Quick jump:
* Keith Webster provides a scheduling plan that would halve the length of the off-season * Neil Reynolds chastises the Baltimore Ravens for getting too intense too soon * Neil Reynolds takes Mike Carlson and Nick Halling Inside the Huddle to discuss the draft * The Washington Redskins are poked and prodded by Mike Carlson in his latest Coast to Coast column * Mike Carlson looks back over his 2008 mock draft on nflukTV * Keith Webster compares the IPL with potential future developments in American football
Grassroots
How to...
The definitive guide to everything you always wanted to know about all aspects of the game – from how to become a coach or referee, to how to improve your fitness regime or how to train efficiently.
In the coming weeks we’ll try to cover different aspects of the game.
To start with, we look at two key positions both on and off the field
The definitive guide to everything you always wanted to know about all aspects of the game – from how to become a coach or referee, to how to improve your fitness regime or how to train efficiently.
In the coming weeks we’ll try to cover different aspects of the game.
To start with, we look at two key positions both on and off the field
How to...
Fancy getting involved in football in the UK , but would rather coach than play? Could you put together an offensive gameplan, help players to improve their performance on the field, or motivate a team to win a championship?
The British American Football Coaching Association is dedicated to developing the education of new coaches in the UK and creating opportunities for current coaches to further their understanding of the sport.
The BAFCA website contains an events schedule with all the latest new of coaching clinics in the UK , articles on coaching written by some of the most prominent names in the sport, information on which teams in your area need to locate new coaches, links to other useful coaching websites, as well as information on how to join BAFCA.
To learn more about coaching in the UK, click here.
Want to get involved in American football in the UK , but don't fancy taking the field. How about becoming an official then?
The British American Football Refereeing Association offers full training and a 'buddy' system that allows a new official support from a long-time official that will help in the transition from spectator, to 'rookie', to seasoned official.
The BAFRA website has all the information that you need to get started as an official, articles about refereeing, and a forum so that you can contact other officials. It also provides information about how to become a BAFRA member.
To learn more about officiating in the UK, click here.
American Football is a tough, physical game consisting of graceful elegance, raw power and huge collisions. To be able to do this and withstand the physical demands all players need to be in shape. If you cannot run around a football for 10-12 minutes without stopping for long rests or even a short one you are not ready to play American football. You are out of shape. Physical toughness is also a huge part of American football. Players often play with hurting. Knocks and bruises are no reason to miss practice or game time.
All positions on the team to varying degrees need the same basic physical skills,
Explosive Power
Everything in American Football is done at speed. The faster you can react to the snap of the ball the more efficiently you can perform you tasks. Explosive power gets you moving. Receivers need explosion to jump high for the football. Linemen need explosion to engage and move blockers. Defenders need explosion to make tackles. Running backs need explosion to break tackles, so on and so on.
Strength
Strength comes from hard work in the gym. Without increases in strength speed will not improve, agility will not improve, quickness will not improve, explosive power will not improve. Lifting weights will strengthen you body, ligaments and tendons, this will help you avoid injuries, lessen the severity of injuries and help you recover more quickly from injuries. So getting to a gym is important to you as a player.
Agility
Agility is the ability to be quick, nimble, light footed. Not slow or ponderous.
Speed
Speed and quickness are different. Speed is the ability to run fast. Acceleration is vital, you need speed and you need it now. There is no time to build up to speed it has to be immediate. Again the faster you can run the better you can perform, no matter what the position.
Quickness
Quickness is hand speed, foot speed, and change of direction. The quicker you are the more chance you have of success.
Aerobic conditioning
You need the aerobic capacity to last the game. Jogging, track work, cycling will help develop aerobic conditioning. The 4th quarter is where most games are won or lost. If you are not fit you should not even consider playing American Football.
Mental toughness
Mental toughness comes from understanding the rules, knowing your position, learning the playbook preparing your self for the game, taking care of your physical development and above all avoid making mistakes. Mental toughness and physical conditioning go hand in hand for American footballers.
Each month this section will contain articles from coaches and trainers detailing how you can improve on these skills.
As with most sports there are different levels and standards of competition available to the domestic player ranging from club games to international games. This applies to the amateur game and professional game.
How far you want to progress along this ladder relies on 2 things,
The British Youth American Football Association is the governing body for all youth related football. They have the following club football available:
8 regional divisions playing for one national title.
The next step up from club football is European club football. This is only available to player's aged 18+. EFAF organises the Euro Bowl tournament for the top European clubs and the Euro Cup tournament for the smaller teams.
After club football comes the all star teams. These are teams made up from the best club players and which represent certain areas of the country. At present the BSL operate (via the national program) the North -v- South game.
The next progression is National representative teams like Team England and Team Scotland for youth players and the GB Lion youth and GB Lions Seniors who take part in EFAF tournaments such as the European Junior Championships and the European Senior Championships. This is the top of the ladder for domestic amateur football.
After GB level there is an additional level for youth players to attain too with Team Europe. This is an all star team made up of the best players in Europe.
The final step would be onto professional football like NFL Europe and the NFL.
If you have the ability and the dedication you can (depending on age) try to get into a high school or college in America. This would be a major step in you development. Attend high school or college instantly brings you into contact with more experienced coaches more intense coaching opportunities and better facilities. If you seriously have aspiration to make it in NFL Europe or the NFL this would be a major step in the right direction.
