In the US, the football season actually begins in earnest in August. Very earnest. With two-a-days and summer practice in the mad race to prepare for the season in the hottest months of the year, it can be very grueling. Saw a letter/posting from a HS football player in America to which I am sure many of us can relate:
"Should I quit my high school football team?"
"This is my first year ever playing football, so I'm not really that good. I mainly joined because my parents wanted me to play a sport or join something. Practices are pretty hard, and it's not fun. I'm always too sore or tired to hang out with my friends, and it takes up a lot of my summer. I really don't wanna quit or be a quitter, but I don't know how much longer I can motivate myself to get through it."
I felt compelled to respond:
Football is not just a game. It is a test of personal courage and toughness and will. That is way more important than any awards or results on the scoreboard.
Over time, you will inevitably bond and make friends with other players on the team- 'war buddies'- in a way that only people who have gone through common hardships can.
It is difficult to get perspective sometimes- football entails a lot of practice and drilling and stress and pain and discomfort that could not be described as fun. And yes, August is the worst. The payoff comes much later.
But be aware that all the drilling and practice really is necessary, so that you won't need to think about all the things that go on in a game situation- you'll be able to just react, so things flow almost instinctively.
You have to look any for ways you can to see improvement- by measurement, or on video. This can help to motivate you. Ask your coach to give you something specific to work on, and ask for periodic evaluations and look to see improvement in that specific aspect.
Keep a journal of your experience- committing thoughts and experiences and resolutions to paper and looking back over it later can also help inspire you.
Pay more attention and be more vocal- when on the sidelines, when watching others in drills. This gets your 'mind in the game', and prepares you better for when you are in there.
Generally in life, the more you invest and commit to something, the more you'll get out of it.
Just take my word for it and know that you have a great opportunity you may not fully appreciate until later- unlike many other things, when you are older you won't have a chance to play and learn from the experience. Later in life, the things we usually regret are the things we had a chance to do, but didn't.
Good luck!
Any other comments or suggestions for players when they are feeling this way?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
ND Japan Bowl
It was a surprising game in many ways. The great receivers for the Japan team never got loose for a long one. The much feared Noriaki Kinoshita ended up with only 3 catches, the longest for 14 yards on Curl route for a first down- and that was the extent of the damage he did to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish did their fighting on the ground- they completed a grand total of one (1!) pass in the air that went for 7 yards (and was marked back 10 yards for holding on the play). The second half ofthe game, the Irish took control with their ground game, running the ball 49 times for 271 yards; breaking tackles numerous times. Jay Vickers was the MVP for the game, carrying 'the rock' 16 times for 139 yards and 1 TD, the longest a 77 yard run on an Inside Zone that he cut back and took nearly to the goal line, setting up a Tony Rice TD that made it 10-3.
Besides the problems handling a more physical Irish team, Japan's QB's (Takata and Sugawara) had significant trouble with the Notre Dame pass rush- they were unable to deliver the ball deep; suffered hurried and errant throws, and several dropped balls as well. As Notre Dame DC told me after the game- "that was our game plan; to really our DL loose. we told them they would have a lot of fun this week." Japan was 20-45 and 179 yards, with 3 interceptions and several sacks, including one safety early in the 3rd that seemed to take the wind out of their sails. Frankly speaking, intensity and emotion seemed to be missing from the Japan sideline for most of the game.
The crowd on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the game. The Notre Dame 'tailgate' BBQ party with free-flowing beer out in front of the Dome put many in a good mood, and the marching bands and various camera gimmicks- including the Kiss Cam- created a fun atmosphere; though the animated scoreboard shorts interrupted the replays way too often.
Besides the problems handling a more physical Irish team, Japan's QB's (Takata and Sugawara) had significant trouble with the Notre Dame pass rush- they were unable to deliver the ball deep; suffered hurried and errant throws, and several dropped balls as well. As Notre Dame DC told me after the game- "that was our game plan; to really our DL loose. we told them they would have a lot of fun this week." Japan was 20-45 and 179 yards, with 3 interceptions and several sacks, including one safety early in the 3rd that seemed to take the wind out of their sails. Frankly speaking, intensity and emotion seemed to be missing from the Japan sideline for most of the game.
