Youth Football - Common First Year Coaching Errors

Football Blog

A Mistake the First Year Assistant Coach Usually Makes

Many dads starting out coaching youth football for the first time make the same blunder, they try to "connect" with the kids by trying to look like them, talk like them or be their best buddy. In most cases the coaches intentions are noble and good, the rookie coach wants to be able to effectively coach and for his players to have fun. But in other cases, the coach is just trying to be popular and be well liked by his players.

What The Experts Say

The biggest High School Football coaches forum in the US asked its members what is the number one mistake rookie assistant coaches make and by a HUGE margin the number one answer was: Coaches trying to be their players "best friend". In the end it made the coach less effective as a coach and less respected by his players.

What Is Reasonable?

Youth football players need to know their coaches care about them, but that doesn't mean you have to adopt their slang, their mannerisms or wear your baseball cap backwards. You can show you care without acting like a little kid or arrested development adult. Because once you start acting like a kid, they no longer look up to you or respect you, you are now on their level. They don't know much yet and now they think you don't either.

How To Do It

A player understands that you legitimately care about them when, you know their name, make eye contact, you encourage them enthusiastically and help them set goals. You will never be able to reach your full potential as a coach unless you're able to establish that relationship. Once you have that level of trust, now the player is looking at your level of expertise and commitment. He is thinking; if I follow the coaches directions, will I become a better player? Or if my team follows the coaches directions, will we be a competitive youth football team?

The nice thing about most youth football players is they don't know much, so they have little to compare you with. Most of them don't know the correct steps to an efficient reach block or the proper way to run a Cover 2 coverage scheme. Since the players don't know much, they "judge" you based on what they can understand; how organized you are, your confidence level, how committed you are and your level of enthusiasm. After they know you care, they will gravitate to you if they think you can make them into better football players.

In The Real World

Look at a team that is "lost" and most likely you will see kids that think their coach doesn't care about them as people. You will also find players on that team who think the coach doesn't know what he's doing. On the other hand seek out a team that is excelling, these players will have "bought in" to the coaches system and methods. The kids trust the coaches and their instructions more than they trust their own instincts because not only do they know the coach cares, but they trust his expertise as well.

I realize it's popular parenting these days to try and be your kids best friend. Unfortunately most parents I see doing this have kids that don't respect them and have kids whose lives seem to always be unraveling. Kids already have friends, what they need are real parents that will guide them in the ways they should go. The same goes for coaching youth football.

If you follow that guideline, in the end you will have players that not only love you, but respect you as well. This will save you from looking like an outdated pandering buffoon to your kids and parents. Don't get me wrong on this one, we have plenty of fun in our practices. I love a good water balloon fight, wisecrack or timely practical joke as much as the next guy, but the kids need to know you are their coach, not their bestest buddy.

Copyright 2009 Cisar Management, all rights reserved. Republishing allowed if links are kept intact.

Dave Cisar-
With over 15 years of hands-on experience as a youth coach, Dave has developed a detailed systematic approach to developing youth players and teams. His personal teams to using this system to date have won 90% of their games in 5 Different Leagues.
Get 400 Free Youth Coaching tips from him here: Football Plays

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Fantasy Football Rookie Secrets - Draft Day Do's and Dont's

Football Blog
In many Fantasy Football Drafts football afficianados like to see themselves as the genius who spots talent before anyone else, drafts a rookie a few rounds too early, has a monster year from that player, and is praised by his co-managers as the next Mel Kiper. While rookies can certainly provide much-needed help for your team, the key is in not spending too much on them by drafting them too early. Follow along as we cover Rookies in our Draft Day Do's and Dont's Series.
DO...
...watch as many pre-season games as you can! Seeing how a rookie is used by his team will help you get a better understanding of how valuable he is to his team. If a rookie RB is running the ball on situational downs only, this could be a warning sign. However, if a rookie RB like Knowshon Moreno can catch the ball well, run well on every down, and also convert in short yardage situations, and the Denver Broncos try him frequently in those spots in the pre-season, that is a great signal for you.
DO...
...pay close attention to their seasonal progress! A rookie may not get much attention in week 1 or 2, and then begin to take off week 3. Rookies in football week in and week out are sometimes one injury or opportunity away from making a starting spot. Matt Ryan threw a deep touchdown on his first pass as a pro for Atlanta, and began improving immediately, while Tight End John Carlson for Seattle took a while to get going.
DON'T...
...draft a rookie on Draft Day! I am serious, unless you want to take a flyer on a rookie in the last 2 or 3 rounds of your draft, do not draft a rookie at all. It is just too hit or miss, regardless how well you think you know football. I am sure you saw people pick Darren McFadden in the early rounds last year. Then he had foot problems all year, and scored only 4 times, starting only 5 games. The owners who drafted him in the 5th or 6th round were taking a huge chance while more well-known producers were passed up.
DON'T...
...fall in love with rookies who played for your favorite college team! I am a rabid, frothing at the mouth Georgia Bulldogs fan, and would love nothing more than to see Denver's Knowshon Moreno and Detroit's Matthew Stafford have huge fantasy years. But am I even contemplating picking them? NO! Some buffoon will pick Stafford in the 6th or 7th round and Moreno in the 5th or 6th, and I will take time-tested talent instead.
To summarize, Rookies can produce awesome results for you, but the best bet is to pick them up during the year, as their role is better defined for their team. Skip drafting a rookie at all, and enjoy Fantasy Success in 2009. And if you need any information or stats pre-season and all year long, go to the NFL website or check out The Sporting News Fantasy Football guide. I use these religiously, and used them to research this article series.
Patrick O'Neill is a Published Writer, Network Marketing Veteran and Fantasy Football Fanatic. Reach him at PatrickONeill@CoolAromas.com.
LIMITED TIME OFFEROur Exclusive Internet Business eCourse (A $149.00 Value!) is available absolutely FREE for a Limited Time.FREE eCOURSE HEREThanks for reading, and have a great day.Patrick ONeill
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Fantasy Football Sleepers - Running Back Rankings in Fantasy Football 2009

