So you want to become a better fan of football but you aren’t sure where to begin? Even though there is a lot to learn about the game, with simple tips about understanding strategies anyone can be well-versed on football. If you seek knowledge about the game and don’t know where to start, look below for all your answers!
When selecting which position you will play, consider your strengths. If you’re great at catching the ball and you are a fast runner, then you should fill such a position. If you are large, nimble and strong, then maybe you should be playing defense. If you have a great arm, go for quarterback!
If a new trick you try when you play football does well, refrain from using it often. You might want to keep doing something that works, but it is simpler for those you play against to determine what you are going to do next.
Do at least one basic drill specific to your position on a daily basis. Running backs are wise to work on ball handling drills every day. Quarterbacks should spend at least an hour a day working on throwing accuracy and arm strengthening. Linebackers need to constantly work on their tackling, as well as shedding blockers.
You can help the team score by kicking a field-goal. In fourth-down situations, field goal kickers can make the difference between winning and losing. That ought only be done when your team is near enough for the kicker to kick between goal posts into the end zone. A goal will give you 3 points.
If you play football, you should workout outside of your football practice. Having a strong body can not only help you play better, but it can also keep you safe when you play. Take part in workouts that strengthen your entire body and that can help you when you play football.
Many coaches forget that football is a game and not life. While they are paid to know everything there is to know about football, the players are not. The players are in it for fun. There are many life lessons that can be learned from playing football, but if the players are not enjoying the game, these lessons cannot be taught.
A great football tip if you’re a receiver is to hug the sidelines when running down the field. Hugging the sidelines makes it so that you can only be hit from one side and usually all that ends up happening is they’ll push you out of bounds instead of tackling you.
Flexibility is just as important to a football player as body mass and speed. Don’t limit stretching to the few minutes prior to practice or games. Instead, make stretching an integral part of everyday activities. Focus on your back, hamstrings, glutes and hips. Even if you only have five minutes, take advantage of them.
It is important that you set goals when it comes to your game. Set daily goals such as working out every single day. Set weekly goals for your stamina or strength. Then set long-term goals for your game play and how great your strategies turn out on the field.
Go to the gym often. Lifting weights is important for all football players. General strength conditioning helps you to thrive on the field. It’s important to work all your muscle groups. Avoid focusing solely on your upper body. Build leg strength to develop a powerful start of the line.
Listen for the whistle. Oftentimes, when a player does not hear the whistle or does not give it the attention it deserves, someone will end up hurt. Play when it is time to play, but stop as soon as the whistle is blown. You do not want to get hurt, nor do you want to help anyone else.
If you are introducing football to a young child, take it easy and slow. Most kids prior to age 6, don’t have the motor skills for it, and it takes to about age 10 for most kids to be ready to take it in. Don’t expect your young 4 to 9 year old to perform at older levels.
To help ward off as many unnecessary injuries as possible when playing football, it’s crucial that you are fit. Do this by performing resistance training exercises. Your position on the team will determine the type of conditioning you need to avoid becoming fatigued during play. Whatever your position, power and strength are critical to ball players.
Always watch the hips of the receiver to figure out where he is going. If you can master anticipating the movements of the receiver, you can not only tackle him, but actually get the ball before he does. If you can get between him and the ball, go for it!
Always keep a focus down field, no matter if you are receiver or quarterback. This helps you find weak spots and can get more yardage on the plays. When a spot opens up, go for it!
To stretch out the right muscles before you weight train, pretend to do those movements without any weight at all. This gets blood flowing to all the parts which will be in use, warming them up and allowing them to loosen. It also gives you the opportunity to visualize your whole workout.
To improve your lateral speed, do lateral lunges during your workouts. Stand in an athletic stance and lunge to the side. Your thigh should remain parallel to the ground. Go back to the starting position and then lunge to the other side. Do six to twelve repetitions on each side.
Now that you read this great article about football, you see how it can be broken down and simplified so most people can understand it better. All it takes is a commitment to gather in as much knowledge about football as you can soak up. By reading these tips it has given you a great basis to figuring out this sometimes complex game.
