Video games may not rot your brain but they can change the way you think, a new study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America reveals.  http://mashable.com/2011/11/28/violent-video-games-brain-study/

Last Spring I heard a fellow coach tell his team not to play video games on practice days or game days.  I had already limited my two sons XBOX play to 2 hours day and seen an improvement in their grades, social behavior, and focus.  Although I love video games and grew up playing them from the earliest 1976 Radio Shack pong to Angry Birds today, I believe that excessive video game play like anything else done to the extreme hurts our children.  I’ve seen the negative effects of addictive video game behavior in myself and my two sons.

Personally I liked the no video game team rule, because I stopped seriously playing video games several years ago, and I sleep much better now and feel more productive during the day.  So I started telling our players to limit their video game / computer time on game and practice days.  I immediately saw a change in my son on practice days.  He was more focused and wanted to go outside.  He was also ready for practice on time.  Once you institute the no video game rule, you will easily find the video gamers.  The video game junkies look like zombies at practice.  The first hint is their eyes.  Their eyes will be droopy and red.  They will look tired like they just took a nap.  They will also take more time to warm up and become involved with team activities.  Plus they will usually be late or forgot something.  They will also find it hard to focus more than 10 minutes during a team discussion.

I do think video games are rotting our brains.  And there is evidence to prove it!

Here is some raw data on playing video games….  Visit the links for full articles.

How much are our children playing video games? According to the Entertainment Software Association, 67 percent of U.S. households play video games.  Drs. Anderson and Gentile’s research also shows that children are spending increasing amounts of time playing computer/video games – 13 hours per week for boys, on average, and 5 hours per week for girls (Anderson, Gentile, & Buckley, under review; Gentile, Lynch, Linder, & Walsh, 2004). http://www.softforyou.com/articles_tutorials/computer_video_games.html

In the past some studies have said video games had positive impacts and in some instances this is true.  But, “Despite the hype, in reality, there is little solid evidence that games enhance cognition at all,” said Dr. Walter Boot, assistant professor in Florida State University’s department of psychology from http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/09/17/video-games-may-not-enhance-cognitive-skills-after-all/29533.html.

In fact Denison University psychologist Robert Weis recently conducted a study on young boys aged 6-9.  The results showed that males who were granted frequent access to video games are slower learners in the areas of mathematics and reading. From http://www.examiner.com/ny-video-game-community-in-new-york/study-shows-video-game-players-are-slower-learners

Another study conducted in 2007 states “The results suggest that television and computer game exposure affect children’s sleep and deteriorate verbal cognitive performance, which supports the hypothesis of the negative influence of media consumption on children’s sleep, learning, and memory.”  http://www.pediatricsdigest.mobi/content/120/5/978.full

Edward L. Swing and his Iowa State colleagues said they weren’t sure why television and video-game exposure would have any effects, but suggested exploring “rapid scene changes.” Such “exciting” changes in sights and sounds may “harm children’s abilities to sustain focus on tasks that are not inherently attention-grabbing,” http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jul/5/excess-tv-video-games-stunt-focus/?page=all

Most recently the evidence points to effecting cognitive skills and actually effecting brainwaves.  Baroness Greenfield, the former director of the Royal Institution, said spending too much time staring at computer screens can cause physical changes in the brain that lead to attention and behaviour problems.  Technology that plays strongly on the senses – like video games – can literally “blow the mind” by temporarily or permanently deactivating certain nerve connections in the brain, the Baroness said. Another study by Japanese scientists ten years ago warned that because video games only stimulate the brain regions responsible for vision and movement, other parts of the mind responsible for behaviour, emotion and learning could become underdeveloped. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/children_shealth/8825655/Video-games-can-alter-childrens-brains.html

Let’s not forget, Many studies have shown that kids who spend more time watching television [23] and playing video games are at higher risk of becoming overweight.  One in three high school youth do not engage in vigorous physical activity.  Less than 30% attend daily gym class [24]. Sprawling development that discourages physical activity and makes walking and biking difficult or dangerous is also a factor [25]. http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/obesity.htm

Video games are turning our children into Addicts. Gentile analyzed data collected in a January 2007 Harris Poll survey. He compared respondents’ video game play habits to the symptoms established in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for pathological gambling. Gamers were classified as “pathological” if they exhibited at least six of 11 symptoms. The pathological gamers in the study played video games 24 hours per week, about twice as much as non-pathological gamers. They also were more likely to have video game systems in their bedrooms, reported having more trouble paying attention in school, received poorer grades in school, had more health problems, were more likely to feel “addicted,” and even stole to support their habit. The study also found that pathological gamers were twice as likely to have been diagnosed with attention problems such as Attention Deficit Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090420103547.htm

The video games actually rewire the  brain. The researchers do not know whether gaming causes the brain to change, or whether people are born with this brain structure which makes them want to spend hours playing. But they say it is a crucial first step in understanding whether video games could be addictive. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2061983/Teenage-video-game-players-brains-like-gambling-addicts.html#ixzz1jkoBKbhp

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) repeatedly has recommended that children spend no more than two hours a day of watching television and or playing video games.  If you are like our family, limiting screen time is pretty tough to do in the media driven economy, especially with tablets and cell phones driving more screen time.  We limit XBOX to 2 hours a day and it must be shut off by 7pm.