Football Blog

Fantasy Football Leagues require that you start 2 RBs, and in those leagues with a flex position, you may even find yourself needing a third RB starter. Since we are usually talking 12 man leagues, that means 24 to 36 RBs will be starting every week, and you will need backups, since the injury bug and underperformers always bite you. How do you avoid the pain of over-spending on RBs, and where are those el-cheapo value picks? We are off and running with RB sleepers for 2009.
There are basically 3 levels of RB Fantasy production for you to consider. The top tier is 250 to 300 Fantasy points in a standard scoring format, with about 4 or 5 RB candidates. The second tier is 200 to 250 points, with around 10 or 11 RBs. Then you have maybe 15 guys who will give you 150 to 200 points. This only accounts for 29 or 30 really productive runners. You can see how important it is to get a couple of sleepers, and get them at a discount.
Sleeper #1
Derrick Ward has so many things going right for him in Tampa Bay it is almost silly. Earnest Graham will be sharing carries with him, but after an ankle sprain for Graham last year, and a huge contract signed by Ward in the off-season, it is obvious where TB will be handing the ball most of the time. Ward averaged 5.3 yards a carry at New York the last two years, and is a threat to catch the ball as well. Look for 48 catches, 1500 total yards from scrimmage and 8 TDs. These kinds of numbers will put him at the bottom of the second tier of backs, and you can expect to pick him up in the 6th or 7th round, not bad for 3rd or 4th round numbers.
Sleeper #2
Donald Brown is a speedy UConn Rookie tailback that impressed Indy bigwigs with his hands as much as his feet. If you recall how Joseph Addai did three seasons ago in a running back by committee effort, and factor in Addai's less than impressive 2008, I think you can look for 150 fantasy points from Brown. Addai has not played a full season for 2 years now, and Brown will probably go around round 12 - 14. Getting 6th round production in round 12 is what the draft is all about, and I do not think you can go wrong here.
Anyone can pick Matt Forte with the 5th overall pick, but knowing who to pick in the mid to late rounds, without paying too much, is where Fantasy Titles are won. Look for things like backups, people splitting carries with injury-plagued guys, and team-jumpers going into favorable situations. If you keep these things in mind, you will be sure to get good value from the RB position, and nab a sleeper or two.
Patrick O'Neill is a Published Writer, 18 yr Fantasy Football Veteran, and Network Marketing Leader.- LIMITED TIME OFFER -Exclusive Internet Business eCourse (A $149.00 Value!) available absolutely FREE for a Limited Time.
GET FREE eCOURSE
Questions? Go to http://www.CoolAromas.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_ONeill

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Football Blog: 18x48 Magnetic Signs - Football Games

Football Blog

Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States. Each year all over the country millions of people indulge themselves in enjoying both amateur and pro football games. Football is popular in high schools and with kids as young as 3 and 4 years old.

Professional NFL teams advertise their season heavily. 18x48 magnetic signs are perfect to talk about upcoming scrimmages or pre-season games as well as how individuals can get season tickets. Some residents are diehard fans and they attend all of the practice games as well as all the home games. These signs appeal to these people in order to get them the information early so that they can make plans. Stadiums as well as the teams and owners want the stadium to be full and they want lots of publicity. They want people standing in line for hours trying to get tickets. They want all of the games especially those at home to be sold out. They like to see local residents supporting their team.

During home games it is not uncommon to see 18x48 magnetic signs throughout the city on vehicles, store windows and anywhere else they can fit. People host pregame parties as well as after game parties and all of these are advertised as well. Football games can be big money makers for lots of group. The sponsors as well as the vendors are all excited about the publicity as well as being able to sell their products. They have signs detailing their part in the whole process as well as signs talking about their products or services.

