Boosting Middle School Sports Preparation

Practice can help turnovers

In order to win football games you need to have possession of the football. Win your games by training your defense to use a strong tackle that strips the ball from the opponent. A great way to practice is have two players line up, one as the defense, the other with the football as the offense. The point is to have the defensive player throw the fist into the football causing the offensive player to fumble the football. Start the drill slowly, and reward for a strong tackle that affectively tackles and makes an attack to dislodge the offensive players grip on the ball.

Drive Block

Driving and blocking are the bases for a good lineman. The most traditional or basic block is a drive block. This drive block means that you are going to push the opponent in the direction that they are aligned. It starts with the lineup, when you are facing your opponent notice which way they are aligned, if they are off to the right then you will drive them to the right if the play is occurring on the left side of the field. When executing this block start with your play side foot, meaning if the play is on the right side of you it will be your right foot. Move quickly and in a speed bursting motion, make solid contact with your opponent to drive them off in the direction that you want.

Proper Catching Leads to Great Ball Security

To insure a proper catch, a receiver must secure the football into a proper carrying position. A great catch can be broken down into three steps: First, keep your arms extended out in front of your body with your hands out forming an imaginary triangle with your fingers and thumbs. Second, keep your eyes on the ball through the entire catch. Third, secure the ball tight and high against your ribs, forearm, and biceps. Bad habits can form easily as many receivers look away mid catch to scan the field for defenders. This error leads to incomplete passes or worse, a fumble. In order to increase catching and ball security effectiveness have two receivers pass to each other, when one of them catches the ball make sure that they slow the motion down pausing when they catch, follow through, and secure the football.

Powerful Blocking Strategy: Double Teaming

In various plays whether you are on offense or defense you will want to have a strategic advantage over your opponents. One such strategy or technique is the use of double teaming on the line of scrimmage. It is basically putting two linemen on one. This technique is effective for punching a hole through the line and getting a running back through, or it also works great on a defensive blitz. To execute this properly have both linemen step together at the same time and lock their hips together. Next, form a wall, an impenetrable block that the opposing teams linemen cant break. Concentrate on this wall so that the opponent cannot duck around or go through the double team. Work it fast and work it hard!