I think the key for parents and coaches is to get our children outdoors more and away from the television, computer screens, cell phones, etc.  Otherwise we are wiring and morphing our children into fat little couch Zombies.

Coaches, if you want to see your practices improve like I saw last Fall, then set a team no video game use policy on game days and practice days.    You might even want to consider a video game curfew on the night before your games.  Don’t let video games take control of your team!

Thanks,
Coach Parker
Keller, TX / Ft Worth Texas / DFW

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The passing section features drills to warm-up your QB’s throwing arm, improve his pocket footwork, master avoiding the rush, enhance his rollout capabilities, sharpen his route reads and boost his throwing accuracy.

Pratley takes the viewer through his teaching progression for the run game, including the mesh-and-read of his base option run plays. He also explains and demonstrates his “Give to Live” Option Read Principles for reading the defensive end. Most importantly, your QBs will learn how to protect the ball and keep it off the ground.

1. Learn over 15 specific QB passing and running drills
2. Boost throwing accuracy, sharpen route reads and reduce shoulder injuries
3. Protect the ball and reduce turnovers at the mesh-and-read point
4. Train your quarterbacks to be better passers and runners in any offensive system

Coach Pratley is one of the key innovators of the Pistol Spread Option Offense and the Offensive Coordinator at Concordia University (Ann Arbor).

Enjoy,
Coach Parker
Keller, TX / Fort Worth / DFW

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Do you love football? Do you want to play on a team where everyone is considered family? Do you want more competition and see where you stack up among the best in the state?

If you answered yes to any of these questions then The KYA Select Keller Kanes, Corn Huskers or Bears is the club for you. We are looking for 3rd through 6th grade age kids that are willing to work hard, love football and enjoy playing for a family oriented Select program.

If you are interested please contact Paul Quinones or Troy Martinez. paulquinones@kellerkanes.com, tmartinez@txi.com or click the link below to fill out our questionnaire and someone will get back to you ASAP…

https://sites.google.com/site/kyaselectfootball/

Thanks,
KYA Select Football

PS:  If you are interested in KYA Rec Football visit http://leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=kelleryouthfootball  Registration ends Jan 18, 2012.

Coach Rick Stewart is currently the Porterville (CA) High School Head Football Coach.  Coach Stewart has used this Pistol Wing T offensive system to turn around three different schools that had poor records including 0-20, 1-19 and a team that won eight games in the 5 years prior to his arrival. Coach Stewart led each team to the playoffs with in his first two seasons at the helm.

His audible “Raider” package is worth the price of the video.  I have been talking to all my coaching buddies about this package.  He also goes through formations, motions, screens, passes and a few trick plays.  If you like wide open offensive schemes then you should get your hands on this DVD.  Rick Stewart’s The Pistol Wing-T Offense: Combo Packages and Trick Plays DVD video from Championship Productions.

I hope you enjoy Rick Stewart’s The Pistol Wing-T Offense: Combo Packages and Trick Plays DVD video from Championship Productions as much as I did.  He has a whole series of Pistol Wing T DVDs too .

Cheers,
Steve Parker
KYA Football Coach, Keller, TX / Ft Worth Texas

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Old Spice Jason Witten Football ProCamp

Join Dallas Cowboys tight end and seven-time Pro Bowler Jason Witten for football instruction and fun at the 2012 Old Spice Jason Witten Football ProCamp.

Dates May 12 – 13, 2012

Times 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Locations Coppell High School

Costs $199 *$6 convenience fee when paying with credit card

go  here for more info

http://www.procamps.com/jasonwittencamp

via Jason Witten.

Thanks,
Coach Parker
DFW / Keller, TX

Kohl’s staff of 90+ coaches have some of the most impressive resumes in college and professional football!  On any Saturday or Sunday during the fall you will be able to see many of these staff members put their teaching into action either on TV or by attending games in person.

