Those who watch football enjoy seeing their favorite players block, tackle and make plays while running at full speed. The nature of football demands strength in order to play effectively and survive the collisions that occur week-in and week-out during the season. Many teams combine weight and resistance training programs that build muscles and develop a player's strength. The level of strength needed to compete in football depends on the particular position a player takes on the field.
Offensive Backs
Quarterbacks must have the leg strength to back away from center and hand the football off to a running back or set up quickly to throw passes. A quarterback also needs a strong arm to deliver the football to a receiver before defenders can break up the pass. Running backs need strong arms and hands to protect the football during collisions with tacklers, and leg strength to maintain their balance and forward momentum.
Offensive Linemen
Offensive linemen use their upper body and legs to make blocks for running backs and pass protection. A combination of agility and strength is needed to succeed as an offensive lineman. The level of upper body and lower body strength must increase as linemen move up in class and are assigned to block bigger players.
Defensive Backs
Linebackers use the strength in their legs to move laterally and set up to make tackles. Proper technique requires upper body and arm strength to ward off blockers. Defensive backs need strong, upper leg muscles to backpedal into pass coverage, along with upper body strength needed to tackle running backs and receivers.
Defensive Linemen
Powerful legs and strong arms are basic requirements for defensive linemen. Coaches teach defensive linemen to use this combination in order to get offensive linemen off balance and move them to one side, creating a path to a running back or quarterback. Similar to offensive linemen, defensive linemen must increase their strength level as they move up in class and are assigned to take on bigger players.
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