THE GAME in Video: Phil Mickelson Goes Long and Overshoots His Receiver

Phil Mickelson may have not hit the million dollar shot, but he did win $50,000 for his charity and he also helped make a case for the potential interactions between athletic nodes that, on the surface, seem polar opposites.

Although, one could argue that the success of kickers and punters in football requires nerves, rhythm and poise (like golfers) rather than rage and brawn, its refreshing to see a popular and widely-played “finesse” sport like golf physically find its way onto a football field.

In many ways the role of those who participate in golf nodes is analogous to those of kickers and punters from football nodes. So a possible, but potentially prominent role for those from golf nodes who are in football nodes, could be as ThB “artillery pieces”. In this scenario, golf ThBs would play further back than a typical ThB, lobbing and firing golf balls into adjacent and far away zones where playmaking Ws (from other nodes, but on the same team) would be positioned to catch the shots.

By using analogous nodal elements, one can integrate disparate nodes like football and golf to successfully create a chain of unique competitions that can be blended (hybridized) or linked together.

THE GAME In Pictures: Atlanta vs. Pittsburgh

In G.3, one of the many ways in which teams can be built is by combining professional, semi-professional or amateur teams from one city. How these teams interact with each other (if at all) in a GAME can vary widely.

On one end of the G.3 competition spectrum, one can find an alliance of teams representing a city; working together as a larger team but without direct interactions during the course of a GAME (at least on the field of play; however there will be interactions on a strategic and executive level to better coordinate the teams). Best described as “Games within THE GAME”, a GAME winner is determined by an aggregate score compiled from the constituent teams that form the larger team. These types of GAMEs would be ideally suited for G.3 enthusiasts who are node purists and who like to maintain a separation between nodes instead of direct interactions. For example:

G.3 Matchup: New York vs. Washington

Games
New York Giants (NFL) 24	Washington Redskins (NFL) 21
New York Rangers (NHL) 3	Washington Capitals (NHL) 4
New York Mets (NL) 5	Washington Nationals (NL) 3
New York Red Bulls (MLS) 2	D.C. United (MLS) 2
New York Knicks (NBA) 105	Washington Wizards (NBA) 102
Winner: New York 139	Washington 132

On the other end of the G.3 competition spectrum, there are GAMEs that have many interactions between teams regardless of their node affiliation. Which brings us to the above image.

Inspired by the defense-offense transition formation, the compiled image above shows a G.3 matchup between teams from Pittsburgh and Atlanta. On the left is Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers football kit (designed by Jimmy Nutini; see more of his crossover concepts here) playing the hybrid position of football fullback, rugby fullback and American football safety. Polamalu’s defense mates have stopped the opposing offense (note Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets left wing Evander Kane transitioning to defense in the background) and his defense is now quickly transitioning to a multi-pronged offense (using multiple teams, fronts and balls simultaneously).

Playing deeper than Polamalu on the backline is a hybrid fullback (not pictured)—the last line of defense in this particular formation. A hybrid fullback must have the ability to play stout defense and take away the ball from the opposing teams’ forwards (regardless of nodes). A hybrid fullback must also, at times, be able to simultaneously receive and handle balls from allied teams, teammates and players outside/inside his nodes and zones; quickly distributing the balls in his possession to a vast array of forwards and backs. So it is easy to see why a hybrid fullback is an important catalyst in the defense-offense transition.

In the picture, a hybrid fullback has already passed the football to Polamalu, who is passing it further down the field to one of his forwards. At the same time and also pictured is Steelers punt returner Antonio Brown (84) streaking through Atlanta’s transition defense; pursued by members of the Atlanta Falcons punt coverage team. Also pictured is, in the foreground, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik pushing forward to help with the offensive attack. The multiple balls and points of actions are used to illustrate the multilinear flow of some GAMEs. 

THE GAME In Pictures: A Basic GAME Formation Featuring Denard Robinson and Pat White

A previous post detailed the first basic GAME formation and suggested the ThB positions for dynamic football quarterbacks, Pat White from West Virginia University and Denard Robinson from the University of Michigan.

In G.3 the ThB can be best described as a mobile multi-nodal hybrid position whose primary role is that of a thrower and whose targets are players spanning multiple nodes. ThB’s can range from tall power throwers to relatively smaller, more explosive mobile throwers like White and Robinson.

The action shot above features an alternate reality in which Rich Rodriguez’s combined Michigan and West Virginia football spread option and GAME option attacks are advancing against a multi-team platoon that includes a squad of Ohio State defenders. Pat White (ThB) has just optioned the ball to Denard Robinson (ThB) after going through his throwing progressions on the wings (transition zones). Note White’s dirty uniform; a detail that reflects White’s transition from another node (played on natural grass) to his current node (played on FieldTurf).

Notre Dame On Ice: When Life Gives You Apples…

As a Michigan fan, I smile whenever I see Notre Dame’s iconic brand take a hit (like this). It’s even more delicious when the one inflicting the damage is Notre Dame herself.

Which leads me to this gem starting at 1:09. Note the dejected and sad gaze of the ND band as they play...

The confused reaction of those watching this amalgamation of live music (albeit good music by Chicago), figure skating and Notre Dame football indicates people may not be quite ready now for what G.3 will ultimately be. I am convinced, however, that G.3 can ably weave together the nodes we see in the video in a compelling and entertaining way without compromising the integrity of each individual node. In this example, the half-ass presentation of the Notre Dame football node helps kill this video on arrival. The lackadaisical skating, the horrendous choreography, the apathy of the ND band, the docile demonstration of the sport of football...

