Football is a sport that requires strength, power, athleticism, speed and a coordinated game plan. It has consistently been ranked as the most popular sport in the United States since the mid-1960s, according to the Harris Poll. When you are going to play football, you need to work to get into top condition and then spend the rest of your practice time learning how to block, tackle, run the ball and catch it.
Step 1
Drive your hands up into your opponent's chest and keep your arms within the frame of your shoulders to block effectively when you are on offense. Whether you are a passing team or a running team, you can't do either effectively unless you block effectively. After hitting your opponent in the chest, you must chop your feet and move your opponent backwards to run block effectively. When you are pass-blocking, you don't have to push your opponent forward, but you must hold your ground and not let the defensive lineman push you backwards.
Step 2
Find the ball carrier when you are playing defense. This may involve taking on a blocker and tossing him aside first, or you may be able to knife around the blockers and make the tackle. Always drive your shoulder into the midsection of the ball carrier and wrap him up with your arms. Never lead with your helmet when tackling or blocking because that can lead to a catastrophic injury.
Step 3
Secure the ball by placing your fingertips over the point and placing the other end close to your shoulder when you are running the ball. No matter how fast or strong you are as a runner, you won't do your team any good if you can't hold on to the football. By holding the ball properly, you can concentrate on following your blockers and then exploding onto the open field.
Step 4
Throw the football to your open receivers if you are the quarterback. This means you have to know the patterns that your receivers are running and when they will make a move, so you can throw to them in stride. A good passing game can devastate the opposing defense, but to get there, your passing game must be cohesive, as a result of significant practice. Throwing the ball accurately requires that the quarterback steps into his throw and follows through to get enough velocity behind the ball and to throw it accurately.
Step 5
Kick the ball with precision when you are attempting field goals. This is another aspect of the game that requires precision and timing between the center, holder and the placekicker. Kicking is a part of "special teams" play that is vital when it comes to winning. To win games, teams have to win on offense, defense and special teams. Special teams also includes punting, kickoffs, kick returns and punt returns.
Member Comments