This week (2/1/2021), GPITS had a really good discussion about contact rules in practice and the value of Spring Practice in the college game. Give it a listen, it starts at the 35:40 mark. I would be interested in hearing opinions on limiting the amount of hitting during practice (NFL is under 20 practices in season if I remember correctly) and changing the format of spring ball to more working out and building the player physically and mentally.
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My thoughts. From what I remember, Pinkel used to hold pretty intense spring and summer practices, and we would routinely lose players before the season started. He eventually dialed it back and players stopped getting hurt as much. I believe that some hitting is necessary for teaching form tackling and how to take a hit, but at this level, and especially the upperclassmen, they don't need to hit and get hit for teaching. It can move to a more mental game, understanding how plays are run, how to counter, and technique. It can also lead to more time studying in the film room. As far as spring goes, Gabe has often talked about how it is worthless for us as fans and reporters (and I tend to agree) but I can see some value for the younger guys. As the GPITs gents mention, that time might be better suited to strength and conditioning and more study.
But what do I know, I did not play or coach the game, so if you have, what do you think?
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My thoughts. From what I remember, Pinkel used to hold pretty intense spring and summer practices, and we would routinely lose players before the season started. He eventually dialed it back and players stopped getting hurt as much. I believe that some hitting is necessary for teaching form tackling and how to take a hit, but at this level, and especially the upperclassmen, they don't need to hit and get hit for teaching. It can move to a more mental game, understanding how plays are run, how to counter, and technique. It can also lead to more time studying in the film room. As far as spring goes, Gabe has often talked about how it is worthless for us as fans and reporters (and I tend to agree) but I can see some value for the younger guys. As the GPITs gents mention, that time might be better suited to strength and conditioning and more study.
But what do I know, I did not play or coach the game, so if you have, what do you think?
