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AFM Magazine


Letter from the Publisher

New Age Coaching
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The forward pass. Integration. Facemasks and new equipment that makes players seem more prepared for a battle than a game of football. TV, radio call-in shows and 24-hour a day media coverage. All of these changes have dramatically altered the game of football. Yet the sum total of these alterations pale in comparison to the virtual metamorphosis that is taking place in the year 2000. Computers, the associated software programs, and enhanced video equipment are dynamically changing the game forever.

It is now possible for a coaching staff to conduct a full-scale practice and scrimmage, go to dinner, and by the time they can get back from the training table, have the cut-ups from that afternoon on their desk. Thereafter, these coaches can see their efforts, and can implement the changes necessary to more effectively teach their system and prepare for the upcoming opponent or season.

Also, the ability to almost instantaneously breakdown opponents game film allows for more preparation time and better analysis to gain the advantage all coaches seek each week.

Limited practice time. . . the 20-hour rule. No problem. If a coaching staff has all of its players connected via e-mail, they can instantaneously communicate with each player about everything from practice schedules to game plans. There will be no more pathetic excuses like, "sorry Coach I did not see the bulletin board."

In the business world, more and more companies are moving to a version of a paperless society. Not because it saves trees, but because the level of communication and accountability is proven to be over 100% more effective.

These are but a scant few of the evolutions in technology. They are wonderful teaching tools and program management devices. There can be no doubt the coaches and programs using these computer systems are benefiting greatly. Yet, many of today's coaches do not understand the full potential of advanced technology and will not take the time to learn. They seem to be of the opinion the younger coaches will take care of these issues.

This is the reason we have decided to devote this entire issue of American Football Monthly to the technology of the 21st century. We want to show our readers what is available, how it is being used, and what is on the horizon. It is our hope that we can and will delete some of the barriers that exist to coaches using computers and feeling comfortable in this new age of football. I have absolutely no doubt that programs and coaches not using the full array of program enhancing tools currently on the market are committing coaching malpractice. Is this wrong? Yes. Do I understand? Absolutely.

Over seven years ago when I started this magazine, I could not turn on a computer. I was more than intimidated by the whole concept. Now, I begin each day by turning on a laptop, checking my e-mail and corresponding with hundreds of contributors to our publication without ever having to pick up the telephone. I have my daily tasks automatically brought up on my screen, and across the bottom of the computer runs a ticker of football-only news from across the nation. If I need research information, I just jump on an Internet search engine and go. So, I know first-hand it can be done, and my sincerest hope is that this issue will help others be able to use the vast and powerful tools now at their disposal.

Sincerely yours,

Barry Terranova
Publisher






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