The Truth Behind Concussions and American Football

American football has gained notoriety for contributing to high incidences of traumatic brain injury among players. This sport estimates the highest number of concussions per season, beating rugby, basketball, or baseball. Recent medical studies have also reported that former football players have significantly higher risk of contracting a degenerative disease because of repetitive brain injuries. The authors of these studies estimate that roughly 80 percent of professional players had signs of chronic trauma encephalopathy (CTE).

The cause is fairly obvious. Compared to other sports, American football is built on rough physical exertions. Tackles, which force a player down and cause him to hit his head, are a fairly common occurrence. When these happen often, the trauma can cause abnormalities in the brain.

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These reports have changed the way the game is being played. The NFL has implemented several regulations that prevent serious injury. One such rule is the tackling ban: players can no longer tackle with a blow from the crown of the head. Additionally, teams are now encouraged to develop tackling styles that are similar to those of rugby; that is, tackling from the legs and hitting with their shoulders. These changes have reportedly led to a decrease in reported concussions by around 35 percent since 2012.

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But medical and sports professionals say there is still a long way to go. American football can only be modified so much without changing the essence of its game-play. Consequently, the current focus is improving protective equipment. There is also some hope for newer and better forms of imaging which would allow athletic trainers to spot damaging tackles and immediately call for medical timeout.  

Having lived, breathed, and played professional football for most of his life, Will McHale understands both the beauty and danger of engaging in this sport. For more information, like this Facebook page.

A Strange Game: Some Unusual Things About American Football

Although not without an international footprint in North America, Europe, and Asia, the game known to the rest of the world as American football is an acclaimed national institution. As would be expected from a game so tied to the culture of a nation, it will bear several unusual hallmarks that set it a world apart from other sports.

Rugby lite

Football as many know it today was descended from a group of sports known as “football,” whose main rule was that it was played on foot. That which became modern American football evolved from rugby. This is evident in the territorial and physical nature of the game. Unlike both forms of modern rugby, however, American football is considerably less violent, much to the astonishment of British spectators.

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Sports time

Officially, a football game only has about one hour of play. In practice, the time between plays can significantly stretch a game for up to three hours. The game's clock is governed by a number of arcane rules in stopping and starting during the game, which can be used by a particularly savvy coach to a team's tactical advantage.

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Three teams

Although only two teams are ever seen competing, there are actually three teams present in the game itself. The “third team” refers to the officiating crew, which is in charge of enforcing the game's rules in the field.

Old pigskin

While most footballs are made from rubber, they are commonly called pigskins. The ball gained its unusual name from the fact that before vulcanized rubber became available, it would frequently be made from a pig's bladder, usually also wrapped in (pig) leather. Although it was possible for a football to be made from leather stuffed with hay, they did not perform as well in-game as the pig bladders. By the late 19th century, rubber footballs have become available at last, but the name of the leather-bound bladder stuck.  

Having been an inside linebacker for the Yale Bulldogs, Will McHale later served as the assistant coach for the American football team La Courneuve Flash in France. Visit this blog for more updates on football.

Getting into American Football

Many would agree that American football is one of the greatest sports in world. As evidence of its widespread popularity, the National Football League, in its championship game, the Super Bowl, ranks among the most-watched sporting events in the globe with millions of fans from different countries tuning in.

But the thing that makes American football truly special is the game itself. It is a sport that balances mental and physical toughness, cooperation, and leadership. Players who excel in the field can expect a badge of prestige and honor from their families, friends, and communities.

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American football is a game for all shapes and sizes. From physical technique and endurance to communication and analytical skills, the game uses specific skills depending on the player’s position in the team—one can be a speedy pass catcher, while others can be offensive blockers for stronger defense. That said, it is vital to know your strengths and weaknesses in order to determine your role in the game.

In terms of cost, American football is an affordable sport to get involved in. If you are student, local clubs in colleges and universities can help you hone your skill. In the U.S., it is estimated that nearly 1 million high school athletes and 70,000 college athletes play the sport annually.

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Whether for recreation or a professional career, American football is for everyone. It is a game that spreads positivity and bond among players.