The crowd on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the game. The Notre Dame 'tailgate' BBQ party with free-flowing beer out in front of the Dome put many in a good mood, and the marching bands and various camera gimmicks- including the Kiss Cam- created a fun atmosphere; though the animated scoreboard shorts interrupted the replays way too often.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday
With two days to go in game week, Thursday combined an ND press practice; a press conference with coaches and players from each team; and a clinic outside for younger Japanese players.
Members of the press received white ND Japan Bowl caps in lieu of badges today- a nice touch. Practice (in helmets and shorts) went more smoothly, with the defense looking pretty good working through calls and assignments. Ambrose Wooden took all the snaps on offense, as Tony Rice had an ice pack on his leg and #2 QB Gary Godsey was still limping. Things have improved, but to me honestly still seemed a bit too slow- going through pass progressions for example- to handle the Japanese defense come Saturday. We shall see...
Team speed was also an issue at the press conference- Holtz, Tim Brown, and Tony Rice mentioning Japan's team speed, and Japan Coach Kiyoyuki Mori mentioning how they went with younger players and (even) more speed than the World Cup team in 2007. The age of the Notre Dame roster worried them- former ND and NFL receiver Tim Brown begged off on playing, saying he is "over forty", although Kris Haines is on the roster as a WR, and celebrated his 52nd birthday(!) on Thursday.
Holtz repeatedly mentioned his concerns about the skill positions- problems about age and condition of the skill players for Notre Dame; and the ability of the Japanese squad. There were eyebrows raised and looks exchanged on the ND side when they heard WR Noriaki Kinoshita speak of his status on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. Kinoshita reminded me of Ichiro Suzuki speaking of the first World Baseball Classic in 2006, that in spite of playing abroad, identifying himself as Japanese, and the importance of such games in terms of national pride. Many were also surprised to learn that Kinoshita has been playing twenty years now- since the age of five in the Chestnut League in Kansai.
However Holtz- quite notorious for his tendency to play up the strength of the opposition and his fears for his own squad- may have strained credulity just a bit when asked to evaluate the quality of Japan's football. Reasoning that the 2007 US World Cup team was made up of Division IAA players, and that Japan nearly won the World Cup game , losing on a blocked field goal in double overtime, Coach Holtz told the press conference it was the Japanese team was the equivalent of a Division I [mid-major] football team, such as East Carolina (coached by his son Skip). While the quality of Japanese football is is surprisingly good and continues to steadily improve, the reality is the US World Cup team in 2007 was comprised of post-graduate players of a geographical mix from all college divisions, including NAIA and even three or four Division I players, who had used up their eligibility, and were not drafted or signed as free agents with the NFL.
I had a chance to ask the final question at the press conference, which was for Coach Mori of the Japan team: to prepare for this game, what video did you look at? Mori, who is another one who can be wily, but also be effusive, replied that they looked at numerous things, including the various coordinator's most recent coaching jobs; but he made it a point to mention he got somewhat side-tracked watching the classic 1988 matchup between ND and the Miami Hurricanes during that national championship season for the Irish, a a thrilling 31-30 battle. Holtz and Tony Rice both beamed. Tim Brown had graduated a year earlier.
Coach Holtz greeted me at the bottom of the stairs on the way out, saying "thank you"- not really sure if that was for just being there, or asking the question...
Members of the press received white ND Japan Bowl caps in lieu of badges today- a nice touch. Practice (in helmets and shorts) went more smoothly, with the defense looking pretty good working through calls and assignments. Ambrose Wooden took all the snaps on offense, as Tony Rice had an ice pack on his leg and #2 QB Gary Godsey was still limping. Things have improved, but to me honestly still seemed a bit too slow- going through pass progressions for example- to handle the Japanese defense come Saturday. We shall see...
