notes:
The odd summer weather in Japan this year- a bit cooler than normal- has made it great for watching football. While the rain came down on Saturday, there really hasn't been any nasty typhoon weather. Sunday was warm, sunny, and beautiful. Hope we get more of the same for upcoming 'Silver Week' and can see some more fans out at the stadiums.
* Was a bit bleary eyed from (internet) watching NCAA games (Michigan-Notre Dame...wow!), but there was some exciting early season football played in Japan, too.
* Perhaps the most stunning event of the weekend and perhaps the early season so far was Kokushukan's upset of Waseda in college division 1 at Amino Vital. A goal line stand with 10 seconds remaining gave the Rhinos a 7-3 (!) victory over the Big Bears.
Kokushukan is new to Division 1 this year.
* The Rhinos occasionally share their practice field (and scrimmage) with the Unisys Bulls.
The Bulls also enjoyed their first win in (X-League) Division 1 after moving up this year, defeating the All-Mitsubishi Lions 17-14 at Kawasaki on Sunday. The Bulls and Fuji Xerox (3rd year in the top division) are both 1-1.
* While there is nothing like parity yet, but things are improving in the X-League somewhat. While definitely stronger than others lower in their division, the Asahi Silver Stars look vulnerable- they only led the Gas Creators by a mere 14-7 at the start of the 4th quarter.
* Kawasaki Stadium: I have to say, it keeps evolving as a better and better place for football. This year they have extended the stands further towards the end zone which was the former home of, well, home plate. Now the cheerleaders have a bit more room to...[come on] Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake, a-Shake It. [Yeah, I know- shame on me]
There is consequently slightly less of it, but there is still a grassy "picnic area" behind home plate, which I would like to see families and fans and teams make more use made of.
* Other improvements at Kawasaki have included raising the scoreboard. Much more prominent and easier to see now. Just one problem: unfortunately the lights are just not powerful enough, so with the sun shining directly upon it it during much of the second half of the second game, it was impossible to see anything from the "Visitor" sideline.
When such times come (of course, exactly when depends on the time of year), perhaps it would help if the referee reminded the PA announcer to call out the time remaining each time the clock stopped, particularly say, in the last 3 minutes or so of each quarter. Fortunately it didn't turn out to be a factor in yesterday's 17-14 Bulls-Lions game- but it easily could have been.
* BTW seems like every time i see him officiate a game, Bill Passwaters is the umpire. Can't help wondering: is that because he likes it there, or do they put the gaijin in the officiating spot most likely to get caught up in the fray, or to get run over? [insert Yakety Sax footage here]
* I also think I have been seeing better officiating than in the past. Still some missed calls and bogus PI calls; and I have yet to witness a call for helmet-to-helmet contact in Japan. But it seems to be better informed, more decisive. There seem to be fewer of those confounded confabulations- all around, the zebras seem more sure of themselves in the midst of all those roaming Lions and Tigers and Bears.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Pushing throught the Dog Days
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?
"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?
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.
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