Fitness for football players?

Question

My son has a stocky kind of build and wants to lose some weight so he can try out for a running back--i hope i said that correctly?!

Anyways, he's 5'7 and has a pudgy body--a bit of a gut. I know to be a "running back" you have to have strength in your legs--would running get him into shape?

How should he start out--jogging and fast walking until he can run without getting winded and believe me he would get winded with the shape he's in now.

He plays defense lineman now--i guess i said that right? lol

Appreciate any help i can get with this!

Answer 1

Running will help to lose weight, but if you're son wants to develope the overall athleticism it takes to be a running back he needs to lift weights, do core excersizes, and should focus on runninng workouts that emphasize short bursts of speed (sprint 40-50 yds, rest for 20 seconds, sprint for 40-50 yds, rest for 20 seconds)

Certain lifts that are most helpful include squat, hang clean, and bench...

most important though is developing a strong core (stomach/lower back area) this makes you stronger and faster...

I'm not sure how old your son is...or what kind of wieght room/strength advising you have at your disposal, but these are definately options to consider