Every football team will have certain plays. It will be essential to learn your part in that play to benefit yourself, and the whole team. In order to start learning a play, make sure that you first pay attention to the instructions when they are given. A lot of habits can form in the first couple of practice plays, for this sake it is a good idea to take them slow at the start. Remember that if you need help, you should ask for it. At times we have seen a player fail to advance or refine their techniques because they don't ask for added assistance. Don't let this happen to you The last helpful hint that we want you to learn is the power of visualization. Go over the plays in your mind, over and over again. Make your mind work them out and your muscles memorize them even when you sleep
Protecting the football as you run
A team that prevents fumbles is a team that wins. There is nothing worse than almost getting a first down or even a touchdown and fumbling the ball, for this reason there is a great need for ball security. There are four points to protecting the football. First grab the football with your carrying hand with the tips of the football being covered with your fingers. The second point is making sure that your forearm is wrapped tightly on the outer rim of the football. Third, pull the football in close to your bicep to protect it from opponent’s jabs and attempts to make you fumble. Last point is to hold the back of the football right up against the ribcage and as you run keep it high and tight. As a player, you will want to make sure that you are well practiced in this skill, and as a coach you should dedicate some time to ball carrying skills. In this way you can practice great defensive moves to force a fumble, and also focus on offensive ball protection.
Catching the ball high
As a receiver, or any player that is going to catch a pass, you know that not all passes are going to go right to the chest. Here are some simple steps when making a high catch: When you go to make the high catch extend your arms, but keep your hands close together with your hands coming together in a diamond formation. Never catch or try to catch a ball with your body, especially a high ball. Important Tip: never, ever, under any circumstances, for any reason, take your eyes off the ball; even after you have caught it watch the ball until you know that it is safely in your grips. When you practice a high catch you are going to perform it subconsciously on the field, so remember extend the arms, catch and follow through.
How to overpower on the line of scrimmage
In various plays whether you are on offense or defense you will want to have a strategic advantage over your opponents. Use the proven technique of double teaming to get great results on the field This play is simple, double up and push through. The strategy works for putting a hole in the line of scrimmage as two easily overpowers one. Here are some pointers for this strategy: First, players need to step together, and second lock hips. This forms an impenetrable line in the middle and as each lineman is on the edge of the opponent it will be very difficult to go around. Hit the shoulders hard and pin the opponent down as you drive them back. To be effective the double team has to work in a fast blitz like maneuver.