18x48 signs are perfect because they can be seen from every distance of the stadium. This helps to guarantee maximum exposure for their business or service. No game is complete without signs from the fan. The size of magnetic signs, make them perfect for a little trash talking or rivalry. Signs help to make the game interesting and really get people involved. They are harmless and just make the game more interesting. There are generally so many different signs at football games both pro and amateur that it is a good way to give people information. At high school games there are usually signs talking about upcoming games and wishing the players good luck from the school and the community.

For more information on how to show your team support with 18X48 magnetic signs visit Esigns.com today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Viktoria_Carella

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Football Blog: Fantasy Football News - Get the Facts About 2009 NFL Players and Recent Injuries

Football Blog

In June each year the football season really starts to heat up. The draft has been completed, mini camps are finished and training camps are almost in full swing. The summer is when football experts begin to make strong projections about player value and team performance. Injuries are one of the most talked about topics during this time, while final trades are made and contracts signed. Injuries in the NFL and football in general are common. In a report titled "Players' Positions, Not Prior Injuries, Predict NFL Career Length" (May 28, 2009) from MedicalNewsToday.com, a new study on NFL injuries and career longevity is highlighted.

The study was primarily authored by, former Rookie-of-the-Year, All Pro defensive back and NFL scout for over 30 years, Milt Davis, Ph.D. Unfortunately Davis died in September of 2008 before he could present the findings. Pat Lombardi, Ph.D., another author of the study stated, "During the course of the study, Milt demonstrated that nearly three-fourths of all players had more than two significant injuries, and that one of two had a major surgery prior to entering the NFL." (Source: American College of Sports Medicine) Although injuries don't have to shorten a player's career, they have a dramatic effect on fantasy football value. Now that the 2009 draft is over, let's review some of the most recent NFL injury reports.

Dallas Cowboys Handle Common Knee and Hamstring Injuries

CBSSports.com recently reported that wide receivers Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback are unlikely to be present at the start of the Cowboys' training camp. According to the Dallas Morning News Austin's hamstring injury has cost him three weeks of practice, but he is hoping to be ready and healthy by the start of the 2009 season. CBSSports.com confirms Austin's sleeper value will increase if he comes back on the field healthy. CowboysBlog.DallasNews.com reported in May that Stanback did have "arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee." It is doubtful he will be ready at the start of training camp, but Jerry Jones is quoted as saying, "I know that that's frustrating for him, but he's got enough time. He works hard, and he'll get back out there." The bodes well for Cowboys fans.

Knee Injuries Lead to Different Outcomes for Patriots WR Tate and QB Brady

Pat's wide receiver Brandon Tate could very likely end up on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list due to his slow recovery from knee surgery according to CBSSports.com. Although the surgery took place in October, his rehab has been slow. On a better note, CBSSports.com reported on June 9, 2009 that Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady had been practicing on the field in the rain. Brady in full practice is a good sign after his surgery for a torn ACL and MCL. Brady will continue to be a fantasy football favorite if he proves his reconstructed knee can go the distance.

Raiders WR Javon Walker Chooses to Keep Surgery on the Down Low

On May 9, 2009 Nfl.Fanhouse.com revealed that Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker had knee surgery in April and did not notify the team. Coach Tom Cable is quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle saying he believes Walker "did the right thing by getting the surgery." It is still unclear what the season holds for Walker.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook's Ankle Surgery

According to writer Michael Davis Smith of NFL.Fanhouse.com, "the Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed that running back Brian Westbrook will have surgery to remove bone spurs in his right ankle." Recovery time for this procedure is usually 2 or 3 months so Westbrook may miss training camp and the preseason. Smith wonders if Westbrook's time as an elite running back is coming to an end.

Seattle Seahawks WR Deion Branch Says "His Knee Will Never Feel Normal Again"

Wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks Deion Branch underwent reconstructive knee surgery this year. Branch was recently quoted by the Associated Press as saying, "You will never be back to normal once you have this type of procedure done." If his recovery goes well Branch will make a decent fantasy receiver, but his performance may fall short of previous years.

Additional Fantasy Football Considerations

There are endless stories involving NFL injuries and potential fantasy problems. Keep these facts in mind when choosing you fantasy draft this season.

1. Pittsburg Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a minor knee injury in early June, but was back at practice a day later according to the Associated Press.

2. Marshawn Lynch, running back for the Buffalo Bills, skipped minicamp due to a swollen foot. Xrays and tests show the injury is minor according to BuffaloBills.com. Fantasy leagues should consider Fred Jackson as a necessary backup.

3. An HBO interview with Brett Favre confirmed his shoulder surgery. Decisions regarding Favre and the Vikings will be made at the end of July once his health has been evaluated.

