 |
Strength Training for Football
Author: Patrick Beith  | Posted: 07-03-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 25 | Rating: (68)  (?) 
Strength training for football is an artistic and scientific process. There are a lot of variables that must be considered. Players that serve different roles in the game need different training regimens. You have to do a little planning and take a structured approach to your strength training routines. Doing so will be greatly rewarding and bring out your inner champion!
Here is a quick list of facts that you need to keep in mind concerning your strength training for football. It isn't just about how big and bulky you can get - quite the contrary actually.
? Bigger muscles are not necessarily stronger muscles o You need to not only develop the size of a given muscle; you need to actually be considering the muscle's strength. That's what it's all about.
o A strong muscle is more than big; -.
o Many a big muscle is torn loose from the joint that it is meant to move. A torn muscle can literally take months, even years to heal fully. Some never do.
You develop tendon and ligament strength by taking your training seriously. Don't attack your weight training like a crazy fool. Take your time. Pay attention to strict form in every rep. Perform your reps slowly and with full control. Haphazardly jerking or throwing the weight up and calling that a successful rep is not only careless; it is a false achievement. Weight training is about far more than just moving the weight from point A to point B. Remember that!
? Bulky muscles too often yield decreased speed, agility and finesse. o Especially for wide receivers, defensive backs and tailbacks, muscles need to be specifically trained for bursting power and speed. -. Football is no game for wimps. It is also not an event for big, slow, overly bulky pigs just because they might be able to bench 400 lbs in a quirky, jerky, off-balance fashion. Be real!
Do yourself and your team a serious favor and ensure that you will be around season after strenuous season to help out. Take your strength training for football very seriously. Slow down while at the gym. Develop your tendon and ligament strength along with your bulk. The end result will be superior, lightening fast, impossible to rip, explosive muscles that have the true strength of a beast! Now that is what you are after.
There are several types of strength training for football to consider. Football is versatile and needs versatility in strength training programs. Here are the types that we will address:
? Functional strength training for football ? Hypertrophy strength training for football ? Maximal strength training for football ? Power strength training for football
First, we will define each one and then address how to combine them all into the total athletic package for football.
Functional strength training for football:
Football can really put a hurtin' on your body in a lot of different ways. Your body is twisted, bent, bounced and forced into uncountable positions of unnatural strain. You need to ensure bilaterally symmetrical development while engaging your strength training. That means that you give equal, animalistic (but controlled) effort to both sides of your body. You want symmetrical development, not lopsided malformation.
You also need to ensure that you never get so wrapped up in the development of your prime movers (quads, biceps, pecs, etc.) that you neglect your supporting muscle (hamstrings, triceps, calves, posterior delts, lower trapezius, etc.). The message here is that you must maintain balance. If you fail to develop your body in a symmetrical, holistic fashion, you are begging for injury.
Hypertrophy Strength Training for Football
Don't let the hard-to-pronounce name fool you; an increase in muscle fiber size makes up for the improvement and increase in the muscle mass. This is the type of strength training for football that everyone thinks of. You get to concentrate on muscular growth and sheer bulk. Remember that even linemen should only dedicate roughly half of their strength training to hypertrophy strength. More than that and you are entering into the slow zone - the zone of painful injury because you lack agility and speed.
Maximal Strength Training for Football
In a nutshell, this refers to the development of cross sectional areas of each muscle. It is responsible for explosive power. You have to lift maximal loads in order to promote the development of these "fast twitch" motor units. Strength and power are close cousins. When you are performing maximal strength training, you explode into the lift. You fire a burst of energy into the weight propelling them to the desired destination. You must remember the first lesson about strict and proper form. Do not ruin your workout by flopping like a fish under the weight. If you have to do that, then take some of the weight off of the bar. Remember: you didn't really lift it at all if you flopped your way through it. More importantly, flopping and squirming invites bench-sitting injury. Believe it!
Power Strength Training for Football
You have to possess the ability to instantly convert all of your strength into booming power to prevail on the football field. When you collide at full speed with an equally strong opponent, he who has the most explosiveness will shine with victory - not to mention instilling a demoralizing fear in said opponent. You have to accentuate your functional, hypertrophy and maximal training sessions with power strength training. You want your CNS to recruit fast twitch muscle fibers as quickly as possible. Now that you understand that more than just going in and fish-flopping through your workouts is needed in order to develop the total package for football, you need to understand something else: Cycle training. If you wish to optimize your strength training for football, then you have to incorporate all of the above training methods.
Develop a timeline. Construct a program to cycle through each of the training types in succession. Functional training is followed by hypertrophy work. Follow that with 4 weeks each of maximal and power training and then repeat. Vary your training. You do not want your body to plateau so training cannot be the same consistantly. Think of your body as a multifaceted machine that needs different care at different times. Always take your time with each individual rep to ensure proper form. Develop symmetrically. Develop tendon and ligament strength. You must develop size and power!
Release your inner beast through diverse and intelligent training and rule the field!
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/strength-training-for-football-353748.html
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
How to Run a Faster 40 Yard Dash at Football Combines
By: Mike Gough | 09/12/2007 | Football
The 40 yard dash has become the gold standard of football tests and can make or break an athlete’s football career. It is one of the most popular tests performed each year at the NFL Combine. By improving specific technique aspects and performing the proper training, 40 yard dash times can be greatly lowered.
