Americans have enjoyed football for quite a long time. That’s a fact. While it may see like a simple sport, it’s pretty complicated. Whether you are an avid fan or an athlete looking to hone your skills, you can only benefit from the football advice provided in the article below.

Safety gear is important when playing football. Football is a very physical sport with collisions. If the proper safety equipment is not available then just don’t play. You could become paralyzed or break a bone. You won’t ever be able to play football again if you get a serious injury.

TIP! If you want to play good football, you have to do some weight training. You have to stick with a good regimen all year to make you the best player you can be.

Treat every play of the game like it was taking place in the final minutes of the Superbowl. Some players go through the motions at times, and miss key plays that they regret later in the season. By giving your all on each play, you can help push your team to success.

Agility is important in football. Football players who work on their agility progress quickly. It’s important so that they can avoid tackles and create memorable catches. Anything that you’re able to do to boost this ability can help you when on the field, like tire running drills or jumping rope.

Stiff Arm

TIP! It is not secret that the most successful football stars have very high levels of agility. Exercises such as running through old tires, leaping over cones and skipping rope will help build your agility.

The stiff arm technique is a great tool for runningbacks and receivers. Not only does the stiff arm keep defensive players at a distance, it also increases your yards. Just stick out your arm straight.

Shuttle runs can build your endurance, stamina and ability to stop quickly. Start at one of the goal lines; run up to the 10 and touch it. Turn around and head back where you came from. Do these every day to improve your skills on the field.

Work hard on your passing routes. Usually a receiver will run in many different areas of the field. There are many routes, including slants and crossing routes. Crossing routes happen when receivers run ahead and then across the football field. A diagonal running lane is called a slant route. Both of these routes move the ball quickly towards the goal line.

Field Goal

Use the unusual “fair-catch-kick” to score. If either team catches a ball from the other team fairly, they can choose to try a field goal by free kicking from where the ball was fielded. You kick the ball with the help of a holder. Like any other field goal, a successful kick will earn your team three points. This down is not timed.

Do good warm ups before playing, practicing, and working out. If you don’t, you could get an injury that leaves you on the sideline for months. Always stretch your muscles prior to exercising, but do make sure that you exercise them so that you are strong on the field.

TIP! Field goal kickers are important players on any team. Try a field goal attempt on fourth down when in the kicker’s range.

Five cones placed in a line about five yards apart will create an obstacle course for you to run to increase the flexibility of your hips. Start the obstacle course, and run between all the cones, moving as quickly as possible. Lean into the turn, and keep your head up while looking down the field.

If you only personally give football a fraction of your potential, you are only going to get a fraction of the rewards. You’ll end up sorry that you contributed to your team’s loss. Play passionately at all times and enjoy more victories.

If you are going to be a great football player, you have to take care of your body. You have to watch what you eat and be aware of how your body feels after each practice and game. Report restricted movements or pain to team physicians immediately.

TIP! Always remember teamwork is important. Even if you dream of standing out, you must be a team player.

If the weather has become extreme and unsafe, do not play football. Football is a game that is played in virtually any weather. You have probably see pro games take place during snow, rain and even sleet. But if it becomes unsafe, those pros get off the field immediately. You need to do the same. Playing in severe weather can risk anything from sprained ankles to broken bones.

If you want to get started with football, ask yourself at which level you can play. If you play with people above your skill level, you may have a miserable day. You don’t want to play with a team that’s below your level either.

If your position is quarterback, it is essential that you improve your footwork. Great footwork is essential to great quarterbacking, because each second in the pocket is critical, maximizing the importance of each step you take. Work on twisting your body and back pedaling, quite often.

TIP! Place five cones about five yards apart and in a straight line to improve hip flexibility. Start down by one side of your cones and make a zigzag pattern, running between each set at maximum speed.

If you are a quarterback, learn to scan the defenders both left to right and right to left. The majority of quarterbacks just scan from the left to the right. By altering your scan patterns you will keep the defense on their toes and not allow them to blindside you from the left over and over again.

Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you know so much more about football. Whether you use the knowledge to play or to cheer your team on, what you have learned will come in handy. No matter where you are watching the game, you can now enjoy it that much more.