The first part of this article was written by Jim Halley, USA Today Readthe entire article
The phrase “two-a-days” used to say it all for high school football. It meant a few hellish weeks of twice-daily workouts at the hottest time of the year, a practice designed to get players in shape and to forge team unity through collective misery. {{more}}
Four states known for their devotion to high school football ? Alabama; Texas; Florida; and Georgia ? barred back-to-back two-a-days this year, joining North Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, Arkansas and Arizona as states limiting two-a-days.
The NCAA, starting in 2003, eliminated consecutive days of two-a-days. This year, the collective bargaining agreement stopped NFL two-a-days altogether.
By limiting two-a-days and adding other heat acclimatization procedures, state high school associations are looking to cut down on a rise of heat-related deaths.
According to the American Football Coaches Association’s annual football injury survey, in the 35 years from 1960 to 1995, there were 81 football-related heat stroke cases that resulted in death. In the next 16 years, 1995 through 2011, there were 51, including 40 in high school. Jim Halley, USA TODAY
Kennedale Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Richard Barrett is philosophical about the change. He understands the need, noting that they have always provided plenty of to drink and breaks, but worries the players may not be in the best shape.
He says ?I am just an old coach [use to the old way] but everyone is in the same boat.? But that is why we started early, telling the players they were going to have come to summer strength and conditioning camp. According to Barrett they had one of the best turnouts in years for the summer program.
?If you use time to run wind sprints then that shortens the time for teaching basic skills and repetitions. We have a brand new defensive scheme with a new defensive coordinator this year, so we have to have time to learn the defense,? Barrett said.
Overall Barrett is pleased with the teams progress, saying that, ?Practices have gone well with no heat issues.? They keep cooling fans in a covered area running all through practice for any player who needs to cool down. They have frequent water breaks and there is a trainer on the field.
On the days two-a-days are allowed they are limited to a total of 5 hours. They start early with a 2.5 hour practice then take a break and have another 2.5 hour session. On the off day, there is a single practice for 3 hours. Players are allowed lift weights during off periods.
Kennedale holds it first scrimmage this Friday, August 15 at Decatur High School beginning at 5:00 p.m. Varsity should begin playing at 7 p.m. The first game of the regular season is at Crowley High School at 7:30 p.m. (varsity). WildcatFootball Schedule