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Five Critical Skills a Quarterback Needs to Succeed

Being a successful quarterback needs more than just throwing skills and footwork. Aside from mastering game management, a quarterback needs to be the best offensive leader to help the team claim victory. Here are some quarterback skills that will ensure success:

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1. Arm and core strength 

A quarterback needs to hone his shoulder strength, scapula stability, leg strength, and rotational core strength to improve velocity when throwing the ball at high speed. Do activities that enhance the strength of the arms, abs, obliques, hips, and glutes.

     2.  Competitiveness

A good quarterback must be intensely competitive. A quarterback is considered the leader of the offense and the one who is commanding the team on the field. Every time there is a huddle, he has to show his good spirits and courageousness to other players to inspire them.

    3. Mobility

The ability to avoid a pass rush or tackle is important thus overall mobility and agility can make a remarkable difference in the game. Training by jumping rope, quick footwork, and drills will improve foot speed.

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    4. Vision

It is very critical to keep the head steady and the eyes focused during the game particularly when throwing the ball to target receiver running routes downfield.

    5. Intelligence

Aside from innate acumen of the sport, a quarterback has to master all the running plays in the playbook. This involves studying more and lots of practice.

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American Football in France: No, They Don't Call it Rugby

In France, le foot is played by elite athletes such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Zinedine Zidane, or Olivier Giroud, just to drop a couple of names. The name Mike Leach might not ring too many bells in the streets of this country that loves its footballs kicked, dribbled by foot, and unmistakably round. 

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There is a running misconception that Europeans harbor an aversion against American football. Moreover, rugby, a sport whose mechanics run close to those of American football, is revered and supported on the continent so as to eclipse the allure of the latter. But it must be clarified that American football has planted some Old World roots, and in France no less. French teams such as Le Flash de La Courneuve have gained a loyal, sizable following over the years. They play in municipal stadia and inspire a certain culture of Americanism among the crowds, such as cheers in English. 

The sport is showing much promise, especially as it makes the international rounds. Unbeknown to many, even some avid followers of NFL, the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) exists, counting 64 member nations on six continents. Each member has a national federation dedicated to the sport, and France is just one shining example of a country that upholds the sport and the core values promoted by the federation. In fact, the country had been playing American football since 1919, thanks to the legacy of American soldiers who had stayed in the country after World War I. The ensuing century and decades will not know a letup in the sport: to date, France regularly participates in international competitions.

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Will McHale is a former linebacker and assistant coach for La Courneuve France, a professional American football team in France. For more reads on American football, visit this blog.

Team Building and Beyond: Leadership Lessons from Renowned Football Coaches

Football coaches, especially those in the NFL, carry the heavy duty of not only leading their players to victory but also making sure that all members stay motivated as they progress.

Those who do not enjoy football can still learn lessons from the football field - leadership lessons, to be exact. Here are some of them:

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Leadership is about teaching, not shouting

Vince Lombardi was the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers in the 1960s. Considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, Lombardi likened coaching to teaching, where the leader isn’t there to bark orders, but to set a goal and tell each member why each step is important. With this kind of coaching, his players grew to respect him as he made sure all of them understood what they were playing for.

Honesty is important

“The only way to change people is to tell them in the clearest possible terms what they’re doing wrong. And if they don’t want to listen, they don’t belong on the team,” writes Bill Parcells in a Harvard Business Review article in 2000. Bill Parcells was known for turning around losing teams and for coaching the New York Giants to two Super Bowl wins. His key strategy: be (brutally) honest.

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Hard work is a tool to achieve goals

Tom Landry made the Dallas Cowboys one of the best teams in the 1970s. He was known for making his players recognize the importance of working hard today in order to reap the rewards of tomorrow. He once said, “Leadership is getting someone to do what they don’t want to do [so they can] achieve what they want to achieve.”

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REPOST: Sarah Thomas: NFL appoints its first woman official

America's NFL has just announced the appointment of its first full-time woman line judge. Get to know more about Sarah Thomas by reading the article below:

When Sarah Thomas began officiating 19 years ago, she had no idea there were no women referees in the National Football League.

“I never set out to become the first female official in the NFL,” she ttold ABC News in 2013, but today she makes history as the first woman to be assigned full-time to an NFL officiating crew.

The NFL announced nine first-year NFL officials who graduated from the NFL Officiating Development program, which trains top college football officials. The 41-year-old will join the NFL as a line judge after 19 years officiating and eight years with Conference USA.

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“Our incoming officials have all demonstrated that they are among the best in college football,” NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said in a statement. “We are excited about having them join us.”

