The Tortoise and the Hare

Motivation: Is the best 8 year old always destined to be the best 12 year old player?

Read "The Tortoise and the Hare" a perfect example about player #34, why things change and reasons to keep trying.

Most Inspiring Exercise Science of 2011

The most inspiring exercise science involved the effects that fitness activity can have on the brain. 

Hopefully, this is considered when education boards decide the fate of gym class during the school year.

Read Gretchen Reynolds recap "The Year in Fitness" from the New York Times Health section.

Football Is Better Than Soccer

Gerard Baker grew up in soccer loving England. Yet, even he admits football is better than soccer.  Read why in his Wall Street Journal article.   Football Is Better Than Soccer

The Rise of Flag Football

While the NFL and football America builds a better, safer game, a spotlight has been shed on Flag Football as a good alternatve.   And people like it!

Read about how Flag Football participation is sky-rocketing in one Masschusetts town.

The Rise of Flag Football

AthletiCo Joins Chicago Bears Youth Camps as Official Partner

AthletiCo Physical and Occupational Therapy, Oak Brook, Ill, recently announced that it has partnered with the Chicago Bears to become the professional football team’s official physical therapy partner. AthletiCo has worked with the Bears since 2002.

This is great new for Chicago Bears Youth Football Campers, as AthletiCo will provide an on-site athletic trainer while the camps are in session. In order for camp participants to continue training after the session ends, AthletiCo’s staff says it will provide informational brochures and other materials to camp participants and their families.

For more about Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps, visit http://www.bearscamps.com/

Five Steps Schools Must Take to Fight Childhood Obesity



Kids play Eat Like a Pro at all Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers
New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Camps.



In order to beat childhood obesity, we have to stop beating ourselves.

Schools are the second greatest weapon in the battle against childhood obesity.  Yet some school practices are major contributors to the problem itself.



Here are 5 steps schools should take to help.

1.   Stop Treat Rewards

Some schools actually provide incentive through sweets, treats and extra sodas.  There is a better way and this simply has to stop.  

2.  Become Neutral on Fast Food Restaurants

Fast food restaurants are part of our culture and should not be attacked.  However, schools are sometimes “bought” by fast food corporations.  Sponsorship dollars or free food offers transform health educators into hypocrites.  They need to take the high road here.

3.  Remove all candy, soda and bad snack food vending machines.

We are survivors.  The kids will find new, healthy alternatives to sustain themselves.

4.  Teach Nutrition and the Effects of Different Food Choices

We talk about it, but many schools do not literally teach healthy eating habits.  Kids must be able to distinguish the difference between the carbohydrates in a spaghetti dish and a piece of cake.   They must also have an approximate understanding of how many calories they should consume in a day.

5.  Make Them Run

At least once a week, kids should simply just get up and run one mile.  They will be more relaxed, learn to control their breathing, set new goals and burn significant calories.  

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun!

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience for Kids

www.ProSportsExperience.com

7 Reasons Why Youth Hockey Players Should Play Football Too



This Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camp coach
teaches tackling, but it could easily be hockey checking.



USA Hockey--the governing body of hockey---recently mandated a rule change that moves the legal age for body checking in games from 12U to 14U.

The debate has been long and emotional for USA Hockey.  Their decision to adjust the rule was related to both safety and player development issues. 

Interestingly, their study was motivated by the observation that once a player reached the pee-wee level and was allowed to check, the player became overly-focused on checking and failed to make the best hockey play in the given situation.  That changed the game for participants, making it less fun for some players.

Like football tackling, hockey checking is as much about protecting yourself as it is stopping the progress of your opponent.  

Consider these teaching points, which are core instruction points within the youth hockey world (for checking) and the youth football world (for tackling).

1.  Always have a good, deep knee bend prior to contact.

2.  Maintain a wide base

3.  Keep your elbows at your side.

4.  Generate your power from your legs and hips, not upper body and arms.

5.  Before contact, be sure to narrow the gap (distance) between the player and opponent.  Do not lunge or leap at your opponent.  Instead, continually drive your feet.

6.  Do not go straight at opponent, rather angle toward where the opponent is heading.

7.  Keep your head up, never duck your head.

In sum, football tackling and hockey checking have many parallels.  Football instruction is an excellent way for young athletes to master the body contact and protection techniques necessary for many team sports, including hockey. 

CONCERNED ABOUT CHECKING?  Hockey players should try a non-contact youth football camp provided by the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants or Philadelphia Eagles next summer.   While these football camps are non-contact, they spend significant time teaching “form” or “fit” blocking and tackling techniques.  The safe, non-contact instruction prepares kids for the tackle football game or any contact sport.  It is a smart way to get into the game.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun!

Tom Finks

Executive Director, Pro Sports Experience for Kids

www.ProSportsExperience.com

Bullying Does Not Improve Your Popularity or Social Status

A study produced by CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 and UC Davis Sociologists Robert Faris and Diane Felmlee found that schoolyard bullies are not just preying on the weak.

Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camp Coaches establish
behavior expectations and communication plans to prevent
bullying during the camp week.

Suprisingly, the study found that kids were not clearly defined as either "bullies" or "victims" but they fluctuated roles from week to week.

It's also believed that family background does not determine aggressive behavior.  Instead, it often depends on the persons social status in the "school hierarchy."

Fortunately, it appears that aggresive behavior does not improve one's status in the social heirarchy.  But aggresive behavior appears to influence aggressive behavior among friends. 

Read more in the following links:

Anderson Cooper 360 Report

Social Networks and Aggression at the Wheatley School

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps

Funny Story About NFL GM's Al Davis and Jim Finks

Al Davis

Nobody gave Al Davis a break--because he was a great GM. 

That includes the late Jim Finks.

Back in 1978, defensive tackle Alan Page was put on waivers by the Minnesota Vikings.  Davis wanted to claim Page.  

He called Jim Finks--GM of the Chicago Bears for advice.

Finks knew Page.  Finks was previously the Vikings GM and could provide Davis with some good advice.

Jim Finks


"Page is done," Finks told Davis.  "He has lost it." 

With that advice, Davis declined the chance to pick up Page on waivers.

Moments after the Raiders declined, Finks picked up the phone and claimed Page off waivers.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

 

 

How to Make Your Youth Football Banquet Better

Need some sizzle for your post season youth football banquet?

Get some Football Hero Player Appearance Power.

It's a sure way to make your end-of-year football banquet more exciting and meaningful.  Beyond autographs, a real football hero can deliver motivation and perspective.  The hero can deliver a message you have struggled with all year. 

Yes, they are hard to find and sometimes expensive. 

Here's a Solution.  Check out this sweestakes offered by Pro Sports Experience.

Choose the state where your favorite youth football organization resides and vote for the organization you would like to see win.  No purchase required.

Visit http://www.prosportsexperience.com/ for complete details.

Connecticut

Illinois

Delaware

New York

New Jersey (North)

New Jersey (South)

Pennsylvania

Wisconsin

I hope this helps.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

20 Questions to Measure Your Youth Football Coach

"No written word nor spoken plea

Can teach young minds what they should be

Not all the books on all the shelves

but what the teachers are themselves."  

-Elbert Hubbard

These profound words define what it means to be a great teacher or youth football coach.  Inspired by Hubbard, we want to look deeper and provide a platform that helps parents evaluate their child’s coach. 

Coaching has many facets and even great coaches have weaknesses.  Hopefully, this comprehensive series of questions gives you the tools to fairly evaluate your youth football coach.  

ASK THIS:  Does your coach?...

CHARACTER and PERSONALITY

1. have high integrity?

2. build strong, positive relationships with people?

3. have the character to change a person, program and culture?

4. have a healthy perspective of competition?

5. display discipline, poise and focus?

