Vince Lombardi in Run...
Illustration
Vince Lombardi in Run To Daylight wrote a chapter on running backs that contains a lesson on keeping your eyes on the goal. In the chapter Lombardi describes how football players learn intricate plays and patterns, and then practice them over and over again until they become automatic, or so it is hoped.
When game-time arrives, the players have to remember play-numbers, assignment-signals, and all the coaches' advice. But when the ball is snapped, the running back tucks the ball under his arm and begins to run. He has time to remember only one thing, Coach Lombardi says -- run to daylight. If the hole in the defensive line doesn't open where you expect it to open and you see daylight somewhere else, you run to daylight. And if you get through the line and the secondary backs begin to close in on you, again look for the light and run for the light.
When game-time arrives, the players have to remember play-numbers, assignment-signals, and all the coaches' advice. But when the ball is snapped, the running back tucks the ball under his arm and begins to run. He has time to remember only one thing, Coach Lombardi says -- run to daylight. If the hole in the defensive line doesn't open where you expect it to open and you see daylight somewhere else, you run to daylight. And if you get through the line and the secondary backs begin to close in on you, again look for the light and run for the light.
