Footballs 4 Family

 

It is wise in family (or any) football to periodically “take stock” of the entire football process. This requires an analysis of: (1) coaching, (2) players, (3) plays, and (4) condition. It can also require a look at field conditions but this is well beyond the control of most family football teams. However, good football equipment is not and should be included in any “taking stock” exercise.

The first item to examine is coaching. Many family football teams do not have a coach. However, where there is a coach his credentials should be examined. Coaches of family football teams do this task for the love of the game since they are uncompensated. Regardless, they should give the coached team their best effort. This means that the team is properly conditioned and ready for play. The coach attends all the games and provides playing tips during the game. A good family football coach does his very best for his team. At all times he encourages the team to play well and even tells them how.

Family football teams cannot function without good players. So in “taking stock” it’s advisable to review the capabilities of all players. There should be a mix of playing capabilities, including players who can pass, run, kick and block. Serious family football depends on having capable players. If the game is played only for fun then player capability is unimportant. However, in a serious game there must be capable players who can handle the multiple offensive and defensive requirements.

A serious family football team will have creative passing, running and kicking plays. These will be well practiced and used consistently in games. The best plays are the simplest that all players know well and can carry out easily. There is no need in family football to have excessively elaborate plays. These are usually difficult to implement and can end up going nowhere. So for effective family football, keep the plays few in number, simple to understand and easy to execute.

Good body condition is fundamental for quality play in family football. It is the coach’s job to ensure that all players have the proper aerobic, strength and quickness training. Being in good physical condition reduces injury and makes the game more fun to play. Dedicated players always keep their bodies in top condition by exercising regularly and eating properly!

Good equipment helps. This is 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 can be a Rawlings football, a Spalding football or a Wilson football. The leather and rubber composite football is the next play choice. It can be an Olympia football or a Rawlings football. The least playable and least expensive football is the rubber football. It plays fine most times and is preferred by casual players because of its low cost. It can be a Baden football, a Champion football, a Mikasa football or an Olympia football.

Quality accessories are 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 preferred foot pump.

The ball tote or ball bag is an invaluable 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 carry up to 10 footballs. It is used to carry football equipment to and from games and to safeguard unused equipment at these games.

“Taking stock” means looking carefully at the coach, players, plays and condition. Done properly this action can set the stage for having a winning family football team.

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