02/16/06 Playbook

Due to snow this past weekend it's been almost a week since we've had a practice. Fortunately, it seems all the Femmes are constantly throwing and at the gym. When the team is as close as they are--some of the players live together, hang out often outside of practice, etc--there really does exist a huge bonding factor that contributes to better attendance at practice and motivation outside of it. That and there aren't any divisive personalities that might kill the positive mood.

We went over trap zone, pull plays, and end zone plays at the meeting. Perfect attendance again and it went as planned--nothing much to comment on. Everyone seems to be settling into the routines of meetings and practice. There definitely was a restless feeling though. All the practice, focus and dedication with no outlet would make me antsy and eager as well. I would be just dying to play. By Salisbury, our Spring tournament debut, most of the Femmes should be foaming at the mouth to go out there and play hard. Nervousness and anticipation due to overpreparation is a much better feeling than uncertainty and insecurity.

One of the main things we'll have to instill in the older players is that they must run hard for the entire time they are out there. Since they've had far fewer competent players in previous seasons, they play at this semi-passive 85% level. We need them to go full tilt because we have subs now. When they come out they should be tired.

Only two weeks of practice before Salisbury, and the anticipation is building.