If you hope to be a better football player, then keep reading. The strategies you’ll find below are truly worth their weight in gold. Keep reading for a better perspective on what it takes to be an effective football player.
When working on improving yourself as a football player, keep in mind that the only thing you really can’t change is your height. You can change your diet to lose or gain weight, and train to build your muscles up. You can also work with a trainer to increase your speed and skill. If anything, height should be your only handicap.
Don’t panic! Football can be a little scary when you first try it. People are rushing at you, and quite often they’re bigger than you too. It’s not a comfortable feeling. But with practice, you’ll learn how to be more agile and avoid tackles. You’ll learn how to fake-out those rushing at you. It all becomes much easier. So stay calm and learn all that you can.
Use ladder drills for better coordination. Ladder drills are essential for football training. Sketch an imaginary chalk ladder, start on the bottom, stepping into, and out of, every square till you get to the top. Watch online videos to make sure you are using the technique correctly, and watch how the professions players use this method to train.
Take up a dance class to improve your footwork. Before you laugh, think back to reality television dancing competitions and how many times NFL players not only competed but succeeded! Ballroom dancing and even ballet are extremely effective at helping football players get an extra edge on the field.
Follow through on the kick must be given extra attention. The kicker’s head must be down with eyes focused on the foot actually make contact with the ball. The foot should make contact with the bottom third of the ball. This motion must be followed with a direct follow-through directed at the location that the ball is desired to go.
Learn the proper technique for catching a football. The best receivers know that the quicker they can grab the ball, the less likely the defense will get it. To catch a ball extend your arms and reach for the ball as it gets close to you. Then tuck the ball to help avoid fumbling the football.
Always perform a thorough warm up prior to playing or practicing. Injuries can keep you out for a long time. Your exercises should strengthen muscles that benefit your game, thus building your strength. Just remember to stretch before play.
What is your football skill set? If you play at too high of a level, you will be out of your depth. If you spend time playing at a lower level than your abilities, you won’t increase your skills.
Never use your body to try to catch the ball. Instead keep your hands away from your body and form a diamond with your hands. As the ball nears you, lean and catch the ball and tuck it into your body to help protect it from coming loose during a play.
If you are a quarterback, learn to scan the defenders both left to right and right to left. Many quarterbacks always look from their right to left. If you alter scan patterns, you can keep defense guessing and stop them from blindsiding you.
To help protect yourself when playing football it requires a full uniform with the proper equipment. Referees will not let you on the field if you aren’t wearing a helmet, pads for your shoulders, knees and a cup to protect the groin area. Be safe, and always wear the necessary equipment, otherwise you might find yourself carried off the field on a stretcher.
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.
Nutrition plays a large role in a successful football players life. Football players exert tremendous amounts of energy during practice and games; therefore, it is important to eat enough calories to keep your energy levels at peak performance. Eating a variety of lean proteins and complex carbohydrates help give you the energy you need.
Stay in a parallel position when performing squats. It can help you to increase your speed. This helps to increase the muscles necessary for football and it gives you incredibly powerful legs. This will give you speed and give you more stamina and endurance.
To prevent the ball from bouncing off your body, catch the ball away from your body. The rule of thumb is that if you can touch the football, you should be able to catch it. After making a successful catch, pull the ball close to your body and run to gain more yardage.
There will be times that opposing teams play rough or target you. If you think that they are deliberately trying to cause you physical harm, tell your coach. Do not retaliate on the field. It could lead to injuries, cause your team penalties and possibly get you thrown out of the game.
If you are coaching a youth football team, remember to keep it fun. Football is a game. It may seem like winning is all that’s important during game time, but sometimes you need to take a step back and remember winning isn’t everything. Make sure the kids have fun and enjoy themselves.
Know the playbook inside and out. Playing football is not all about physical skills. Your brain skills are just as important as body skills. Ensure you make the time to learn your playbook; that way, you can show your coach and teammates you can be a star.
No one enjoys making errors in football when on the field. However, they are going to happen, because no one is perfect. Learning from mistakes can be the most important lesson sometimes. You’ll feel better about your own talents, and learning boosts confidence.