6. love coaching and who they coach?

PLAYER MANAGEMENT

7. recognize great talent and potential in others?

8. know how to get the best all team members?

9. affirm and encourage those they coach?

10. care about the whole person and all that they do?

11. show strong organization and attention to detail?

PROGRAM BUILDING

12. understand how to build a program, tradition and legacy?

13. give credit and success to others?

14. focus on the big picture?

15. have others gravitate towards and want to play for?

16. look forward to the challenge of competition?

SYSTEMS AND STRATEGY

17. know their methodology and system with no apologies?

18. love to strategize and implement.

19. manage complexity well.

20. adapt and change easily.

Hopefully you answered “yes” to at least 15 questions, with high success in the Character category.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience for Kids

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants



Waiting is the hardest part.



"My kids will never eat fast food."  I actually said that 11 years and 878 fast food restaurants ago.

I have three kids now.  During the early years, they broke me.  "Happy Meals" solved many problems.

Since then, the kids have matured and I have learned fast food can have a healthy edge. 

Here are the "10 Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants"  from Health.com.

1. Panera Bread
2. Jason's Deli
3. Au Bon Pain
4. Noodles and Company
5. Corner Baker
6. Chipotle
7. Atlanta Bread
8. McDonald's
9. Einstein Brothers Bagels
10. Taco Del Mar

See why Health.com made these choices.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience for Kids
http://www.prosportsexperience.com/


Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

STOP BULLYING ME: CNN to AIR WEEK LONG SPECIAL

Eric Dorsey and Coaches establish expectations
for respect at a past New York Giants Youth Football Camp

On the field, youth football is a game of confidence and sometimes intimidation.  Young players can become fearful of a strong, aggressive opponent.  However, as long as they compete within the rules and with sportsmanship, it’s game on. 

In sports, when intimation is a factor, there are clearly defined ways to respond. Adjust your blocking technique. Trick your opponent. Answer on the scoreboard.

Bullying is different.  It’s vague and feels like chaos to parents and kids.  It’s physically, socially and emotionally painful.  It consumes and doesn’t end when the game is over.  Victims take it home, try to sleep on it and have difficulty talking about it.

We consider “bully awareness” among the top concerns at all of our youth football camps.  Bullies are discreet and do things under radar.  They quietly hassle and make fun of one struggling kid.   They try to gather support.  We can’t let it happen.  

Our first goal is to gain awareness.  Our parent-staff-camper communication plan is extremely helpful here. With awareness, our coaches take action with firm communication, private discussions, confidential support, heightened monitoring, group adjustments and clear reinforcement of camp rules and expectations.  When a former Chicago Bear, Green Bay Packer, New York Giant or Philadelphia Eagle tells the group that “bullying is not cool and not acceptable,” it resonates.  But our tactic and message must be consistent and applied every day. 

Obviously, bullying expands well beyond the football field.  The internet and social networking groups are prime resources for the bully.  We must learn more. That's why we recommend the following. 

CNN TO DO WEEK LONG FEATURE ON BULLYING, ORIGINS AND WAYS TO STOP

From October 10-15, CNN will host a special series STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP on from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (check local listings). 

See CNN preview on STOP BULLYING: SPEAK UP here.

Answers to How You Can Stop Bullying here.

Cartoon Network's Help Stop Bullying Campaign here.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

Tips for Coaching Allergies

A clear head and lungs really help youngsters enjoy
the experience at Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps.

The fact is, if you struggle to breathe, you can't effectively play most sports.  Better conditioned athletes have a huge advantage over their less fit counterparts. 

Sometimes, the advantage is earned through an athlete’s dedication to fitness.

Other times, a young athlete invests just as much work, but issues related to allergies (or asthma) really impede his or her chance at success.

Besides impeding performance, allergies can take away a young athlete’s motivation to train hard.  If the allergies make it no fun to play, will they really want to train intensely?

