How better to best the competition than to dedicate yourself to the game? If you not only practice hard, eat right and work out, but also learn from expert advice, you truly become unbeatable. This article has some tips and tricks you just can’t play without, so read them below.
Even when your team isn’t practicing, you should be. Practice constantly, and practice the skills of your specific position the most. On top of that, you should also build your strength and stamina through other athletic pursuits, such as running, working out at the gym and even other sports.
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.
You should learn the several ways that a down can end. It can end when a player with the ball has been tackled to the ground, or when they’ve had their forward motion stopped by an opposing player. It also happens when a pass has been thrown out of bounds or when it hits the ground. It can occur when the player with the ball goes out of bounds. It even happens when a team scores. Finally, when the official blows the whistle, that is the signal that a down has ended.
A great tip you can use if you’re a football player is to start practicing olympic lifts in your workout routine. Olympic lifts give you a lot of functional strength which will help you a lot in any position you play. Particularly useful lifts are the power clean and deadlift.
Your playing time is often a matter of how much work you put in when practicing. Natural talent certainly plays a big role, but every successful player will have a good work ethic. Coaches like players that want to learn, rather than lazy ones who already know how to play.
A great tip to remember if you’re a runningback or receiver in football is to always make sure you keep the ball close to your body at all times. So many turnovers have occurred because a player wasn’t holding the football firmly enough, and an opposing player just took a swat at it.
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.
Remember teamwork. Keeping your team in mind is not always a simple matter if you are aiming for personal NFL glory, but you can never forget your teammates. Wins depend on the entire team, not the effort of one player. If you want to win on your own, go play tennis. Otherwise, work with your team.
You must ensure your body is cared for to become a better player. A focus on a healthy diet and understanding your body’s needs are highly important. Always report any injuries or pains that persist to your coach or team physician.
When playing, look for dehydration signs. One that is an easy one to spot is the color of your urine. If it’s a darker color then you are more than likely suffering from dehydration right then. You’ll need to take immediate action. Drink water asap, and make sure you keep hydrated from then on out.
Football requires that you be mentally tough. You can prepare yourself for success by mentally picturing yourself executing well. Research shows that going over your game in your head can improve your real life game play. Imagine yourself tackling your opponents, or making a great catch. You may find yourself doing it in the real game.
Choose a professional player who also shares your position and start looking to them for advice. You likely can’t ask them directly, although it never hurts to try, but you can watch them play and learn from what they do. Watch their form, check out interviews about their training and learn from their plays.
Learn how to properly tie your football cleats. Many players sustain ankle injuries because their football cleats are not tied tight enough. A football cleat should fit like a glove to offer the best protection to your feet and ankles. Always pull the laces as tight as possible for added protection.
Learn the best tackling techniques by watching instructional videos and practicing their techniques often. The best videos will show that players should remain low and hit by lowering their shoulders and hitting the players in their midsection. Once you have learned this important tackling technique, you will be able to stop the majority of the opposing team’s plays.
If you are trying to run down the football game clock, choose to decline penalties. This makes it so ten additional seconds come off the clock. You may get into trouble if you taunt your opponents in hopes they will commit a penalty. Penalties should be allowed to happen naturally.
Always watch the hips of the receiver to figure out where he is going. If you can master anticipating the movements of the receiver, you can not only tackle him, but actually get the ball before he does. If you can get between him and the ball, go for it!
Support your fellow teammates off the field. Being a team doesn’t end when you leave the football stadium. Real trust is built when you take that loyalty and show it off well away from the line of scrimmage. Be there when a teammate needs a friend. It can do a lot to build team character.
With this priceless advice in your arsenal, you are ready to wage war against your opponents. Keep your heart passionate, your mind focused and your body strong, and nothing will stand between you and winning. You’ll drive your team to success and leave everyone watching the game shocked by your improvement.
