If football is a sport with which you have had a long love affair, you are in good company. However, it may be necessary for you to do a bit of studying in order to be the very best player you can be. The tips and advice below are here to help you do just that.
Wearing your safety equipment is vital in football. There is just too high of an injury risk. Don’t play in your regular street clothes. Potential injuries range from sprains and fractures to paralysis. This will end your game forever.
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.
If you aren’t tough, football is not the game for you. Honestly, if you can’t handle being tackled, you should play tennis or golf or some other non-contact sport. Don’t play the game because your Father wants you to if you really don’t want to get thrown to the ground.
Use both your feet to play football, so that you can get faster and better. Many people favor one foot over the other, but you should learn to use both. If you are able to master using your non-dominant foot though, you can really get some good speed and get around opponents better.
You must learn to read the different formations of opposing teams. Receiver placement can give you a lot of information about a play before it happens. Learn different formations by watching pro and college games.
Learn how to get past defenders when catching a kick off. The best way to do this is run directly behind a few of your best defenders. They will block for you most effectively and will create an opening for you to run down the line towards the goal.
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.
Learn the proper technique for catching a football. The best receivers know that the quicker they can grab the ball, the less likely the defense will get it. To catch a ball extend your arms and reach for the ball as it gets close to you. Then tuck the ball to help avoid fumbling the football.
Teamwork is important. Although it can be difficult if you are the star player, the sport is about the team, not just you. The whole team wins, not just you. You are not a truly great player until you can really get on the side of your team and realize that everyone does better when they work together.
Shoulder pads are perhaps the most recognizable element of protective football gear. Shoulder pads should fit properly. Make sure they aren’t moving around and in tip top shape. You don’t want them to break during a game from a hard hit, because this can injure you at the time or risk more injury later.
If becoming a better football player is a priority in your life, there really are things you can do to accomplish that goal. By applying the guidance found above, you will have what it takes to be a true standout on the gridiron. Best wishes as you pursue football greatness.