Okay, so let me tell you about this crazy thing I got myself into – east forsyth football. It all started when my nephew, little dude’s got more energy than a hyperactive chihuahua, decided he wanted to play. Of course, Uncle Me became the designated practice buddy.
First thing I did? Hit up YouTube. Figured I needed to at least understand the basics before I started throwing a pigskin around. Watched a bunch of videos on quarterback stances, throwing techniques, catching drills… the whole shebang. My head was spinning.
Next, gear. We’re talking football, not pillow fight, right? So, I ordered a decent football, some cones for drills (because looking official is half the battle), and a mouthguard for the little guy. Safety first, people.
Then came the actual practice. Whew. My nephew, bless his heart, was enthusiastic but… let’s just say his throwing arm needed some work. We started with the basics: grip, stance, and just tossing the ball back and forth. My arm was aching after about ten minutes.
We moved on to running drills. Simple stuff, just sprinting between cones, changing direction. I tried to keep up, but my old knees were screaming. The kid was a blur. I felt like a dinosaur.
After that, we worked on catching. Threw some easy passes, then started increasing the distance and speed. He actually started to get the hang of it! Made me proud. And tired. So, so tired.
The biggest challenge? Explaining the rules. Seriously, American football is like trying to understand astrophysics. All those flags, downs, penalties… I’m still not entirely sure I get it all myself.
One funny moment? I tried to show him a proper spiral throw… ended up nearly launching the ball into the neighbor’s yard. My form was atrocious. He laughed so hard he almost choked on his mouthguard.
And the biggest lesson? I’m not as young as I think I am. But seeing my nephew have fun, learn something new, and get some exercise… that was worth all the aches and pains. Plus, I got a good workout myself! I wouldn’t trade it.
