[Football1]

Strength is important no doubt and I agree with you that a winter lifting program is crucial, but from my experience and observation, it can often be over emphasized. Off season conditioning and working on speed and quickness is just as important in my opinion as pure strength. There are only so many hours the kids and coaches can devote to the off season lifting and conditioning programs. If a large majority of the time is spent on weight lifting, then conditioning, quickness and speed will suffer.

Maybe it's just Highlands system, but I've seen the Birds beat and sometimes dominate teams with much bigger and stronger players that have obviously placed a great emphasis on strength lifting and not enough emphasis on conditioning, quickness and speed.

So yes I agree with your point about strength being important, but only to a point.

Great point. All elements of fitness are essential for football these days. Stenght, cadio, speed, flexibility are a must.