Classroom Discussion: The Box 101

[Reginald Rutledge]

"The Box" is the most villafied piece of equipment in miniature football. It is one of those random things, sort of "freak of nature". When you're rolling along down the field running and passing and you think you're conducting a symphony orchestra headed in on a 20 yard touchdown run, the defense shakes "The Box". For a delayed anticipation, it comes up 6 and 6 (major penalty) and a 5 on the team (offense) and the penalty comes up chop block. It can be one of the most devastating psychological effects that a person could have!

I have lost two DFW Championships when my great runner had made a turn around end on 85 and 65 yard touchdown runs only to be asked to "Shake that Thang"! The next thing I know, the momentary emotions of seeing that great runner go the distance was tempered by "Illegal Use of Hands" or "Holding on #77". In a given game, you can get about 3-5 penalties, 1-2 major injuries, and several minor injuries (nicks and bruises). With everything that works against you, your emotions are drained. And you're thinking, this is just a game!

So when everything is working against you, the one thing you don't want to do is help the "misery" along. Rule #1, you only shake the box or have the ref shake the box, when something works against you! If you picked up 3 yards and it comes up 2nd down, or throw a pass for 10 yards, or run 60 yards, you would be well-advised to air on caution and just hurry up and start setting up for the next play.

If a team gets a sack on you, intercepts a pass, or makes you fumble, that may be your key to shake the box! If it is a 3rd and 9 and you are not in field goal range, but he gets 7 on the play, it may not be in your interest to shake the box. He still has to punt and you have minimized the damage.

So when you play using "The Box", it can giveth and taketh away. But the one thing it will always be is "indiscriminatory".

Reg

[BAXTER]

"That Got ---- Box"

Reg,

You've probably put these charts out here before, but thanks for doing it again for all to see.

Thx!

-Adrian-

[sweetka]

Make the darned post before I play!

[Raven maniac]

Reg this just adds to the speed of the game as well. It makes the playing field level for us lack luster passers, and tweakers. We have a chance to make a pick or have an opponets lineman go down that's been pushing you all around. Maybe you'll have a better match-up against that 2nd stringer. You might have that 1st team All everything QB go down an now you're faced with a stand still QB it changes the game and your game plan. I won't say all leagues should play under these rules, but at least scrimmage under them to see it works for you.

Darrian

[BAXTER]

Well,

Lets scrimmage then Mr. Juggernaught(Splng?)

Ken,

It's good to know you are taking a liking to this style of play. Love the enthusiasm.

-Adrian-

[Raven maniac]

Originally Posted by BAXTER

Well,

Lets scrimmage then Mr. Juggernaught(Splng?)

Ken,

It's good to know you are taking a liking to this style of play. Love the enthusiasim.

-Adrian-

Surfer did I wake you from your Buzzfest slumber? Adrian let me get a day where I can come thru for that scrimmage. I'll hit you later

Darrian

[BAXTER]

Now ya talkin!

Holla me when u r ready.

[detroitchild]

It's funny how after a good play you hold your breath hoping your opponent forgets to shake the box or the roll of the dice does not go against you. I both love and hate the box at the same time.

[Reginald Rutledge]

kid in a candy store!

Adrian, Ken definitely is taking a liking to the rules. He just needs to have a little more time in the system. But for someone who got his team ready within minutes of playing, you've got to be impressed with what he did.

I can tell the enthusiasm of Ken. We've talked twice during the week and one time for about an hour. Ken and I never use to talk. He put Steve Martin on and I think we talked another 30 minutes. You can tell these guys are geeked!

Those guys up in that Michigan area are a hard sell on rules and competition but they are so pumped up, it becomes contagious. I've long wanted to leave the game and just play alone but when guys like this are calling you and talking all kind of smack about what they're gonna do once they get immersed in the system, it becomes fun again!

When guys see a Jim Davis and Norbert and Kenny and GHardmon talking about their stories during a game, when they are driving down the field and get a holding call with 40 seconds and figuring out a way to kick that winning field goal from 36 yards with 2 seconds to play, it get's you pumped up!

I know the guys in the PAC 10, the Big East, SWC, and some in the ACC just laugh at the stories because we know they're true! You can write a book about what happens during the course of a game, and now, those guys in the Big 10 are living it too! What's scary is they are just in Week 1! I hate to see how crazed they are gonna be after Week 8 and the stats start rolling in!

Ah, this is great. Like I said, all I ever asked is that guys try the rules. They are starting to and you can see a kind of enjoyment in them that keeps us all young!

Reg

[Reginald Rutledge]

The Box is back for Year 2 of the CBSMF.

This is the one thing that scares even "The Hulk" - The dreaded Box! It can be your best friend or worst enemy but it's back!

If you are not in the CBSMF, just listen to how many coaches whine about a turnover or are happy about the Box. It's a 50/50 proposition and this year, it will be the same.

At the end of the year though, inspite of the turnovers, the better team will win.