A little trouble at football practice...?

Question

Ok, so its my first year ever playing football, and I'm having a hard time understanding the plays on offense (I'm a guard), but defense, I think I'm ok at that (I'm a defensive end). I'm a sophomore in high school, and I think the coaches gave up on me. I don't know how to convince them that I want to learn football and not s***w around with them when they think I am. I asked the players for help, but it barely works. What should I do?

Answer 1

Ask the coaches thats why they call it practice if you don't know something take the time to ask and take time after practice with the coaches to go over what you don't get

Answer 2

The only reason that a coach might "give up" on you is if you are not showing any hustle on the practice field.  Are you one of the last guys out of the locker room and onto the field for practice, or one of the first?  Do you take warm ups seriously, or do you play around?  Are you eager to line up for hitting drills in practice, or do you lolligag around and wait to be the last in line?  Do you attend and pay attention to game film sessions?  Are you serious in the weight room?

Coaches are looking for athletes who say it with their actions - not with their words.  First you need to be sure that you are acting like a leader out there.  Practice as though you are going to play every minute of every game, even though you might not see action.  That will grab your coaches attention.

Next, you need to grow up a little bit.  This notion of "I'm embarrassed to ask for extra help" is BS.  Look up the word initiative in the dictionary.  Go to your offensive line coach or offensive co-ordinator (the coach who calls the plays) and ask for a copy of the playbook.  Study it.  Learn each formation and every play, and then memorize what you are supposed to do on each play.  Show this in practice - and if you find yourself in a place that you don't know what to do - ask.  You'll be better off than blowing an assignment and getting crapped on for it.

Football is a man's sport.  Act like a man and you'll find yourself in a much better situation.

Answer 3

take some time and watch some football.  Watch what the guards do and how they play.  I would just tell your coach you want to learn more and see if he suggest anything.

Answer 4

Well if your a Guard  i don't know what side you are on but the terminology is usally odd and even Numbers for the Holes

Odd Number Holes to the left 1-3-5-7-9 Even numbers on the right 2-4-6-8 . If your a Left Guard your are responsible for the 1-3 Gap -Right Gaurd your responible for the 2-4 Gap so if Hear the QB call 22 dive = The 2 Back is going thru the 2 hole and if your the Right Gaurd you have to make a Hole for the RB .  Sweep plays require a pulling guard

QB will call 27 toss sweep = some coaches pull the opposite guard so if you are resposible for the 2-4 Gap you may have to pull on that play .

Defensive End is probly the easiest position in Football just remember to Contain and not over pursue and you should be alright

Different coaches use different terminology jus pull the Coach aside and tell him you woul like to understand the play calling alittle better and take notes when in the X's and O's room

Well You are in High school so there is most likely an O-Line Coach ask him ...don't be afraid the coaches will give the cold shoulder if you don't show that you are willing to learn .

Answer 5

Read the plays over and over until you understand your assignments.  Stay after practice to work on things like speed and agility by yourself.  Your coaches will notice.

Prove to your coaches that you are trying 100%.  When you have demonstrated this, then ask them for additional help.  You'll be surprised at how receptive your coaches will turn out to be.

My guess is that you have few coaches and many players.  Your coaches have been through the drill long enough that they've become jaded at the type of guys who show up to play football only because they think that it's a way to a letterman's jacket, and a way to impress girls.  They're looking for players that will really put out!

Answer 6

U shouldnt be on here asking questions. Thats what the coaches are for. They get paid to hep u. Don't feel embarresed. it is there job to help u.

Answer 7

Make sure at least one coach knows it's your first year. They want all their players on the same "page." They should take the initiative to go over some stuff with you. If you have a book with the plays in it, or a printout of the plays you are supposed to learn, bring it home and see if your dad, an uncle, or someone can help you. Play some Madden and pay attention to what plays you are using. They may look familiar and help you to remember them.

Answer 8

go defense.