Mitch Albom Flashback - Spielman Obsessed With Perfection

[SternRulz]

Mitch flashback: Chris Spielman is Obsessed with Perfection
By MITCH ALBOM • FREE PRESS COLUMNIST • April 7, 2008

Editor's note: Story originally published on Jan. 8, 1992.

Alone in the dark he sits, behind the projector, his thumb clicking the remote button as the players on screen move backwards then forwards then backwards then forwards.

"Corner trap (click, click)," he says, "now a sprint 15 . . . see how that guard rides the center up there (click) . . . now this is a 15 bend, see that tight end (click) he's supposed to block No. 52 (click) he's gotta get his butt up there, right now! Look (click) he's hesitating (click) he's hesitating (click) . . . GO, RIGHT NOW! (click) . . . too late!"

Coaches do this kind of film watching, sipping coffee and rubbing their eyes. And so Chris Spielman, a coach's son, does it, too. He is the only player in the Silverdome at this hour. It is Tuesday, "off day," the day when other Lions are at home sleeping or playing with the kids.

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http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080407/SPORTS01/80404082/1049

[monte81]

Athletes have to gain a competitive edge in some way and constant film study at the HS, college, and pro level is vital to winning. Film is the best way to gain advantages of opponents weaknesses, tendencies, and repetitive movements to make it easier to make plays or get to your spot on defense. I harp on all the college and HS kids to get in the film room and STUDY!

I saw a feture on Ray Lewis and he does film study of opponents everyday during the week. Wonder why he is the best LB in the business and coaches his team in position to make plays!

Chris averaged 100 tackles a season in his career and went to 4 Pro Bowls-- not to mention he had heart bigger than an elephant on the field. not the fastest, strongest but MOST DETERMINED! Some young players should read the article and start studying.