Any tips for someone going to their first training camp?

G2 · Jun 30, 2022

Get as many reps in as you can.

atlantacowboy · Jun 30, 2022

Oz-of-Cowboy-Country said:
Take plenty of hand sanitizer?

What the heck is this guy going to be doing to require that much sanitizer? Will he be charging people to change their kids diapers? Or working as an Ob-Gyn on the side?

How about a 6 foot stick to make sure nobody invades his personal covid free space? :facepalm:

TexasBoys2288 · Jun 30, 2022

Don't assume you can walk in with a beer in your hand. I suppose training camp security is much tighter these days, but back in 1992 my buddy and I walked into training camp here in Austin with a beer in our hands. Hey, this is pro football, right? We sat down in the bleachers for like 5 minutes before security tossed us out. But the security guy was cool and after we poured our beers out, he let us back in.

DuncanIso · Jun 30, 2022

muck4doo said:
Moved earlier this year from Austin to Los Angeles. Have a cousin who lives in Oxnard, and plan on visiting her and attending my first training camp. Any tips to give for a first timer? I got that Cowboys United membership, and hope it is worth the $20. Anything else I should know, and are any of you attending this season? (Don't want to go into why I moved from Austin to Los Angeles, but it's a 2 year deal.)

Sun screen

wear a hat and shades

you need a jersey

get the membership card. It’s like 20 bucks. It used to get you field access, pre virus. The far side is the best for photos.

the first weekend is packed. You might have to take a shuttle from Oxnard High School.

there is parking at the practice. 20 bucks.

it’s a lot of fun.

JoeKing · Jun 30, 2022

muck4doo said:
Moved earlier this year from Austin to Los Angeles. Have a cousin who lives in Oxnard, and plan on visiting her and attending my first training camp. Any tips to give for a first timer? I got that Cowboys United membership, and hope it is worth the $20. Anything else I should know, and are any of you attending this season? (Don't want to go into why I moved from Austin to Los Angeles, but it's a 2 year deal.)

Hydrate, have patience, and bring a sharpie.

fivetwos · Jun 30, 2022

muck4doo said:
Moved earlier this year from Austin to Los Angeles. Have a cousin who lives in Oxnard, and plan on visiting her and attending my first training camp. Any tips to give for a first timer? I got that Cowboys United membership, and hope it is worth the $20. Anything else I should know, and are any of you attending this season? (Don't want to go into why I moved from Austin to Los Angeles, but it's a 2 year deal.)

One favor.....don't be one of those who treats Jerry like a rock star.

Aven8 · Jun 30, 2022

I’ve been to Wichita Falls and San Antonio TC’s, but never to Oxnard. That is the one I want to go too so I’m jealous. Because of the area and the weather. It’s pretty amazing getting to see these guys close up. You will get a whole new appreciation for how big and fast they really are. Have fun.

maryquality · Jun 30, 2022

I went to one of the training camps with my daughters in San Antonio many years ago. It was fun!! I made one of my kids take my mini helmet and get Jay Ratliff to sign it!! Isn't that what kids are for? :muttley:

Who knew a few years later, Ratliff would be a _____. You fill in the blanks! LOL

JoeKing · Jun 30, 2022

Aven8 said:
I’ve been to Wichita Falls and San Antonio TC’s, but never to Oxnard. That is the one I want to go too so I’m jealous. Because of the area and the weather. It’s pretty amazing getting to see these guys close up. You will get a whole new appreciation for how big and fast they really are. Have fun.

Training camps in Austin and Wichita Falls were horrible experiences.

zrinkill · Jun 30, 2022

Do not ask Jerry for an autograph and feed his ego ...
... Boooo everytime he shows his plastic face

KJJ · Jun 30, 2022

muck4doo said:
I wish. I love the drive though. Fredericksburg, El Paso, Las Cruces, Texas Canyon rest stop, Tucson, Phoenix, Indio, and then into the Los Angeles wasteland...

I made that drive in April to San Antonio. Just pass El Paso the the speed limit is 80 mph until about 60 or so miles from Kerrville. No good places to eat between Van Horn and San Antonio. I was forced to stop at a DQ in Ozona.

Starforever · Jun 30, 2022

Enjoy and don't believe the hype.

CouchCoach · Jun 30, 2022

Listen to your coaches, get plenty of sleep and don't hang out with shady women in bars and just because the food is free, don't pig out and embarrass yourself because they're watching for signs of freeloaders. Good luck and I hope you make it. And I look forwards to buying a muck4doo jersey.

BoyzBlaster · Jun 30, 2022

Try out for QB if you have any ability in the slightest.

Tabascocat · Jun 30, 2022

Make sure you get a cold Chik Fil A sandwich :laugh:

TwoDeep3 · Jun 30, 2022

I would suggest print out the most current roster with player numbers. Obviously, with the players who have been here that isn't necessary. Although you might find some players who don't get first team reps in games may be confusing.

But for the rookies this is a must. You can't tell the players without a program, as they say.

TAKE A NOTEBOOK AND PEN!

The squads will work independently at times. Offense, Defense, Special Teams. Depending on where you sit, a small pair of binoculars might be a good idea.

There will also be players working with trainers. These are the injured guys. Usually at the ends of the field.

Your assignment:

Make a list of the injured players and what they are working on. See if you can decide if they are close to playing, or in prelim rehab. Example: Is Gallup running? Is he cutting? Does he transition to the squad work - meaning WR's when they are using the jugs or the spin and catch work.

