American Football

INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL

Before recorded history would mark the first mention of the illustrious game of American football, man had already created football-like games where stones were kicked and running with a ball was common.

Initial documentation of the oldest-known version of the game fills a Chinese military manual written during the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC). An activity referred to as "cuju," involved the kicking of a leather ball through two poles.

The early stage of American football graced the imperial court of Japan (around 600 AD) and the lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans with roots that touch upon prehistoric ball games.

As for the start of the American version of the sport, it took the efforts of Walter Camp, a player and coach at Yale University, to create rules derived from the English game of rugby during the mid-1870s. Camp is credited as the first person to pick up a ball during a soccer match and run with it. Not only did he break the rules, but he helped develop a new game.

Amongst other things, Camp was responsible for the line of scrimmage; the creation of the quarterback and center positions; the neutral zone; penalties; low tackling; a system of downs; and the point values for a touchdown and field goal. Camp would later live to see the formation of the National Football League (NFL) in 1920, where many international teams would soon follow suit.

Today, the sport attracts millions of players and fans, spanning collegiate and professional arenas throughout The U.S.

AMERICAN FOOTBALL SKILLS

An entire game of American football may last hours, as players are constantly running on and off the field to defend endzones, tackle key opponents, and hopefully sack the quarterback.

Good levels of:

fitness

strength

skill

field awareness

knowledge of the game

are needed to be successful.

A highly prized quality is one of possessing

Explosive acceleration and a fast sprinting speed.

Overall body strength is also highly beneficial.

Flexibility particularly in the shoulder girdle area, as well as the strength component is beneficial in injury prevention terms.

Balance and footwork are also key qualities that make good players great.

The ability to take orders and make quick decisions enhances both the performance of the individual and the team.

IMPROVING YOUR AMERICAN FOOTBALL SKILLS

Explosive Acceleration

This can be developed by the correct graded resistance program in conjunction with a plyometric regime and sprinting technique work.

Strength

This again can be developed with the correct use of resistance training to specifically work on different key muscle groups in the upper and lower limbs.

Specific Skill Training

American Football when compared to many other sports is one where players can develop specifically and the training can therefore be that much more focused.

A professional approach to the game, the development of technical skills and necessary physical attributes will create players capable of winning games in this very unique sport.