Team speed was also an issue at the press conference- Holtz, Tim Brown, and Tony Rice mentioning Japan's team speed, and Japan Coach Kiyoyuki Mori mentioning how they went with younger players and (even) more speed than the World Cup team in 2007. The age of the Notre Dame roster worried them- former ND and NFL receiver Tim Brown begged off on playing, saying he is "over forty", although Kris Haines is on the roster as a WR, and celebrated his 52nd birthday(!) on Thursday.
Holtz repeatedly mentioned his concerns about the skill positions- problems about age and condition of the skill players for Notre Dame; and the ability of the Japanese squad. There were eyebrows raised and looks exchanged on the ND side when they heard WR Noriaki Kinoshita speak of his status on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. Kinoshita reminded me of Ichiro Suzuki speaking of the first World Baseball Classic in 2006, that in spite of playing abroad, identifying himself as Japanese, and the importance of such games in terms of national pride. Many were also surprised to learn that Kinoshita has been playing twenty years now- since the age of five in the Chestnut League in Kansai.
However Holtz- quite notorious for his tendency to play up the strength of the opposition and his fears for his own squad- may have strained credulity just a bit when asked to evaluate the quality of Japan's football. Reasoning that the 2007 US World Cup team was made up of Division IAA players, and that Japan nearly won the World Cup game , losing on a blocked field goal in double overtime, Coach Holtz told the press conference it was the Japanese team was the equivalent of a Division I [mid-major] football team, such as East Carolina (coached by his son Skip). While the quality of Japanese football is is surprisingly good and continues to steadily improve, the reality is the US World Cup team in 2007 was comprised of post-graduate players of a geographical mix from all college divisions, including NAIA and even three or four Division I players, who had used up their eligibility, and were not drafted or signed as free agents with the NFL.
I had a chance to ask the final question at the press conference, which was for Coach Mori of the Japan team: to prepare for this game, what video did you look at? Mori, who is another one who can be wily, but also be effusive, replied that they looked at numerous things, including the various coordinator's most recent coaching jobs; but he made it a point to mention he got somewhat side-tracked watching the classic 1988 matchup between ND and the Miami Hurricanes during that national championship season for the Irish, a a thrilling 31-30 battle. Holtz and Tony Rice both beamed. Tim Brown had graduated a year earlier.
Coach Holtz greeted me at the bottom of the stairs on the way out, saying "thank you"- not really sure if that was for just being there, or asking the question...
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Irish Invasion
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish "Legends" alumni team is here, preparing for their Saturday matchup versus the Japanese national team in Tokyo Dome.
A light rain fell on the practice field Tuesday, at Nihon U. The Irish defense appeared to be well ahead of the offense- not surprising early in the week of a game like this. Injuries also affected proceedings quite a bit, and toward the end of practice there were several players going both ways- including Ambrose Wooden (who normally lines up at Safety)- taking many snaps at QB.
At age 72, Coach Lou Holtz may have started slowly, but by the end of practice, he had taken off his sweater and jacket, and was really 'getting after it'. QB Tony Rice was having a bit of trouble throwing the ball, and received a large dose of Holtz's scorn. But it didn't seem to trouble Rice, who in comments to the press afterward was understanding to the point of magnanimity. "It started coming back last week when we started practicing. I am just proud that he's given me the opportunity to come over here...He said some things I haven't heard in a long time...some of this is like de ja vous!"
"I am going to be him on the football field: just know my plays; know what I have to do; make sure I go through my progressions and just enjoy myself"
Practice continues this week (including a clinic for players and coaches on Thursday). Kickoff is at 4 PM on Saturday.
A light rain fell on the practice field Tuesday, at Nihon U. The Irish defense appeared to be well ahead of the offense- not surprising early in the week of a game like this. Injuries also affected proceedings quite a bit, and toward the end of practice there were several players going both ways- including Ambrose Wooden (who normally lines up at Safety)- taking many snaps at QB.
