Pads

One of the items shown in the surfacing Mike Rice videos is use of the hitting pads in practice.  Nearly every college program and many high schools programs are now using these pads.  I hope the video doesn't give these pads a bad reputation.  When used properly they are a great way to add some stress and controlled contact to a drill (not abusive contact).  Our programs have used these pads for years and never (knock on wood) had a player injured while using the pads. 

A big part of culture we strive to create within our program is toughness, but these pads are not used to "toughen up" a player.  These pads are actually softer than taking actual contact from another player.  They serve as a stepping stone in a way for players to get used to playing through contact and maintaining balance and concentration during the process.  Again softer contact than they actually take when playing live against other players.