Ms Thomas, a former college basketball player, wanted to learn more about the game of American football and began to pursue officiating — and she’s been making history ever since.

In 2011, the Mississippi native became the first woman to referee in a Big Ten stadium. In 2009, she became the first woman to referee a college bowl game at the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. In 2013, she then joined the NFL’s officiating program, working Saints games as requirements for the course.


”I don't feel that it's been harder for me because I'm a female,“ she said. ”I think that we are just out here working as officials. … I think just on our credentials, just as officials, I think that's what moves us along, not because of our gender or our race.“

Ms Thomas is also a wife and mother of two sons and a daughter. She says her family doesn’t consider her job out of the ordinary.

”They just know mom officiates and it's nothing foreign to them or pioneering or anything,“ she said. ”I do this.”


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American football vs. rugby: Which is the tougher sport?

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American football and rugby are two of the most physically demanding sports in the world. Both games have established a tough reputation due to their associated risks and dangers, pushing human strength and endurance to the limit.

By comparison, both sports are difficult to play. The first obvious reason lies on their physical requirements and the inherent dangers associated with the sports. In terms of “toughness,” however, the answer may depend on the parameters considered.

The fundamentals of football and rugby are entirely different. In terms of the time limit, for example, rugby has two 40-minute halves, whereas football has four 15-minute quarters, with a half-time intermission. With these factors, rugby places greater emphasis on stamina while football’s more flexible time limit makes the game more explosive when it comes to game plan.

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Both games also differ significantly on strategy. For instance, football teams are given the chance to have unlimited substitutions, whereas, in rugby, teams are only provided at least seven player changes, depending on the mechanics of the tournament.

Other factors such as players’ physique and game objectives must also be accounted as they may affect the difficulty and stringency of the match.

Football and rugby are two different games, and both have their pros and cons. All things considered, the toughness of both sports may depend on the preference and strength and endurance of players.

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REPOST: Which College Football Conference Will Be the Best in 2015?

Who has the highest chance of winning in the college level football this season? This article from Bleacher Report discusses statistics and general observations about the 2015 College Football Conference.

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The SEC is the safest bet to rule college football next season, no matter how deep the Pac-12, how top-heavy the Big Ten and Big 12 or how underrated the ACC.

Why? Because in college football, past results predict future performance. The relationship isn't causal, but there is a strong correlation (.76) between the five-year F/+ program ratings at Football Outsiders and how a team fares the next season.

This concept can be extended to conferences—or at least it can in theory—so we've collated the average F/+ ratings from 2010 to 2014 and sorted by league.

The higher the F/+ rating, the better that conference has been than the FBS average (0.0). The next four columns show the percentage of each conference that falls in the top quartile, second quartile, third quartile and bottom quartile among Power Five teams:

Statistically, the SEC has been roughly twice as good as the ACC, Big Ten and Pac-12 the past five seasons.

The Big 12 has been comparable, especially with regard to distribution, but its top-tier teams (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU) have been far worse than those of the SEC (Alabama, LSU, Georgia).

Why is this important? Again, because as strange as it feels, looking backward is a big part of looking forward. It might even be the biggestpart. Football Outsiders elaborates on this point:

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The strongest indicator of how a college football team will perform in the upcoming season is their performance in recent seasons.

It may seem strange because graduation enforces constant player turnover, but college football teams are actually much more consistent from year to year than NFL teams. Thanks in large part to consistency in recruiting, teams can be expected to play within a reasonable range of their baseline program expectations each season. Our Program F/+ ratings, which represent a rolling five-year period of play-by-play and drive efficiency data, have an extremely strong (.76) correlation with the next year’s F/+ rating.

If you disregard advanced stats, that's fine; you're well within your rights. And at least you have Charles Barkley in your corner! But in many ways you're arguing that two and two make five.

The SEC has been the best conference since 2010—and not by an insignificant margin—which gives it the best chance to be the best conference in 2015. Is it guaranteed? No. But it's probable.

And that's not even where the argument ends.

After past performance, the next strongest indicator of success is recruiting. How much talent has each conference signed?

Here's a look at the four-year recruiting averages, courtesy of the247Sports composite rankings:

Image Source: bleacherreport.com

The validity of star ratings is a popular argument, but again, as Matt Hinton of Football Study Hall explained last February, the numbers suggest they matter. They matter a lot.