Give allergy suffering kids a fighting chance to enjoy the experience and win the game.

Check out the following tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on how to recognize and manage allergy symptoms.  

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience for Kids

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Youth Football Players: “So Psyched” or “Too Psyched.”

Bears Youth Camp Hero teaches kids to channel intensity
toward on-the-field performance.

Did you ever hear a youth football coach explain, “we left it in the locker room.” He’s is not referring to the mouth guards or the water bottles.

Rather, the coach is referring to the "emotional intensity" displayed before the game.  The team showed extreme excitement in the locker room and during pre-game warm ups, but it did not translate to on-the-field energy.

Sometimes, all the screaming, chanting and bravado leaves your football team with weary legs and no real energy.  Heck yes, the chants are a blast! But individual players must make sure they channel that energy into on-the-field skills.  Who cares if you “win warm ups?”

Don’t be deceived.  You see the NFL player gather and chant and explode on to the field, full of fire. But they are not that crazed for hours before the game.  Inside the locker room, it is much different.  

"The NFL pre-game locker room is much different than high school or college," say former Notre Dame and Chicago Bears star Kris Haines. "It's intense, but very quiet and focused.  Everyone is jacked-up, but they are channeling that energy to the field.  At that level, they really know how to use that excitement into better athletic skills. "

This channeling of energy also translates to life skills.  You must peak at the right time. 

Youth football parents and coaches: Remind your young athletes about this subtle but important point so they play their very best.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun!

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience for Kids

www.ProSportsExperience.com

Youth Leadership: Where Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers See Eye-to-Eye

Can the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers agree on anything?  Maybe not on the field.

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp Leadership Award Winners
acknowledged at Soldier Field

But off the field, both teams connect on a special mission.    

Both the Bears and Packers go to great lengths identify, train and salute young leaders discovered within their summer youth football camps.

Each team gives just two Leadership Awards out per youth camp location.  With less than three percent of all campers winning the award, this is a very prestigious honor.


With 27 camp locations, the Chicago Bears identified 54 leaders from over 1600 participants.
With 10 camp locations, the Green Bay Packers identified 20 leaders from over 700 participants.
Both teams apply the following criteria when choosing a Leadership Award Winners.

1. Leaders play the game with passion and go full speed for every drill.   

2. Leaders initiate.  They see what needs to be done and get it done without having to be asked.

3. Leaders are hungry for knowledge and listen to the coaches.  No, they are not asking questions every 30 seconds.   Instead, they absorb the message and act on it.

4. Leaders take learn from and take ownership in their mistakes. 

5. Leaders don’t finger point, blame or make fun of others.  Instead, they are protective of others, show belief in others and encourage them to keep trying. 

In many ways, these Leadership Award Winners are the antidote to bullies.  

Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camp Leadership Award Winners
acknowledged at Lambeau Field

When a child comes home as a Leadership Award Winner, we are certain that nothing makes a parent happier. 
Beyond football skills, leadership is an awesome life skill to possess.  The world needs leaders and a youth football camp is a great platform for developing those skills.  

And despite the “competitive football animosity,” the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers are definitely on the same page for this subject.  

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Energy Drinks are not Sports Drinks or Water



New York Giants Youth Football Camp Hero and Coaches
gather to discuss life skills such as proper hydration.

With all it's terminology, youth football can be confusing. 

Terms like "the flat," "cover-2" and "deep post" can leave some parents stumped.

And so can sports fitness terminology. 

Give me an "energy drink" or "sports drink."

They are the same thing, right? 

No, wrong.

Specifically, the term "energy drink" is often lumped in with any source of re-hydration, including water or a sports drink like Gatorade.   But they should never be considered in the same category and usually have significantly different health effects.

As a sport parent, you should know the difference.

Do some homework.

1. See the National Federation of State High School Associations "Position Statement" for Energy Drinks by Youth Athletes.   Among highlights, they state energy drinks should never be used for hydration.