Need I go on?

If Notre Dame’s actual football players came out on skates and earnestly competed against another football team on skates, would it have made a difference? Very likely.

Regardless of whether it was a decision made by Notre Dame, Brian Boitano or Musselman’s Apple Sauce to marginalize and emasculate Notre Dame football in this way, internodal blending or linking fundamentally requires a respect for its constituent nodes. Chicago is doing what it does best—perform. Brian Boitano and friends are doing what they know best—perform. This is primarily why these two nodes complement and work well together. Notre Dame, on the other hand, had no shot from the very beginning. 

There is plenty of drama in a rugged and violent sport like football. People are always drawn to dramatic games and if constituent nodes are linked and blended with care and respect, the emotions that burgeon from the nodes of figure skating and music can complement and accentuate the drama that we see in football—whether it’s played on turf or on skates.

So I think I’ll give Notre Dame somewhat of a pass on this one. I’ll give them a 6.0 for the idea of reaching out to other athletic and entertainment nodes, but that’s about all I’m going to concede. I love G.3, but I’m still a Michigan fan.

THE GAME in Pictures: Merged G.3 College Football Teams

2010 Michigan-Oregon vs. Ohio State-USC

University of Michigan QB, Denard Robinson dashes through the Ohio State-USC defense during a 2010 inter-conference G.3 college football matchup between Michigan-Oregon and Ohio State-USC in Columbus, Ohio.

THE GAME in Pictures: Rugby Union + American Football Hybrid

Cleveland Browns & New Zealand All Blacks vs. San Francisco 49’ers & Australia Wallabies

During a 2009 Hybrid GAME matchup, the New Zealand All-Blacks’ hooker Keven Mealamu (center) breaks through the first line followed closely by Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis (#31) as Australia Wallabies’ fly-half/inside centre Berrick Barnes (#12) and 49’ers' linebacker Patrick Willis (#52) close in to make the tackles.

David Sills, USC Football and Their Place in THE GAME

When USC head coach Lane Kiffin offered a football scholarship and subsequently received a verbal commitment from 13-year old quarterback prodigy David Sills this past February, a common reaction in the sports media went sort of like this.

When I first came across this story, I must admit, I too was uneasy about a seventh grader receiving and accepting a scholarship offer from a major college football power at such a young age. After all, history is replete with child prodigies who made successful transitions to adult accomplishment, but there are as many, if not more, who did not. In this context, several thoughts came quickly to mind.

I reflected on how I would react if my 2 1/2-year old son was in the same position. I concluded that if USC was my son’s dream school and USC‘s head coach and my son’s personal coach thought he already had the ability to receive a college football scholarship in four years…why wouldn’t we accept the offer? The maturity level of a 13-year old boy (or lack of) is usually unquestioned. But, if such an important decision is made in conjunction with sound parental deliberation and a nurturing environment that enables a child to gently develop his or her talent, would this be any less of an informed decision?

On one hand, there is little doubt that Sills was deserving of the offer. Steve Clarkson, is Sills’ personal coach and he believes Sills is physically and mentally (in a football sense) qualified to receive a USC offer:

"His skill set is off the chart," Clarkson said. "I've never seen anyone at his age do what he's been able to do."

The commitment has happened in college basketball previously, but is unprecedented for college football where it's harder to project how a player as young as Sills will develop physically. Clarkson says that won't be a problem.

"He's already six feet as a 13-year old," Clarkson said. "And he's breaking down NFL footage."

But on the other hand, a troubling question remains: is it possible to nurture Sills’ talent in a way that allows him to develop his special talent in an emotionally healthy way?

As a very bright and gifted child, Alissa Quart, now an adult, sought out former prodigies and gifted kids, as well as the parents of high-achieving children while researching her book Hothouse Kids: The Dilemma of the Gifted Child and offered some commonsense advice about raising gifted children:

"Designating children as gifted, especially extremely gifted, and cultivating that giftedness may be not only a waste of money, but positively harmful," she writes. "The overcultivated can develop self-esteem problems and performance anxiety.”

…[In a in a September 2006 interview with Time, Quart shares that parents should] Emphasize the work in itself, the process itself, the activity. The kids are trying, they're doing a good job, they're learning how to do something. Each thing they do is discrete; it's not part of a larger identity of being spectacular."

Obviously, Lane Kiffin is not suggesting that a 13-year old boy is ready to join his football team now and compete at a high level in elite college football. Nor is he suggesting that Sills’ verbal commitment is binding; signing a letter of intent to attend USC is—which Sills must sign when he is a high school senior. But, getting a head start on your competitors for the services of a young talent is not illegal nor unethical. At the very worst, especially if Sills does not have the appropriate support system in place, it can potentially lead to stunting the emotional well-being of this young man. 

When the vision of THE GAME was conceived we wanted to create an open, flexible and extensible framework on which THE GAME could be built:

“THE GAME framework is simple: participants include anyone and everyone; THE GAME consists of anything and everything; THE GAME takes place anywhere and everywhere; THE GAME takes place at anytime and everytime; THE GAME participants can participate in any way and every way.”

This idea of openness has not changed. The beauty of THE GAME is that as a decentralized body, as it grows and becomes more complex, THE GAME is able to nimbly evolve and refine itself in specific ways that a large bureaucratic organization cannot.

A primary goal of THE GAME will continue to be a platform in which “anyone and everyone” (young, gifted or otherwise) can engage with others (who may happen to be younger or older) in one or more of the vast collection of nodes; while providing a safe and fun experience for everyone involved.

