What Happens When You Run On The NFL Field?
You may have seen players running on the field during NFL games and wondered what they’re doing. They’re actually engaging in a very important activity that helps keep them in peak physical condition. Here’s what happens when you run on an NFL field.
Pre-game
Before you even step on the field, your blood is pumping, your adrenaline is rushing, and your heart is pounding. You’re so excited and nervous at the same time. You can’t wait to get out there and show everyone what you’ve got. As you wait in the tunnel, you see the fans in the stands, and you can feel the energy in the air. You know that this is going to be a great game.
Warm-ups
After the team arrives at the stadium, they will have a brief meeting to go over the game plan. The head coach will talk about the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and how the team plans to take advantage of them.
Then it’s time for warm-ups. The players will stretch and run to get their muscles loose and their heart rate up. They may also do some light drills, such as passing or catching, to get used to game conditions.
Stretching
Stretching is important for all athletes, but it is especially important for football players. Why? Because football players are constantly starting and stopping, which puts a lot of strain on their muscles.
Stretching helps to prevent injuries by preparing the muscles for the rigors of the game. It also helps to increase flexibility and range of motion, which can improve your performance on the field.
There are two types of stretches that you can do: static and dynamic. Static stretches should be done after your muscles are warm (usually after a light jog or walk). Dynamic stretches should be done before your muscles are warm (usually before a game or practice).
During the game
When you are on the field, you are focused on the game and nothing else. You are in the zone and everything else disappears. You are playing for the team and the fans. Running on the field is a way to escape the everyday grind and to be in the moment.
Plays
An NFL game consists of four 12-minute quarters, for a total of 48 minutes of play time. There are usually about 100 plays in an NFL game. The length of each play depends on the type of play. For example, a quarterback sack will take less time than a pass play that results in a touchdown.
The Officials – There are seven officials who officiate each NFL game: the referee, umpire, head linesman, line judge, back judge, field judge and side judge.
The Chain Crew – The chain crew is responsible for moving the first down marker and the line-to-gain marker on the sidelines during the game. The chain crew consists of three members: the chain gang leader and two assistants.
The Waterboys – The waterboys are responsible for supplying water to the players during the game. There are usually around 12 waterboys on each sideline.
Timeouts
Each team is allowed three timeouts per half, and they can use them whenever they want. If a team calls a timeout while the play clock is running, they’ll be charged with a delay of game penalty.
Timeouts can be beneficial because they give coaches an opportunity to talk to their players and make adjustments. But they can also be used strategically, like when a team wants to stop the clock so they can have more time to score at the end of a game.
Halftime
At halftime, the officials meet at midfield for a brief conference. During this time, the head coach can request a timeout. The teams then return to their respective locker rooms and make any necessary adjustments to their game plan. The players relax for about 15 minutes, listen to music, and consume fluids to stay hydrated. Many players also receive treatments from the training staff for any minor injuries sustained during the first half of play.
Post-game
After an NFL game, the players go to the locker room to change and shower. Then, they meet with the media. The media is allowed in the locker room to conduct post-game interviews with the players and coaches.
Interviews
After the game, the winning team will usually do interviews with members of the media. The losing team will also do interviews, although they may be less inclined to do so if they are feeling dejected about the loss. Players from both teams may be interviewed on the field immediately after the game ends. These interviews are typically shorter and more informal than the post-game press conference. players may be asked about their thoughts on the game, their strategy going into it, and how they feel about the result.
Cool down
During the last 5 to 10 minutes of the game, players will begin to “cool down.” This means that they will start to jog or walk around the field to help their muscles begin the process of recovering from all the sprinting and tackling that they have done during the game. They will also drink lots of fluids, like water or Gatorade, to help their bodies rehydrate.
