If you’re like millions of other people, you enjoy the sport of football. It’s fun to watch, and it’s definitely fun to play. Could you benefit from some extra tips that can make you a better player? Continue reading so that you can find out more regarding how to play better football.

You should practice all of the positions so that you can easily slip into one if the need arises. Even if you normally play defense, practice throwing the ball and you might actually get to play as quarterback someday. If you are well rounded, the coach will appreciate your dedication.

To increase accuracy as a kicker, learn the proper way to kick the ball. Many kickers make the mistake of kicking with the front of the foot. Instead, they should be kicking with the side of the foot. It will increase accuracy as well as distance and could win the game.

Give the kicker on the team more than enough practice to perfect his technique and skill. There are many times that a game is won or lost because of the lack of skill on the kicker’s behalf. If the kicker is having problems, dedicate some private practice time with them to assist them with their problems.

A great way to keep yourself in top form for playing football is to run at least 3 miles a day. This is an excellent exercise for your cardiovascular system. When you are near the end of your run, find a hill to run up and down before finishing. This will help increase your strength and play at your best longer.

Running backs are members of the offense. For a running play, the quarterback may pass the ball to a running back who will run the ball as far as he can. When the ball is going in the air, the running back may help protect the quarterback from tacklers or he may try to get open to catch a pass.

Try to focus some of your exercises on increasing speed. Do jumping squats to increase the speed of your reflex muscles. Squat down and jump on a step. Stand straight up and then jump back down and into a squat. Repeat this exercise 40 times daily and gradually increase the height of the step.

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.

Always drink plenty of water when you are practicing or playing football. It is very easy to get dehydrated during a game or during practice. This will not only impact your performance, but it could be dangerous as well. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after any football related activity.

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.

In order to help your knowledge about football you should study the different teams, the conferences and the divisions they play. This helps you follow the sport better so you know if your team has a shot at the playoffs. If you don’t understand how the divisions are made, you will never how well your team is doing in relation to the others.

Don’t try to turn every down into a big play or a scoring opportunity. Think of football as a game that moves ten yards at a time. When you try to make a big move every time you have the ball in your hands, you will leave your team open to turnovers.

Practice whenever you can, even if it’s by yourself. You don’t need to be around your team to get a good practice session in. While it’s helpful, it’s definitely not necessary. You can practice sprinting, agility moves, your patterns, and even catching by throwing the ball high into the air.

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.

Do what you can to get your coach’s good side. Avoid being one of those people who show up late and wonder why everyone is upset. Arrive at your workouts and practices on time to show proper team spirit. Your coach will soon take notice of you in a good way.

To play well, you must throw the football properly. The best way to do it is to grab it and place the index finger onto the 2nd lace back. Pull the ball back by your ear and they push it toward your intended recipient.

It is time to now use the strategies and techniques that you have learned by reading this article about the game of football. Put them into action on the field, and use them to help benefit both you and your team overall. Improving your level of play sure does feel good.