Why you should let your young kid play tackle football

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

In European soccer that is not the case. Also, depends on the coach. The fact that you think that football is the only sport where teamwork is learned or where each player is responsible to other players is ridiculous.

OMG, such a classic DCUM triggered overreaction. No, of course football is not the only sport that teaches teamwork. that would be a ridiculous take.

It is one of the few that teaches the consequences of missed assignments means a teammate gets blown up. The consequences of missed assignments are greater.

[Anonymous]

This is such an accurate post. Not many sports (if any) are like tackle football in where the teammates rely on each other so heavily. If a blocker misses his block, the runner behind him can get lit the hell up and injured. Depending on the age of the kids, they might not understand this, but they do/should understand this at the HS ages and it certainly builds a strong bond. My son is playing tackle for the first time this year as an 8th grader and it's going well. I have no regrets of not starting him earlier. The coach says if there is any doubt a player cannot handle his blocking assignments, he will not play. He will not risk a player getting injured just so another player can get some minutes. As a result, playing time is not guaranteed, unlike just about every other sport I know. So tackle football is a lot different in many ways. We did not let our older play. He just didn't have the right mentality and felt either he'd get hurt or he'd get someone else hurt. He plays other sports at high levels. It's all good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

Tell, when the ball is on the opponent's half, what is the keeper actively doing at that point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

FWIW, I never even played football. I actually played soccer through MS and then wrestling and baseball through HS.

But having watched my DS play football for the past 3 years, there's no sport that comes close to the requiring the same level of trust from your teammates. It's not even close.

If an athlete misses an assignment on the soccer field or a OF missed a cut-off, the worst that happens is a run scores, (or a goal is allowed). In football, its way different.

And I never even suggested that football is the only sport that teaches teamwork. Just that it teaches it in such a unique way.

Soccer fans being so triggered and sensitive is so on brand

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

Tell, when the ball is on the opponent's half, what is the keeper actively doing at that point?

Tell, when the ball is on the opponent's half, what is the kicker actively doing at that point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

FWIW, I never even played football. I actually played soccer through MS and then wrestling and baseball through HS.

But having watched my DS play football for the past 3 years, there's no sport that comes close to the requiring the same level of trust from your teammates. It's not even close.

If an athlete misses an assignment on the soccer field or a OF missed a cut-off, the worst that happens is a run scores, (or a goal is allowed). In football, its way different.

And I never even suggested that football is the only sport that teaches teamwork. Just that it teaches it in such a unique way.

Soccer fans being so triggered and sensitive is so on brand

American football fans being so oblivious to the existence and mechanics of other sports is so on brand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

FWIW, I never even played football. I actually played soccer through MS and then wrestling and baseball through HS.

But having watched my DS play football for the past 3 years, there's no sport that comes close to the requiring the same level of trust from your teammates. It's not even close.

If an athlete misses an assignment on the soccer field or a OF missed a cut-off, the worst that happens is a run scores, (or a goal is allowed). In football, its way different.

And I never even suggested that football is the only sport that teaches teamwork. Just that it teaches it in such a unique way.

Soccer fans being so triggered and sensitive is so on brand

American football fans being so oblivious to the existence and mechanics of other sports is so on brand.

I don't know what I'm getting sucked in arguing with you since I know you're just trolling, but go back and reread. I literally said that each sport teaches unique lessons and has unique benefits.

Why does it bother you so much for someone to assert that football (btw, you can just call it football, not 'american football' since ya know....we're in America) teaches teamwork and trust in a way that other sports can't?

It's the same as me saying that sports like wrestling or golf or tennis teach individual effort/responsibility like others can't.

If you said something like that 'Soccer creates the fittest athletes of the major sports", I wouldn't get my panties in a bunch, like you have bc you're probably right. I wouldn't say "Oh my god, look at the idiot soccer fan thinking football doesn't create athletes."

Seriously, your inferiority complex is showing. You may want to do a better job of hiding it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

FWIW, I never even played football. I actually played soccer through MS and then wrestling and baseball through HS.

But having watched my DS play football for the past 3 years, there's no sport that comes close to the requiring the same level of trust from your teammates. It's not even close.

If an athlete misses an assignment on the soccer field or a OF missed a cut-off, the worst that happens is a run scores, (or a goal is allowed). In football, its way different.

And I never even suggested that football is the only sport that teaches teamwork. Just that it teaches it in such a unique way.

Soccer fans being so triggered and sensitive is so on brand

American football fans being so oblivious to the existence and mechanics of other sports is so on brand.