This decentralized framework of THE GAME is destined for abuse and being taken advantage of if not combined with a well-written and enforceable user policy. So we will be debuting a GAME site in the very near future that will feature the following:

1. allow user policies and precedents to be proposed and discussed.
2. a freely accessible and searchable rule and guideline database.
3. systems and processes that will enable our users to propose and implement improvements and modifications.

This proposed site will also host an interim GAME enforcement entity while a more permanent organization is assembled.

So, we want to see gifted children like David Sills have an opportunity to compete in any venue in THE GAME he chooses, but we want him to do it in a way that is ultimately not detrimental to him or his family.

THE GAME: Node Links

image courtesy of Jared Tarbell

1. Vook. Adding a fresh spin on the centuries old medium of books, Vook is a multimedia hybrid that mashes up text, audio, video, photos and social media into a format  tailored for today’s internet browsers, e-readers and mobile devices.

2. Rhodes Scholar and NFL prospect, Myron Rolle’s upcoming NFL draft status is taking a hit because he may be considered too smart for his own good. The thinking goes that the NFL personnel people want players who are focused only on football. Unfortunately for Rolle, his aspirations to become a neurosurgeon if/when his NFL playing days are over may drag his draft value down. A neurosurgeon who plays elite level football? Rolle would be perfect fit for THE GAME.

3. The ultimate database of all the world’s stadiums. The worldstadiums.com database includes over 10,000 stadiums from over 223 countries.

4. Goal Line Blitz is an engrossing new online American football MMORPG that allows you to create and develop players as well as manage a team’s entire operations; from concessions to trading and signing players.

5. Life in the Multiverse. A fascinating article from the January 2010 issue of Scientific  American (paywall) examining the theory of a multiverse, multiple universes—each with their own laws of physics and perhaps each with their own forms of life—originating from the same primordial vacuum. Photo courtesy of jurvetson.

Hybrid Nodes: Usain Bolt vs. Chris Johnson in the Context of THE GAME

 

 

Updated 5/15/10

For a moment, it looked like this race would happen. But, apparently  a disagreement over the distance killed the proposed race between Jamaican Olympic sprinter and multiple world record holder Usain Bolt and Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson to determine the world’s fastest human; Johnson wanted to run 60 yards or less and Bolt wanted to run a longer race.

Bolt won three gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, setting world records in the 100 meters and 200 meters and sharing a third world record with the Jamaican 4x100 meter relay team. At last year's world championships, he shattered both of his own sprinting world records, running the 100 meters in 9.58 seconds and the 200 meters in 19.19 seconds. Bolt is widely considered the fastest man in the world…

Watch Usain run really fast.

Chris Johnson begs to differ.

During 2009, Johnson became the NFL's sixth 2,000-yard rusher when he completed his season with 2,006, breaking Earl Campbell's franchise record of 1,934. The second-year back from East Carolina also broke Marshall Faulk's NFL single-season record with 2,254 total yards from scrimmage.

At the 2008 NFL scouting combine, Johnson was timed in the 40 yard dash at 4.24 seconds -- the fastest time clocked at the combine that year.

Jimson Lee wrote a very interesting article in SpeedEndurance.com comparing the different physical demands of a 40 yard dash versus a 100 meter sprint and how one cannot just look at a sprinter’s split time to extrapolate their 40 time. Lee explains:

“In the 100m, you accelerate as long as possible to reach top speed, then maintain top speed. You want to cover the distance in the shortest possible time.

The 40 yard dash is similar:  your goal is to get to the 40 yard line as fast as possible from a motionless position. You have to overcome inertia, then reach top speed as fast as possible.

The “problem” is World class sprinters take longer to reach top speed because they have a longer acceleration phase.  (In reality, the “problem” is a nice thing to have, right?)

Novice 100m runners and female sprinters will reach their top speed sooner, so more of their race will be speed endurance (NOTE to Coaches – worry less about their reaction time and starting blocks, and focus on acceleration and speed endurance. Why work on improving 0.10 seconds when you can improve 1.0 seconds?)

It’s really unfair to use their actual 100 meter race splits and extrapolate their 40 yard dash time AS THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL. Why?  Because the extrapolated 40 yard dash time is merely an extrapolation or "split en route" to a 100 meters.

Everyone is familiar with the different phases of a 100 meter sprint:  reaction time, acceleration, transition, maintenance.

Based on the real splits, especially the 30-40m split where the 40 yard lies, they have yet to reach their top end speed.

But what would happen if they "trained seriously" for the event and reached their top speed earlier?

What if Ben Johnson or Usain Bolt trained to run the 40 yard dash (or 36.6 meter dash) as if it was a real event? Some Most football players treat the 40 yard dash as if it were a real event. A good or bad 40 yard dash time can make or break a football combine.

And finally, what if you subtracted 0.24 from their FAT time to downward convert it to a hand time?

We are looking at 3.9 to 4.0 hand time performances!

In my example, we are ASSUMING world class sprinters can reach top speed at 30m, and not between 50-60 meter mark.

(Editor’s note: “Ben”=Ben Johnson; “Carl”=Carl Lewis; “Mo”=Maurice Greene; “Tim”=Tim Montgomery; “Asafa”=Asafa Powell; etc.)

