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Tips for Defense...
Position - all defenders must be in the proper alignment to carry out assignments correctly.
Defensive Blow - the correct method of warding off the initial block of an offensive lineman must be used correctly and executed.
Recognize Pass and React - basically never give up the big play by being beat deep.
Reading Keys - defenders must immediately read and react to the established keys to determine if the play will be a run or a pass.
Protect Your Territory - each player has a certain territory that is his responsibility to protect; to be successful he must:
Know and understand fully what the territory is
What techniques must be utilized to protect it
Curtail the inclination to 'help' teammates protect their areas until primary job is done
Pursuit - once the initial territory has been secured, the defender becomes a pursuer. Know the proper line of pursuit and then carry it out full speed.
Gang Tackle - the final principle is to be sure that each time the ball carrier declares the running path, all able and available defensive personnel are prepared to "share the meat."
Pile up - not on.
Prevent the break away run.
Create turnovers.
Tips for QB's...
1. Be a Leader: Leaders are players who make good decisions on and off the field. They motivate their fellow teammates to give their all. They are passionate. When two players have nearly equal skills, coaches will always give the opportunity to the player with stronger leadership. Aside from statistics, college and NFL scouts look for prospects with an incredible work ethic and good character.
2. Keep Your Throwing elbow Up: One of the most common habits of untrained quarterbacks is to drop the elbow of the throwing arm. This causes the ball to be thrown "side arm". Throwing the ball side arm creates tremendous torque on the elbow joint and makes it more difficult to throw the ball with accuracy. Work to keep the elbow above the shoulder through the release.
3. Practice Accuracy: Accuracy should be your number one goal with every throw. Regardless of whether you're warming up or throwing the long ball, always strive for a precise target. Practice drills which test and improve your accuracy for all types of throws.
4. Quick Feet: Jumping rope, carioca, quick footwork and drills which improve foot speed are essential for quarterbacks. Footwork is the foundation of a solid drop.
5. Strengthen the Core: The secret to a strong ball is not only a strong arm, but core strength. Activities which enhance the strength of the abs, obliques, hips and gluts will help put velocity on your ball. Quarterbacks can improve the explosive strength of these muscles by combining medicine or weighted balls with throws, rotations and ab work.
6. Good Attitude: Respect your coaches and fellow teammates. While privately you may not agree with your coaches approach, never openly challenge his technique. Remain positive. Use body language that says you're a winner, alert and open to constructive criticism. Ask your coach what you can do to improve your game. A player with a good attitude and outstanding work ethic will always have a better opportunity to start.
7. Head Steady/Eyes Focused: While you certainly don't want to broadcast to your defender where you plan to throw, once you've located your man, zero in on your target. Keep the head steady, eyes focused and make the pass.
8. Explode away from the Center: On all drops, explode away from the center with speed and confidence and purpose. Practice various drops as often as you practice your pass - daily!
9. Warm-up Gradually: The shoulder and the elbow joint are extremely susceptible to injury. Don't assume your arm is warm simply because the body is warm. Reduce your risk for injury by warming the shoulder with slow controlled movement including circumduction to promote the production of synovial fluid and improved range of motion for the rotator cuff.
10. Improve your grip: Next to an interception, the worst thing a quarterback can do is fumble the ball causing an unnecessary turn-over. Quarterbacks with "sticky" hands practice releasing, gripping and grabbing the ball. Drills like those covered Camp Quarterback Live! will improve your ability to recover and maintain a rock solid grip on the ball.
Strength & Conditioning Tip
Nutrition
Consuming a sound diet does not have to be complicated and complex. But it is very important for you to eat well in order to have the fuel you need to play and compete at your best. This week's tip will cover the basics of nutrition.
Make sure you eat 3 balanced meals each day and an additional 2-3 nutritional snacks. Eat a variety of foods and try to limit any fast-food intake, especially on game days. The two most important times to make sure you get the energy you need are at breakfast and after training.
The importance of eating properly after training or competing is often overlooked. The emphasis has always been placed on pre-game or pre-training meals, which are important. However, replenishing and replacing the energy and fluids used during practice or games is very important to prevent muscle breakdown. This means eating a meal with carbohydrates, protein, and a little fat, plus re-hydrating with water or a sports drink. While a good healthy meal is important on game day, don't forget how important a healthy breakfast is every day and to eat well after practice or a game to aid recovery.
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