You're ready to kick off your football career, but you don't know whether you should be dreaming of catching the game-winning touchdown pass, terrorizing the quarterback on the blitz or playing any of the various other roles on a football team. Unlike sports like baseball, where there are only a few general skills needed for most positions, football is highly specialized. Choosing the best position for you will depend largely on your size and physical strengths.
Step 1
Gauge your arm strength. If you have a stronger arm than most of your peers and can deliver the ball accurately, quarterback may be the spot for you. Play catch with a coach and ask him for honest feedback about your arm strength. Keep in mind, though, that many kids grow up dreaming of playing quarterback, and because there's only one on the field at all times, competition for playing time will be fierce. Size-wise, you don't need to be massive to play quarterback, but if you're shorter than the others, you'd better have some extra foot speed to make up for it.
Step 2
Assess your size. If you're taller and heavier than most of the other players, you'll likely end up on the defensive or offensive line. Offensive linemen are often said to be the smartest players on the field because of the complex blocking schemes they have to master, so you'll need some brains to go along with your brawn. If chasing the quarterback is your thing -- and you have good quickness -- give defensive end a try. If you have brute strength but not much agility, try becoming a run-stuffing defensive tackle.
Step 3
Try your skills in the defensive backfield. Defensive backs are among the most agile, speedy players on a defense. If you're able to shift directions quickly and enjoy taking on the challenge of defending the opponent's fastest players, the defensive backfield is your likely destination. While these skills are vital to most positions, their importance is heightened at defensive back. Larger defensive backs who like to hit often end up at safety, whereas the smaller, speedier types play cornerback. Test your skills by covering the fastest receiver you know in practice. If you're able to keep him from making a home in the end zone, this might be your best position.
Step 4
Get the ball and go. If you find that when you play in practices or pick-up games, you're finding your way to the end zone frequently, you're probably a natural-born running back or wide receiver. The speedier, leaner players with the best hands are often wide receivers, whereas players with a combination of strength, speed and vision are ticketed for running back.
Step 5
Evaluate your other options. If you have a strong leg, you can contribute to the team as a kicker or punter. If you're slightly smaller but also faster than most of the offensive linemen on the team, tight end might be your best bet. And if you have a mix of muscle, speed and toughness, give linebacker a shot. Linebackers must be hard-nosed and willing to initiate violent collisions on every play, so if you don't like to mix it up, look elsewhere. If you find that you're often driven backward when trying to make one-on-one tackles -- linebackers are often required to tackle in the open field -- you'll need to put on muscle or seek another position.
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