Steve Jones is a diehard sports enthusiast and has been his entire life. Football, basketball, baseball-he loves it all. Naturally, he also loves fantasy sports and is currently writes for the fantasy football web site http://www.Stinkball.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_S_Jones

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Football Blog: Coaching Youth Football - Use Email and the Website to Update Practice Changes Due to Weather

Football Blog

When coaching youth football it is a good idea to have a plan in place for emergency cancellations of practice. Since we are in the computer age, this should be your obvious choice. Our administration has a coaches and team section where each coach can post his own notes. I brainwash my parents to check the web site daily to make sure there are no changes in the practice.

I also send out an email to all parents, or guardians, on the football list. I copy and paste the same information from the web site to the email. This is a double protection to make sure no one shows up. I keep a general rule of posting all changes or cancellations of practice by 4pm local time. That is one hour and 15 minutes before I start practice.

As far as when to cancel a youth football practice depends on many factors including

Age of my team
Time of the season
How well the team is doing
Upcoming opponent
General safety

There is a general rule we have that is the same as the swimming pool. If there is lightning, we have to suspend football practice for 20 minutes. If there is a second bolt of lightning then practice is called off.

I spend a lot of time on practices days looking at weather.com, especially the radar maps. If it looks like heavy rain or lightning, I just cancel the practice.

The other consideration is the field condition. The facility may have a stipulation that if there is standing water you cannot be on the field. Make sure you know the rules to avoid any problems.

Having a plan ahead of time to handle cancellation of practices is one of the jobs you have as a head coach of a youth football team.

Jim has over 22 years of hands-on experience as a youth coach. The system he has used with great success for both youth football and youth basketball. His personal teams have won over 80% of their games. Jim has over 200 Free Youth Football Articles at : http://www.jimoddo.com

Copyright 2009 Jim Oddo, jimoddo.com, Oddo & Oddo, Ltd., Mega Media Depot and http://www.jimoddo.com republishing this article in it's entirety or any parts of it without including this paragraph is copyright infringement

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Football Blog: Youth Football Drills That Can Be Practiced Alone

Football Blog

When you have a passion for something, you want to pursue it at every available moment. Whether you're a football coach looking for some practice strategies to assign to your players, a parent looking to give your kid a step up, or a player who loves the game and wants to improve, we've come up with some youth football drills that can be practiced alone. Every youth football player should learn to throw and catch the ball properly even if their position doesn't require it on a regular basis.

Passing Drills That Can Be Practiced Alone

• Practice throwing a spiral. Focus on your grip technique as well as your release. Practice at 50% of your throwing power and just concentrate on throwing perfect spirals. The football should roll off the fingers putting a spin on the ball.

• Once you get the spiral down begin to develop accuracy. Again, keep your drills to half speed and focus on achieving the highest accuracy rating. Get a notebook to keep records in and try to improve each time out.

• Once you can throw a perfect spiral at a target on a consistent basis you can begin to increase the power in your throws. Increase the velocity by 10% or so until you obtain the same accuracy rating you achieved at 50% capacity.

• Now its time to throw while you're moving to simulate game activity. Practice throwing from the pocket, rolling out, backpedaling to avoid the rush, throwing in the opposite direction...essentially, get ready for all game conditions.

Get plenty of rest for your arm. The problem with practicing repetitive activities is that they can cause ligament and muscle strain. Practicing football passing drills alone two or three alternate days a week is plenty.

Receiving Drills That Can Be Practiced Alone

• Practice running your routes for each play. Drill these into your subconscious mind. Simulate game action and bring your hands up for the catch while forming a "pocket" with your fingers.

• As a receiver it is important for you to practice "watching the ball into your hands" so that it becomes second nature. To practice this alone, lie on your back and spiral the ball a few feet into the air. Then "watch" the ball right into your hands. Be sure to form a pocket with your hands with your thumbs and index fingers almost touching. Catch the football away from your body and then tuck it in.

Of course, you can perform agility and conditioning drills alone as well. Every youth football player should be taught the self-discipline to exercise. Try these youth football drills whenever you can and watch your game improve.

You can also find many youth football drills on the Internet covering passing, receiving, rushing, defense and more Some drills are free and some require subscription or for you to order a DVD. Free football drills allow you greater flexibility in trying a variety and see what works best for you as the coach and your youth baseball team. Always remember that drills should be age appropriate. The right passing drill for a 14 year-old boy will not suit and 8-year old and vice versa.

There are many football coaching resources and communities like Weplay available to help with any questions you might have. Don't underestimate the passion of the community around you. We are all here to help the kids.

By Trevor Sumner who works for Weplay.com, a youth football community dedicated to providing parents coaches and athletes the tools and information to celebrate the love of the game. Weplay.com has one of the most comprehensive, free football drill libraries in its active football community.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_A._Sumner

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Football Blog: Off Season Football Training

Football Blog

When you start your football training you must be very specific about what you are trying to improve on. Choose one or two specific techniques that you are going to work on each day and do certain drills to improve your technique. Don't try to improve on everything all at once.

