Football requires a lot of schemes and strategies, and it is not possible to know all of them. You may not be the fastest player, or the strongest, but by learning everything you can, you will be able to outsmart any opponent. Use your brain power to beat the other team even when they are more physically capable.
Physical fitness is a necessity in football. All football workouts should begin by performing stretches that give you flexibility, then follow that up with cardio exercises. Follow these with weight lifting and a cool down routine.
Get into tip top shape if you are considering playing football. This is one physically challenging sport. If you are out of shape, you'll soon be left in the dust of both your opposition and your teammates. If you want to be considered an essential member of the team, approach your physical fitness like a pro would.
American football is very much a contact sport. Because of this, it is vitally important that all players wear the right safety equipment. Never buy cheap or bad quality when you are buying helmets and shoulder pads. Too many permanent injuries occur when unsafe gear is worn so do not allow yourself to become a part of these statistics.
Practice your drills every day, especially those that are specific to the position you play. Even if you only have football practice a few times per week, make sure you put in extra effort. Your game will improve, and your coach is sure to notice your dedication to the sport and the team.
Use the unusual "fair-catch-kick" to score. If a teammate catches the rival team's punt, he's got a good field goal opportunity utilizing a kick that's free for the following play from the area the punt had been fielded. A holder positions the ball while a player kicks the football from the ground. It is the same as a typical field goal in that it counts for three points. It doesn't count on the timer.
Send a highlight DVD of your best plays to all colleges you apply to. Make sure that you apply to a great number of schools at the game level you hope to play at. Remember to think about your desired level of education, too.
Never use your body to try to catch the ball. Instead keep your hands away from your body and form a diamond with your hands. As the ball nears you, lean and catch the ball and tuck it into your body to help protect it from coming loose during a play.
Build up both your strength and endurance. Football is a very physical game. If you are not in shape, it will show, and you may have to finish the game from the sideline if you cannot keep up. Establish a safe workout routine that you can do in the off-season to keep on top of your game.
Nutrition plays a large role in a successful football players life. Football players exert tremendous amounts of energy during practice and games; therefore, it is important to eat enough calories to keep your energy levels at peak performance. Eating a variety of lean proteins and complex carbohydrates help give you the energy you need.
Avoid getting comfortable with the position you play and all that entails. Know how to play each position, and you'll be able to make your teammates' roles much easier during the games you play. That increases team strength, and a good team is the secret of winning more games.
Many professional sports nutritionists believe that 80 percent of performance on the football field is directly related to the quality of the player's diet. The most common recommendation is to stick with whole foods, rather than processed ones. For example, eat whole grain wheat bread instead of white, and choose steel-cut oats rather than processed oatmeal with all the fiber removed.
With this great advice at the ready, nothing can stop you from winning. As long as you use what you have learned, you shouldn't struggle with your game any longer. All that matters is that you try your best and you use your knowledge to better your game every time you hit the field.