At age 72, Coach Lou Holtz may have started slowly, but by the end of practice, he had taken off his sweater and jacket, and was really 'getting after it'. QB Tony Rice was having a bit of trouble throwing the ball, and received a large dose of Holtz's scorn. But it didn't seem to trouble Rice, who in comments to the press afterward was understanding to the point of magnanimity. "It started coming back last week when we started practicing. I am just proud that he's given me the opportunity to come over here...He said some things I haven't heard in a long time...some of this is like de ja vous!"
"I am going to be him on the football field: just know my plays; know what I have to do; make sure I go through my progressions and just enjoy myself"
Practice continues this week (including a clinic for players and coaches on Thursday). Kickoff is at 4 PM on Saturday.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Warming Up
It was a muggy day in Kawasaki on Sunday, though by later in the day things cooled off a bit and a nice breeze picked up.
After a rather sluggish first half, Team Japan sharpened up after halftime, and dominated a clearly outmatched All-Nihon Phoenix squad in a tune-up game for the Notre Dame Japan Bowl coming up on July 25th.
The Phoenix suffered from a harassed and erratic passing attack- 3 interceptions and 25-52 in the air for 220 yards passing, and gained 57 yen yards rushing. They were only able to manage three drives of more than six plays.
Team Japan had even less on the ground- 45 yards on 25 carries, yet amassed 572 yards in total offense, 527 yards in the air. Panasonic Impulse QB Tetsuo Takata threw for 324 yards including 3 TDs and no interceptions, and was 21-29 on the day. They struck immediately on the first play from scrimmage- a 70 yard TD pass from Takata to Noriaki Kinoshita. Kinoshita had five catches for 118 yards and two TDs, and Takata's Impulse teammate Shouei Hasegawa had four catches for 75 yards and two TDs. Shun Sugawara was 7-9 for 162 yards and a TD. Koushi Moriya (now playing with the Fujitsu Fronteirs) had four catches for 51 yards and 1 TD for the Phoenix.
Kinoshita, the former NFL Europe standout, is currently training at Ritsumeikan, his alma mater. He will be working out with the New York franchise of the incipient UFL come September.
The Phoenix squad included many Nichidai alumni as well as current players. The Japan Team consisted of 84 members, most of them from the usual suspects: Impulse, Fujitsu, Kajima Deers, Obic Seagulls, Asahi Beer Silver Stars, and the Sagamihara Rise (now X-3, but formerly the X-1 Onward Skylarks); with a sprinkling of some other X-League and top university teams. All but a dozen of the players are in their twenties, but Impulse DL Yasuo Wakisaka turned forty in May. Waseda U. RB Tomokazu Sueyoshi is 19. The squad will be cut down to 60 players for the Notre Dame Japan Bowl game on 7/25.
My sympathy for those hardworking Team Japan cheerleaders, who were dressed in black training clothes in the hot sun, though that didn't seem to stop them from putting out their usual fine effort.
I must confess I really enjoyed hearing the sound of live music at a football game, as the Phoenix fortunately brought their school band and cheerleaders.
Also evident was continued construction on Kawasaki Stadium to expand seating (though unfortunately this cuts further into the grass area I would like to see used as a picnic area). This is indicative of Kawasaki's commitment to football.
After a rather sluggish first half, Team Japan sharpened up after halftime, and dominated a clearly outmatched All-Nihon Phoenix squad in a tune-up game for the Notre Dame Japan Bowl coming up on July 25th.
The Phoenix suffered from a harassed and erratic passing attack- 3 interceptions and 25-52 in the air for 220 yards passing, and gained 57 yen yards rushing. They were only able to manage three drives of more than six plays.
Team Japan had even less on the ground- 45 yards on 25 carries, yet amassed 572 yards in total offense, 527 yards in the air. Panasonic Impulse QB Tetsuo Takata threw for 324 yards including 3 TDs and no interceptions, and was 21-29 on the day. They struck immediately on the first play from scrimmage- a 70 yard TD pass from Takata to Noriaki Kinoshita. Kinoshita had five catches for 118 yards and two TDs, and Takata's Impulse teammate Shouei Hasegawa had four catches for 75 yards and two TDs. Shun Sugawara was 7-9 for 162 yards and a TD. Koushi Moriya (now playing with the Fujitsu Fronteirs) had four catches for 51 yards and 1 TD for the Phoenix.