I don't know what I'm getting sucked in arguing with you since I know you're just trolling, but go back and reread. I literally said that each sport teaches unique lessons and has unique benefits.

Why does it bother you so much for someone to assert that football (btw, you can just call it football, not 'american football' since ya know....we're in America) teaches teamwork and trust in a way that other sports can't?

It's the same as me saying that sports like wrestling or golf or tennis teach individual effort/responsibility like others can't.

If you said something like that 'Soccer creates the fittest athletes of the major sports", I wouldn't get my panties in a bunch, like you have bc you're probably right. I wouldn't say "Oh my god, look at the idiot soccer fan thinking football doesn't create athletes."

Seriously, your inferiority complex is showing. You may want to do a better job of hiding it

The point is that your statement is purely subjective while being stated as fact. The idea that other sports "can't" teach teamwork and trust in the same was as American football is just flat-out wrong. You may subjectively think it is the BEST at teaching teamwork and trust, but you would objectively be wrong. Hence, the replies. I grew up playing many sports and learned teamwork and trust with baseball, basketball and volleyball in the same way that I did with soccer. It's about the team and the coach. American football is not inherently better at this than any other sport.

I don't think there's much of an inferiority complex in a sport that makes close to $30B Euro on a single continent, with even more revenue globally, that is streamed, played and lived in nearly 195 countries. TBH, I don't think much about the football folks at all. This thread just made me laugh because of how narrow the view point was.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

FWIW, I never even played football. I actually played soccer through MS and then wrestling and baseball through HS.

But having watched my DS play football for the past 3 years, there's no sport that comes close to the requiring the same level of trust from your teammates. It's not even close.

If an athlete misses an assignment on the soccer field or a OF missed a cut-off, the worst that happens is a run scores, (or a goal is allowed). In football, its way different.

And I never even suggested that football is the only sport that teaches teamwork. Just that it teaches it in such a unique way.

Soccer fans being so triggered and sensitive is so on brand

American football fans being so oblivious to the existence and mechanics of other sports is so on brand.

I don't know what I'm getting sucked in arguing with you since I know you're just trolling, but go back and reread. I literally said that each sport teaches unique lessons and has unique benefits.

Why does it bother you so much for someone to assert that football (btw, you can just call it football, not 'american football' since ya know....we're in America) teaches teamwork and trust in a way that other sports can't?

It's the same as me saying that sports like wrestling or golf or tennis teach individual effort/responsibility like others can't.

If you said something like that 'Soccer creates the fittest athletes of the major sports", I wouldn't get my panties in a bunch, like you have bc you're probably right. I wouldn't say "Oh my god, look at the idiot soccer fan thinking football doesn't create athletes."

Seriously, your inferiority complex is showing. You may want to do a better job of hiding it

The point is that your statement is purely subjective while being stated as fact. The idea that other sports "can't" teach teamwork and trust in the same was as American football is just flat-out wrong. You may subjectively think it is the BEST at teaching teamwork and trust, but you would objectively be wrong. Hence, the replies. I grew up playing many sports and learned teamwork and trust with baseball, basketball and volleyball in the same way that I did with soccer. It's about the team and the coach. American football is not inherently better at this than any other sport.

I don't think there's much of an inferiority complex in a sport that makes close to $30B Euro on a single continent, with even more revenue globally, that is streamed, played and lived in nearly 195 countries. TBH, I don't think much about the football folks at all. This thread just made me laugh because of how narrow the view point was.

Wait....your objection is that I have an opinion?

You do know this is a message board right? This is not a 'fact-sharing' website. This site is nothing but opinions.

And your statement that football (again, we're in America bro; you sound a little douchey calling it American Football) isn't better at teaching trust is....guess what? Also, an opinion!

And once again....nobody ever suggested that other sports "can't" teach teamwork. It's that football does it in a way that European Soccer can't. European soccer can teach teamwork and trust. But there is a uniqueness to football that those other sports cant match

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

FWIW, I never even played football. I actually played soccer through MS and then wrestling and baseball through HS.

But having watched my DS play football for the past 3 years, there's no sport that comes close to the requiring the same level of trust from your teammates. It's not even close.

If an athlete misses an assignment on the soccer field or a OF missed a cut-off, the worst that happens is a run scores, (or a goal is allowed). In football, its way different.

And I never even suggested that football is the only sport that teaches teamwork. Just that it teaches it in such a unique way.

Soccer fans being so triggered and sensitive is so on brand

American football fans being so oblivious to the existence and mechanics of other sports is so on brand.

