My favourite random wikipedia quote lately:
In 1921 an innovation in training, previously unknown to the Scottish game, was introduced by directors following a visit to England: the use of a ball in training. As noted in the Fife Free Press, “Hitherto, ball practice has been an absentee from the training curriculum on the grounds that being away from the ball for a week imparted eagerness on the Saturday.” This heralded an era of success.
Who would’ve thunk football practice might benefit from bringing in the ball
This is from Raith Rovers F.C. - Wikipedia