Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Why Boys Love It

What is it about football that guys love so much? If you have a love for football it probably started when you were just a kid. Now, the reasons you love it at this point might be somewhat different than when you were six, but never the less, the love never goes away. My love for football and all sports is what motivated me to be a teacher and coach. But most of all, it was my love for football.

I recently just finished writing a book about the basics of football. It’s called “Understanding Football and Why Boys Love It”. My primary motivation in writing the book was to provide Moms a short book that gave a big picture of the game their boys (sons, husbands, grandsons, nephews) love. It had always been an interest of mine to give my views on the basics of the game. I didn’t want to delve into too many rules, penalties, and terms that would be boring and cause the book to be too thick and intimidating for the novice to read. I have seen a few books out there that explain the basics but they are 200 plus pages. I asked myself, “Who’s going to read that?” So, my book is under 70 pages with a lot of diagrams to help get my point across. With the help of my family, I think I ended up with the result I was looking for.

Understanding Football, not only gives the novice a basic understanding of the game but also some of the reasons why we boys/men love it. I know why I love the game and I figured most guys share my feelings based on what I’ve observed and heard from others. When we were kids any kind of rough housing was fun and football gave us a chance to run around, tackle, spin, fall down, and get dirty. As we got older those same things still appealed, but now other things probably drew us to the game. The strategy and preparation for “battle” can really get guys juiced.

Right now the book can be bought on Chiefpigskin.com. The cost is $8.95 for a single copy and for reduced prices when bought in multiples for a team. One of my ideas is that coaches can purchase them for their freshman moms as a gift at the beginning of the season. Whatever the reason you have for purchasing this book, just click on www.chiefpigskin.com to check out the book and see what you think.

It was a fun project and I’m really hoping that a lot of moms (and others) benefit from it. I’d love to get feedback from anyone who reads it and let me know what you think. I’ve never attempted anything like this before and would like to get your reaction. By the way, I learned that anyone can write a book if you’re willing to put the time in. Pick a subject that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about and jump in. It’s a lot of work but when finished, it feels pretty good. Enjoy the upcoming season. I can’t wait!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

I Know You Know

Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them. 2 Peter 1:12a

Peter wanted to remind a group of believers of some important truths that they had been taught. He knew they knew, but reminded them anyway because of the importance.

So, even though I know you know, let’s remind ourselves anyway. It’s gonna be hot. It’s gonna be grueling. It’s gonna be tough as ever as high schools all across the country get two a day’s started in just a few days. What does that mean? Don’t forget to monitor your players closely. Make sure they have plenty of water, rest when needed. We live in a different time than 20 or 30 years ago. For a little humor and a look at the past on hydrating during practice, see the August 12, 2010 blog, It’ll Make you Sick, in the archives. I think you’ll get a kick out of it.

Also, allow me to remind you that as coaches it is up to us to build up our athletes not only physically but mentally, socially, and spiritually. What does that look like? Well, that’s a lot but let’s look at mentally real quick. Make sure your players are getting some sort of positive feedback every day. Even the annoying ones? Yes, even the annoying ones. Even the “trouble makers”? Yes, even the trouble makers. Remember, we don’t know everyone’s home life. We might be the most important influence in their lives. It’s up to us to build our athletes up.

There are plenty of tips on www.chiefpigskin.com for coaches to help their athletes in all areas so be sure to take advantage of all there is to offer on that site. OK, I’m done with THOSE reminders. Now, good luck to everyone as they begin practice this week and good luck on your upcoming season. This is an exciting time!