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!
One of the best things you can do as a football player is to listen to your coach. While you may not agree with what your coach has to say, they are in charge of directing the team, not just you as an individual. Without the coach, there would be 11 guys running around in circles on the field.
Keep a positive attitude at all times when playing football. Even if you feel down about your performance, keep things up beat and focus on the game at hand. A negative attitude will not only pull your play down, but it will also become contagious and infect the attitude of the entire team.
Football requires great agility. There are many different exercises to help you become more agile. One of the best exercises you can do to increase your agility is to jump rope. Alter your jumping by doing a variety of steps. You can also set up a cone route to run through.
Being a good football player requires effort and dedication. Always go full speed during practice and give it your full effort. This will help you tremendously during game time. The continuous momentum and work during practice will allow you to be in top form during the entire game, not just at the beginning.
When trying for a team, make sure your physical fitness is good, due to the physical demands for everyone. In order to get into great shape, start workouts with stretches, and progress to anaerobic and aerobic workouts. Establish a weight lifting plan and always follow it up with a cool-down period.
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.
Watch the pros play football to discover how to play properly. Watch them closely to learn new moves then copy it when you go out to play. This may seem intuitive, but even the greatest players still learn from others.
If your goal is to become a quarterback, make sure you practice with a lot of distractions. Although Tom Brady makes maneuvering in the pocket look easy, it’s actually pretty intense, and that’s the time most players make mistakes. Practice when you’re under lots of pressure and learn to make smart decisions with lightning speed.
Learn to be precise in your patterns. It can’t be emphasized enough the importance of precision. Just a few feet in any direction and you won’t be in place to make an important tackle or to catch the football that’s been thrown to you. This takes a lot of repetition during practice, so be ready for it.
Proper padding for the lower body is a must. Pants can be purchased with pads built in or with pockets in them to slide the pads into them. No matter what type of pants you decide on, make sure that you have pads to protect the tailbone, knees, thighs and hips.
A very important part of your gear is shoulder pads. They have to fit you correctly to work right. They should also be in great condition. The last thing you want is for them to break if you get hit; this can be dangerous.
Being big is sometimes helpful when you play football, but make sure you don’t become fat. Fat can hurt you as you age, especially when you stop working out and exercising as much. Put on muscle mass instead and try to keep your body fat at a minimum.
Invest time in learning the plays, and invest money in books that teach the mental aspect of football. Regardless of what position you play, know every player’s moves and responsibilities. This makes a cohesive team that anticipates one another’s actions and thoughts. It does you no good to be an excellent quarterback if the rest of your team is not in sync with your mindset. You will end up being on a losing team.
Look for local training programs to better your regimen. Some gyms may offer football-specific classes or courses which can help you build your skills before the season starts, or even during it. Their expertise can give you advice which you couldn’t get from your coach or other players on your team.
Even if you do not play in every game, study the playbook daily. Anytime you have a free minute, take a look at the plays. You want to be ready to get thrown into the game at any time. You never know when someone may get hurt or your coach wants to give you a chance to play. Knowing the plays will keep you from looking foolish on the field.
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 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.
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.
