Having football knowledge allows you to enjoy the game much more. To learn more about the whole game, read some simple insights here that will considerably expand your knowledge. After reading this article, you will have a firm foundation in football.

Practice kicking in football. Kicking is not a primary skill in the game, but it’s still very important to do well. Too many players don’t spend enough time practicing their kicking skills. A poor kick can be the critical deciding factor between a win and a loss.

TIP! Don’t ever step onto the field without your protective gear. There’s too much of an injury risk.

Football is comprised with so many strategies and techniques that there is always something new to learn. You can make up for lack of speed or strength with agility or quick reflexes. If you aren’t physically bigger, be mentally stronger.

You have to be able to intuitively tell what’s next by the opposition’s formation. One key to anticipating plays is to watch the receiver, see where he lines up on the field. Watch other teams play and keep a logbook of their plays.

Try using some kind of dance in your training to become a great football player. It works on your footwork and your stamina, too. Fancy footwork can better your ability when you’re it counts on the field.

Field Goals

Your team will score extra points if you’re able to kick field goals. In fourth-down situations, kicking a successful field goal gives your team three valuable points. Field goals should only be attempted when your kicker can make the field goal. Field goals result in three points.

Do shuttle runs to build your endurance, stamina and to learn to stop quickly. Start one end of the field, sprint to the line for ten yards and touch it. Then reverse back to the goal line and tap it. Do as many of these as you can each day and you will be able to see a marked improvement.

TIP! Practice kicking, even if you are not the kicker. Kicking is not something you do often, but it is still a very important skill.

Develop great routes for passing. It is not typical for a receiver to pursue a straight path up a field. There are many routes, including slants and crossing routes. Receivers sometimes run forward in a play and then cut across the field. This is called a crossing route. A slant route has a diagonal line straight to the ball. You can use either route to quickly advance the ball down the field.

Football players are some of the only people that must often focus on gaining weight. When bulking up, eat wisely. Increase calories, but don’t increase your fat intake. Blend olive oil and other healthy ingredients into health shakes, pasta dishes and vegetable blends.

Technique is key when catching a wet ball. Your feet should point towards the ball to avoid slipping. This offers you better control when you do catch the ball. Keep your hips and chest over your legs. Each hand should be on the sides of the football, in the front.

TIP! You must stay healthy to play football. This includes proper warm-ups before you get into the game.

Football players need to be aware of their body. You should be careful with your diet and pay attention to the way you feel after a workout session or after a game. The slightest sign of pain needs to be dealt with immediately.

As a receiver, it is important to work on your speed. Set up a running area to practice increasing your speed. Do this by putting 2 cones 10 yards apart. Run as quickly as possible from one side to the next and then record your time. Then make it a goal to beat your previous time. Doing these types of sprints help to increase takeoff speeds.

Now you know all there is to know about football. There’s even more than this on the field! These are just some very basic strategies. Fortunately, you’ve just boosted your football knowledge by reading this article.