Football is one of America’s passions for good reason. Many people enjoy playing the game just for the sheer fun of it, while other strive to be the best player they can be. Ultimately there are people who become professional players. But no matter your reason for playing, here are some tips to help you improve your game.
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.
Concentrate on developing agility skills if you want to be a successful football player. Tackling and running are important parts of the equation, but agility is what sets you apart. Increase your agility by jumping rope, repeating precision jumps over small objects, and sprinting through tires in alternating patterns.
If you have a special move, do not overuse it. While you may think it would be wise to continue something you know is successful, this will only make it easier for your opponents to figure out your next move.
When you practice, try playing with both feet. Most people favor one foot or the other and it takes practice to learn how to use both. If you concentrate on your weaker foot, you will notice dramatic improvements in form, stability and quickness. Kick the football repeatedly against a wall to strengthen your weaker foot.
If you want to be great on the field during a game, you need to be great at time management off the field. This holds true in season and in the off season. Training for any football position takes long and consistent hours of physical activity. You also have to make sure that you get enough rest. All that requires a lot of freetime, but also the mental discipline to structure it.
Kickers should push themselves to kick field goals at fifty yards. Build your leg strength with weight lifting exercises. Flexibility will also help with long kicks. Stretch yourself a few times a day to keep your muscles limber.
Always drink plenty of water when you are practicing or playing football. It is very easy to get dehydrated during a game or during practice. This will not only impact your performance, but it could be dangerous as well. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after any football related activity.
One of the most important things a receiver must learn is how to line up properly. If you do not line up properly, it can result in an illegal formation call. Seven players must be lined up with the football prior to the snap for a legal possession to take place.
As you can see, there is much to learn about football and how to be a better player. The key to being a great player has as much to do with physical skills as it does with your attitude on and off the field. Use the tips from above to become a better all around player on the field.