Football is a difficult and demanding sport that requires speed, athleticism, coordination, strength, toughness and skill. Perhaps the most important thing needed to play the game is the will to play. Some athletes may have all the athleticism needed to excel, but if they don't want to practice and play hard under difficult circumstances they will not be effective players.
Step 1
Learn the positions that you can play. Quarterback, running back, receiver and offensive line are the positions on the offensive side of the ball while defensive line, linebacker and defensive back are the defensive positions. Most longtime observers believe that the quarterback is the most important position since he will either throw the ball, run with it or hand it off on every snap of the ball. Passing the ball under duress is a difficult task and takes significant practice.
Step 2
Learn how to pass the football. Hold the football in your dominant hand with your fingers lined up along the laces in the middle of the ball. Your thumb should be extended underneath your fingers. Bring the ball up to your ear and snap your wrist as you bring it forward.
Step 3
Catch the football by extending your arms out in front of you and looking the ball into your hands and then gathering it into your body. Do not let the ball hit your body and attempt to catch it as it rebounds off your body. Your hands should accept the impact of the ball reaching its destination and then bring it in.
Step 4
Understand that blocking is the key to having success on the offensive side of the ball. Get down in a three-point stance with your dominant hand and two feet on the ground. At the snap of the ball, drive your dominant shoulder into your opponent standing on the opposite side of the line of scrimmage. Keep moving your feet forward and use your hands to direct your opponent to one side to the other. Do not take hold of your opponent's uniform with your hands.
Step 5
Know that tackling is the final key to being a successful football player. In order to tackle your opponent, drive your shoulder into your opponent's midsection and wrap your arms around him while driving him to the ground. Finishing off the tackling process will prevent your opponent from gaining extra yards. Tackling successfully is one of the keys to playing winning football. It is a matter of will and desire and not letting go when you get a chance to bring your opponent down.
Tips and Warnings
- Lift weights and run every day in order to get stronger and in better shape.
- Do not lead with your head when tackling. It can lead to serious injury.
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