It’s not often that people get to sit on the sidelines and watch NFL players in action up close. While watching a game, one of the most interesting things to observe is what they do during commercial breaks. My friend and I recently had the amazing opportunity of watching a game from the sidelines and I was heartened at the manner in which players use this time.
First of all, they don’t just sit and laze around. No, they use the break to recuperate physically. The players get to stretch their legs or get a quick snack. Some of them can be seen doing a few quick exercises or jogging around. Others take the time to have a chat with their teammates and talk tactics or just have a general conversation about something light.
The players make sure to get back in the game as quickly as possible so they don’t miss a beat. It almost like a military campaign. Most of them have a plan in place which they follow with rigour. During our visit, we could overhear players discussing what plays to make next or how to tackle a particular problem. Even during commercials, they stay focussed on the game.
Furthermore, the coaches and trainers get in on the action too. They take the time to observe the game setup and give suggestions as to what might work to better it. During the commercial break is when strategies are often discussed in the game plan. The trainers help the players stay physically and mentally strong during the game.
Fathers, brothers and friends of the players often come in to watch the game. And during the commercial break is when the players often get to have a chat with their family and friends. It’s a great way for them to take a breather and spend some time with the people that matter the most to them. It’s not all work and no play, and this time allows for a bit of fun.
We could get a feel of the camaraderie between the players and coaches. They often joke around and have a good time during commercials. One moment, you’ll see them laughing and enjoying the breaks, the next they’ll be firing orders at each other, and then they’ll be back in their starting positions.
As the time went on, I really started to appreciate how professional NFL players are. It’s definitely not easy playing a sport as physically demanding as this and it’s great that they get a commercial break to recuperate.
My friend and I could witness more closely how every player had a key role and was strongly invested in the team. During commercial time, some players tried to figure out how to make improvements in their own performance while others strategized about how to help the team gain an edge over opponents.
At one point, a younger player was being helped to hone his skills by a more experienced player. Even though the break was short, it was enough time for the team to freshen up and get back in the groove. Watching the interactions between the players during these breaks gave us a deeper understanding of what sportsmanship really is.
Throughout the entire game, there was an electrifying atmosphere building up and it was exhilarating to witness it. When the break ended and the teams got back on the field, it was almost always with renewed vigour. But this vigour wasn’t just about physical training. It was more about mental preparedness – understanding what the opponents are up to and how to counter their moves.
Time and again, I was amazed at how fast the players could get ready when the commercial ended. Everyone had their own personalized technique to get back in to the game. Some would practice squats, while others would jog around a bit.
A few of them would close their eyes and take deep breaths. They would use this time to mentally prepare and gear up for the next set of action. Later on, during our visit, one of the players confided in us that this technique has worked wonders for him as it helps him to stay focused during the game.
By the end of our visit, I had a clear understanding of how the players use the commercial break. Before the break, there is a meticulous strategy planning that happens, and after the break, the players apply this plan to gain an edge over their opponents.
I also learned that during these breaks, the players do get a chance to interact with their family and friends. Whether it’s having a quick snack, stretching their legs, chatting with teammates, strategizing with the coach, or just taking a quick break to relax, these two minutes are extremely valuable for NFL players.
I have always been a great admirer of the NFL but my experience at the game has taken this admiration to the next level. Watching the players during the commercial break made me admire their commitment to the sport even more. It was truly remarkable to see that these players are so dedicated to their game that they still use the break to stay mentally and physically sharp.