Dallas, TX – 2 Day Training Camp -

June 2-3, 2012    $350.00

LocationTBATXSee map: Google Maps

June 2, 2012 – June 3, 2012

This camp has a teaching atmosphere with competitions at the end. On day one of the camp, registration will be from 8:30-8:45 AM and camp will end around 4:00 PM. Day two of camp will begin at 9:00 AM and end around 3:15 PM. In order to have your video footage from camp used in recruiting, a camper has to purchase a player profile. Learn how to purchase a player profile click here: http://kohlskicking.com/player-profiles. To learn about the Kohl’s Gold Package Player Profile, Training Camp, Showcase Camp click here: http://kohlskicking.com/gold-package.  Please note: To help Kohl’s plan effectively we will reward campers who sign up early. The camp price will increase $25 for the campers who register within 30 days of camp.

via Dallas, TX – 2 Day Training Camp – June 2-3, 2012 | Kohl’s Football Kicking Camps, Punting Camps, and Snapping Camps

If you are like me, you are starting to think about your next youth football season and developing your plans. Since we play Spring ball here in Keller, TX, we’ve already had a few coaches meetings .  What did we do right, wrong, and should have done?

It seems like each season after these meetings and before tough games, I will pull out one of the books below and reference one or two things, or just re-read or scan the book again for ideas and or answers.  I probably have 50 or so books in my youth football library, but these are my favorites and trusted stand bys:

1. The Toss by Jerry Vallotton
2. Coaching Offensive Lineman by Dave Christensen
3. Coaching Team Defense by Fritz Shurmur
4. Directory of Football Defenses by Drew Tallman
5. Complete Book of Drills for Winning Football - Michael D. Koehler
6. Coaching Youth Football by John T. Reed
7. Winning Youth Football – Dave Cisar
8. Coaching Football by Tom Flores
9. Football Scouting Methods by Steve Belichick
10. Football; principles and play by David M Nelson

I usually buy these books used on Amazon.  I wait until I can get a good copy for around $10 plus shipping.  Many of these books are out of print and sometimes demand a high price.  Wait a few months and you may find a copy on Amazon or Ebay.  Also, Google the author and they may have an old copy for sale or an ebook copy.

Yes, I know many of these books are older books.  But think about it, youth football is mainly a running game like football was in its early days before passing became so popular in the mid 1970′s.  Trust me these are great football books.  This is my top 10 best coaching youth football books as of today.

Other good web resources that I frequent are Gregory Double Wing , DumCoach Boards and USA Football.

Have a great New Year.

Cheers,
Coach Parker
Keller, Texas / Ft. Worth, TX  / DFW

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In a country founded on Judeo Christian values and beliefs, why are so many Americans against promoting our Country’s core value system?  Is Tim Tebow’s in your face Christianity stirring our hidden quilt of losing our moral compass by American’s focusing on maximizing shareholder wealth and keeping up with the Jones’.  When did a good guy who goes to church become so bad, maybe when we stopped believing in the impossible?

“If you believe then unbelievable things can sometimes be possible.” says Tebow from SI.com.  He didn’t say believe in God, just “believe.”  Have hope.  Dream.  Wish.  Think.  To quote “THE” Hall of Fame Football Coach, Vince Lombardi, “We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible.”  What do you think these guys have in common?  According to Lombardi’s daughter, Coach went to mass every day.  They both believed in a the impossible higher power; God.

Believing in something other than money can give one hope.  Ask Jerry Jones, he keeps trying to buy happiness. The look on Jones’ face last Sunday after Bailey’s blocked field goal should be a wake-up call to everyone that money does not buy happiness.

So how does this relate to coaching youth football you ask? Desire, Character and Positive Attitude are more important than a football player’s physical abilities.  I feel like a youth athlete needs to believe in themselves and a higher moral purpose to become a good youth football player.  This belief in themselves along with hope and positive attitude will make them successful at anything they do in life, not just athletics.

The Denver Broncos are winning because Tim Tebow, the Quarterback and Leader of the Broncos, believes in the impossible and is inspiring his teammates through his Desire, Character, Positive Attitude along with his actions on the field to vanquish his opponents as David believed he would triumph over Goliath.   Tebow might be just an average QB, but he is one of the best inspirational football players playing in the NFL.

Believe in the Impossible, have Faith and God willing your Dreams might come true.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays,
Coach Parker
Keller, TX / Fort Worth Texas

Some important information:

• Flag $125 if registered by 1/18/2012 ($135 afterwards)
• Tackle $155 if registered by 1/18/2012 ($165 afterwards)

Important Dates:

Onsite Registration

• Double Dave’s – 1/7/2012 – 11AM-2PM
• Bosses Pizza – 1/14/2012 – 11AM-3PM
• Bosses Pizza – 1/18/2012 – 6PM-8PM

Coaches must register and notify KYA by 1/10/2012 – email football@kyasports.com

Grass Drills will be held on 2/4 & 2/11: time tbd

Registration closes 2/11

KYA Draft 2/18

First games will be played on 3/24/2012

Special note: we have changed uniform vendors and will now be using Gary’s Locker, 110 Sports Parkway, Suite B, Keller TX 76248 (817-337-9845). You will need to take your football player by Gary’s Locker to be sized beginning January 3rd, 2012. More info to come.

We look forward to another great Spring Football Season!

Thanks,

Whit Green
KYA VP of Football