Well sure, but that's a strawman hypothetical isn't it? Doesn't really address my key point. I am not saying fitness should be completely ignored, I am saying it gets given precedence, undeservedly, over learning the mechanics of the game.citycoaster17 wrote:Morell, I agree with some of your comments, but fitness, regardless of what division you are playing in, is surely the most important asset any footballer can have. There is no point having all of the skill and ability in the world, if you cant get your hands on the footy.
Lets take for example, two opponents, of equal weight, height, strength and talent. One can run 15 laps in good time at training, the other can get around the oval say 3 times before he needs a breather. These two guys line up on each other on a Saturday, and there are 15 contests, 1 on 1, with the ball about 30 metres away. How many times do you think the bloke with supreme fitness is going to get his hands on the ball first and pump it long. Not to mention his delivery will be much better because he isn't so spent by the time he gets the footy, and his decision making will be better because his mind is clear, and not asking himself how am I going to get my next breath. Just my opinion.
Take those same two footballers. Two opponents of equal weight, height, strength and fitness. One can kick a football in his sleep and is renowned as being highly skillful and intelligent footballer, the other is playing his second year of football and is pretty new to the game.
These two guys line up on each other on a Saturday, and there are 15 contests, 1 on 1, with the ball about 30 metres away. How many times do you think the bloke with supreme talent is going to get his hands on the ball first and pump it long?
I think it could be summarised, and to use a tired internet methodology for explaining hierarchies, as me thinking the following:
Talent >> Courage > Intelligence > Motivation > Fitness
Whereas I think many people in the lower divisions have it as:
Fitness >>> Courage > Motivation > Talent > Intelligence