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.
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.
By properly utilizing both feet you improve your overall game. Most players have one foot that they perform better with than the other. If you can use both feet then you will be a much more versatile player.
Keep a positive attitude at all times when playing football. Even if you feel down about your performance, keep things up beat and focus on the game at hand. A negative attitude will not only pull your play down, but it will also become contagious and infect the attitude of the entire team.
Record your gameplay. Football is all about plays and patterns, so you need a way to watch how you specifically did out on the field. Was your pattern off? Was the quarterback expecting you in a different locale all together? Did you come up too short on your turn-around? When you can see it, you can change it much more easily.
Get used to playing off of your weaker foot. If you’re like many athletes, you’ll favor one foot over another. It’ll tend to be the foot that you pivot on and use for running fakes. If you want to confuse the opponent covering you, surprise them with some moves using your weaker side. It’ll give you some real advantage.
If you are a quarterback, it is important to tweak your throwing mechanics. This is done by learning proper footwork. When throwing the ball make sure that the toe of the foot opposite of your passing arm is pointed toward your receiver. Line your hips and chest toward your intended target and keep your arm close to your helmet. As you release the ball allow your arm to continue its intended path downwards.
Flexibility is just as important to a football player as body mass and speed. Don’t limit stretching to the few minutes prior to practice or games. Instead, make stretching an integral part of everyday activities. Focus on your back, hamstrings, glutes and hips. Even if you only have five minutes, take advantage of them.
Work on agility. A few great exercises include rope jumping, tire running, and cone slaloms. This can help you stay limber and agile when on the field to become a better player. Blend agility moves into every workout and football practice.
Football is a mental sport like others. Close your eyes, focus and visualize yourself on the field, in your given position. There have been many studies about how imagining success on the field (or anywhere) can really improve your abilities. See yourself talking a player or catching the ball, and you just might do it for real.
Keep control of the ball by running to gain yardage. You may not gain as much territory running the ball but you are much less likely to turn the ball over to the other team. Combine passing plays to catch the defense off guard and gain more yardage. Good blocking by the offense gives the quarterback enough time to throw the ball accurately.
Learn the proper way to get your body ready to play football. You must be sure to stretch all of your muscles prior to playing. If you are the least bit unsure about your techniques when stretching, ask a coach or an experienced player. You do not want to stretch incorrectly and not have your muscles ready for play.
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.