Take Your Eye Off the Ball

October 15, 2010

This book is aimed at the average football fan who wants to understand the intricacies of the professional game a bit better. With sports journalist Seigerman, NFL analyst Kirwan (columnist, NFL.com), a former defensive assistant coach for the Jets, offers insight into all phases of the game, including a method for fans to chart games to gain better recognition of patterns in personnel groupings and play calling. Kirwan outlines the responsibilities and activities of coaches, players, and the front office both in season and out. He describes the duties and challenges of each position and weighs the pros and cons of different schemes that are widely used on the field, such as the 3-4 vs. the 4-3 defense and angle blocking vs. zone blocking. Finally, he considers recent innovations such as the Wildcat formation and looks ahead to what may be on the horizon in the ever-changing NFL. VERDICT A clearly written primer for NFL fans yearning for deeper appreciation of how the game is played. Recommended for public libraries.--John Maxymuk, Rutgers Univ. Camden Lib., NJ

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