Thus, to calculate a true 40 yard dash potential:

• reaction time is not considered
• the 0-10m segment is the same as the 100 meters (Phase 1)
• the 10-20m segment is an average speed of the 10-30m segment in a 100m (Phase 2)
• the 20-30m segment is an average speed of the 30-50m segment in a 100m (Phase 3)
• the last 6 meter segment is a pro-rated speed of their top end speed (50-60m) in a 100m (Phase 4)

You can mix and match the distances and phases around to add up to 40 yards. The chart is a fun illustration for discussion purposes. If the 4 phases are equal, then I would calculate using 9.15m splits to equal 36.6 meters.”

GAME Context. So what is the point of going through this mental exercise of who is the fastest? I have to admit personal curiosity is a big reason. Most people I asked, wanted to see this race and it’s easy to see why.

Speed is a fundamental metric used when comparing athletes in almost any athletic endeavor; especially when comparing athletes from different sports. Theo Walcott could the fastest footballer in the world, but could he beat Bryan Habana, arguably the fastest rugby union player in the world? Could any of them beat Bolt or Chris Johnson? We don’t see athletes from different sports performing with or against each other, so fundamental questions like “who is the fastest athlete in the world” will always exist.

Addressing such questions is partly the reason why THE GAME matters.

There is no context nor platform that currently exists in which questions such as “who is the ___est” can be assessed, much less answered. The goal for THE GAME is to become a universal platform in which (at least in this example, athletic) talent can be compared to other talent no matter what the nodes are.

So, what are nodes? Here’s an excerpt from a previous article on the subject:

“The building blocks of THE GAME are nodes. The concept of the node has evolved over time, but the essence of the node and its role in THE GAME has not changed. In its most basic form, nodes are the individuals/groups, places, objects/things, ideas, traditions, discussions, created works, competitions, etc. that are found in cultures and remixed by those in the cultures. THE GAME borrows these nodes; reshaping or “tweaking” them to fit into, if not already, the context of a competition. Nodes enable groups and individuals to create and continually transform the content of THE GAME competition(s).

When an existing competitive or cultural node has been integrated into THE GAME, it is transformed into a GAME node (or G node) which can in turn be spun back into cultures for consumption and/or reintegrated into THE GAME. This process allows THE GAME to recombine and mashup its contents and perpetually reshape and transform itself.

On the surface, it seems THE GAME would be difficult to follow and participate in since it appears to be in a state of constant flux. However, THE GAME is like an expanding universe in that at its center are an interconnected network of known nodes and known G nodes that remain relatively unchanged (and have an established following). On the frontiers of the expanding universe, THE GAME can recombine its constituent nodes and/or create newer nodes and newer G nodes from existing nodes or nothing at all. People could choose to follow certain sections of the “established” GAME or follow the “fringes” of THE GAME where new nodes and G nodes are being developed and integrated….

A mixed node can be a blend of two or more separate nodes forming an entirely new blended (hybrid) node or a linked node consisting of two or more nodes that are not completely blended but exist in two simultaneous forms—their constituent nodes and the new node created by linking, but not completely integrating the constituent nodes (preserving the integrity of the constituent nodes).”

Using this framework of nodes and G nodes, in what ways can Usain Bolt, Chris Johnson, Theo Walcott, Bryan Habana and whomever else, “play together” or against each other by linking up, but not completely blending their respective nodes together?

Here’s a preliminary framework for one option using our, now familiar, American football and sprinting nodes:

1. sprint zones on the wings: running parallel to the football field lengthwise and on either side (wings) of the football field are sprint lanes (zones).

If a GAME team decides to score bonus points by utilizing its sprinters in the sprint zones on the wings, the football unit must time its play so a mesh point between a sprinter and football player is executed immediately after the sprinter crosses his sprint finish line, and while staying in his lane and maintaining top-end speed, receives the football (via a forward pass, handoff or pitch) or a baton in a 20 meter “catch zone”. For a sprinter to score for his GAME football team, he must cross the finish line of the “catch zone” first.

In this linked node, sprinters have a dual role in the sprint zones on the wings. Their man focus is winning their sprint race (and be the first person to cross the finish line); their secondary focus is to immediately transition into a receiver after crossing the finish line (and be the first person to cross the “catch zone” finish line) in order to score the maximum number of points for their GAME football team.

Each sprinter in the race is assigned points through a yet to be determined point value system that factors in the sprinter’s lane assignment (the further the sprint lane is from the football field the more points are awarded) and their personal “point index” (determined by a sprinter’s record for his sprint season). The winner of the race will give his GAME team the number of points determined by the point value system. The other sprinters in the race will serve as additional receiver options for the offensive team or sprint defenders (the sprinters defenders must stay in their lane and not interfere with catching the football, however). Pregame heats will determine the number of sprint receivers and sprint defenders the GAME teams will have in the sprint races on the wings.

2. sprint relays (transition from a football to a sprint relay baton): clearly marked and delineated inter-nodal transition zones between football fields and sprint tracks are positioned for 4 x 100 meter relays, 4 x 400 meter relays, 4 x 800 meter relays, etc. A sprinter will start with a baton in a relay race. Mesh points between sprinters and football wideouts, W or B will occur only on certain parts of the field of play. A team will therefore only have a limited number of opportunities to pull off the handoff between sprinting and football nodes. One scenario can be as follows:

-handoff #1: sprinter #2 enters an inter-nodal transition zone; on a predetermined playcall, the sprinter will drop the baton and take a football handoff from a streaking W or B. The proposed football, using an advanced computer chip and air cell technology, will transform its shape into a baton when in the transition zone. The defenders on the W or B on the field and transition zones are not allowed to defend against the sprinters (in other words impede their progress) in the sprint lanes. Only sprinters can be defenders against sprinters.

