowl XLIV is now history. It was a great game despite its many commercials. Did the better team win? Who knows? But
Based on first quarter play alone, the Saints should have lost this game. The Colts dominated play in the first quarter. The game looked like a blow out for the Colts. But
To begin the second half the Saints took a major calculated risk. They successfully completed an onside kick. This is just not done in a championship game but the Saints pulled it off. This effort so surprised the Colts that the Saints went on to score their first touchdown. Later in the game they made a two point PAT that ensured a tie game if it ever happened. (It did not.) Again, here was a calculated risk that paid off. The Saints had come to win the Super Bowl against all odds. And their somewhat risky play ensured that they would win.
The fourth quarter interception showed very clearly that
As always good football equipment is required. This includes an official football, quality accessories and a sturdy tote bag. The best football is the official NFL football like the one used in the Super Bowl game. It is covered in top grain leather and is the choice of serious family footballers. It can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Good accessories are always needed. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be a hand operated air pump or the popular foot pump.
The ball tote or ball bag is another useful accessory. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in many colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball bag or nylon ball tote can accommodate up to 10 footballs. It is used to carry football equipment to and from games and to protect unused equipment from theft at these games.
Every Super Bowl game has something to offer the keen observer. Super Bowl XLIV was no exception. The New Orleans Saints showed why they deserved to win. They were clearly the better team!
What Good Is Family Football?

Is family football worth playing? The answer is a resounding yes! There are many reasons to play family football. Most basic of these is the fun that everyone receives, regardless of skill level, from playing family football. This article looks at family football and outlines the benefits individuals receive from playing it. There are three main benefits: (1) experience gained, (2) condition developed, and (3) training received. It also looks at the benefits accrued from using good football equipment.
Playing family football, casually or seriously, provides the individual player with valuable participation experience. There is nothing like a family football game to give all participants the true “feel” situation. Playing the game is the best way to learn about all aspects of football. There is passing, running, kicking, blocking and even tackling. In no other way can the aspiring footballer experience what playing football is all about. This person need not be expert. Family football lets people of all skill levels enjoy the game experience.
No one plays family football that is not in good physical condition. There is just too much running and body contact in family football to appeal to the out of condition football aspirant. So an important aspect of this game is to be in good physical condition to play it. Family football coaches put special emphasis on conditioning and rightfully so. Family football is not a sedentary game in any aspect. Yes, the experienced players may play a more aggressive game. But all who play family football know that to enjoy the game they must be in good physical condition. Otherwise they will have no fun and can even risk injury.
Playing family football is invaluable football experience. Where else can an aspiring player get the opportunity to pass, run, kick and block so completely? Regardless of individual skill level, every family footballer gets a crack at all aspects of the game under game conditions. So they learn to play properly or fail in the bargain. Many very talented players got their start by playing family football. This game is very forgiving and puts the emphasis on having fun. Too often in other football games there is no time for fun since all the focus is on outstanding play. Thank goodness that family football is still all about having fun!
As usual, good equipment like an official football, quality accessories and a sturdy tote bag, helps. The preferred football is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This all leather football plays well in all conditions and can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Good accessories are a must. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be the hand operated air pump or the preferred foot pump. In any event, don’t skimp on quality accessories. They can keep the game going!Another key accessory is the ball tote or ball bag. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in many colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball tote or nylon ball bag can hold up to 10 footballs. It is used to carry footballs to and from games and to protect unused equipment from theft at these games.
Family football is a unique way to gain valuable football experience, get in good physical shape and learn more about playing football with minimum risk. As such, it offers a great way to have fun and learn about
Does Everyone Play?

Who can truly play family football? Is this a game for casual players to enjoy on a warm Sunday afternoon in a public park? Or is reserved for the serious players who use family football as a means to sharpen their basic football skills? The answer to both questions is yes. Family football is meant to be played for fun and as such it should be enjoyed by any player who wishes to play the game. However, there are two definite playing environments. For the casual player there is the family football game where participation is far more important than scoring. For the serious player family football is played as aggressively as possible. This article looks at both styles of play and also comments on the importance of good football equipment.
For the casual player, family football is truly a fun game. Anyone can play regardless of age, sex or ability. Scoring is not important nor is aggressive blocking and tackling. The key aspect of this game is to enjoy playing on a grassy field in a convenient public park. Having fun and enjoying the company of other players is what this game is all about. There should be no arguments about scoring or players’ skill. Anyone who wishes to play is welcome and no one ever worries about who excels or scores. This game is typically followed by a family meal enjoyed by players and spectators alike. This game is never serious and is never meant to be.
For the serious player, family football is a game played to enhance football skills. This is a serious game in which personal skill and scoring are very important. This game typically features aggressive blocking and tackling and only the most skilled players are welcome to participate. While this game is played seriously it can still be fun for the participants. However, the participants here are not young, female or just learning the game. Most players in this game are current and former high school or college players. They play this kind of family football to enhance their football skills. This group of players will likely not bother about a family meal. Their purpose is to play football and not enjoy a family outing. This game is serious and is meant to be.
The football equipment used in either type of game is similar. It features an official football, quality accessories and a sturdy tote bag. The preferred football of serious players is the official NFL football covered in top grain leather. This is an all leather football and can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a
Quality accessories are needed in each type of game. These include a football pump, pressure gauge, inflating needles and a football repair kit. The ball pump can be hand operated air pump or the more expensive foot pump. It is wise to use only the best accessories to keep the game fully playable.
The ball tote or ball bag is another important accessory. It is made of nylon mesh, comes in multiple colors and has a nylon draw string. This nylon ball bag or nylon ball tote can accommodate up to 10 footballs. It is used to carry football equipment to and from games and to protect unused equipment from theft at these games. The tote bag is a most useful accessory!
Everyone can play family football. However, individual players must know why they play family football and play only the game best suited to their skills and personal desires!