Elementary Sports Practicing Tips

Strength and conditioning: Up Downs

The popular conditioning drill known as up downs is a very effective way to increase cardiovascular activity and endurance. This drill consists of having players run in place as fast and as hard as they can. From time to time the coach will signal to the players, by whistle or a command, to get down meaning that they drop down do a push up and get back up as quickly as possible to run again. As up downs require endurance and strength, players are encouraged to start in slow short burst and work up to longer and more intense sessions.

Learning the Plays from the Playbook

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. Rule number one in starting out a new play is following your coach's instructions. As you start to practice the play make sure to slow it down, there is no sense in practicing errors. Practice is a great time to get some extra help, so if you are struggling with a certain play remember that your coaches are there to help you master the techniques. Always, always ask for the help that you need. 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!

Running with the Ball: The Gauntlet Drill

Ball security has to be the most important aspect of a strong offensive team. This is especially true for a running back or wide receiver as they will carry the ball more often than others on the field, but it is a good idea for all positions to practice a little ball security. That is why the gauntlet drill was created, to test and practice effective ball security. This drill is set up with one ball carrier, there objective is to run through a group of opponents that try to knock the ball out. The opponents can line up in any scenario, the most common being two lines and the ball carrier must run through them. To be effective with this drill have the ball carrier run the drill holding the ball in several different positions.

Football Catching Fundamentals

Catching the football properly and effectively is fundamental to a strong offense. The points of a proper catch are: First, opening up your hands with an open triangle. Second, keep your eyes on the ball through the entire catch. Third, roll the ball into a secure ball position before you take your eyes off the ball. The problem is that receivers have a tenancy to start looking down the field before they have the ball properly secured. This increases fumbles and turnovers. 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.