How to Win a Starting Position

It is an awesome moment to witness a seemingly less athletic or undersized kid consistently perform exceptionally well on the football field. Some scratch their heads in amazement, but to the football community it is no surprise.  The saying ‘hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard’ is almost always true. An athlete that may not have the physical tools to start can certainly compensate by working harder than everyone else. The key to how to win a starting position is consistency.

Here are 5 ways a youth football player can win a starting position.

1. It all starts at practice. Attend practice consistently and make it on time. If possible, be one of the first at practice and be prepared to listen (be attentive) to your coaches. Attending practice consistently proves that you’re serious about the responsibility, coaches will look favorably upon that. Practice hard!

2.  Perform well in the classroom. If you do not have the grades to play football, then you will miss out on all of the benefits of playing the game and you will never start. The learning found in a classroom will compliment the learning found in football. Coaches love comprehension.

3.  Train to get stronger and faster. Pushups/ pull-ups/ planks should be part of  your workout regimen. Add jump rope/ running up hills/bleachers to this plan for conditioning and to build explosiveness. Attend local football camps in the offseason. Do what you need to do to improve, every day.

4. Convey enthusiasm. Coaches want the player that absolutely wants to be on the field. This is a kid that plays other sports to train for football. Convey excitement for the game and that you want to be a starter.

5. Understand assignments on the football field. Know what needs to happen when the ball is snapped.

Try these five ways to win a starting position, comment below with additional ways.