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!
For receivers, having a variety of different routes is necessary to be able to shake the defense. Practice the post, fade, hitch and quick-out routes during every practice session. The more you practice them, the more they will seem like second nature to you. Come game time, you will be able to run them with your eyes closed.
A good football tip is to perfect your swim move if you’re playing on the defensive line. The swim move is great because it allows you go get past your opponent so you can go straight for the quarterback or whoever has the ball. Being tied up on the line gets you nowhere.
If you want to improve your overall game-play and speed in particular, learn to play using both of your two feet. Most people favor one foot. If you can use both feet then you will be a much more versatile player.
Running backs are members of the offense. For a running play, the quarterback may pass the ball to a running back who will run the ball as far as he can. When the ball is going in the air, the running back may help protect the quarterback from tacklers or he may try to get open to catch a pass.
If you play a defensive position such as a linebacker or defensive lineman, learn to tip the ball away from the receiver. The best way to learn this is by watching film of successful tips and practicing with your teammates. When the ball is thrown, look at its trajectory and run toward where it will land. Then, jump and smack at the ball as it passes above you.
Get used to playing off of your weaker foot. If you’re like many athletes, you’ll favor one foot over another. It’ll tend to be the foot that you pivot on and use for running fakes. If you want to confuse the opponent covering you, surprise them with some moves using your weaker side. It’ll give you some real advantage.
Be sure to drink lots of water or a sports drink as you play. Being in the hot and heavy equipment you have to wear to play football safely will leave you sweating buckets. Replace that water by drinking so that you don’t end up with a cramp or an injury.
You are not the best football player ever. You are not the best thrower, you are not the best catcher, and you aren’t the best tackler. You can’t run the fastest, and you can’t have perfect aim. In fact, you can’t be perfect at anything, so keep practicing every day.
Take the time to get acclimated to the heat before practicing at top levels. The heat can sneak up on you and do severe things to your body, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. You’ll need to progressively acclimate yourself to it when you first start practicing. Give yourself up to fourteen days before going 100% during your sessions.
Be sure environmental conditions are right for the game. Be sure the field is safe and even. When finding a field, avoid ones that have holes and dips in it. Dress properly for the weather conditions and keep yourself hydrated if it’s hot. Consider these things ahead of time so you can keep your mind on the game when you are playing.
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.
To better your football game, consider running track. Speed is a huge part of playing football, whether you are running the ball down the field or stopping someone who is. Track can help you build the right muscles to make yourself faster, including your footwork, which will bleed into your football skills.
Once a ref whistles that the ball is dead, you have 40 seconds before you have to start a play. If there are less than 40 seconds left in the game, you can literally just stand there until the game clock runs out. If there are more than 40 seconds and you don’t start the play, you will be penalized.
The best thing you can do to teach your players how to become better football players is to teach the fundamentals. Keep things simple and teach. As players get older and more experienced, you can teach them more difficult plays. Even then going over the fundamentals will keep even the most experienced player on track.
Great football players need to develop lateral agility. Practice drills that increase agility as a regular part of your routine. Set up a set of six lines with three cones each. Then step sideways over the cones with two quick steps. Make sure to lift the knees high as you go over the cones.
If it is raining, tuck the ball under your arm when you run with it. This keeps it safe and secure, even when it is very slippery. Even the professionals use this move, so you shouldn’t have any problems with using it yourself. You can also wipe the ball off on your jersey before a play begins.
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.
