Football – do you love it? Do you want to play it as often as possible? Do you wish you could stand on the great field of play and be able to compete in the Super Bowl? No matter how grand or simplistic your goals may be, the tips below will help.
You should practice all of the positions so that you can easily slip into one if the need arises. Even if you normally play defense, practice throwing the ball and you might actually get to play as quarterback someday. If you are well rounded, the coach will appreciate your dedication.
The wide receivers are some of the most athletic and fastest players on the field. When the quarterback wants to throw, he usually looks towards the wide receivers to receive the pass. In practice, you should be training yourself to become a faster runner. Sprints are a great way to increase your speed.
A great tip if you’re a runningback or even a receiver, is to run right off the back of a lineman. Your linemen are there for a reason. They’re trying to block a certain player in order to open up a hole for you. Take advantage of that by sticking to them like glue, making the hole wider.
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.
Never forget teamwork. Though the team can be hard to keep in mind when your goal is to be a star player, it is imperative to do so. One person cannot win a football game. It takes a team. No matter how good a player you are, you do not become a great one unless you know how to function as part of a team.
If you start feeling sick or just “not right”, get off of the football field immediately. Even if it isn’t physical, the fact that you aren’t quite yourself can lead to a serious accident if you aren’t careful. It may mean that you sit out for 10 minutes or more (maybe even the game), but your health is well worth it.
If you aren’t mentally in the game, don’t play. Let your coach know if you are not feeling well because of a loss, a fight, a break up, a bad grade or anything else which might be getting you down. He can talk you out of it, or allow someone else to play for you.
Football is your game, and all you want is to be better at it. That’s a fair desire for anyone to have, and what you have read today should help you achieve your goals. Take the time to truly implement this advice and it will lead you towards a better game.