John Albert Torres - Top 25 Football Skills, Tips, and Tricks

HE COULD GO ALL THE WAY!

Would you like to throw a football like All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning? Or would you rather learn to slash through defenders like superstar running back Adrian Peterson? It takes a lot of hard work and practice to reach the professional ranks, but even the greatest players have to learn the basics first. And this book is a great place to start. Learn the skills youll need to play the many positions in football and find out some fun tips and tricks from the pros along the way.

John Albert Torres has written a book that will benefit not only every candidate for a football teamyouth to Pop Warner to high school varsitybut one that will provide a valuable assist to coaches also.

About the Author

John Albert Torres, an award-winning journalist living in Florida, has covered international news and has reported from other countries. He is the author of many books for young people.

There are many exciting plays in football. There is the last-second field goal, the interception return for a touchdown, long punt returns, and the running back that outraces everybody else on his way to the end zone.

But perhaps no play during a football game causes everyone to stand up and cheer like watching the quarterback complete a long pass downfield to a speedy wide receiver.

Many things have to occur in order to complete a successful pass play, even a short pass. First, the offensive line must block. Then the quarterback has to spot an open receiver. Next, the quarterback has to deliver a good pass. Finally, the receiverwhether it is a running back, tight end, or wide receiverhas to catch the pass.

A long touchdown pass can be one of the most exciting plays in football. But a successful pass play requires more than just a perfect pass from the quarterback. All eleven players on offense must do their job well to complete a pass.

You have to know how to properly grip a football before you can throw it. The right way for the quarterback to hold a football is by mainly using your fingers. Do not cradle the ball in the palm of your hand. Hand size is also important. If you have small hands, move your hand to the back half of the ball. Average or large-sized hands can hold the ball closer to the center. Run your fingers across the laces and keep your index finger behind the laces, toward the top of the ball. Now you are ready to start throwing. Many coaches tell their quarterbacks to train with a heavier ball, about two pounds, in order to help increase finger and hand strength.

The proper grip of a football is essential to a good throw.

Indianapolis Colts All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning is one of the best in the National Football League (NFL). Manning can deliver passes with pinpoint accuracy, but he has to do more than just throw a perfect spiral. The quarterback must run the offense, which includes calling the plays and reading the defense before the ball is snapped.

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy said All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning is the best when it comes to getting ready for a game. The thing that separates Peyton is his preparation. He never goes into a game when hes not fully prepared. He believes if youre prepared and you know what to do, youre going to have a high chance of success.

The proper stance is in many ways as important for a quarterback as the grip. After you receive the ball from the center, start moving back with both hands on the ball. As you drop back, keep your head up. You drop back from the line of scrimmage to keep space between you and your blockers. Look for receivers trying to get open. But also watch out for defensive players hoping to sack you.

When youre ready to throw, your non-throwing foot (for a right-handed quarterback, this would be your left foot) should be forward. Point this foot toward your intended target, with your shoulders nearly parallel to the target as well. Take your non-throwing hand off the ball and hold it about as high as the bottom of your facemask. Then, start bringing your throwing arm back to make your toss.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady displays the proper throwing form. A two-time NFL MVP, Brady set a single-season record for touchdown passes with fifty in 2007.

Hall of Fame football legend George Blanda, who died in 2010, was one of the best quarterbacks of his generation. He starred for the Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders. But he was actually even better at kicking. He holds the all-time record for most extra points kicked.

Throwing a football is much different than throwing a baseball or basketball. The balls shape makes throwing it unique. Bend your throwing elbow and cock your arm. Your body should not be perfectly balanced. Instead, the bulk of your weight should be on your back foot. When you are ready to throw, step forward and transfer your weight forward while letting the ball slide off your fingers into a tight spiral. Make sure the ball comes off your index finger and that you follow through properly. This is like a baseball pitcher making sure that his arm continues moving forward even after the ball is released.

Throwing a football accurately is not easy. It takes a lot of practice. Repeating the correct motion over and over will help you make more consistent and accurate passes.

The ball is in the air. As a receiver hoping to catch the ball, what should you do? First, you need to run the proper pass pattern. This means you run to a certain spot on the field. The receivers run different patterns, or routes. It is important to practice running the proper route. The quarterback will expect you to be there, and he will throw it to that spot.

Most young players want to catch the ball in their chests. But the proper way is to catch it with both hands. Form a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers. Once you catch it, pull the ball close to your body. Practice by tossing yourself the football. Try to catch it with your fingers around the fat part of the ball. Now, turn your body and start racing for the end zone.