Not many people like to work on their weakness, including me. It was much easier to work on the things I did well like;

1. Catching the ball with my hands and not my body.
2. Route running.
3. Press releases, and
4. Studying my opponent, to name a few.

Once I started to really focus on the part of my game that needed improvement, I became not only a better all-around players, but I became an NFL prospect as well. Think about where you are with your talent and skill level, then ask your coach for a list of things you need to improve on to become a better player.

Your current condition might be that you are not getting deep enough on 5 step drops, causing for easy batted down balls by the D-line. Or your footwork coming out of the back peddle is not as smooth and quick covering the out route. Knowing your weakness is one of the keys to maximizing your ability. When your football training session are focused on improving a particular skill, you then start to close the gap between your weaknesses and your strengths.

Writing down the things I wanted to improve on always helped me stay focus during my training sessions. It was also a reminder that no matter how well I did in practice or games, there were still more work for me to do to get better. The 'best of the best' are always working and searching for ways to get better.

During your training, your mindset has to be to go full speed on all drills. Your body will only accomplish what your mind tells it too. Don't expect full speed great results on game day if you are not putting your body through full speed drills. You must put in the hard work full speed to improve. Don't let a bad mindset be your biggest obstacle. Make sure your mindset is in such a way that it increases your possibilities and progression.

Push yourself to be the best you can possibly be. You might be surprised with your results. Training in this manor forces your body and mind to adapt and accept a new reality, the reality that you are the best player on the field.

Don't be afraid to get out of your 'comfort zone' of thinking. To become the player you want to be, you must be willing to put yourself through more than what you feel is needed to accomplish your goals. That type of football training starts in your mind.

Isaac Byrd is a retired NFL player and Founder of D1 Athletes. He trains youth, High School and college players by using NFL style technique, drills and elite mental preparation strategies so they are able to perform better on game day. To contact Isaac about his upcoming camps, speed training sessions and/or 1 on 1 coaching, please email him at isaac@d1-athletes.com or visit him on the web at http://www.d1-athletes.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Isaac_Byrd

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Football Blog: Collecting Football Shirts

Football Blog

Many football fans collect football shirts. Having a football shirt collection for some is more than just a hobby. It is a statement of how much they enjoy football and support their favorite players. For others, it comes as a surprise.

Serious collectors go out of their way to find the shirts. Some collect only from their favorite teams. Others collect their favorite players shirts with little thought to which team they play for. There are people who collect only the rookie shirts. And some who only collect the shirt once a player has announced their retirement.

Whatever your personal football shirt collection contains, there are many options to choose from to obtain the shirts. Retailers around the world carry authentic football shirts as well as replicas. Depending on what area you live in, most retailers will predominantly carry the home team's shirts. They will also keep a few of the most favorite player's shirts on stock as well. In many malls you can now find stores that only carry football shirts. These stores will have a wife range of shirts for players of different teams. You can also shop online at one of hundreds of websites that carry the shirts as well. These websites will vary with what they sell so shopping around is a must.

Once in a while you will find an entire football shirt collection that is for sale. This typically happens when the collector has passed on. Many times at these sales retired jerseys will be sold for a fraction of what they are worth. Of course sometimes people try to sell the shirts for more than they are worth too. It is a good idea to research the value of particular shirts prior to purchasing them.

Lots of sports bars are now displaying football shirt collections as well. The collection being displayed is often of the loyal team's players. Sometimes at the end of the season they will sell some of the shirts. These are usually from players that are going to another team the following season. Shirts from retired players are often hung in glass frames. This helps preserve the condition of the shirt. Sometimes the proprietor will display the team shirts from a team that is not local. This can be because of the proprietor's personal favorite team, or if the restaurant is a themed place.

Starting a football shirt collection is becoming more of a hobby for fathers and their young sons. This gives the fathers and sons a hobby they can share together. It also is a great way to introduce a young boy to the history of football. If the shirts are properly cared for, the young boy will some day find his collection is worth much more than a stamp collection.

No matter what reason you have for starting a football shirt collection, you are sure to enjoy every minute of it. Hunting for your shirts is only part of the thrill. Displaying your collection to friends and family will give you a sense of fulfillment.

If you want to find out more about Football Shirt, please visit Football Shirts Website for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Soophott_Lert

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Football Blog: Wear a Football Helmet on a Wakeboard

Football Blog

Anytime one thinks of extreme sports the first thing that comes to someone's mind is bungee jumping, snowboarding, surfing and sky diving. Very few people think that extreme water sports require anything beyond a life jacket and deep water diving gear. However, despite the common believe water sport athletes who prefer to relax doing water boarding normally put on some head protection gear like football helmets.

