Do you know much about football? It’s a sport that comprises of two teams, a ball and two goals at opposite ends the field. It is more than that, though, as it is also a passion shared by millions of people around the nation. The following advice will make your game better.
Listen to what your teammates have to say. Regardless of any conflicts, remember that these team mates have the same goal as you, and that is to win. Their input can give you ideas for putting your team on top.
To be the best football player you can be, it’s important to make sure that you work to better your agility. Football players are very agile athletes. Agility is crucial for bypassing tackles and catching like a pro. Anyone you are able to do to increase your agility should help your game play.
Be smart when playing defense. Don’t try to just out-muscle the offense. Be mindful of runners who might look like they are down, only to see them blow by you. Also keep an eye out for fumbles and yell out “Ball” when they happen. This gives your fellow defenders a chance to get the ball.
Get into tip top shape if you are considering playing football. This is one physically challenging sport. If you are out of shape, you’ll soon be left in the dust of both your opposition and your teammates. If you want to be considered an essential member of the team, approach your physical fitness like a pro would.
A great tip you can use if you’re a football player is to start practicing olympic lifts in your workout routine. Olympic lifts give you a lot of functional strength which will help you a lot in any position you play. Particularly useful lifts are the power clean and deadlift.
Build power and muscles by training with box jumps. Make sure you have a very sturdy large box with a height between 2 feet and 3 feet, determined by your own height. Jump onto the edge of the box repeatedly, straightening your back each time you reach the top of the box. Repeat up to 20 times.
Increase your speed. A good football player needs to be quick on his feet, not only in sprints, but in reaction time and reflexes too. Try adding in some track exercises into your workout regimen and before you know it you will be leaving your opponents behind in the dust.
Watch old tapes of the greats, so you can get pointers. Watch professional players who play your position, so you can watch how they move and play the game. This is almost as helpful as having them there with you, because you can study every move they make during a game.
Consume adequate amounts of protein to give you the strength and body mass you need as a football player. Avoid getting your proteins through junk food, as this will contribute to an unhealthy body that does not function well for you. Get protein from meat, eggs, fish and protein powder shakes.
Work on your team work. Football is a team sport, and it is important that you and your team mates know how to work well as a team. While you are working on your skills and becoming a better player, share the skills you learn with your team to increase your game as a team.
Mental agility is required for football greatness, not just physical skill. Understand everything about football. Study older NFL games and players to learn basics that are often overlooked in trendy online football tips and videos. In order to become the best player that you can be, you’ll need to learn how to know what your opponent is going to do, and have great strategic moves on the field.
If your opponent is really owning you in a game, think about what he’s doing wrong. There is some opening, some Achilles heel that will allow you to get the better of him. If you’re not sure, ask your coach for advice next time you get back to the sidelines.
Keep control of the ball by running to gain yardage. You may not gain as much territory running the ball but you are much less likely to turn the ball over to the other team. Combine passing plays to catch the defense off guard and gain more yardage. Good blocking by the offense gives the quarterback enough time to throw the ball accurately.
Learn the best tackling techniques by watching instructional videos and practicing their techniques often. The best videos will show that players should remain low and hit by lowering their shoulders and hitting the players in their midsection. Once you have learned this important tackling technique, you will be able to stop the majority of the opposing team’s plays.
When throwing the ball as the quarterback, you need to follow-through with your hand and arm. Don’t stop short or have your arm go in a circle-like motion. Think of it like the follow-through of shooting a basketball free-throw. If you don’t follow-through correctly, your ball can end up going in places that you don’t want it to go.
To avoid neck injuries when tackling in football, do not lead with your head down. Instead, keep your head up so that you see the people you’re hitting. When you lead with your head down, and you hit someone with the crown of your helmet, you can damage their neck and your own — and get a personal foul called.
Lifting weights is great for building muscles but playing a good game of football also requires more than just strength. So incorporate activities such as medicine ball chops, over and unders, jumping rope and running through an obstacle course. This will help you build up your agility, reflexes and stamina.
You should now be ready to get out on the field and show off your skills. Use these tips when your own team plays and learn as much as you can from those around you. Continued effort will pay off, and you will soon become a fine player.