To play any level of American football well and as it should be requires a lot of hard work and effort from the player. To move up to any other level, requires extra work and extra effort. Set you goals and work to them. No one else can do it for you.
How to become a coach
Fancy getting involved in football in the UK , but would rather coach than play? Could you put together an offensive gameplan, help players to improve their performance on the field, or motivate a team to win a championship?
The British American Football Coaching Association is dedicated to developing the education of new coaches in the UK and creating opportunities for current coaches to further their understanding of the sport.
The BAFCA website contains an events schedule with all the latest new of coaching clinics in the UK , articles on coaching written by some of the most prominent names in the sport, information on which teams in your area need to locate new coaches, links to other useful coaching websites, as well as information on how to join BAFCA.
To learn more about coaching in the UK, click here.
How to become an official
Want to get involved in American football in the UK , but don't fancy taking the field. How about becoming an official then?
The British American Football Refereeing Association offers full training and a 'buddy' system that allows a new official support from a long-time official that will help in the transition from spectator, to 'rookie', to seasoned official.
The BAFRA website has all the information that you need to get started as an official, articles about refereeing, and a forum so that you can contact other officials. It also provides information about how to become a BAFRA member.
To learn more about officiating in the UK, click here.
How to get in shape
American Football is a tough, physical game consisting of graceful elegance, raw power and huge collisions. To be able to do this and withstand the physical demands all players need to be in shape. If you cannot run around a football for 10-12 minutes without stopping for long rests or even a short one you are not ready to play American football. You are out of shape. Physical toughness is also a huge part of American football. Players often play with hurting. Knocks and bruises are no reason to miss practice or game time.
All positions on the team to varying degrees need the same basic physical skills,
- Explosive power
- Strength
- Agility
- Speed
- Quickness
- Aerobic conditioning
- Mental toughness
Explosive Power
Everything in American Football is done at speed. The faster you can react to the snap of the ball the more efficiently you can perform you tasks. Explosive power gets you moving. Receivers need explosion to jump high for the football. Linemen need explosion to engage and move blockers. Defenders need explosion to make tackles. Running backs need explosion to break tackles, so on and so on.
Strength
Strength comes from hard work in the gym. Without increases in strength speed will not improve, agility will not improve, quickness will not improve, explosive power will not improve. Lifting weights will strengthen you body, ligaments and tendons, this will help you avoid injuries, lessen the severity of injuries and help you recover more quickly from injuries. So getting to a gym is important to you as a player.
Agility
Agility is the ability to be quick, nimble, light footed. Not slow or ponderous.
Speed
Speed and quickness are different. Speed is the ability to run fast. Acceleration is vital, you need speed and you need it now. There is no time to build up to speed it has to be immediate. Again the faster you can run the better you can perform, no matter what the position.
Quickness
Quickness is hand speed, foot speed, and change of direction. The quicker you are the more chance you have of success.
Aerobic conditioning
You need the aerobic capacity to last the game. Jogging, track work, cycling will help develop aerobic conditioning. The 4th quarter is where most games are won or lost. If you are not fit you should not even consider playing American Football.
Mental toughness
Mental toughness comes from understanding the rules, knowing your position, learning the playbook preparing your self for the game, taking care of your physical development and above all avoid making mistakes. Mental toughness and physical conditioning go hand in hand for American footballers.
Each month this section will contain articles from coaches and trainers detailing how you can improve on these skills.
How to progress in American football
As with most sports there are different levels and standards of competition available to the domestic player ranging from club games to international games. This applies to the amateur game and professional game.
How far you want to progress along this ladder relies on 2 things,
- Your ability.
- How hard you are willing to work.
The British Youth American Football Association is the governing body for all youth related football. They have the following club football available:
- 14-16 years old, 5-on-5 football
No league, just friendly one-day tournaments. - 16-19 year old, 9–a –side football league
This is played on a regional basic with a national final.
- Division 1
Regional divisions playing for a national title. - Division 1A
Regional divisions playing for a national title. - Division 2
Regional divisions playing for a national title.
8 regional divisions playing for one national title.
The next step up from club football is European club football. This is only available to player's aged 18+. EFAF organises the Euro Bowl tournament for the top European clubs and the Euro Cup tournament for the smaller teams.
After club football comes the all star teams. These are teams made up from the best club players and which represent certain areas of the country. At present the BSL operate (via the national program) the North -v- South game.
The next progression is National representative teams like Team England and Team Scotland for youth players and the GB Lion youth and GB Lions Seniors who take part in EFAF tournaments such as the European Junior Championships and the European Senior Championships. This is the top of the ladder for domestic amateur football.
After GB level there is an additional level for youth players to attain too with Team Europe. This is an all star team made up of the best players in Europe.
The final step would be onto professional football like NFL Europe and the NFL.
If you have the ability and the dedication you can (depending on age) try to get into a high school or college in America. This would be a major step in you development. Attend high school or college instantly brings you into contact with more experienced coaches more intense coaching opportunities and better facilities. If you seriously have aspiration to make it in NFL Europe or the NFL this would be a major step in the right direction.
To play any level of American football well and as it should be requires a lot of hard work and effort from the player. To move up to any other level, requires extra work and extra effort. Set you goals and work to them. No one else can do it for you.