How will increased fall practice time affect college football?
We have a massive class of kids coming in which would at least mitigate some of the risk of injury.
But having more kids coming in doesn't change much if the risk of injury has increased past a certain point? It could still mean an equally high or higher proportion of kids injured, and/or an even higher absolute number of kids injured???
Riiiiggggghhhhhhttttt, but if more work outs led to a greater proportion of injuries, then both more kids AND a higher percentage of the total team would be injured. So more players could offset this, but depending on the numbers, the outcome could be the same (in terms of the # of kids actually capable of playing), or even worse. Basically, my point was, having more kids doesn't necessarily help that much, and it could be a wash if the increased practicing led to a much higher % of people hurt.
You make an interesting point about the freshmen. Last year, I remember they eased the freshmen in, only giving them small portions of the playbook, keeping them separate at first, and letting them become accustomed to the workload of class and practice.
We don't have that luxury this year. I don't really think the new practice schedule has anything to do with it, but with the increased demand on the freshmen this year I hope we don't see more camp injuries.
This only means that we will finally be able to stretch again without suffering NCAA sanctions...
But wouldn't this be a big boon to... um... every school?
Michigan's athletes suddenly don't become amazing with more practice, and other kids just fall apart.
You're reasoning is...dubious. And arbitrary, and capricious...
how did you enjoy the play?
but we are curious what you did with your mail order russian bride. and what about the free hugs?
where can you buy a good bride these days?
that cheating tramp. times are tough. hang in there.
Yeah, she said the clown was way better at post-coital hugging than me. Sensitive bastard...
or whatever that furball thing is in your avatar. who would think you are a russian-mail-order-bride-abuser with that avatar? nobody.
EDIT: fauxmo, you old trickster, you. svetlana came back. there is joy in hugville tonight.
They are starting a few days earlier then they usually do, but are still only allowed the same amount of practices and 20 hours a week of practice. So it's not like any team is getting more work before their first game.
Spread over 5 weeks instead of 4? Makes sense.
Most players have historically been on-campus during the last week of July ("5th week") anyway (film review and strength & conditioning).
Football players will get more practice.
I don't really buy the increased injury thing. The only reason it starts earlier is because two-a-days are banned now. Should decrease injuries.
Hell, I remember reading about Michigan having a few 3-a-days last year. It's the same amount of practice spread out.
also, if you think back to last year, the two worst injuries (to Newsome and Clark) happened during games, not practice (and Jeremy was just backpedalling when his ACL tore).
Michigan has very good athletic trainers/docs so I'm sure they give input on how to protect players. Also, Kugler mentioned that a lot of players are doing yoga now which many have said helps with flexibility and reducing injuries. Here's the link (it's on Freep so feel free not to click but I didn't see this story on other sites):
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverine…
Same number contact practices as always. You try not to break your own.
We are all Hoked.
Kids "practice" all year long already.
I don't know a high school coach and above that doesn't have "voluntary" lifting, runs, etc.
"Voluntary" meaning the captians will "voluntary" inform coaches that you did not attend.
Oh- and by the way - I expect the whole football team to join spring track.
These rules only mean they can actually "practice" football - you know - running plays with a coach actually watching.
Injuries are a part of football. I think the benefits of more practice time to implement the systems and get guys reps far outweighs any increase in injury risk. This should result in higher quality football across the board. Teams with more complex schemes are going to benefit from more coaching. Teams with less complex schemes are going to benefit from more reps. It is a win win.
I'd still like to see the regular season reduced by one game and the playoffs expanded to 8 teams.