04-22-2024, 08:16 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-24-2024, 08:16 AM by ProdigalSon. Edited 1 time in total.)
Written in response to "Why Strength is the most important"
On the football field, there are a collection of players who contribute to every play. Linemen battle in the trenches, skilled players fight to gain position, and the players on the defensive side of the ball look to shut down anything that happens.
When attempting to establish how likely a player is to succeed there are multiple factors that the ISFL attempts to measure, but there is one factor that stands above them all: A Player's Speed.
At it's core, football is a sport that has a lot of sprinting. Players are expected to cover a large chunk of space in a short amount of time, both with and without the ball. The players who have exceptional speed can reach open spaces, gain an advantaged position, and just generally outrun their opponents. This gives better ball possession times, higher opportunities to score, and an overall higher probability of winning.
Speed also improves a players ability to transition from defense to offense. Turnovers during a play are a period that require quick adjustments, and players with the most speed can take advantage of this chaos to turn the stolen possession into a chance to score. Even if the player doesn't score immediately themselves, they can get their team into position to quickly take advantage of the better field position.
Defensively as a whole, speed is important for attacking plays. Fast players can apply immediate pressure on their opponents, whether that is getting to a running back just as they get the ball and preventing them from reading the field, or making an opposing wide receiver uncomfortable as they run their route and increasing the chance they drop the pass. Speed also lets a corner back get in position to knock the ball down or intercept it, preventing the opposing player from even having an opportunity to get in position to make a play. On top of all of that, speed is critical for making successful tackles. Players can get to the ball carrier faster, react to threats more efficiently, and put themself in the right position to make a quality tackle.
A player with high speed can be more confident, knowing they are able to outpace their opponent. This creates a positive feedback loop that can translate into better performance and more wins. Additionally, a team with high speed can create momentum for their own side through quick scoring or forcing turnovers, which makes it harder for the opponent to regain their footing.
Speed can play a critical role in preventing injuries as well. Faster players are often more agile, allowing them to change direction rapidly and minimize collisions with other players. They also can more easily avoid dangerous collisions, making it easier to maintain their involvement in the game and minimize the risk of fatigue related injuries.
The ISFL is better served with an emphasis on speed. This supports more wide-open pass heavy offenses, with formations and strategies that require players who can quickly adapt to changing situations, exploit mismatches, and maintain a high tempo throughout the game. Speed is both a physical and mental attribute that allows players to excel in this style of play. All teams and players should be looking to develop with an emphasis on speed, as it's clear that speed remains one of the more important factors in determining the outcome of ISFL games.
On the football field, there are a collection of players who contribute to every play. Linemen battle in the trenches, skilled players fight to gain position, and the players on the defensive side of the ball look to shut down anything that happens.
When attempting to establish how likely a player is to succeed there are multiple factors that the ISFL attempts to measure, but there is one factor that stands above them all: A Player's Speed.
At it's core, football is a sport that has a lot of sprinting. Players are expected to cover a large chunk of space in a short amount of time, both with and without the ball. The players who have exceptional speed can reach open spaces, gain an advantaged position, and just generally outrun their opponents. This gives better ball possession times, higher opportunities to score, and an overall higher probability of winning.
Speed also improves a players ability to transition from defense to offense. Turnovers during a play are a period that require quick adjustments, and players with the most speed can take advantage of this chaos to turn the stolen possession into a chance to score. Even if the player doesn't score immediately themselves, they can get their team into position to quickly take advantage of the better field position.
Defensively as a whole, speed is important for attacking plays. Fast players can apply immediate pressure on their opponents, whether that is getting to a running back just as they get the ball and preventing them from reading the field, or making an opposing wide receiver uncomfortable as they run their route and increasing the chance they drop the pass. Speed also lets a corner back get in position to knock the ball down or intercept it, preventing the opposing player from even having an opportunity to get in position to make a play. On top of all of that, speed is critical for making successful tackles. Players can get to the ball carrier faster, react to threats more efficiently, and put themself in the right position to make a quality tackle.
A player with high speed can be more confident, knowing they are able to outpace their opponent. This creates a positive feedback loop that can translate into better performance and more wins. Additionally, a team with high speed can create momentum for their own side through quick scoring or forcing turnovers, which makes it harder for the opponent to regain their footing.
Speed can play a critical role in preventing injuries as well. Faster players are often more agile, allowing them to change direction rapidly and minimize collisions with other players. They also can more easily avoid dangerous collisions, making it easier to maintain their involvement in the game and minimize the risk of fatigue related injuries.
The ISFL is better served with an emphasis on speed. This supports more wide-open pass heavy offenses, with formations and strategies that require players who can quickly adapt to changing situations, exploit mismatches, and maintain a high tempo throughout the game. Speed is both a physical and mental attribute that allows players to excel in this style of play. All teams and players should be looking to develop with an emphasis on speed, as it's clear that speed remains one of the more important factors in determining the outcome of ISFL games.