So you want to become a better fan of football but you aren’t sure where to begin? Even though there is a lot to learn about the game, with simple tips about understanding strategies anyone can be well-versed on football. If you seek knowledge about the game and don’t know where to start, look below for all your answers!
Learn how to control the things that you can control in the game and let go of the things that you cannot. If you drop a pass or let a receiver get by you, you need to learn how to let it go. Each play is different, if you mess up on one, do not let it control the rest of your game.
When you practice, try playing with both feet. Most people favor one foot or the other and it takes practice to learn how to use both. If you concentrate on your weaker foot, you will notice dramatic improvements in form, stability and quickness. Kick the football repeatedly against a wall to strengthen your weaker foot.
Don’t be afraid to be intimidating as a football player, because this can really help your game. When opponents think you’re bad and know you’re going to hit them hard, it can change the way they play and cause them to make mistakes. Be known as somebody they really don’t want to face, and you have an advantage before you even show off your real playing ability.
Practice your perseverance and inner strength. It may seem weird, but it’s very important! A football game is surprisingly long when you’re playing it. There will be times your body is ready to give up. There will be other times that you’re just mentally exhausted. You need to practice pushing through these moments. Remember your team needs you, so persevere and be there.
A great tip is to practice plays as much as you can if you’re an offensive lineman. You need to be able pull off the right block every time, and the only way to achieve this is to practice as much as you possibly can. Your runningbacks and receivers will thank you.
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.
To prevent the ball from bouncing off your body, catch the ball away from your body. The rule of thumb is that if you can touch the football, you should be able to catch it. After making a successful catch, pull the ball close to your body and run to gain more yardage.
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.
Building your physical endurance is essential to all of your footballs skills. Running is a great way to build endurance and you can start by running around your house or neighborhood. Time yourself, and then gradually try to beat your best time. Add cones or other obstacles for increased intensity.
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.
Be vigilant about staying hydrated with water during football practice and games. It is estimated that a football player wearing a uniform can become dehydrated in as little as 30 minutes. Water is essential for hydration, as well as for transporting oxygen and nutrients to the tissues of your body.
To better your football game, consider running track. Speed is a huge part of playing football, whether you are running the ball down the field or stopping someone who is. Track can help you build the right muscles to make yourself faster, including your footwork, which will bleed into your football skills.
Often professional players make mistakes during a game due to overheating. Heat exhaustion can impair a player’s decision making capabilities and mental capacity. Inside stadiums are temperature controlled but others may need to place a cold pack inside their helmets to keep cool. They protect the player from heat, but also help pad your skull more to prevent injuries.
If you want the clock to be run down, run the ball. If you’re tackles, the clock won’t stop, and more time can be wasted that way. It should be obvious though that this strategy only works if you keep making first downs. Yet, if you want this to work, it can.
Support your fellow teammates off the field. Being a team doesn’t end when you leave the football stadium. Real trust is built when you take that loyalty and show it off well away from the line of scrimmage. Be there when a teammate needs a friend. It can do a lot to build team character.
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.
Now that you read this great article about football, you see how it can be broken down and simplified so most people can understand it better. All it takes is a commitment to gather in as much knowledge about football as you can soak up. By reading these tips it has given you a great basis to figuring out this sometimes complex game.