I don't know what I'm getting sucked in arguing with you since I know you're just trolling, but go back and reread. I literally said that each sport teaches unique lessons and has unique benefits.

Why does it bother you so much for someone to assert that football (btw, you can just call it football, not 'american football' since ya know....we're in America) teaches teamwork and trust in a way that other sports can't?

It's the same as me saying that sports like wrestling or golf or tennis teach individual effort/responsibility like others can't.

If you said something like that 'Soccer creates the fittest athletes of the major sports", I wouldn't get my panties in a bunch, like you have bc you're probably right. I wouldn't say "Oh my god, look at the idiot soccer fan thinking football doesn't create athletes."

Seriously, your inferiority complex is showing. You may want to do a better job of hiding it

The point is that your statement is purely subjective while being stated as fact. The idea that other sports "can't" teach teamwork and trust in the same was as American football is just flat-out wrong. You may subjectively think it is the BEST at teaching teamwork and trust, but you would objectively be wrong. Hence, the replies. I grew up playing many sports and learned teamwork and trust with baseball, basketball and volleyball in the same way that I did with soccer. It's about the team and the coach. American football is not inherently better at this than any other sport.

I don't think there's much of an inferiority complex in a sport that makes close to $30B Euro on a single continent, with even more revenue globally, that is streamed, played and lived in nearly 195 countries. TBH, I don't think much about the football folks at all. This thread just made me laugh because of how narrow the view point was.

Wait....your objection is that I have an opinion?

You do know this is a message board right? This is not a 'fact-sharing' website. This site is nothing but opinions.

And your statement that football (again, we're in America bro; you sound a little douchey calling it American Football) isn't better at teaching trust is....guess what? Also, an opinion!

And once again....nobody ever suggested that other sports "can't" teach teamwork. It's that football does it in a way that European Soccer can't. European soccer can teach teamwork and trust. But there is a uniqueness to football that those other sports cant match

Share opinions all you want. Other posters respond with theirs. You do know this is a message board, right? And I quite literally cut and paste your quote where you stated that sports "can't" teach teamwork and trust in the same was as American football. I directly lifted it from you. So yes, your quote on that particular narrow point was what elicited the response. And it wasn't even a very large response. Just that it may not be as unique as you think so maybe broaden your horizons? But you do you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

FWIW, I never even played football. I actually played soccer through MS and then wrestling and baseball through HS.

But having watched my DS play football for the past 3 years, there's no sport that comes close to the requiring the same level of trust from your teammates. It's not even close.

If an athlete misses an assignment on the soccer field or a OF missed a cut-off, the worst that happens is a run scores, (or a goal is allowed). In football, its way different.

And I never even suggested that football is the only sport that teaches teamwork. Just that it teaches it in such a unique way.

Soccer fans being so triggered and sensitive is so on brand

American football fans being so oblivious to the existence and mechanics of other sports is so on brand.

I don't know what I'm getting sucked in arguing with you since I know you're just trolling, but go back and reread. I literally said that each sport teaches unique lessons and has unique benefits.

Why does it bother you so much for someone to assert that football (btw, you can just call it football, not 'american football' since ya know....we're in America) teaches teamwork and trust in a way that other sports can't?

It's the same as me saying that sports like wrestling or golf or tennis teach individual effort/responsibility like others can't.

If you said something like that 'Soccer creates the fittest athletes of the major sports", I wouldn't get my panties in a bunch, like you have bc you're probably right. I wouldn't say "Oh my god, look at the idiot soccer fan thinking football doesn't create athletes."

Seriously, your inferiority complex is showing. You may want to do a better job of hiding it

The point is that your statement is purely subjective while being stated as fact. The idea that other sports "can't" teach teamwork and trust in the same was as American football is just flat-out wrong. You may subjectively think it is the BEST at teaching teamwork and trust, but you would objectively be wrong. Hence, the replies. I grew up playing many sports and learned teamwork and trust with baseball, basketball and volleyball in the same way that I did with soccer. It's about the team and the coach. American football is not inherently better at this than any other sport.

I don't think there's much of an inferiority complex in a sport that makes close to $30B Euro on a single continent, with even more revenue globally, that is streamed, played and lived in nearly 195 countries. TBH, I don't think much about the football folks at all. This thread just made me laugh because of how narrow the view point was.

Wait....your objection is that I have an opinion?

You do know this is a message board right? This is not a 'fact-sharing' website. This site is nothing but opinions.