This is because this extreme water sport involves high speeds with hard water impact that can cause serious head injuries. The helmets have a hard top and a soft inside cushion that shields the head but does not guarantee user that they cannot get skull injury upon serious impact.

Wakeboardson the other hand are the life line of water boarding sports. They have a unified design that combines extreme water and snow sports technique in to a single board. Wakeboarding can achieve top speeds thirty eight kilometers per hour when towed behind a high speed vehicle using the attached cable. Some of the major wakeboards brands online include those produced by H.O. Sports, Hyperlite, Ronix and liquid Force. In term of cost their prices typically range between US$130 and US$400 depending on quality and design.

You know if it weren't for the weight that the full protection football pads give I would suggest everyone wear football pads while wakeboarding. But that helmet is sure going to protect you I fall and hit your head on a rock. Even a leather football cap from the old days would do more than the head on your head.

http://www.parkssportsman.com/ is an authority in the area of wakeboards and football helmets. Jonathan Wickham is a freelance writer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Wickham

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Football Blog: Top 3 College Football Teams

Football Blog

Based on their history, performance record and current form, following are the top 3 college football teams.

Florida Gators College Football Team

University of Florida is represented by Florida Gators football team in the Eastern Division of Southeastern Conference. The home games are hosted on Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium also commonly known as "The Swamp". 2009 will the 5th season for the team under the coach Urban Meyer.

The University of Florida shifted from Lake City to Gainesville in 1905. James Forsythe coached them for 3 winning seasons. In 1909 the team was coached by G.E. Pyle. In 1910 for the first time, Gators came face to face with most of their current rivals. They for the first time faced South Carolina in 1911 and Auburn and then Georgia in 1915. They became member of Southern Conference in 1922. Gators later became members of Southeastern conferences in 1932. Gators tasted their first long-term success in the 1960's under Coach Ray Greaves. The 1984 team which was famously known as "The Great Wall of Florida" is considered one of the best teams in Gators' history. Glen Hall was the successful coach of the team from 1984 to 1989. The 1990s were the golden years in the history of Gators. They finished in the SEC for the 3rd time in 1990. They won SEC championship in 1991 for the first time. Then they won SEC championship games for four years from1993 to 1996. They again won the championship in 2000. Urban Meyer was appointed the head coach in 2005. They again won the SEC title in 2006. They also won the 2009 BCS National Championship Game in January, 2009. The main rivals of Gators are Florida State, Georgia, and Miami.

Texas Longhorns College Football Team

The Texas Longhorn football team represents the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. In 2008 they became the second team when they achieved 832 wins passing Notre Dame's 831 wins. They ranked no. 2 among the seven, who have won 800 or more than 800 games. They ranked third with winning percentage of 71.8%, no. 2 in bowl game appearances and no. 8 for the number of games played. Four Division-1A national championships have been won by Longhorns in 1963, 1969, 1970 and 2005. In 2008, Longhorns have been ranked seventh among the college football programs since 1936 by ESPN. Home games for Longhorns are hosted at Darrell K. Royals - Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin. Mack Brown is their current head coach.

USC Trojans Football Team

The USC Trojans football program was started in 1888 and is the member of NCCA Division 1A and Pac-10. Pete Carroll is their head coach currently. Trojans ranked no. 5 consistently in AP and BCS polls in recent years. UCA has bagged eleven national championship titles and won most numbers NCCA's men's team and individual title than anyone else and is ranked 3rd in co-ed team titles. Their main rivals are Notre Dame, UCLA, Stanford and California. USC Trojans play their home games at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, one of the largest stadiums in United States.

Stop by Bangthebook and get free Football Picks or see where you rank and get your Sports Picks monitored.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_W_Chow

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Football Blog: Coaching Youth Football - Zero Tolerance Policy

Football Blog

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.

Jim has over 200 Free Youth Football Articles at : http://www.jimoddo.com

Copyright 2009 Jim Oddo, jimoddo.com, Oddo & Oddo, Ltd., Mega Media Depot and http://www.jimoddo.com republishing this article in it's entirety or any parts of it without including this paragraph is copyright infringement

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Oddo

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Football Blog: The Best Football Team Ever, Probably

Football Blog

Can You Pick Better?

Well dear readers I have been slightly annoyed at all the so called experts claiming that they could pick the best 14(11 plus 3 subs) in the world of all time ever. So I thought I would do something about it and stop all this confusion and post the definitive team ever no arguments. The formation I have chosen is 3-1-4-2.

1. Lev Yashin
At the first European Championship in 1960 - still called the European Nations Cup at that time - the lion of Moscow, otherwise known as the black panther, made a significant contribution to his country's victory. His name: Lev Yashin. In 1963, he became the first goalkeeper to be named European Footballer of the Year. In 2004, he would have celebrated his 75th birthday.