2. Check out the MomsTeam blog by Lindsay Barton.  She provides significant details for those concerned about the health benefits within energy drinks.

3. The American Academy of Pediatrics Report States Kids "Should Not Consume Energy Drinks."

At our youth football camps, we teach kids about the importance of maintaining hydration.  It's more than a football skill, it's a life skill you will keep for your entire life!

And know, above all, you can almost never go wrong with water.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Pro Sports Experience is the official management company of Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

Cross Trained Athletes are Best Athletes

Are you a great football player? 

Or are you a great athlete that plays football?

Athletic Skills at Chicago Bears
Youth Football Camps

Consider the following sports or activities
*Basketball--for leaping ability.
*Baseball--for hand-eye coordination.
*Soccer--for footwork.
*Hockey--for competing in traffic.
*Track--for speed and endurance.
*Yoga--for agility, strength and balance.
*Dance or ballet--for footwork and balance.

After considering the above, watch how the Falcons' Tony Golzalez and the Giants' Dominic Hixon perform multiple, great athletic moves that are found in the list above. 

VIDEO: NEW YORK GIANTS HIXON CIRCUS CATCH
VIDEO: FALCONS TONY GONZALEZ TOE DANCE

Like NFL legends Walter Payton, Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, Hixon and Gonzalez are great, all-around athletes that play NFL Football. 

Before your child commits to one sport, consider the long terms gains of being an "all-around" athletic skills.

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

Consider NFL Flag for Football Skills and Thrills!

Your child loves football but “other sport” commitments, age or concerns about tackle contact keep your child out of the game.



Develop non-contact football skills at
Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.



Don’t give up hope!  Be sure to give NFL Flag Football a try.   It's the non-contact version of football that is experiencing tremendous growth and providing big benefits.

The game is available for kids ages 6 to 14 years old.   

The quality of athleticism and team play is outstanding.

Coaching levels are often on a par with any youth football camp or tackle league.

The local and national championship opportunities match those of Pop Warner.

And the game is lightning fast!

Check out the following links and get into NFL Flag.

FOR VERY YOUNG KIDS:  CHECK OUT NFL FLAG

NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIP FOR KIDS AGES 9-11

NFL FLAG NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FEATURING BOYS AND GIRLS

CHOOSE A GREAT NON-CONTACT YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMPS HOSTED BY AN NFL TEAM

Hopefully, even more than "get back to football," this helps you find a way to "get into football," --the world's greatest team sport!

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

 


New York Giants Youth Football Camps have over 25 non-contact football camp locations throughout the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area.  All programs are non-contact and excellent feeders for kids that want to learn to skills for both flag and tackle team football.

 

Jim Finks Opened the Door for 5000 Kids

Jim Finks

This week, Bristol and Lynden Presss, a small publisher focused on the history of Chicago sports and pop culture, highlighted the anniversary of Jim Finks joining the Chicago Bears as General Manager. 

Jim Finks:  Just What the Doctor Ordered

We would like to add something.

Well after his death, the good relationships he created in the NFL opened doors for me and my company Pro Sports Experience. 

While we have to prove our worth every day, we are proud to represent and manage youth football camps on behalf of the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.  And we acknowledge that his relationships gave us the opportunity to pitch our program and be in this business.

Last year, we operated 80 non-contact camps in six states.  Nearly 5,000 kids attended our camps.  Each participant learned football skills, life skills and had a blast playing the world's greatest team sport.  We made an important, positive impact on many young lives--he would be most proud of that accomplishment.

Jim Finks' philosophy is part of everything we do.   During the good times, we are going to "keep an even keel." During the tough times, we will just "keep sawing wood."

It's great to remember the week he took on the challenge of rebuilding the Chicago Bears. 

As he signed most of his letters or notes...

"Peace,"

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Moms and Football Coaches Work Together for Kids

If Mom is there everyday for you, consider yourself lucky.

If Mom is truly supporting your social and school life, you are even luckier.