Other than Cee Dee and Schultz, who plays what position in pass catching.

Note what the offense is focusing on. Running, passing. Who is getting work with the firsts? How is Dak's accuracy? Does the rookie look like he will beat our McGovern? How does Badass look. They say he is bigger this season.

Depending on the week you go, the further into the training camp, the closer to "real" football you might see. If that is the case, who is winning what battles?

These same questions apply to the defense. Who is playing inside on the line? WHERE IS PARSONS THE MAJOPRITY OF THE TIME? LB or Edge? Is the defense creating turnovers?

All the advice from others about water and such is good advice. I've been twice, and the last was in San Antonio. I can't comment on if they play music or have some amplified commentary or such. But the two times I went, I wished I had taken my headphones to listen to something. For some reason, unless a really good play happens, it was like a funeral it was so quiet.

Perhaps some of the people posting here could add specific players and positions for you to watch. Who they will be interested in.

Hill is one. Rumor is he is a guy to watch. What do you see? Trysten Hill #72 DT

Tyler Smith #73. He will be battling for the guard spot.

I'm certain there will be a list of people from others.

This may seem daunting, but not as much as you would think. If you get the numbers down, or have a cheat sheet, the people making plays will be obvious. But who did they beat will be important.

Good luck and take pictures.

muck4doo · Jun 30, 2022

DuncanIso said:
Sun screen

wear a hat and shades

you need a jersey

get the membership card. It’s like 20 bucks. It used to get you field access, pre virus. The far side is the best for photos.

the first weekend is packed. You might have to take a shuttle from Oxnard High School.

there is parking at the practice. 20 bucks.

it’s a lot of fun.

Got the membership the other day. I haven't bought a jersey since the 90's. Time to buy new one, as that Deion Sanders jersey was left in storage in Austin.

muck4doo · Jun 30, 2022

KJJ said:
I made that drive in April to San Antonio. Just pass El Paso the the speed limit is 80 mph until about 60 or so miles from Kerrville. No good places to eat between Van Horn and San Antonio. I was forced to stop at a DQ in Ozona.

in 2004 I took a trip to Mesa AZ, and on the way back my timing belt came apart in Sierra Blanca. Ended up having to tow my car back to El Paso, because the mechanic there said it would take a week to get a timing belt to his place. That was the one time I really hated that drive. Sierra Blanca is not a fun town to get stuck in.

muck4doo · Jun 30, 2022

TwoDeep3 said:
I would suggest print out the most current roster with player numbers. Obviously, with the players who have been here that isn't necessary. Although you might find some players who don't get first team reps in games may be confusing.

But for the rookies this is a must. You can't tell the players without a program, as they say.

TAKE A NOTEBOOK AND PEN!

The squads will work independently at times. Offense, Defense, Special Teams. Depending on where you sit, a small pair of binoculars might be a good idea.

There will also be players working with trainers. These are the injured guys. Usually at the ends of the field.

Your assignment:

Make a list of the injured players and what they are working on. See if you can decide if they are close to playing, or in prelim rehab. Example: Is Gallup running? Is he cutting? Does he transition to the squad work - meaning WR's when they are using the jugs or the spin and catch work.

Other than Cee Dee and Schultz, who plays what position in pass catching.

Note what the offense is focusing on. Running, passing. Who is getting work with the firsts? How is Dak's accuracy? Does the rookie look like he will beat our McGovern? How does Badass look. They say he is bigger this season.

Depending on the week you go, the further into the training camp, the closer to "real" football you might see. If that is the case, who is winning what battles?

These same questions apply to the defense. Who is playing inside on the line? WHERE IS PARSONS THE MAJOPRITY OF THE TIME? LB or Edge? Is the defense creating turnovers?

All the advice from others about water and such is good advice. I've been twice, and the last was in San Antonio. I can't comment on if they play music or have some amplified commentary or such. But the two times I went, I wished I had taken my headphones to listen to something. For some reason, unless a really good play happens, it was like a funeral it was so quiet.

Perhaps some of the people posting here could add specific players and positions for you to watch. Who they will be interested in.

Hill is one. Rumor is he is a guy to watch. What do you see? Trysten Hill #72 DT

Tyler Smith #73. He will be battling for the guard spot.

I'm certain there will be a list of people from others.

This may seem daunting, but not as much as you would think. If you get the numbers down, or have a cheat sheet, the people making plays will be obvious. But who did they beat will be important.

Good luck and take pictures.

Hadn't even thought of taking a note pad. Definitely will do. Thank you.

Cowpolk · Jun 30, 2022

atlantacowboy said:
How about a 6 foot stick to make sure nobody invades his personal covid free space?

I have an 8 foot stick and it is sharp

Any tips for someone going to their first training camp?

G2

Taco Engineer

atlantacowboy

Well-Known Member

TexasBoys2288

Well-Known Member

DuncanIso

Well-Known Member

JoeKing

Diehard

fivetwos

Well-Known Member

Aven8

Well-Known Member

maryquality

Well-Known Member

JoeKing

Diehard

zrinkill

Cowboy Fan

KJJ

You Have an Axe to Grind

Starforever

Well-Known Member

CouchCoach

BoyzBlaster

Well-Known Member

Tabascocat

Dexternjack

TwoDeep3

Well-Known Member

muck4doo

Least-Known Member

muck4doo

Least-Known Member

muck4doo

Least-Known Member

Cowpolk

Landry Hat