You should work to perfect your skills to better your team. Game play will definitely improve if all the players are aware of what they need to work on and take advice from pros. Check out this article for some good advice and tips to help you improve your game.

Keep safety in mind when you play football. Always practice the habit of safety, whether you are in the weight room, on the field for practice, during game time and even celebrating after a win (or coping with a loss). Wear seat belts when driving and protective gear when working out.

TIP! Always listen to the other players on your team. Disagreements will likely happen and you must remember that they are the members of your team and want the win as much as you do.

Football players must weight train. It is important to engage in a year round weight training regimen specifically tailored to help your football game. To better both your speed and your strength, use a combo of basic lifting and lifting heavy weights, too. These skills are needed to be the best player you can be.

Agility is king when it comes to playing football. Some good exercises which increase agility are jumping rope, running across tires and jumping above cones. Football is a game of fast moves and seizing the moment. Each of these involves quick thinking, speed and coordination. These exercises will increase your agility and make you a valuable member of the team.

Learn how to use your feet effectively for better speed and overall performance. For many people they rely on only one foot to jump start them when playing. If you work on using both feet to start your moves, you can quickly get by your opponent.

TIP! Increase your coordination and agility by using ladder drills. These are critical to football fitness regimens.

If you are playing as the receiver or runningback, use the stiff arm technique. Stiff arms can get you a few extra yards or in some instances completely get you away from a defender. This technique involves pressing forward with your arm extended straight out.

Your work ethic affects the amount of field time you will get. Even though natural talent plays an important role, work ethic is even more important. A coach would rather have a player who is willing to work hard and learn over a lazy player with natural abilities.

You should try to make sure you can kick a 50 yard field goal, if you are in a kicking position. In order to be able to kick the ball for a long distance, the kicker will need to incorporate leg strengthening exercises into their workout routine. You must also work on your flexibility in order to do long kicks with ease. Stretching often each day can help to develop flexibility in your muscles, and maintain it.

TIP! Kickers should aim to make field goals of fifty yards or more. Weight training can help build the strength needed to kick very long distances.

Most people think of extreme physical strength when they think of football, but stamina is equally important. To better stamina, choose a cardio routine to do for about an hour a day. This can be running, cycling or even stair climbing. Choose a simple exercise that you can keep doing for a while.

The most important part of a football game is scoring a touchdown. The biggest goal for the offensive team in every game where they get the ball is to make a touchdown. To score a touchdown, a player must run the ball over the opposing team’s goal line or catch a pass in that end zone. When a player crosses the line while clutching the football, that’s a touchdown. Touchdowns earn six points.

Sometimes football players need to bulk up their muscle mass for their position. Even though you should eat large amounts of food, you should ensure that you’re still eating healthfully. Try to increase calorie intake without all the unhealthy fat. Eat as much healthy food as possible.

TIP! Develop great routes for passing. Receivers don’t usually just run straight lines on the field.

Shoulder pads are an obvious yet essential aspect to protective football gear. Be sure yours fit well before you play in a game. You don’t want them to be too loose. Being hit with substandard pads can not only break them, but cause injury as well.

When you apply to colleges, provide some highlights of your play via DVD. Apply to a number of different schools. Remember to think about your desired level of education, too.

Your personal goal to be to hustle during every practice. Playing a game of football will require a large amount of energy. In order to get the speed and tackles that you need to, you’ll need to give your all when playing. It is all about hustle. Try your best and you will see an improvement very soon.

TIP! Warm up well prior to playing, practicing, or working out. Injuries can keep you out for a long time.

Remember to train your mind as well. Envision yourself as you play your position. Research has shown that when you do mental practice, that actually improves your game. Try visualizing yourself making the perfect wrap tackle, or catching the ball with both hands. Then your mind is better prepared during a game.

Enthusiasm and excellence is contagious, so do not underestimate the effect you can have on other members of your team. They are going to find their own way to seek improvement, and your team will improve as a result. By implementing these tips, you can become an awesome player right now.