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Local AD sees end of two-a-days

Preps may follow pros in banning two padded practices in a day.

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By By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer Updated 7:15 AM Monday, August 1, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Two-a-day football practices have been a longstanding tradition every August since the 1950s.

With just four weeks to prepare for their first game, area football teams will practice twice a day, beginning today.

But with the NFL signing a new collective bargaining agreement just last week where players and owners agreed to ban allowing two padded practices in one day, Springfield High School Athletic Director Mark Stoll believes two-a-days at the high school level may become a thing of the past.

“I think kids are in such good shape now, from weight training, conditioning and 7-on-7s,” Stoll said. “Back in the old days, that’s what two-a-days were for — to get kids in shape.”

In the summer, coaches are allowed 10 days in the summer to prepare players for the upcoming season — time which is used to both teach offensive and defensive systems and compete in 7-on-7 passing scrimmages. The players also spend time both in the weight room and on the field conditioning.

Stoll believes the Springfield football progam would attract more players to their program by holding one 3-hour practice later in the evening.

“We got some kids who have family obligations with working and baby-sitting other siblings,” Stoll said. “I think in our situation we’d probably take 10 to 15 more kids.”

NFL rules often trickle down the high school level. When the NFL changed its concussion regulations, the National Federation of State High School Associations quickly followed.

Springfield High football coach Adam Taylor doesn’t think eliminating two-a-days is a “terrible idea,” but believes the extra practice time is needed to help players learn proper techniques — something NFL players have long been acquainted with.

“I don’t want to see any kid sacrifice good technique,” Taylor said. “That would be a serious concern.

He said could see a time when teams are only allowed to spend a certain amount of time outside.

“I could see something along the lines of time constraints outside,” Taylor said.

Stoll believes a change could help programs around the area, attracting more athletes.

“You’ve got to think outside the box a little bit,” Stoll said. “Kids have a lot of opportunities and choices to make. Athletics are just one of the things kids have to choose from.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365, mcooper@coxohio.com on or Twitter @SNS_Wizard.

Practice begins today

Starting today, area high school football teams will have approximately four weeks to prepare for Week 1, which begins Aug. 26. Here’s a look at what’s ahead: