Starting a football career is a decision that many young people make every year. Once players understand the commitment of time in practice and the effort needed to get in top shape for football, preparing for this career then becomes all about improving players' skill levels. Players need to listen to their coaches to learn the proper technique for the various skills in the game, and work on them with diligence.
Throwing Mechanics
If you are interested in becoming a quarterback, you must work on your throwing mechanics: footwork, setup, delivery and follow through. The delivery may be the most important of these factors. Step directly at your target, leading with the foot opposite your passing arm. Make sure your chest and hips are in alignment with the target. Bring your passing arm back, with your helmet high, then come forward with your passing hand directly to the target. When you finish, the palm of your passing hand should rotate down to the outside. This will help keep the ball straight.
Running the Ball
When you run, the first thing you must do is provide a secure target for the quarterback, who will place the football in your midsection. If the play is to your right, place your right arm underneath your left. If the play is to the left, place your left arm underneath your right. Drive hard with your legs, lean low while still maintaining your balance and fend off tacklers with your inside arm--so if the play is to the right, use your left arm to push tacklers away.
Catching the Ball
Always use your hands to catch the ball. This may seem obvious, but players often use their body to cushion the ball and catch after it rebounds off their own body. This is a mistake. Put your hands out in front of your body and give your quarterback a target while you are running a pass pattern. Put your hands in a diamond formation to form the target and then gather the ball into your body after you catch it in your hands.
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