Key to Peak Performance: Preparation & Practice

The Importance Of Offseason Workouts Posted by Mike Florio on June 18, 2009, 3:14 p.m. EDT on ProFootballTalk.com.

We’ve been saying for years that, during the offseason voluntary underwear practices, much of the offensive and defensive playbooks for the coming season are installed.On Thursday, Saints coach Sean Payton gave a glimpse into how much preparation is actually accomplished during the offseason workouts.

“We could play a game today,” Payton told reporters. “All of our goal-line, short-yardage, two-minute, third down, red zone – all that stuff is in offensively and the kicking game. In training camp we’ll have a chance to go right from the beginning and obviously get more reps at it.”

In all, Payton said that two thirds, or maybe a little less, of the entire playbook has been installed during the offseason.

“The difference between now and training camp is that now you’re installing it and you may only get to rep a play three times, where in training camp you install it and you might get to rep it 13 times,” Payton said.

So that’s why NFL coaches begin to turn various shades of blue and purple when players opt not to attend optional workouts. They’re not doing jumping jacks and tossing medicine balls; they’re preparing in earnest for the coming 17-week grind.

What are you doing to prepare and practice your craft?

from ProFootballTalk.com on Twitter- Payton Illustrates The Importance Of Offseason Workouts