-handoff #2: sprinter #2 hands off the football baton to sprinter #3

-handoff #3: sprinter #4 takes the final handoff and streaks to the finish line. His sprint relay team must finish in the top three for his GAME football team to receive any points. The points awarded would be determined by the rules of the linked node.

The GAME flow in option one: Transitional handoffs to a sprinter are an opportunity to collect more points on the same drive for a GAME team. A GAME football team may decide to handoff to a GAME sprinter or a relay team who may ultimately finish first. The team represented by the winning sprinter(s) will be awarded the maximum points allowed for a successful transition. However, when a GAME team chooses to transition to a sprinter, its football team will lose a down and the football will be marked at the spot of the attempted transitional handoff. Even if its sprinters lose a race, the football team, assuming they are not out of downs, can continue its football drive from the point of the ball’s spot for points.

A sprint team’s goal is to finish first in their node race and then get points for their GAME team. The sprinter’s primary focus is his sprinting. If a transitional handoff fails between a sprinter and football player, the sprinter can remain alive in his race (if the football baton is dropped in the “transition zone” or “catch zone” the sprint race or sprint relay baton remains alive). The key: the SC, QB, ThB, W and/or B must hit the sprinter with a pass, handoff or pitch while the sprinter is in full stride.

The option one systems are perfect for sprinters with football backgrounds. Some notable athletes that could fit these types of systems include Ron Brown, Rocket Ismail, Herschel Walker, Willie Gault, Renaldo Nehemiah, Bob Hayes, Jim Thorpe, Sam Graddy and Ted Ginn, Jr..

Here’s option two still using our examples of American football and sprinting nodes:

Option two involves node mesh points between sprinters and football players without utilizing a direct exchange between these athletes. This is the preferred mode of exchange between sprinters and football players when the sprinter does not have a background in football.

One scenario can be as follows:

A football team scores a touchdown and now has several extra point options: attempt a 2 point conversion, kick an extra point or its sprinter wins a sprint contest to receive an additional 4 points (or however many points the particular linked node awards) to their total. When the offensive team scores a touchdown, the sprinters must get ready to race. The composition of the sprint field is determined by prerace/pregame heats. The scoring team may have as many as 3 (or as mentioned before, as many sprinters as the rules of a particular hybrid node allows) sprinters in the field. Each sprinter can only be used once in each quarter so a stable of sprinters should always be at the ready to keep everyone fresh. A team can have a certain number of sprinters representing them per event and the sprinters will go though prerace/pregame heats to determine how many will advance to the final heats 
(during the Game). The opposing team will have its sprinters go through the exact same process. The sprinting defenders will defend the 4 point conversion try by trying to win the sprint race. If the sprinters for the defending GAME team wins the race, the 4 point conversion attempt will have failed for the team scoring the touchdown and the scoring team will be awarded no extra points.

It is anticipated that GAME teams will be allowed a certain amount of salary space for their stable of sprinters. By having a salary cap, GAME teams with less capital can compete with GAME teams with more resources and prevent a small number of well financed teams from hording the world’s elite sprinters.

Option three could utilize “hot spots” located anywhere on the football field. Receivers must catch the football in these designated “hot spots” to have a chance for their sprinter(s) to run as in option two. To “activate” its sprinters, a GAME football team must hit a receiver in a “hot spot” and score on that same drive.

Remember this is only a preliminary framework of various options and more details will be needed to officially launch these Games. In related future posts we will include more diagrams, pictures and details outlining these options. In the meantime we will reference this post on THE IdeaBOARD for continued planning and discussion.

THE GAME Training: Herschel Walker’s Advanced Training Regimen

To say that Herschel Walker’s training methods are unorthodox would be an understatement. One of the few players in modern American football to achieve elite status with minimal free weight training, Walker has frequently attributed his freakish strength and power to an intense morning workout regimen consisting mainly of 2,500 sit-ups and 1,500 push ups (doing up to 100 at a time).

An All-American running back at the University of Georgia, a star in the USFL (1983-1985) and the NFL (1986-1997), a sixth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a member of the 1992 U.S. Winter Olympic two-man bobsled team, a world-class sprinter and now a mixed martial artist, Walker will debut in the January 30, 2010 Strikeforce: Miami event at the age of 47. An athletic and genetic marvel, Walker is one of the rare athletes who has competed in divergent athletic nodes at world-class levels.

Yet, Walker didn't start out as an athletic freak. In his book, Herschel Walker’s Basic Training, Walker confesses that he was a burly kid who was often picked last for teams and his sister could consistently beat him in foot races. Through dedication, hard work and the discipline required to complete his intense daily workouts, Walker was able to maximize his raw physical talent and train his body to perform at an elite level in many different athletic nodes.

As athletes in THE GAME, our bodies will often require us to perform physically different tasks at a top level when we transition in/out of divergent nodes (sometimes, very quickly); especially in the transitional zones. That is why studying how Herschel Walker physically prepares himself could give us insight into ways of building a strong foundation of fitness for THE GAME.

Fortunately for us, Herschel Walker and Terry Todd, PhD detailed Walker’s unorthodox training regimen in the aforementioned Herschel Walker’s Basic Training. In the book, Walker outlined his recommended 12-week beginner, intermediate and advanced training programs; incorporating calisthenics (including, of course, push ups and sit-ups), plyometrics, martial arts, basketball, swimming pool workouts, sprinting, running and eventually some free weight training.

