How to prepare for different board speeds

[Vince148]

I've been getting ready for the Dixie League. Unfortunately, I have a slow 620 board that I've been using. I know the league boards will be a lot faster than what I have. It will be like me practicing in muddy and sloppy conditions, then going to a field with perfect everything.

How much does the timing get affected? Right now, to make certain things happen, I have to line up RBs, etc. almost touching to get the right action. Would this still be the case, only at a faster pace? Do I have to have more of a separation to account for the greater speed?

Need some hints so I don't totally emabarrass myself.

[roller]

on your style of play...

I think you'll see the biggest change in the passing game. You will really have to be able to react much, much faster to pressure. If you can't get rid of the ball within a second or two you will be toast!

I can't think of a good way to simulate this for practice other than to give yourself about two seconds on pass plays. In other words, play against the switch instead of the pass rush. You could also simulate the effect of a hotter board by giving your receivers extra space.

For run plays I think you have the right idea about giving space on the line of scrimmage. The space can simulate the bounce you get from a hotter board.

I think you have the right ideas...

[FrustratedFinFan]

Another thing to worry about is whether or not your figures are well-balanced. Some of the faster boards are bumpier too.....and your figures that aren't balanced well might topple over.

[Joeram57]

Hey Vince,

We are at similar "points" in the hobby, I believe. I am fortunate to be here in Ga and playing in the DSEFL. I have a few games on bigboards under my belt now, 7 different boards to be exact. They all run a bit different for various reasons. I can only speak from a vintage 620 "grass" field comparison. What 620 do you have?

In my opinion it matters more on the speed that particular board is set to. I have played on some that were set to or run slower than my 620 and some that were faster. This is what I did after I had my fastest bases (miggle rookies) fall on the first 2 boards I played on. I came back and tweaked some more stable, yet, fast, Proline rookies and "balanced" my roster, if you will. I start with the more balanced players until I get a feel for the speed and then start adjusting. It's just my opinion, from a newbie, it's about having options and making adjustments because we are learning as the game is being played. Obviously if you have your own board and can set to the speed you have tested all "plays" at, you would have a higher % of success (theoretically) Your preparation on the "timing" thing will help you identify where/what you need to adjust.

Hope that helps a little...Joe