To Infinity and Beyond

Over the last 8 weeks we have taken a look at how the game of football has changed over the years.  We’ve redefined the turnover, decided not to punt, talked about the changes to the passing game,  dissected the option, and looked at how the tempo of the game has sped up.  What does all this mean?

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It is an exciting time to be a football coach, player, or fan.  The game has never been more explosive.  There are great players and coaches at every level who are working hard to reshape what football will be.  Who will be the next Sid Gillman or Art Briles?  The next great QB is out there somewhere just waiting for his chance to take the game to the next level.  All I know is, despite the questions of safety and concussions that swirl around the sport, football is an ever evolving game.

First, it means that football is a far more explosive and exciting game than it was a century ago.  All of the changes we’ve reviewed point to the wide open, high scoring brand of football that is now the norm at all levels.  In the past, many high school teams would run simple offenses that had just a few plays and formations, but today many high school teams resemble college or pro teams.  Gone are the days of 10-7 defensive battles.  Spread, up tempo football is here to stay.

Secondly, football coaches must stay up-to-date more than ever.  Thankfully we have the Internet and Hudl to make game prep, continuing ed, and keeping up with the latest trends easier.  The one thing a coach must always be doing is learning something new.  The minute you get comfortable with your knowledge of the game is the minute you start to lose your edge.  

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Finally, it means that football is now more than ever America’s sport.  The NFL is the most popular sports league in the nation.  Every weekend millions of Americans are watching football.  We have even devoted a whole cable channel to just covering the NFL.  Also, participation in youth football is on the rise.  Football is becoming more and more popular at every level thanks in part to the innovations we have discussed here on the blog.