Over the course of the next several weeks we will share with you the advanced training program offered in Walker’s book. While following the routines may not give us the power, speed and explosiveness of Herschel Walker (remember that Walker has the rare genetics to respond to this type of training), it will build a solid foundation that, if necessary, can be augmented by a personalized team or individual training program.

THE ADVANCED PROGRAM (courtesy of Herschel Walker’s Basic Training)

Herschel’s comments: “…do the exercises in the order listed, so that your body will be properly warmed up and prepared for each of them. If you decide to take a break between your weight work and basketball work—rather than going directly to the courts after you lifting—make sure that you restretch before you begin to play, to get properly warmed up… ”

WEEK ONE: Monday, Friday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 20 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Perform each of the 7 basic stretches once—hold twice for 30 seconds each.

Jogging: 8 minutes.

Karate:

Straight punch—20 per arm

Groin strike—20 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—20 per arm

Roundhouse kick—20 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—20 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—20 per leg

Sliding back kick—20 per leg

Agility:

Squat thrust—25

Sideways box hop—35

Backward and forward box hop—35

Half-turn—35

Push ups: 80 total. Do as many as possible, rest, then continue until all 80 have been done. Elevate your feet at least 8 inches.

Sit-ups: 100 total. Try to do these as sets of 50

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Monday, Friday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 20 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Jogging: 4 minutes.

Weight training:

Power pull—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Squat—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Close-grip bench press—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Bent-forward row—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Crunch—65 (break into sets if necessary)

Twisting sit-up—60 (break into sets if necessary)

Basketball: 20 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Wednesday

Wednesday’s workouts should be identical to those of Monday and Friday except for the weight work in the afternoons. Follow this program on Wednesday for your lifting:

Weight training:

Lunge—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Chin—3 x 10

Curl—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Triceps press—1 x 10 warm-up, 2 x 10 target weight

Weighted sit-up—2 x 15

Leg raise—50

Tuesday, Saturday—Morning Session

Warm-ups: 20 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: 7 basic stretches, plus 2 advanced stretches—hold twice for 30 seconds. Do at least 2 advanced stretches at the beginning of each workout from now on.

Jogging: 3 minutes.

Sprinting: 2 x 880-yard strides (quarter to half speed). One 440-yard stride (half speed).

Hill running: 3 x 40-yard strides (half speed).

Dumbbell runs: 2 x 30-yard strides. Make sure to use light dumbbells for this and concentrate on arm position as you run.

Rope skipping: 10 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Tuesday, Saturday—Afternoon Session

Warm-ups: 20 jumping jacks. Run in place for 4 minutes.

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Karate:

Straight punch—20 per arm

Groin strike—20 per arm

Open-hand strike to face—20 per arm

Roundhouse kick—20 per leg

Front snap kick to the midsection—20 per leg

Front snap kick to the head—20 per leg

Sliding back kick—20 per leg

Basketball: 30 minutes.

Water work:

Run in water—6 minutes

Water karate (kicks and punches)—6 minutes

Modified breast stroke—6 minutes

Power clap and other shoulder and arm work—6 minutes

Stretching: Hold each stretch twice for 30 seconds.

Thursday

Morning and afternoon workouts should be identical to those of Tuesday and Saturday except for the sprinting portion of the morning session. On Thursday mornings substitute the tire pull for hill running. On this first week run 3 x 50-yard strides at half-speed, pulling a tire with 12 to 15 pounds inside it. Then, rather than dumbbell sprints, wear a weighted vest and run 2 x 200-yard strides at half to three-quarter speed.

THE GAME: Mergers and Partnerships in College Football

The recent struggles of Michigan and Notre Dame’s football programs prompted Wall Street Journal writer Jason Gay to recently suggest (jokingly) a merger of the two programs as an instant solution for elevating the two programs back to national prominence.

After I read Gay’s article, I remember seeing the following highlight from earlier this NFL season of Miami Dolphins teammates quarterback Chad Henne (from the University of Michigan) throwing a 50 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr.  (from Ohio State University)…

…and I started to think about different recommendations and guidelines that could be used to merge teams (and the reasons to merge them in the first place), specifically in college football, and THE GAME in general. Here are the notes:

1. Inter-conference matchups. Using men’s college basketball’s early season SEC/Big East Invitational and the ACC-Big Ten Challenge inter-conference matchups as a model, two or more teams from the same conference can temporarily merge to face another set of teams from another conference. These types of matchups can serve several purposes:

• since the college football season does not include preseason tune-up games like in the NFL, inter-conference matchups allow teams to play in an actual game without extending their players for an entire game. 
• during the initial rollout of these types of games, wins and losses would not count towards a team’s record for a given season. However, these matchups would help determine a conference’s relative strength, which in turn could help a team’s national ranking (if said team is in a relatively stronger conference) as the season progresses.

2. “Tag-Team” football—a newly created node. If NCAA bylaws could be modified regarding the status of red- and gray-shirt athletes, college football programs could merge their red- and gray-shirt players with other colleges’ red and gray shirts players and play an entire season against similarly constructed teams in an independent “tag-team” football league (e.g. the Pioneer Football League). By merging programs, the constituent programs can essentially share the cost of running a player development program (yes, this could further thin the blurry line that already exists between the amateur student athlete from the professional athlete). Mergers of programs could either be aligned through conference affiliations or independently (an ideal arrangement could be a university from a major conference partnering with a university from a mid-major conference to go up against institutions that have similar relationships).