If Mom is hog-wild about everything you do---if she is your loudest cheerleader, head equipment manager and chief motivator, you are truly blessed.

Sportsmanship at Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps

While running youth football camps, our greatest reward comes when a Mom is completely ecstatic about their son’s experience. We feel the parent’s joy in emails about football skills, life skills, nutrition or sportsmanship learned.  As youth football camp coaches, perhaps we are able to convey something important that neither the mother nor the father could establish.  To paraphrase, “only in your own home are you not heard.”

For the professional educators, coaches and heroes of our staff, these are our greatest moments.  It’s when you give something to Moms that give so much to football.

“I am thrilled with the coaches and staff. They are truly amazing guys.  I am hoping that after this week, Josh will feel more confident to go back to his old team and play.” 
Angel--Mom of a Chicago Bears Youth Football Camper

“{My son} is coming home sharing skills he's learning and has really absorbed stories being told by camp heroes like Jim Thornton.  I see him more aware and motivated about taking care of hydrating his body and eating nutritious foods that fuel him.  Last night, I watched eat his entire serving of broccoli.  Being a mom with a nutrition background, that's a wonderful sight to see.  I only wish my urgings could motivate him as well.”   Karin--Mom of a Chicago Bears Youth Football Camper

“My son has really internalized some of the sportsmanship and life lessons being taught, as well as football skills, and for that I am most happy.  Today one of the teams he played against in a camp scrimmage lost a touchdown because of excessive celebration-- YES!!!  That is a lesson he needed to see and hear from someone besides his parents.  And Packers Hero John Anderson shared a nice story about determination and never giving up.”  Jennifer--Mom of a Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camper

“On yesterday morning while having breakfast, Jeremiah shared with me "the coaches are really good to us and I have learned some good things so far, like how to scoop up the ball and wrap it up and the drill sessions are getting me in shape."  As a mother, hearing this out of the mouth of her youngest, it is comforting to me know that he is enjoying the camp and at the same time the football staff is helping him to improve basic skills as he continues to learn the techniques of football.”   Donna G--Mom of New York Giants Youth Football Camper

“I have three boys at camp this week.  They all are loving it.  They especially like the fact that the drills are "real football" and they get actual factual feedback about their skill levels.  They are really timing them and allowing the boys to set personal goals.  My boys are pleasantly exhausted and starving at 3pm.  That is a true sign of a successful camp!!”  Kelly--Mom of Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camper

While not on the sidelines, Mom's are every bit as important as the head coach in terms of their young players flag or tackle football development.   Moms help us when they deliver us a prepared, respectful and enthusiastic young athlete.  When we build on that foundation, it completes the circle.

Sincerely,
Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

http://www.prosportsexperience.com/

http://www.bearscamps.com/
http://www.packerscamps.com/
http://www.eaglescamps.com/
http://www.nygiantscamps.com/

Video: Amazing Science of Passing Accuracy and Mechanics

Sports Science asks the question “Is an NFL Quarterback the World’s Most Precise Athlete?”

More specifically, is an NFL quarterback more accurate than a World Class Olympic Archer?

This summer, Green Bay Packers Youth Football Campers
discussed the science of throwing a football.

Sports Science put this question to the test with the Saints’ Drew Brees in the spotlight.

They gave Drew the world's most high-tech football with sensors that track velocity, launch angle and spin rate.

In an amazing display of consistency and football skill, Drew Brees hit the archery target’s bulls-eye ten of ten times.  

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp Director Scott Baum calls this 8 minute Sports Science episode "fantastic football curriculum with some surprising facts about passing accuracy."  Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camp Director Mike Gross calls the episode "simply amazing!"

If you have aspirations to be a flag or tackle football quarterback, definitely check this Sports Science episode out posted on the USA Football website.

USA Football Presents "On Sports Science: Passing Accuracy."

Sincerely,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

Is Your Child a True Leader Among Youth Football Players?