2. Bobby Moore

Bobby Moore was England's finest captain, a legend who led his country to its greatest triumph. He played for England 108 times, captained them in a record 90 matches (jointly held with Billy Wright), won the World Cup, the FA Cup, the European Cup Winners' Cup and was Footballer of the Year, and at the end of Moore's international career in 1976 he was capped by the USA for a tournament to mark their bicentenary.

3. Paolo Maldini

During his 16 year tenure as an international, he became Italy's most capped player, representing his country 126 times. One of the big disappointments of Maldini's otherwise extraordinarily high-achieving career, was the lack of major international silverware.However, Maldini could console himself easily enough by glancing up at his mantelpiece and reminding himself of the incredible success he has had (and still enjoys) for his club.

4. Franz Beckenbaur

Franz Beckenbauer is the only man to have won the World Cup both as a player and as a manager. His roll of honour is unique. Captain of West Germany when they won the World Cup and the European Championship, he also led his club, Bayern Munich, to three successive European Cups and also to the European Cup Winners' Cup. The legacy of Beckenbauer's golden career will last a long time, however. No other footballer, as an innovator and as a winner, ever reached such heights as The Kaiser.

5. Claude Makelele

Perhaps the finest holding midfielder of recent years, Makelele has made a career out of keeping it simple and protecting the back four. The Democratic of Congo-born player moved to Epinay-sous-Sinart, France, with family in 1977. He began his career with Brest in 1990 before signing for Nantes in 1992, he twice won the Spanish title, as well as the Champions League and the European Super Cup, and also played in the 2002 World Cup for his country he won the Premiership and the Carling Cup, in 2004/05 under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. Makelele picked up another Premiership medal in May 2006 and was then part of the France side which lost to Italy in the World Cup final. He bid farewell to the international scene after Euro 2008.

6. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has been given every major award that a player can achieve. He has won the precious Balon D'Or in 1998 and the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1998, 2000 and 2003.He can settle and distribute almost any pass thrown in his direction. In individual encounters, Zidane prefers to shield the ball and dribble away from pressure. His style is not flashy, but rather simple and elegant. Zidane can apply his playmaking skills in any circumstance and make it look effortless.

7. George Best

He reached unimaginable heights with his outrageous skills in a career that lasted a mere six years at the top, before self-destructing into alcoholism, bankruptcy and jail. To this day, Best maintains that nothing went wrong, that he just got bored with it all. In six magical seasons with United, he scored 115 goals in 290 games - six of them in one game! He won two League Championships, the European Cup and was voted European Football of the Year. Pele named him as his favourite player, which was remarkable considering Best's international career with Northern Ireland never allowed him the opportunity of appearing in the World Cup finals.

8. Diego Maradonna

Maradona is a complete master of the ball who uses his talent and flair at incredible speed. He can beat defenders, he can score, he can distribute the ball... His versatile skills make him unpredictable and very dangerous. Few defenders could stop Diego in his hayday without committing fouls, a fact which has caused him dearly over the years. In addition, his scrawny stature has made him a target for aggressive defenders who simply have no other means of dealing with the Argentine.

9. Eusebio

Eusebio Ferreira Da Silva, the leader of a group of African footballers to come into prominence in the 1960's he was the top scorer at the 1966 World Cup (9 goals) held in England. Here his lightning fast acceleration and wonderful dribbling skills earned him acclaim. His trademark was a spectacular shot, which allied to his powerful running and dribbling skills, made him one of the most dangerous strickers of his era.

10. Pele

"I was born for soccer, just as Beethoven was born for music." Arrogant, pompous words. Except when they are spoken by Edson Arantes do Nascimento, the Brazilian genius known throughout the football world as Pele. A veteran of four World Cups, scorer of 1,283 first-class goals - 12 of them in World Cup final tournaments - a member of those magical Brazilian squads that won soccer's greatest prize in 1958, 1962 and 1970. He was lithe, agile, strong and seemed to be able to make the ball do as he pleased. Blessed with a stunning shot and an ability to soar above defences, he was expected to perform some astonishing feat of trickery every time he was in possession.And Brazil played such adventurous football, always attacking, constantly looking to score. Who can forget the rythmic chanting of their deliriously happy supporters? "Bra-zil, cha cha cha, Bra-zil, cha cha cha."

11. Ryan Giggs

The Welsh wizard, Ryan Giggs, started his career at Maine Road, where he played for Manchester City's school of excellence. When he was just fourteen Mr Alex Ferguson went to his home to ask him to sign schoolboy forms with Manchester United.Giggs has become one of the great players in the British game, entertaining the crowds with his dribbling skills and exhausting defenders with his blistering pace. He has won the PFA Young Player of the Year twice, the first person to do so and has been a major part of United's success.

