What exactly does the sport of football mean personally to you? Do you enjoy playing it as a hobby? Do you watch it on the tube? Do you play in school and dream of making it to the pros? No matter which of these applies to you, the following article can help you become a better player.

Be aware of what your teammates have to say. Even if you disagree, you all share the goal of winning. Their insight might be the thing that puts your team over the top.

TIP! There is no “I” in football. Your teammates are there to offer you support.

Always wear safety equipment when playing football. Otherwise, you are risking serious injury. If you aren’t wearing the correct gear, then you shouldn’t be playing. Football injuries can range from a minor bruise to something life-altering such as paralysis. Those things can stop you from playing forever.

You must weight train if you want to be a successful football player. You have to strengthen your body to better your play. Use basic lifts as well as heavy ones to increase your strength and speed. Both of which are necessary for a football player.

Workout on a regular basis. This is much better than staring a routine and dumping it the following week. The best way to benefit from working out is to find a great routine and do it several times a week. Try to prevent the stopping and starting of different workout plans.

TIP! Listen to what your teammates are saying. Sometimes emotions run high and there will be disagreements, but if you all work for the same goal, you’ll succeed.

The greatest football players are extremely agile. To help improve flexibility, try several exercises such as jumping rope, jumping over cones and running through tires. Power, speed and quick reflexes are requirements for strong players. Each of these involves quick thinking, speed and coordination. You’ll become more agile when doing these exercises.

In order to help improve your speed learn how to lead off with both feet. Many people favor one foot over the other, but you should learn to use both. If you learn to adapt to using your other foot, you can really pick up the pace and out maneuver opponents better.

If you figure out a maneuver that is effective, limit the use of it so that it will remain effective. You may think using a successful move often is smart, but your opponents may begin anticipating your next move.

Stiff Arm

If you are playing as the receiver or runningback, use the stiff arm technique. Not only does the stiff arm keep defensive players at a distance, it also increases your yards. Just stick out your arm straight.

Develop good passing routes. Do not expect receivers to run straight up on the field. They utilize various types of routes such as slants and crossing routes. A crossing route refers to the play when the receiver runs forward and then turns across the field. When running diagonally across the field, it is called a slant route. Either of these routes can be used to get the ball quickly up the field.

TIP! The stiff arm technique is a great tool for runningbacks and receivers. The stiff arm is great because it buys you some time and yards, and can even fend off a defending player completely.

If you’re trying to catch a football during a rain storm, you need to have good technique. Keep your feet pointed toward the ball to prevent slipping. This allows you to have more control when you catch the ball. You also need to keep the hips and chest aligned with the legs. Put your hands at the front and sides of the ball.

If you only give half of your effort when it comes to football, you will only get half a reward. You’ll be upset at yourself if your mediocre effort means you’ve lost the game for everyone because of your laziness. Use whatever passion you feel to work toward getting a win.

Shoulder pads are perhaps the most recognizable element of protective football gear. Check to be sure they fit correctly right before you take the field. Make sure they aren’t moving around and in tip top shape. You don’t want them to break during a game from a hard hit, because this can injure you at the time or risk more injury later.

TIP! It’s important to be in shape when tryouts come around. You should take part in both cardio and strength training exercises.

No matter why you play football, you should not ignore your passion for the game. You will see your skills improving when you have a thorough understanding of the sport and how to play it. Keep practicing and implementing these tips in order to become the best football player possible.