Are athletes really getting faster, better, stronger?

Canadiens1958

Registered User
Nov 30, 2007
20,020
2,773
Lake Memphremagog, QC.
Well obviously. No coach is trying a field goal in the 1st quarter from 60+ yards out for the fun of it. They are all at crunch time while running out the clock. My point is, the leg can only kick a ball so far, and it isn't as if we're kicking 90 yard field goals today either.

You introduced kickers' leg strength in the NFL. Only you know why you picked such a bad example as Tom Dempsey.

Kickoffs - same kickers are a much better indicator. 1970 the kickoff was from the kicking teams 40 yard line. Most kickoffs were returned since they barely made the end zone.

Since then the kickoff has moved back. As far as the kicking teams 30 yard line, now back to the 35. Still kicks regularly fly thru the end zone.

Various factors besides leg strength contribute. Artificial turf, the tee,quality and air pressure of the ball, permitted run-up, improved technique are just a few.
 

Big Phil

Registered User
Nov 2, 2003
31,703
4,144
You introduced kickers' leg strength in the NFL. Only you know why you picked such a bad example as Tom Dempsey.

Kickoffs - same kickers are a much better indicator. 1970 the kickoff was from the kicking teams 40 yard line. Most kickoffs were returned since they barely made the end zone.

Since then the kickoff has moved back. As far as the kicking teams 30 yard line, now back to the 35. Still kicks regularly fly thru the end zone.

Various factors besides leg strength contribute. Artificial turf, the tee,quality and air pressure of the ball, permitted run-up, improved technique are just a few.

That was the point I was trying to make.

Dempsey was brought up because for the longest time he owned the longest field goal of all-time.

There are plenty of factors as to why things happen in sports and more of it has to do with better equipment than better strength, etc.

They did a study recently where men 40 years ago are said to have a stronger grip than men today of the same age. Why? Aren't we eating better, more, training better, etc? Perhaps, but look at the jobs the average man was doing 40 years ago compared to today. Much harder physical work with their hands, barely any computer work.
 

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