More than the Head Coach, it's the youth football players themselves that have the most influence over the team's culture. 

Chicago Bears Youth Football Campers take the coaches
message and get on the same page.

The best "policemen" for players are other players.  While a good coach never disconnects from a team problem, he becomes much more effective when he has strong leadership within the ranks. 

If he does not have team leaders, his message will be rejected--no matter how valid.  The coach will work harder and shout louder in order to have his points made.  Without leadership, the coach may be defined as a "hot head" or "blow hard" as his message never takes hold.

We appreciate and need leadership at all of our youth football camps. 

Do you wonder if you are a true team leader?    Look in the mirror and ask yourself these questions.

1.   Do You Listen to the Coaches Instructions?

Simple enough, right?  After the coach describes a football drill, do you know exactly what to do? Does the coach need to re-explain it?  Do you help make sure others pay attention while the coach is talking?  Or would you rather be funny and cool than ready to play? 

Green Bay Packers Youth Camp Hero Johnnie Gray would absorb the coaches directions and also help teammates with additional details they did not understand.  Johnnie Gray was a leader. 

2.   Do You Go Full Speed--All the Time?

Going full speed at New York Giants
Youth Football Camps last summer.

The only way to practice is full speed-- as if in real game conditions.   

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp Hero Robin Earl said Walter Payton ran every drill at 100% speed and through the finish line--every time!  As the NFL's greatest player, his example forced teammates to practice with the same level of perfection.

3.   Do You Act with Humility and Help Others?

True team leaders don’t take all the privileges and benefits.  Instead, they humble themselves and show a willingness to do difficult but necessary tasks.  For example, we love campers that help coaches clear the field of cones and footballs.   We never ask them--but when they do, it just stands out!

New York Giants Youth Football Camp Hero Bill Ard said the players he respected most were the ones that treated the trainers, equipment managers and support staff with courtesy and respect. Truly great leaders act with humility and help others whenever possible.   

4.  Do You Ignite the Group with Positive Reinforcement?

It’s easy to talk about what is wrong with your team.  Good leaders are able to identify positive progress within the team and build excitement in a challenging practice.

“This train is rolling!” shouted Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camp Hero Garry Cobb at a recent youth camp.  “This groups is improving with every turn!  These guys are working hard and getting better.  I like this group of Eagles Youth Football Campers.”
At this moment, Cobb saw slight improvement with every youth camper and turned it into a fantastic motivation for the football skill sessions.  It carried over to the entire day’s attitude. 

Coaches, let your team know you admire leadership more than anything else.  Tell them you are looking for the traits mentioned above.  Watch the spirit of your team change.

For football skills, life skills and fun,

Tom Finks
Pro Sports Experience, LLC
Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.
http://www.bearscamps.com/
http://www.packerscamps.com/
http://www.nygiantscamps.com/
http://www.eaglescamps.com/

Three Essential Habits to Help the Overweight Child

NFL Sponsored Youth Football Camps are
a great place to have fun and burn calories

It's no fun to play if you struggle to move, breathe and keep up with other kids.  Quite often, this is due to a young person being overweight.  

We consider our youth football camps a great place to pass along life and fitness skills that combat childhood obesity.

Our youth football camp coaches teach three essential life habits that help kids manage and decrease excess body fat.  Apply these habits and help your child attain a better level of fitness.

 
1.  Simplify the Game:  It's "Calories In" vs. "Calories Burned."

Always look at food labels and recognize the total calories you consume each day.  Discuss good choices and bad choices made during the day.   Learn to distinguish high-calorie items from low calorie items.  At this stage, it's about creating awareness.   Without good information, how can your child distinguish a "good choice" from a "poor choice?"   Create awareness first, then you can make changes.

2.  Get Rid of the Soda: Choose Water First
This can be the easiest and most productive battle ground for you.  Water has zero calories and replenishes your body as required.  Consider the net calorie loss when you choose water and eliminate soda.  Certainly juices and milk are important, but make water the high priority.  Do you really need to have soda pop in the house?  Get rid of the soda and see an immediate change. 

