Archive for the 'Football' Category

Oct 22 2011

Football – Violent or Rough

Published by Admin under Football

Despite all its charms and crowd-pulling features, football has oftentimes witnessed violent encounters between the opposing teams. Football is arguably a premier sport in the United States and entire Europe. The present-day football is more fashioned after the English game of rugby, which again is a revised version of the much older game of soccer.

The basic offensive characteristic of football has remained unchanged whatever the variations of the game. Both the players as well as the spectators are passionate about the game and a football match invariably becomes a battle for territorial supremacy and tempers fly.

There are historical evidences to suggest that football matches have led to a lot of public disturbances, unruly scenes and law & order problems. For instance, in Manchester in 1608, football was repeatedly banned because so window panes had been broken.

In 1314 the Lord Mayor of London went to the extent of issuing a proclamation forbidding football within the city due to the public disturbances it caused. King Edward III passed severe laws in 1331 to suppress football, which was sparking violence. At the same time, similar measures to limit playing football were also introduced in France.

]]>

During the sixteenth century, football met with a lot of public resentment. The Puritans condemned football as a frivolous and violent sport and complained it disturbed the peace of the Sabbath day. Football had consistently come in for criticisms and banishments for its violent ways, but none of these obstacles came even close to eliminating football from the world scene.

The level of violence within the game and the spectator areas were horrifying. Players of were brutally kicked and punched by opponents from either side. Apart from all personal injures inflicted on players, numerous properties were damaged when a football match tool place.

Fields, fences and hedges suffered worst damages. People’s houses and businesses within the main streets near football grounds were vandalized. Early records do mention the violent nature of the game within cities and even deaths were reported in some places. The one saving grace was football was still acceptable as it was considered a useful distraction from heavy drinking and gambling men were otherwise accustomed to.

As a consequence, football has essentially remained rough and violent and disorganized. A change in the attitude to football came about during the beginning of the nineteenth century when school football became popular among the boys – particularly in leading public schools. This proved a turning point. In this new environment, some innovations and refinements to football took place.

The traditional aspects of the game remained but a fair degree of sophistication was imparted to the game. This new approach led to a greater dependence on the players’ dribbling skills than the physical might to assault the opponent. All these improvements to football made it possible for the game to be a great entertaining sport and not a violent fistfight.

Football tournaments the world over have a high injury rate among its players. Many prestige football matches are unfortunately violent and sometimes one witnesses ugly scenes. Knee injuries, foot bruises, cartilage and ligament tears have become far too common among all football players. Whatever the criticisms and condemnation, people’s love for the game continues unabated.

No responses yet

Aug 03 2011

Coaching Youth Football

Published by Admin under Football

Coaching youth football allows you to teach young football players the fundamentals of the game and bring individual talent together to play as a cohesive unit. That said, success on the gridiron begins on the practice field. Learning and implementing proper youth football skills & drills during practice will have you, your coaches, and players ready for the big game. There are no shortcuts when coaching youth football. Hard work, discipline, determination, in addition to coaching football fundamentals is what produces winning football teams and successful youth football players.

Below are some of the skills needed to become a good football coach, and you can find the football drills needed to run a practice properly in books or online from others football coaches at free websites like Weplay.com.

Be A Good Role Model – youth football players are an observant bunch. They imitate their role models whether on or off the field. It is the football coach’s responsibility to display the character that they want to see in their players. Character traits such as consistency, emotional control, honesty, and integrity are important.

Teach Football Fundamentals – practice to the players strengths and determine where they are weak. Pay particular attention to teaching football skills such as stance and footwork when players are performing youth football drills. Be sure you’re your players are focusing on all aspects of the drill and do not become sloppy in any area.

Use Creative Football Plays In Practice – like most children, youth football players need variety in their practices. Vary the practice schedule from day to day to keep them interested and continually learning. Keep the football drills short enough that players don’t lose interest and concentration.

Use Constructive Feedback – too many youth coaches “channel” football coaches they see in the movies. They believe that coaching football drills involves acting like a drill sergeant. While this attitude can have its place in the coach’s arsenal, it should not be the sole motivator. Teach them. Explain the who, what, where, why, and how of the football drill. You’ll end up with more intelligent youth football players.

Be Positive – youth football coaches must look to the positive aspects of the situation. Negative emotions bring negative results. The kids are going to be making mistakes throughout their lives. It’s important for a youth football coach to teach them how to overcome mistakes and even to capitalize on them. A successful and well coached football team masters the fundamentals, handles adversity, and brings home the championship due to the team’s attitude. Positive expectations will most likely bring positive results.

No responses yet

Search