12. Fabio Cannavaro

There's no question Fabio Cannavaro is one of the best centre-backs in the world. He possesses superb tactical awareness, speed, anticipation skills, phenomenal leaping ability and ball handling skills, and he's a natural leader. Although Cannavaro has received numerous personal accolades and won a World Cup, one title eludes him: the Champions League, one of his main reasons for signing for Real Madrid in 2006.

14. Jimmy Johnstone

He was one of Scottish football's gems, a diminutive but devilish talent who tormented defences with his dribbling and impressed the world with his courage. Johnstone was Scottish International team member, playing 23 times for his country. England captain Emyln Hughes was run ragged by Johnstone in an international, and remembered: "Scotland beat us 2-0 one year, and I was embarrassed to come off the pitch. Jimmy Johnstone absolutely crucified me. Alf Ramsey came up and said 'you've just played against a world-class player today. He can do that to anybody'".

15. Johan Cruyff

If Holland were the team that gave the world Total Football, then Johan Cruyff was THE Total Footballer. He won a hat-trick of European Cups with Ajax, the World Clubs' Cup and was three times European Footballer of the Year. At their peak, the Dutch side he captained were the most exciting and talented team in international football, yet, strangely, they never won a major trophy during his reign.

There you go readers the best 14 players to ever grace the game in my own humble opinion, If you have any diffrent opinions then please feel free to send your best team to me at thezooligist@googlemail.com
I look forward to all your responses

http://www.themarsstructures.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Boyd

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Football Blog: Supporting the Swans - Swansea City Football Club

Football Blog

Swansea City Football Club, known affectionately as "The Jacks" or "The Swans". Named Swansea Town when they were founded in 1912. The team has had two home grounds. The Vetch Field was the first , where they played from 1912 to 2005. They now however, play at the 20,532 seat, Liberty Stadium in Landore, Swansea.

In their foundation year of 1912, The club was part of the Second Division in the Southern League, which was then incorporated into the Football League (1920). Whereby Swansea became founding members of Division Three.

The Swans finished fifth during their first season but were promoted as Champions in 1925.

Sadly, after winning the league 1n 1925, the 30's and most of the 40's saw a decline. Until 1949 when Swansea bounced back into the Second Division, where they remained for 16 seasons.

A poor 1964/1965 season saw them relegated to Division Three and just two years later, they were once again demoted to Division Four, when sadly they had to apply for re-election.

The most memorable season for all Swans fans was the 1981/1982 season. After languishing at the very bottom of the league set up they rose to the First Division with a sixth place finish. Even defeating the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.

The club then suffered another blow when they faced relegation and an impending liquidation of the club. Fortunately however, a local businessman (with supporters) saved the club and they continued playing in the league.

In recent years the club has enjoyed great stability and can look forward to a secure future. The current Board of Directors and Chairman are avid supporters of the club and together with local fans support and that of the Supporters Trust, Swansea City can hopefully progress to the top level again.

They have just recently signed Paulo Sousa as their new manager. Both players and fans are excited about this recent development and most believe that Sousa can take the Swans to the next level.

The Swans also secured a new 2 year sponsorship deal with 32Red, the biggest in the club's history.

With new management, new sponsors and as always an incredibly loyal fan base the Swans can look forward to a great Championship season in 2009/2010.

If you would like to continue reading about the Swans, go to Swansea City It's a site written by a fan. You can even contribute to the site if you wish.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jimbo_Thomas

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Football Blog: Football Scholarships - How Competitive is It

Football Blog

It is becoming more competitive each year for football scholarships. More high school students are looking for athletic scholarships as a means to play for college than before. Athletes area also becoming better educated to the proper way to get recruited to play college football. No longer can you sit on the couch and wait for a coach to call you. Athletes are starting earlier in the high school career preparing and laying the foundation for a scholarship.

There are is approximately 1.1 million high school football players in the United States. Of those, just over 300,000 are seniors. Each one is possible competition for the approximate 17,500 freshman roster spots in the NCAA. This means about 6 in every 100 high school seniors will play college football. The numbers are even less for those who will get a scholarship.

As you can see it is very competitive to get a scholarship. There are 85 scholarships in DI-A football, 63 in DI-AA football and only 36 for DII football. In order to get a scholarship, you must start planning and working towards it no matter what year you are in high school. You don't have to be a blue chip athlete or even an all-state athlete. Even with those who fit that category, there are still available scholarships.

Due to the competitive nature you must treat recruiting as the most important game of your life. Just as you would prepare for a state-playoff game, you should study and develop a game plan for getting a football scholarship.

You need to develop a system that begins with a personal assessment of your talent and ability. From there develop a list of at least 50 schools that fit your profile. You must then initiate contact the correct way and become the recruiter, not the recruited. When done right you can end the recruiting season with multiple scholarship offers.

If you want a college athletic scholarship then don't wait any longer. You must start today. Start developing your recruiting game plan now and beat out the competition. I want a football scholarship

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_J_Farrell

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