3. Teams will want to merge with other teams that share similar offensive and/or defensive philosophies and approaches (if they are involved in matchups as explained in 1. and 2. above). This will help maintain consistency in player development. Players who are committed to college football programs that run a certain offensive scheme (for example, a spread option attack) or defensive scheme (3-4 vs. 4-3) will be teamed with players from other programs that run the same type of offense.

4. Preserve traditional rivalries by avoid pairing teams who are bitter rivals. So one would never see the following teams merge: Michigan-Ohio State, Alabama-Auburn, USC-UCLA, West Virginia-Pitt, Texas-Texas A&M, Army-Navy, etc..

5. The rules and guidelines discussed here could be applied and modified to the NCAA’s Divisions I (Football Championship Subdivision), II and III, the NAIA and the NJCAA.

6. Coordinating a joint program from schools that are in different geographic locations would be challenging but not impossible. Incorporating a modular approach to offense and defense would likely be the best method of merging teams together that are geographically separated. Each team that makes up the bigger team would have all the positions within a module practice together to build cohesion within that module. So by having wide receivers, running backs and quarterbacks practice as one module, offensive linemen and running backs practice as another module, safeties and cornerbacks practice as another module, etc., a merged team could, with minimal practice time together in a shared physical location, establish and maintain a high degree of play while simultaneously preserving the merged team’s ability to mix up plays and packages.

Technologies such as videoconferencing joint team meetings and collaborative internet applications for coaches and players could also help merged teams bridge the geographic gap as well.

7. Composition of the coaching staff of the merged program. With the time constraints involved in coaching college football (including coaching, recruiting, alumni relations, etc.) the composite staff of merged teams would likely consist of a staff hired by the merged universities with a prearranged agreement as to how many coaches each university would supply to the endeavor. Those who are interested in pursuing coaching at the college level could eventually utilize opportunities provided by these partner universities as a way to begin their journey “up the coaching ladder”.

8. Uniforms and school colors. There could be plenty of variation here depending on the degree of integration. Some ventures may choose to have completely new composite home and away uniforms created to reflect both institutions. For the sake of tradition, other universities may choose to keep their respective helmets the same and create new uniforms to reflect the merger. And others may decide to keep their traditional uniforms intact; varying only the home or road colors with their partner university. A lot of different combinations are possible.

9. Occasionally sprinkle in some inter-regional “superpower matchups”. Texas & Alabama vs. Notre Dame & Ohio State quickly comes to mind as a North-South power matchup that features big names while avoiding the merger of traditional rivals.

What other recommendations and guidelines can you think of? We’d like to hear your ideas. You can comment here or go to THE IdeaBOARD >> to explain and discuss your ideas.

THE GAME: Node Links

1. David Stern, commissioner of the NBA, thinks that a woman will break through the gender barrier and play in the NBA…within the next decade.

2. Get ready for a new way to window shop! In the coming weeks, Google is going to distribute over 100,000 QR code stickers to “popular” businesses based on search results from users interacting with local business listings on Google Maps. The idea is for small businesses to place these stickers on their storefront window; allowing customers to scan the 2-D barcode with their cell phone’s code reader and opening up new possibilities for businesses to reach their customers (special offers, customer reviews, photos, etc.). We talked about this concept of bridging the physical and digital worlds in a previous post.

3. An interesting analysis from Chris Brown of Smart Football on how the Oregon Ducks utilize the zone read of the defensive tackle, a nuance in the zone read option run game.

4. The world’s first commercial passenger spacecraft:

 More about the VSS Enterprise.

THE GAME In Pictures: A Basic GAME Formation Action Shot #2

The next image in our series of GAME action shots referencing our post on the first basic GAME formations, (module #1) power-speed formation, features Brazil National, Real Madrid midfielder and GAME SC Kaka. Using his size and pace, Kaka has broken through the first line of defenders; entering the defense’s second level. England National and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard pursues while free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe (foreground) of the St. Louis Rams moves forward to help defend against Kaka’s penetration.

THE GAME: THE GAME 2009

This is the week of the Michigan-Ohio State game.

Rated by ESPN in 2000 as the greatest sports rivalry in North America, there is perhaps no other rivalry in college sports that shares such a dysfunctional symbiosis. Characterized by fans who despise the other program while simultaneously maintaining a respect for their rival and the rich history of the conflict, this Saturday’s game in Ann Arbor will be the 106th meeting.

Some pregame hype ensues:

GO BLUE!

THE GAME In Pictures: A Basic GAME Formation Action Shot

Using GIMP 2.6.6 and referencing this post, I remixed photographs of Tim Tebow and Deron Williams running the basic GAME formation: (module #1) power-speed formation. The image captures the moment after Deron Williams has passed the football to Tim Tebow; allowing Tebow to cross in front of Williams and look for a playmaker on the left wing. After the exchange, Williams begins to angle hard to his right, eluding his defender and creating space to either continue the play by himself, pass to another playmaker on the wing or handoff to a ThB charging from the rear.

Taking The “Foot” Out of Football

An interesting video from ESPN about contrarian Kevin Kelley, head coach of the Pulaski Academy Bruins in Little Rock, Arkansas. Kelley’s team never punts or kicks field goals. Kelley believes that from a statistical perspective, it is more favorable to “go for it” than to kick it. Interestingly enough, Kelley’s teams have won two of the last seven state championships.

G Level: Glory >> Notre Dame vs. USC

This past weekend, USC barely held on for a thrilling win over Notre Dame, 34-27.