3.  Play 60 minutes each day. 
It does not matter what activity you choose, as long as you get moving!  Make it fun.  If you can walk to school and back, that's at least 20 minutes of great exercise right off the top.  The goal is to do something physically active for 60 minutes every day.  Get your body moving and make it fun!

Speaking of fun, check out the NFL's Play 60 program for great ideas.

If your child follows this plan, you will get positive results with little drama.

For football skills, life skills and fun,

Tom Finks
Executive Director
Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

http://www.bearscamps.com/
http://www.nygiantscamps.com/
http://www.packerscamps.com/
http://www.eaglescamps.com/

Make Sure the Helmet Fits: A Video Lesson from USA Football

Among the many ways we can improve youth football safety and prevent concussions, we absolutely must make sure every child’s youth football helmet fits properly.  This is essential to his or her safety and well worth your time to assure it fits properly.

Check out this outstanding six minute video provided by USA Football that reviews the procedure and provides skills for assuring a proper helmet fit.

NFL teams such as the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles offer many community-based, non-contact summer camps that prepare kids (and parents) to play non-contact flag or tackle football.  If you are interested in getting your child into the game, consider these programs in your local area.  

REVIEW VIDEO:  USA Football and Riddell - Football Helmet Fitting Video

For Football Skills, Life Skills and Fun,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.

Predicting the Future for Youth Football Leagues

Injury Concerns Will Grow Youth Football Participation Levels

Yes, the spotlight on concussions and injuries associated with youth football will increase overall participation in youth football.  

Here’s why and how:

Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps

Let’s consider a kid named Hank.  He’s an elite young athlete and 9 years old.  He plays hockey, baseball and basketball and would love to play tackle football.   

Hank’s parents reject tackle as an option.  They are just not comfortable with it.

As an elite athlete and huge Chicago Bears fans, Hank still needs a football fix.  So, Hank joins a non-contact flag football league in his local neighborhood.

Remember, Hank is an elite athlete that was prohibited from playing tackle football.  When he joins this non-contact flag football league, he immediately gives the league some credibility.  It’s like Herschel Walker Herschel Walker going to the USFL or Bobby Hull going to the WHA.  With Hank on board, many of his hockey, baseball and basketball teammates will consider flag football as a cool option, also as their “second” fall sport.  

When Hank’s teammates join, there is suddenly a critical mass of good youth athletes playing in this league.  A suddenly, the coaching quality has improved as athletically competent dad’s support their sons.

Now, just because Hank’s parents rejected football, the flag league got a lot better.  The league demonstrates good football skills and fun. 

Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps

Here’s the kicker:   The huge number of undecided/recreational athletes begin to hear the buzz.  A non-contact flag football league is cool because Hank and his athletic friends play.  It’s not for cowards, these are good tough kids.  And unlike tackle football, flag football has no issues hanging out there like extreme travel, expense or injury issues.  It’s everything soccer is, but a sport America truly loves to play and watch.  

SUMMARY:   Truly dedicated football players aspire to play in high school and college, so they will always choose tackle to make that dream happen.   However, the concerns related to tackle football will increase the number of high quality athletes (and coaching dads) to the non-contact leagues.  This will draw more recreational or “followers” to non-contact leagues because there are not nearly the concerns or impediments associated with choosing tackle football.  

The net result is significant overall growth in football participation as tackle numbers are sustained and non-contact football leagues experience a tremendous increase.  

Of course, managing Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps, Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps, New York Giants Youth Football Camps and Green Bay Packers Youth Football Camps, we hope this is true.   Just watch.  We believe it will happen.

Sincerely,

Tom Finks

Pro Sports Experience, LLC

Official Management Company for Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles Youth Football Camps.



More quality young athletes choosing flag football will draw
more undecided players to non-contact programs.