Bulldogs focus on conditioning
Strong took to the practice field for the first time Monday with an emphasis on conditioning.
“We did more of a conditioning test,” Strong coach Sirl Wright said. “I always implement a conditioning test because some of them, especially at these small schools, you won't see them until football starts because they have summer vacations, parent visits, so we test them to see how good of shape they're in.
“If they're in great shape, then we focus on football because we're playing small-man football. We're pretty much playing with 11 to 14 guys going both ways. A lot of them won't come off the field, so we've got to have them in great condition in order to compete with other people.”
Wright was happy with the Bulldogs' first day, which included the stressing of safety protocols due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It went good. I had to implement all of the COVID-19 standards as far as the testing procedures for entering the field house and expressing the deep concern about washing your hands before and after,” Wright said. “Just setting the new regime with COVID-19, and making sure the kids are safe. From there, we did some conditioning and issuing out equipment.”
Wright said he had about 20 players out for the first day of practice.
“I'm happy because it's a unique thing that all of us coaches are dealing with now,” Wright said. “Some kids may be afraid or their parents may be afraid of their welfare of getting sick, so I was happy with the turnout. All of them participated well. They were energized. Some struggled a little bit, but they made
it through. I told them, ‘You’re over one hump, now it’s time for a little football.’”
Wright said the Bulldogs would continue to add to their offense and defense during Tuesday’s workout.
“We’re doing more installs as far as our base offense and base defense,” Wright said. “We’re going to get creative with bags where we can implement tackling drills and stuff. We have to make sure we clean and make sure everybody is safe and healthy. Then from there, just hustle and play a little football.”