In my previous post, I touched on the subject of GAME Levels and one level in particular: the “glory” level. In that post, I showed a clip from the 2008 USC Flashback Fantasy Camp where those in Trojan Nation (typically middle-aged or thereabouts) get the opportunity to be coached by the USC coaching staff.

Without further ado, I present to you the incoming USC Trojans Flashback Class of 2008:

 

…and now the incoming Notre Dame Fighting Irish Fantasy Camp Class of 2008:

Notre Dame is currently listed as a 24 point favorite in the glory matchup.

GAME Type: Specific / GAME Level: Glory / Entertainment Value: DEFCON 1

In an earlier post, I discussed the various GAME Types and Levels that can exist in THE GAME. In an attempt to illustrate one of the many combinations that can exist, I present the following for your viewing pleasure:

GAME Type: specific (football)

GAME Level: glory

USC Trojans Flashback Fantasy Camp 2008

A New Era for Auburn Football?

On the one hand, Bobby Lowder was the founder and CEO of Colonial Bank, the former regional banking powerhouse and now a part of BB&T; on the other hand, he was the most powerful and influential trustee and booster at Auburn University.

He often mixed his two passions, blurring the line between his business and Auburn football.

Now that his bank is gone (the sixth largest bank failure in U.S. history and the largest bank failure of 2009) and his influence on the Board of Trustees at Auburn is diminished, many are wondering if there are better days ahead for Auburn University and Auburn football.

Fortune analyzes the man who many considered “the most feared, loathed, and…misunderstood men to wield power in [Alabama] since George Wallace”.

The First Basic GAME Formations, Circa 1999…Updated 2009, Part One

Back in 2000, I slotted, what were then, contemporary players into the various formation modules based on the players’ skill sets and what the positions’ requirements were. I thought it would be fun to revisit the first post about GAME formations by inserting today’s players into the formations while detailing the needs of each position some more. The following depth chart is for the power-speed formation module at the top of the diagram.

Module #1 power-speed formation depth chart:

SC:  Deron Williams (G, Utah Jazz), Kaká (MF, Real Madrid). This module’s position requires a strong decision maker with size, strength, quickness and the ability to distribute the ball precisely. The decisions that the SC make are based on the alignment and/or (expected) degree of penetration by the defense. Reacting to the defensive alignment, the SC will distribute the ball to the ThB’s in the rear, pass or lateral to the outside wings where wing playmakers (W) are aligned within separate wing modules, or keep the ball to achieve forward progress.

ThB: Tim Tebow (QB, University of Florida), Dan LeFevour (QB, Central Michigan University). This position requires a player who has the rare ability to accurately make all throws or kicks, run with elusiveness and run with power. Power is important in this position since the defense is aligned in close proximity. This ThB can either block/guard larger defenders, receive the ball and accurately distribute to ThB’s behind or to playmakers on the wings, or keep the ball to achieve forward progress.

ThB: Terrelle Pryor (QB, Ohio State University), Juice Williams (QB, University of Illinois), Dan Carter (Fly-half, USA Perpignan and the Crusaders). This position is similar to the ThB previously described, but throwing is not as essential of a requirement. The ability to pass or kick forward at this position is important in order to keep the defense off balance, but the majority of the time these ThB’s will keep the ball or distribute the ball laterally to a teammate. As a result, these ThB’s must have power, elusiveness and speed.

ThB: Boris Diaw (F/C, Charlotte Bobcats), Pau Gasol (C, Los Angeles Lakers). Diaw and Gasol are considered two of the best passing/outlet passing athletic big men in basketball. The primary physical attribute necessary for this position is size. As ThB’s are positioned further behind the frontline, visualizing the action on the field becomes more challenging. That is why it is necessary to have an excellent passing big man with good decision making skills positioned in the middle of the ThB formation to do the following: read the defensive formation and movement; analyze the progress of the ThB’s in the front (against the defense); adjust the call/play or continue with the planned call/play based on the two main reads; pass to the appropriate playmakers based on the reads.

ThB: Pat White (QB, Miami Dolphins), Seneca Wallace (QB, Seattle Seahawks). The next two rows of ThB’s are the best combination of speed, quickness and arm strength. Agile and elusive, these ThB’s can make plays with their game-breaking speed or with their arms. They can throw to playmakers positioned on the wings, launch balls to playmakers in other nodes or dart into/out of nodes by using their speed to slice through zones.

ThB: Michael Vick (QB, Philadelphia Eagles), Denard Robinson (QB, University of Michigan).

ThB: Donovan McNabb (QB, Philadelphia Eagles), Jay Cutler (QB, Chicago Bears. The next two rows of ThB’s have the best arms. This row has better movement and elusiveness than the following row; speed is not an essential attribute but a plus. The ability to throw the ball into other nodes and across zones is essential. Although these ThB’s may not have speed, they should have good lateral movement in order to laterally mirror the movements of ThB’s in the front rows (in the event ThB’s in front lateral, pass or kick to them) and the ability to laterally track the ThB’s behind them (in order to lateral, pass or kick to them).

…ThB: Ben Roethlisberger (QB, Pittsburgh Steelers), Ryan Mallett (QB, University of Arkansas). Also known as “Towers” or “Throwers”, these ThB’s have size, strength and superb arm strength. Their goal is to fire balls to participants in other nodes, across zones or on the wings: to transition play into other nodes and zones; to advance the offense in their own zone of play. They may not exactly mirror the movements of the ThB’s in the front rows, but they must remain in the zone of action in order to receive a lateral, pass or kick.