is it too late for me?

Question
QUESTION: ok so i played a little football when i was young like pop warner. since then I've been sidelined with a back issue but the doctor said i could play but it would have to be like special teams. should i go for it. ill be a junior this up coming school year

ANSWER: Dear Evan,
Why does it have to be special teams? And is you back okay now?

Your friend, Coach Louis

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QUESTION: i havent had any issues in hmmm i would say since about January. i mean maybe here and there but cause i lifted something wrong but besides that no. i mean i play golf and that doesn't stress my back at all.
ANSWER: Dear Evan,
You have to understand that the real big hits take place on special teams. Your Doctor needs to know that special teams are no cake walk. You are more likely to get hurt on a special team than on any other aspect of football. And if you have a back injury, a big hit could land you in a wheel chair.

You need to think about these things before you make up your mind to play football. I love football too but there came a day when I had to say good bye to my love. Maybe it is time for you to start thinking about coaching football. It is lots of fun and if you want to learn I can teach you a lot about the game.

I hope that you do not think I am trying to kill your dreams because I am not. I am the type of coach that worries about his player and the people around me. I would rather lose a game than see one of my players in a wheel chair for life. All that I am saying is to make sure that the Doctor knows all the facts.

I think you need to sit down with your Parents, your Doctor, and maybe even your coach. And have a long talk about your future in football. Let me know what you think.

Your friend, Coach Louis


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i agree with you. all i was thinking of for special teams was like kicking or punting. only reason for that is well ok i have pretty god hands but almost no speed. yet i have pretty good leg strength so that is why i was thinking of special teams... the kicking and punting part of it.
ANSWER: Dear Evan,
If you like football, as much as I do, you might want to look into becoming a football coach. Coaching football is just like playing the game but without any pain LOL. Let me know if you are interested. It is never too early to start or you can try something else.

There are lots of ways to be a part of the sports world without playing on a team. What about team manager, Film editor, Game stats, Team scout, Team event organizer, Booster club, Assistant coach, And when you have paid your dues Head coach.

Your friend, Coach Louis


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QUESTION: ill take your advice. ill have to ask the coach but i wouldn't mind doing that type of stuff. thanks for all your help. if there is any other things you can tell me in response to the last paragraph u wrote please tell me

Answer
Dear Evan,
Ask your coach if you can take the game's stats, or if you can go with him to scout other teams. You can learn a lot from scouting. For example, let say you wanted to scout your opponents' linemen. You would need to watch their feet.

If the play is a run, the linemen will have most of their body weight on the front of their feet and their heels off the ground.

If the play is a pass, the linemen will have most of their weight on the back of their feet and their heels on the ground. They also might do this if they are going to pull. Some of the linemen point their feet in the direction they are going to pull.

If you watch carefully, you should be able to tell which one of the linemen give away the play on almost every down. And you will be able to take this information back to your school and share it with your defense. I am sure the defensive linemen will love you for this.

Let me know what you think.

Your friend, Coach Louis