Practice Makes Perfect
4/6/2010 3:27:00 AM | Football
STATESBORO, Ga. - Practice makes perfect. Georgia Southern Head Football Coach Jeff Monken knows it's just going to be practice, practice and more practice for his squad and coaching staff until what the Eagles practice becomes second nature. For now, everything is still awkward and the transitions to new offensive and defensive systems are much easier said than done.
Monken has been through this process to the point where it is almost too familiar. He knows these spring practices are critical to the transition, not only for the fundamentals, but for mental aspect of where the Eagles are and where they need to be.
"I think it is really difficult, in any sport, if you don't know the plays, or don't know the assignments, to play hard, to play all out," said first-year Head Coach Jeff Monken. "Everyone has the same issues, until they learn, until they are mentally keyed in, it's hard for them to play full speed."
With only six more practices before the spring game, Monken want to get as much as possible installed while keeping the effort level high and continuing to build the players' knowledge.
"We are still continuing to install things - I know that sounds like a broken record, I say that every day - but, we have more to get in," Monken said. "Once they get it all in and they (the players) realize, okay, this is it, this is all there is. There is not anymore. Then they can get their heads around it and say, 'okay, this is what I have to know and this is what I have to understand,' and I really think they will do better. By the spring game, we'll have most of it in and hopefully they will be able to turn it loose and play fast. It's a work in progress and we'll continue to improve."
In the team work periods today, the defense continued to develop its strengths and made it difficult for the offense to get into any kind of rhythm. Today was the final Monday practice of the spring sessions with the Eagles finishing this week with Tuesday and Thursday practices before scrimmage number two on Saturday at Paulson Stadium. The Eagles complete their preparation for the April 17th Blue-White Spring Game, presented by Franklin Toyota, with two practices next week, on Tuesday and Thursday.
Following today's practice, Monken emphasized with the Eagles the need for "putting two practices together."
"This is really for mental toughness, not just understanding where to go and what to do, but being mentally prepared when we get out here," Monken said. "Focusing for a 24-period practice, when it is hot, and you are tired, you have to push and you have to go the next rep, that's part of playing, and they are going to have to do the same thing during the season. Like (during) the season, on Tuesday and Wednesday, when those are hard practice days, we have to put two practices together. I think having Monday and Tuesday back to back like this is a good lesson for them. That is part of developing the mental toughness that is essential for us right now."