And your statement that football (again, we're in America bro; you sound a little douchey calling it American Football) isn't better at teaching trust is....guess what? Also, an opinion!

And once again....nobody ever suggested that other sports "can't" teach teamwork. It's that football does it in a way that European Soccer can't. European soccer can teach teamwork and trust. But there is a uniqueness to football that those other sports cant match

Share opinions all you want. Other posters respond with theirs. You do know this is a message board, right? And I quite literally cut and paste your quote where you stated that sports "can't" teach teamwork and trust in the same was as American football. I directly lifted it from you. So yes, your quote on that particular narrow point was what elicited the response. And it wasn't even a very large response. Just that it may not be as unique as you think so maybe broaden your horizons? But you do you.

NP, but I think PP's point is that when a soccer player misses an assignment, the worst case scenario is that a goal is scored. When a football player misses an assignment, a teammate might get crushed.

That's what why other sports can't teach it as well. Not that they can't teach it. Just not as well. The stakes are higher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

Tell, when the ball is on the opponent's half, what is the keeper actively doing at that point?

At any given time half (actually more because of long snappers kickers and punters) of the starting players on a football team are on the bench watching the other unit play

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

Tell, when the ball is on the opponent's half, what is the keeper actively doing at that point?

At any given time half (actually more because of long snappers kickers and punters) of the starting players on a football team are on the bench watching the other unit play

?

Your criticism of football is that those that aren't on the starting roster aren't playing during the game.

Isn't that true of most any sport?

Baseball rosters in HS can have 15-20 players. 9 play at a time. Heck, during 50% of the game, only 1-4 players from the team are playing at a single time.

Aren't HS soccer rosters around 20 kids? So 45% of the team isnt playing at any point.

I'm not sure what point you're trying to make?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's taken me a long time to get here, but I agree OP.
My son has wanted to play tackle football since he was 6. I always said no due to safety/concussion concerns and don't even get me going on my feminist tirade of the NFL.
We put him (and our daughter) into flag football. He grew his love of the sport and has continued to ask about playing tackle. Here we are, he's in 7th grade, just went to the pediatrician for his annual check up and he's in the 97th percentile size wise for his age. He asked again if he could do the school football team and I said yes. Part of it is to give him the chance to do it before the stakes are too high. He has his primary sport that he excels in, and is part of his long term goal (playing in college, etc). But the social and emotional impact of being on the football team with his friends I believe will pay dividends, and he's already having a blast.

Above all sports, football and golf teach responsibility the best. Golf is obvious as it’s all on you. Football makes you realize how important it is to listen, understand and do your part bc, if you don’t, someone can get crushed. The first time a kid has to look a teammate in the eye who got smashed bc they messed up provides eye opening perspective.

Exactly. I've said the same thing for years. Different sports teach different lessons.

For example, I encourage kids to play solo sports (like, golf as you mentioned), but I always use wrestling as the best example. It's just you. You are either going to whooped, or you're going to whoop someone else. It's entirely on you (that is a bit of an exaggeration but you get the point)

Football is the opposite. It takes 11 people all doing their job together. And you owe it to the 10 other players to do your job, and they owe it to you. There's something special about it that's hard to find in other sports.

It becomes extra special because only people that really played understand. Sure, the RB gets the credit for the touchdown. But people that play see the line making the hole, the center with the clean snap, the WR with the downfield block.

RB may get into the end zone untouched; the rest of the team made that possible for them. It's really cool when you see it start to click for the kids

Same could be said for soccer....

Not really, and I think you just kind of proved me point (that you only get if you've ever been a part of it).

First, nobody is going to get pancaked in soccer bc a teammate missed an assignment.

Second, there are lots of time when soccer players aren't really engaged in the action, which is fine, its the nature of the sport. And its their job. So a defenders job may be to creep up the field, but do they really have a "critical" assignment when the ball is on the opponents zone? Not really.

You sound like someone who's never played soccer or even watched a professional soccer game in his life. The entire game is based on 11 players doing their jobs on the field. Each position has a role and job to fill. The idea that American football is alone in this is just....so American.

Tell, when the ball is on the opponent's half, what is the keeper actively doing at that point?

At any given time half (actually more because of long snappers kickers and punters) of the starting players on a football team are on the bench watching the other unit play

I get what you're saying. But if you reread this, the PP was talking about the 11 players on the field. Not the 30 on the bench. There's almost never a moment on the field where a player isnt doing anything. Maybe after the QB hands the ball of. But even at youth levels, they'll have them fake a roll out, or doing something to distract