Playing a great game of football take the right skills, knowledge and attitude. No matter how great of a football player you are, there are always things you can to do increase your skills on the field. Follow these easy tips and tricks to become a better football player.
Learn the proper technique for backpedaling in football. Keep your posture low and make sure your shoulders are aligned over your feet. This technique allows you to keep your balance when changing positions. Practice this technique often with a few of your teammates so that it becomes second nature.
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.
Take up a dance class to improve your footwork. Before you laugh, think back to reality television dancing competitions and how many times NFL players not only competed but succeeded! Ballroom dancing and even ballet are extremely effective at helping football players get an extra edge on the field.
If your goal is to become a quarterback, make sure you practice with a lot of distractions. Although Tom Brady makes maneuvering in the pocket look easy, it’s actually pretty intense, and that’s the time most players make mistakes. Practice when you’re under lots of pressure and learn to make smart decisions with lightning speed.
A successful field goal attempt can boost your team’s score. When your team is in a fourth-down situation, try to kick a field goal. Only do this if your kicker has a good shot at making the goal. Remember that any field goal gives you three extra points.
Work on exercises that’ll boost your overall speed. During a football game, you’ll be asked to sprint a lot. This will definitely tax your body. You’ll be pushed during every game. To get ready for it, build sprints into practice sessions. It’ll help you perform the best that you can come game time.
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.
Five cones placed in a line about five yards apart will create an obstacle course for you to run to increase the flexibility of your hips. Start the obstacle course, and run between all the cones, moving as quickly as possible. Lean toward the direction you intend to take, and keep your head high with eyes down field.
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.
Quarterbacks should better their footwork. This is because every step and every second counts when you’re the quarterback. Use twisting and back pedaling maneuvers while practicing.
Improve your vertical leaping ability. While many consider this a skill that only applies to basketball, it can apply to football too. Occasionally, if the ball is thrown a little out of normal reach you need to leap. Or you might need to jump over some opponents at the goal line to make the winning touchdown Either way, you better be able to jump high!
An effective quarterback must show great leadership qualities. To help you develop your leadership skills read several personal development books. These books will teach you how to effectively communicate with others, how to give constructive criticism and develop a teamwork among your teammates. Remember people want a leader who has their best interests at heart.
Work on your hand strength. This will help your control and power when you are throwing or catching the football. There are a number of tools you can use to help you build the strength in your hands and fingers. Taking up the guitar as a hobby is one fun way to achieve this.
When choosing a helmet, do so with comfort and safety in mind. First, wet your head to make it like when you will get sweaty during a game. Next, select a helmet which sits an inch above the eyebrows. Be sure that the helmet sits on the crown, not the forehead itself.
A lot of mistakes from football players are believed to be caused by overheating. Excessive heat is believed to impair mental capacity and decision-making abilities. Overheating can be remedied by using refrigerated gel packs inside a football helmet. They reduce heat exposure and also cut down on impact injuries to a player’s head.
Learn to play with both sides. If you throw with your right arm, practice and perfect your skills with your left arm, as well. It will help you fake your rivals out and give you more options on the field. You should also learn to kick well with both feet.
Staying in shape will help you avoid injuries. You will want to base your conditioning exercises on the position you play. No matter your position, explosive power and strength are essential to football players.
When you are off-season, keep up your training and routine. Championship level players train when the others are taking off. Use this time wisely and keep yourself in top physical condition. Read up on the rules of the game. Watch videos of your favorite players and continue learning for that extra boost when season starts.
To be a star on the football field you need the right attitude, skills and knowledge to play the game right. Even if you feel you have all these qualities, there are always steps you can take to better your game. That the tips above to heart to increase your skills and play a better game.
