How can you become the best football player you can be? You already practice as often as possible, and you always listen to what your coach has to say. There is more to being great than just that, and reading this article will be one step you can take towards greatness.
Keep in mind that safety is paramount in football. Whether you’re practicing or playing a game, it’s important to remain safe. Always wear the appropriate protective equipment and stretch your muscles first.
Treat all of your fellow players, even your opposition, with the respect they deserve. Football is a taxing sport on body and mind. Everyone that plays is a warrior in his own right. It shows great courage and teamwork. Keep that in mind, and don’t react poorly to misplays and losing. Treat your fellow players the way you’d want to be treated.
When your child plays football, make sure he wears the proper helmet to avoid injuries. The helmet should have an outer shell made of hard plastic and the padding should be thick. It should also have a face mask that’s rigid and a chin strap containing a protective chin cup. The chin strap should always be snug and fastened when playing.
If you want to be a quarterback, or just be better at playing the position, the one thing you need to work on more than anything is passing. Even when you don’t have access to a field, step outside with a friend and aim to throw past them so they have to run and catch it. If you don’t have someone to practice with, throw at a stationary target.
Remember that making a running play is a little different than making a receiving play. You want to take the football from the quarterback with only one hand. You don’t cover it up with both arms until you are about to be tackled. Make sure that you hold onto the ball until you hear the whistle stopping play.
Try practicing dance as a way to improve your football skills. While dance isn’t rough and tough like football, dancing can better your footwork. Fancy footwork can better your ability when you’re it counts on the field.
If you receive the ball, run at a diagonal angle until you have open field in front of you. Then, power down the line as fast as you can. By being constantly alert during the play, you can find the best openings and gain extra yardage on each play.
Take every chance you can to study football footage, but when you can, study footage of yourself. Try and see yourself through an opponent’s eyes. Look for tells or signs of what you are about to do, as well as habits you have that are predictable. Always have a way to keep your opponent guessing.
Now that you plan to use the advice from this article, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals. Be safe as you play to avoid injury and use these tips within your strategy. Your opponents will shake in their cleats as they see you are on the field, ready to win!