Ladies, it’s time we stop associating the big game with funny commercials and a cheat day from our yo-yo dieting. It’s time we get serious about the Super Bowl and give the men a run for their money. What do you say?
Myself, and the rest of the BSO female staff are fortunate enough to have an intense passion, love and understanding for sports, so with that said I would feel totally remiss if I didn’t extend a helping hand to those ladies who aren’t as fortunate.
Late last year BSO’s Vashti Hurt preached in her ‘3 Basic Tips for Ladies During Football Season’, relationships and a lot of men’s sanity were saved perhaps because of that article. This article is limited just to the big game, for those ladies out there who can’t do an entire season–3.5 hours, is what you’ll need.
Step Out From The Shadows
It’s easy for ladies who don’t like sports to get intimidated by the sight of a bunch of men flanked around the living room, beer in hand and cursing at the tv. But, unless you step away from your comfort zone–you know that spot, close to the kitchen at the table with all the other wives and girlfriends riddled with wine coolers, ditch that area. FAST.
Once you’ve managed to take that ‘giant leap’ for woman-kind, you’re already halfway there. Go then find an area in the living by the aforementioned men and park a seat. Ignore any bewildered stares, and keep your eyes on the tv (side note, you may want to get there early while there’s still room).
Breaking away from the pack is essential for conquering your fear of football, you’re now totally immersed in ‘his world’ and ready to run with the bulls. Embrace this new found courage and get ready to take on the next step.
Get Into the Game
Believe it or not, it’s just a game–albeit on a larger scale. This is a kid’s game ladies, not rocket science–if that same man of yours who would lose his head if it weren’t screwed to his neck can understand it, so can you
Sit down, focus and relax. Let’s do a quick ‘NFL for chicks who hate sports’ lesson. How many quarters are in a dollar? If you answered anything but 4, then skip step one and stay at the ladies table. Just like 4 quarters equal a dollar, so do those 4 quarters make up a football game.
There’s an offense–the scorers* and there’s the defense–they prevent opposing offenses from scoring, and can occasionally make scoring plays themselves, if they regain possession of the ball and take it to the end zone–but for now let’s keep things simple. 4 quarters, offense and defense. Got it?
Seeing all those men on the field can be intimidating, but just say focused, the easiest way to view a football game your first time is to keep an eye on the Quarterback–ladies you know that position, so it’s easy. Watch who he throws/hands off/or runs off to, watch the defense try to run to him and watch his targets make plays to get open. Start from the QB and visually work out, it may take some practice.
The downs system is something which cannot be summed up in brevity, simply watching is key. Keep in mind the number 4–4 quarters, 4 downs, and watch the sequence of play, it’s quite simple to understand but you have to watch the game. If you can stop chomping so loudly on those buffalo wings for a moment and witness a long ‘drive’ you’ll be set.
So to review this step, WATCH THE GAME. You can learn the basics of football quite quickly if you pay attention. Also, ladies you’ll be on your own–sorry, but that guy next to you in his Broncos jersey with the tag still on it isn’t going to be in a talking mood–he’ll be in the zone. Rule number one, don’t disturb those watching the game, have confidence in your ability to learn on your own, because if you master this step, you’ll enjoy the rewards.
Have Fun
So you’ve walked over to the couch early, you read this article early so you had time to familiarize yourself with some basic NFL vocabulary and you’re focusing on the game. Before you know it, you’re caught up in the action, so much so you’ve spilled your drink and don’t care that you have wing sauce on the side of your mouth–hell, you’ve even high fived one of the guys next to you after a crazy play. This, ladies is the most important tip: HAVE FUN.
Football is a GAME, games are fun, not stressful. It’s about coming together and rooting on world class athletes take on each other on the biggest stage–have fun. The rules are just rules, the game is simple *Magic Johnson voice* whoever scores the most points is going to win the game.
As long as you can count, you like greasy food and don’t mind being next to sweaty guys, ladies you can enjoy the Super Bowl. So stop focusing on those cheesy commercials, that lame half time show and your chatty girl friends and get out there in the men. Join the trenches.
I have faith.