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Storm Pursues The Details

March 13, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Tampa Bay Storm News Release


TAMPA BAY - There was a sense of urgency in the air today as players began to feel the pressure of final cut day looming. Day eleven of training camp found the team working extra hard to prove that they belong in a Storm uniform.

"This is a different type of game," said Storm defensive back Chris Smith. "I'm focused on learning and working on the fundamentals."

"Details" has been the name of the game this entire training camp. The coaching staff must teach the team the details if it wishes to succeed this season. One detail the staff has been focusing on is pursuit. A pursuit drill consists of the team defense swarming to the ball after a completion. Nobody gives up and they must always look for the ball after every play. These drills train the defense to follow the ball to either prevent the carrier from scoring, or to possibly force a turnover.

"Details win games guys," said Storm head coach Dave Ewart. "We must do all the things necessary to learn the details of the game."

With only two days left, learning the details could be the deciding factor when choosing that final 24-man roster.

Looking Forward: Arena Football League Commissioner Jerry Kurz will be stopping by Storm training camp at Skyway Park (3901 George Road, Tampa) tomorrow, March 14 at 12:00 PM, as part of his 2013 Training Camp Tour.

Coaches' Perspective: "You guys have to do all of the stuff to be a pro," said Ewart. "The difference between good and great is in the details."

Quote of the Day: On getting a grasp on the style of play that comes with arena football, Storm wide receiver Chris C. Davis said, "We know it's coming down to the end of camp. We just have to get a good feel for the game and be confident in what we do."

Player Spotlight: First-year Storm receiver Greg Ellingson comes to the Storm after spending part of the 2012 AFL season with South Division rival New Orleans VooDoo. The Tampa, FL native signed as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) in 2011 and spent the 2012 NFL offseason and training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ellingson brings height and sure hands to an already strong receiving corp., making several scoring plays during training camp.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm was awarded the 2012 AFL Support Staff of the Year. The 2013 season kicks off at home Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 PM versus South Division rival Jacksonville Sharks. Single game tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by calling 800.745.3000 or by visiting the McDonalds© Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Season tickets can be purchased by visiting TampaBayStorm.com or by calling 813.301.6600. Additionally fans and sponsors can follow the Storm on Facebook (Tampa Bay Storm) or Twitter (@tampabaystorm) for up to date news and exclusive content.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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