Talkin’ ’bout practice

UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel said the first few practices will be divided differently than many other programs so the backups get more reps.
“We will have a 3:00 (p.m.) session and a a 4:40 (p.m.) session, with the middle session being our special teams, when everybody is on the field. But that way we will have (two) one hour and 20 minutes so everybody is getting reps.
“Meaning at 3:00 one half of the team will be on the field and we will go through and hour and 20 minute practice including the stretching. There will be only two units out there so they are going to get all of it.
“Then for that 4:20 to 4:40 window you’re going to have all the team out there, but that is your special teams. And at 4:40 you will have the other half of the team taking those same reps.
“Now because it is only a three hour block and the rule of one practice is three hours, if we want players to be out there for all three, we can do it.”
Neuheisel said the first and third teams will work during one session, and the second teams will work against the fourth team.
That new practice schedule will be in effect until the players are in full gear, on the fiftrh day of practice.