There are obvious exceptions (Oregon, Michigan State, et al.), but in general the teams that recruit better play better.

"Arguably, [Alabama has] the greatest collection of football players ever assembled for a college team if the recruiting services are correct," South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier said ;at SEC media days last summer. "And they're pretty much correct."

But even if you're dubious of recruiting rankings, the margin by which the SEC dominates should mean something. The table above is persuasive, but here are some additional fun facts.

Seven SEC teams (Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Florida, Auburn, Texas A&M and Tennessee) land in the top 13. No other conference boasts more than two. The Big Ten and Big 12 boast one apiece.

TCU and Arizona would be the No. 13 recruiting school in the SEC. Wisconsin and Georgia Tech would rank last. All four won either their division or their conference last season.

The No. 11 SEC recruiting school (Arkansas) would be No. 3 in the Big Ten and Big 12, No. 4 in the ACC and No. 5 in the Pac-12.

The extent of the SEC's talent advantage can be argued, but the existence of said advantage cannot. Or at least it can't be argued rationally.

This year, unlike previous years, the SEC combines that talent advantage with coaching stability, too. Twelve of 14 teams (86 percent) have head coaches entering at least their third seasons.

No other league has more.

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In the past, predicting the SEC to be the best league in America was so obvious you didn't need to write it. It was like saying after the 2013 NBA Finals that LeBron James was the best player in basketball.

That the Big Ten (Ohio State) and ACC (Florida State) won the past two national titles has stained the SEC's luster, but it hasn't changed reality. Predicting the SEC to be the best league next season is like saying LeBron James is still the best player in basketball: no longer accepted as fact, but still almost definitely true.

Earlier this offseason, I collated the way-too-early rankings from multiple media outlets. The consensus had 10 SEC teams (Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi State and Texas A&M) inside the top 28.

For emphasis: Ten inside the top 28!

It's not blind faith or SEC BIAS! informing those opinions, either. It's logic derived from some form of the numbers above.

The SEC has played like the best conference and recruited like the best conference, which gives it the best chance to stay the best conference, even if it didn't (and doesn't) win the national title.

Sometimes simple answers are the best.

Will McHale is a big sports fan and he especially enjoys football. Follow this Facebook page for the latest updates from the NFL and other football news.

A lot of hot air? Scientists weigh in on Deflategate

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Early in January, an NFL investigation found that 11 of the 12 footballs used by the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Games against Indianapolis were under-inflated by two pounds per square inch (PSI.) Under-inflated footballs are said to be easier to grip, especially in the wet conditions of that particular game.

The Patriots' head coach, Bill Belichick, denied any involvement with what the media were quick to label as “Deflategate,” claiming that he had minimal knowledge on game-day footballs. He also claimed that the moist air and the change in temperature caused the balls to deflate slightly. Quarterback Tom Brady maintained that he did not tamper with the balls when he picked out the ones he wanted to use five hours before the game.

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A law firm hired by the NFL has asked for a consultation with physicists from Columbia University. They wanted to determine whether the drop in temperature that occurred when the balls were taken outdoors for the game was a factor. Although the NFL hasn't announced if anyone from the Columbia University physics department has stepped up to provide an explanation, there are numerous other scientists who voiced their professional opinions online.

Materials scientist Ainissa Ramirez, in an interview by Time Magazine, agreed that a change in temperature may lead to a slight deflation of the balls, but not as much as two PSI. She also stated that under-inflated balls pose an advantage in a game: They're easier to grip, catch, carry, and kick.

Thomas Healey, a graduate student of engineering from Carnegie Mellon, performed an experiment at an athletic testing lab in Pittsburgh. He inflated footballs to 12.5 PSI in a 75 degrees Fahrenheit room, then placing the balls in a 50 degrees Fahrenheit setting and moistening them. After two and a half hours, Healey found that the pressure inside the balls decreased by 1.82 to 1.95 PSI. The results give credence to Belichick's initial claim.

Regardless of the findings from the NFL's investigation, many scientists are just happy that the Deflategate debacle created interest in their field: in an attempt to find out whether the Patriots deserve the win, a lot of people are actually discussing physics with friends and family.

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Will McHale played football in college and coached a professional American football in France. Follow this Twitter account for more discussions on pro football and other sports.