What is the game of football about? Two teams play against each other on a field between goals, and do so with only one ball. There is just so much passion that goes into the game, that it is hard to sum up easily. Read on to find out how to perfect your game.
Treat all of your fellow players, even your opposition, with the respect they deserve. Football is a taxing sport on body and mind. Everyone that plays is a warrior in his own right. It shows great courage and teamwork. Keep that in mind, and don’t react poorly to misplays and losing. Treat your fellow players the way you’d want to be treated.
Know what kind of equipment you need to play a football game properly. Each player that plays needs shoulder pads, a helmet, cleats, a mouth guard, and football pants. The ball should be spheroid and leather. A standard football is about 11 inches long and 22 inches in circumference around the middle.
Practice all that you can. Football may look easy when watching it on television, but that’s far from the truth. It’s a very physically demanding sport that also take a lot of brain power. You need to remember patterns and think on your feet with little notice to succeed. All of this takes practice.
The more work you put into better your skills, the more playing time you will see. Even though natural talent helps, work ethic is more important to be a true success. All coaches would much rather have players who are hard workers than someone with natural talent but is lazy.
If you play a defensive position such as a linebacker or defensive lineman, learn to tip the ball away from the receiver. The best way to learn this is by watching film of successful tips and practicing with your teammates. When the ball is thrown, look at its trajectory and run toward where it will land. Then, jump and smack at the ball as it passes above you.
The heart of any football training regime is developing strength through basic lifts. Beginners should start with a simple plan, which typically includes bench, squat and incline, as well as press, deadlift and rows. Remember, however, that increasing strength must go hand-in-hand with movement training on the field that focuses on speed and agility.
Football training takes a toll on your body if you do not have a consistent recovery plan. This does not mean taking time off from training during the off-season periods. It means allowing your body to recuperate every night and on days off. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night, drink plenty of water (not sodas) and soak in epsom salts three times a week.
Learn how many points each action is worth. Touchdowns are six points. Extra point conversions are worth one point. Two point conversions are two points. Field goals are worth three points. Safeties are two points. Knowing how many pits these are worth can help your team form game plans that will win the game.
A great attitude wins games. Even the best players will fail if they are negative or unfocused. If you stay positive, targeting your goals as you play and practice, you will achieve them. Do what it takes to remember why you play in the first place to stay on top of your game.
You should not play football if the weather is too extreme. Sure, football is often played in all kinds of weather. Professional players have been out in sleet, snow, and rain. Of course, if playing conditions are not safe, the game is stopped. You should do likewise. Playing through rough weather can lead to bad injuries.
Check for ideal conditions before you play the game. Be certain that the football field is safe and level. Avoid playing on a field with holes and dips. You should dress properly for the weather conditions. Consider these things ahead of time so you can keep your mind on the game when you are playing.
While dedication to football is a must, you still should take a break at the minimum one day every week. If you refuse this rest, other areas of life will suffer, and your body will not get the healing that it needs. Be sure to spend time with family and friends on your days off.
Flexibility is the key to increasing speed. If you are very flexible, you can run faster. As you work out, build your flexibility and you will become faster as a result. The more you work on your body itself, the more speed you will get and the better you will play.
To improve your lateral speed, do lateral lunges during your workouts. Stand in an athletic stance and lunge to the side. Your thigh should remain parallel to the ground. Go back to the starting position and then lunge to the other side. Do six to twelve repetitions on each side.
Football injuries and conditions can be treated with either heat or cold. Heat aids in opening up the blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation. This increases circulation. Heat is most commonly used for chronic conditions due to overuse and for tightness in the muscles. It is also often used in rehabilitation of severe football injuries.
No matter what your skill level, there is always room for improving your basic football skills. One important strategy to playing a better game is to keep up a rigorous fitness routine even during the off season. The dedication you demonstrate to conditioning during the off season will keep you in shape for game day.
Be aware of the clock. Like basketball and soccer, there’s a clock that you need to consider in football. If you neglect keeping up on the time left, you can make critical errors that lead to turnovers and missed opportunities. Make sure your teammates are aware of the time as well.
Jumpin’ Jiminy! Now you can be a great football player! Learn everything this article has to offer and read even more if you hope to improve further. Eventually, your perseverance will come through as you will be the best player out there.
