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 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: Keys to a Perfect Baseball Swing

In baseball, you only have three chances to hit the ball or else you're out. This article from LiveStrong.com shares some expert tips on how to get the perfect swing.

Ted Williams was the last Major League hitter to bat .400 or better. | Image Source: livestrong.com

You often hear how hitting a baseball is the most difficult feat in sports. It is hard to argue, considering a standout hitter is successful only three times in every 10 at-bats. The odds are always in the pitcher's favor, but developing the perfect swing is possible, and it gives the hitter a competitive edge.

Balancing Act
The process of hitting the baseball begins with the lower half of the body. Thus, to perfect the swing, the hitter's weight starts on the back leg and shifts to the front, creating a smooth hip rotation and power. If the momentum doesn't move evenly from back to front and the hips stay closed, the swing is going to be slow and uneven.

Head Game
"You can't hit what you can't see" is a sentiment you will hear from hitting coaches at all levels of baseball. Quite simply, it means you have to keep your head and eyes on the baseball. If you are not watching the baseball, the swing is not going to matter. With your chin tucked into the shoulder facing the pitcher, keep both eyes on the baseball at all times. Visually recognize the pitch type, velocity and location before committing to the swing.

Helping Hands

Once the lower body is in place, and the head and eyes are focused in, the swing is just about ready. Proper hand placement is the next step. They should be held close to the body near the chest, and the hands come back as the pitch is delivered. That is what you call loading the swing. As the pitch arrives, the hands drive the bat through the zone for contact. It is important to keep the hands together and the wrists straight because this helps keep the swing level.

Making Contact

You can't have the perfect swing unless the bat is striking the baseball with optimum force. If you drop the hands and shoulders, you get an uppercut swing and pop the ball up. If you make contact on top of the baseball, the typical result is a weak ground ball. Centering the pitch with a smooth, level swing and hitting the ball on the barrel of the bat produces the best results.





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Playing in the Ivy League and beyond

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Despite his father and his grandfather’s histories of having played football with Notre Dame, Will McHale set his sights on playing in the Ivy League as early as high school. And he did just that when he played as linebacker for Yale a few years ago. American football wasn’t his first love as far as sports goes, but it was certainly where he shone the brightest.

In his senior year, he was the lone captain of the Bulldogs and he lived up to all the expectations that came with his position as linebacker. During the spring season of 2012, he earned second-team All-Ivy League honors. He finished second in the league with 7.9 tackles and he was also second on the Bulldogs with 79 tackles. Apart from these, he also earned Yale’s Hammer of the Year Award for scoring the team’s top hits.

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His teammates at the time note his speed and dedication to the game. With his attitude important to the defense team’s performance, the young McHale could be counted on to play fast, physical football that the team needed.

Just a few years after his college football career, McHale has been playing for La Courneuve Flash in France. There, he also works as the team’s assistant coach and he has worked with the United States Embassy to promote American culture and sportsmanship.

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