Kinoshita, the former NFL Europe standout, is currently training at Ritsumeikan, his alma mater. He will be working out with the New York franchise of the incipient UFL come September.
The Phoenix squad included many Nichidai alumni as well as current players. The Japan Team consisted of 84 members, most of them from the usual suspects: Impulse, Fujitsu, Kajima Deers, Obic Seagulls, Asahi Beer Silver Stars, and the Sagamihara Rise (now X-3, but formerly the X-1 Onward Skylarks); with a sprinkling of some other X-League and top university teams. All but a dozen of the players are in their twenties, but Impulse DL Yasuo Wakisaka turned forty in May. Waseda U. RB Tomokazu Sueyoshi is 19. The squad will be cut down to 60 players for the Notre Dame Japan Bowl game on 7/25.
My sympathy for those hardworking Team Japan cheerleaders, who were dressed in black training clothes in the hot sun, though that didn't seem to stop them from putting out their usual fine effort.
I must confess I really enjoyed hearing the sound of live music at a football game, as the Phoenix fortunately brought their school band and cheerleaders.
Also evident was continued construction on Kawasaki Stadium to expand seating (though unfortunately this cuts further into the grass area I would like to see used as a picnic area). This is indicative of Kawasaki's commitment to football.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Seeing through the Iris
Yesterday, I attended the Iris Bowl- the championship game of the Urban Football League spring tournament at the 江戸川区陸上競技場. Because of the running track around the field, the stands are rather far from the field, but it is a nice facility, and the lack of rain, and the nice breeze off the water made it a pleasant afternoon.
The game offered some excitement, but the BattleHawks were handily defeated by the Roebucks. Both teams have a rather long history for Japanese teams (the Roebucks were formed in 1974, the Battlehawks in 1981).
While ball handling mistakes no doubt played a part, depth was certainly also a factor in the one-sided nature of the game. This is all too often the case with football games here. Unfortunately game and season results directly proportional to roster size: the team with the larger roster usually wins. Size definitely does matter. Of course quality is also certainly important- particularly as we rise to the highest levels. But without a certain critical mass- quite literally- it becomes difficult to establish much of anything. Many teams are simply in need of warm bodies.
The nature of football- with its requirements of specialization, the possibilities of injury, and the need for numbers to properly prepare and practice, means that accumulating greater numbers is important to the health and survival of most teams, save perhaps a few elite Division 1 teams.
This is essential to help grow the game of football across a broader base. So to help with this issue, I will use some of the resources of this website and help players and teams to find each other. I invite you to submit information to accomplish this.
At the game, I met a fascinating team called the U59ers (technically under 59, but in fact anyone over 40 is welcome). More on them later...
The game offered some excitement, but the BattleHawks were handily defeated by the Roebucks. Both teams have a rather long history for Japanese teams (the Roebucks were formed in 1974, the Battlehawks in 1981).
While ball handling mistakes no doubt played a part, depth was certainly also a factor in the one-sided nature of the game. This is all too often the case with football games here. Unfortunately game and season results directly proportional to roster size: the team with the larger roster usually wins. Size definitely does matter. Of course quality is also certainly important- particularly as we rise to the highest levels. But without a certain critical mass- quite literally- it becomes difficult to establish much of anything. Many teams are simply in need of warm bodies.
The nature of football- with its requirements of specialization, the possibilities of injury, and the need for numbers to properly prepare and practice, means that accumulating greater numbers is important to the health and survival of most teams, save perhaps a few elite Division 1 teams.
This is essential to help grow the game of football across a broader base. So to help with this issue, I will use some of the resources of this website and help players and teams to find each other. I invite you to submit information to accomplish this.
At the game, I met a fascinating team called the U59ers (technically under 59, but in fact anyone over 40 is welcome). More on them later...
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