How to Train for the Football Combine Tests
By: Mike Gough | 16/12/2007 | Football
How an athlete performs at a football combine can be critical in their football career. Football combines consist of the following tests: 40 yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, bench press, pro agility shuttle, three cone agility, and 60 yard shuttle. The better the athlete can perform in each of these 7 tests the better their chances of playing football at the next level whether that is high school to college, or college to the NFL.
Football Agility Training
By: Patrick Beith | 15/03/2008 | Hobbies
Agility training for football is an integral component of the overall training regimen necessary to become a champion level player. It is not enough to be strong. It will not suffice to be super fast. You have to be nimble. You must develop agility!
How To Run A Faster 40 Yard Dash In 2 Easy Steps
By: Katherine Keleher | 20/10/2006 | Sports and Fitness
Two easy adjustments that any football player can make to run a faster 40-yard dash today.
The Top Results of Consumer Home Gym Reviews
By: Jim Johnson | 13/04/2006 | Fitness
There is plenty of home gym equipment to choose from these days, but all gym equipment is not created equal. As with most home fitness equipment, there are pluses and minuses for almost every model you want to name.
The Truth About Bodybuilding Myths
By: Gary Matthews | 26/03/2007 | Muscle Building
You might disagree, but hear me out on this, the vast majority of myths about weight gain are mostly passed down from "gym talk" and so-called experts who know nothing about the body's workings. In this article we take a look at some of the most common weight gain myths.
Power Up to Slim Down
By: Raymond Lee | 08/09/2007 | Fitness
Don’t fret if you gain weight at first from strength training. Your new muscles weigh more than your old fat. Muscle will burn more calories in the long run.
Consistency is the Key to Building Muscle
By: Jon Cardozo | 25/12/2007 | Fitness
If you've been struggling to build muscle, this could be of one of the most important articles you read this year.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Hockey Training
By: Reid | 08-07-2008
Hi,
I play hockey on the Maine Select team and have been convinced to start training at the gym. I have been told to do high reps, and lower weights as I am only 5'6 and 120 lbs. I am 15, and have been watched by both junior and prep school teams, so I feel as though I should start getting serious about off-ice training. I was hoping you would be able to help put me on the right path with exercises, plyometrics, etc. Maybe a training regimine.
-RD
P.S. I have a gym membership
Inch loss but gained weight how ?
By: cuddlylisa | 15-02-2008
im lisa weigh 11st 8lbs, 5ft 1,have pcos,and have joined a gym since end of dec 07,i exercise at the gym doing cardio, spinning classes,strength training 5x a week and eat very well, no junk,i got weighed end of dec and measured,i lose 7 pounds and lots of inch on arms legs waist and hips,now 5weeks since i was weighed and measured, i gained a pound aned lost half a inch of waist and hips, i am frustrated and annoyed as to why i weigh more when i dont eat crap,i like to drop 3 stone,but i'm not getting anywhere, my hubby says im losing the inchs, lots of people say muscle weighs more than fat when infact thats not true, u can get a pound in fat,a pound in muscle,they both weigh the same but muscle takes less space,where as fat takes more space,i just don't undersand why i weigh more, i work so damn hard to get a nice bod intime for summer,my hubby says the weight will drop off,but when ??thanks
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Hobbies Articles
Early Barbie Dolls--make Money Collecting Them
By: John Mowatt | 24/07/2008
Collectible Barbie dolls from the late 50's and early 60's can still be found. Here is what to look for in early Barbies. Collectors look for certain things and value the doll accordingly. There is a place where you can find many early Barbies.For as little as $1 and up you will find all kinds of Barbie dollas and accessories listed for sale.
Just Like Cream They are Rising to the Top
By: Jeff Gustafson | 20/07/2008
The old guys of golf are coming on strong and it is giving these old bones new hope...
Marathon Training and Nutrition: How to Recover Faster With Antioxidants
By: Gary Smith | 19/07/2008
How to use antioxidants to recover faster from marathon training. Nutrition tips are included for marathon training nutrition.
Hot Tips for Buying the Perfect Boat
By: Jay Gaulard | 18/07/2008
Whether you are a newbie to boating or a seasoned navigator, you will find that choosing a boat to buy can be quite a daunting task. There are so many different types and models of boats for you to choose from, and you have to take certain factors into consideration when you are looking for the perfect boat to buy.
Dos and Don'ts in Choosing Snowboarding Goggles
By: Charles White | 17/07/2008
Wearing snowboarding goggles is really necessary when you're into this type of sport. You are exposed to the sun's rays, to snow or tree branches especially when you're into a tremendous speed down the slopes. Wearing the right snowboarding goggles is your main concern to prevent the happening of untoward incidents when you do perform your hobby.
Muslim Women are Subscribing for Swimming Lessons
By: Oliver Momeni | 13/07/2008
Modest swimwear has been re-designed in recent years to enhance the lifestyle of the modern Muslim woman and to give Muslimahs more access to water based activities such as aqua-aerobics. The few companies dedicated to this market have come up with various solutions to the problems previously faced by Muslim women looking for suitable swimsuits that provide comfort whilst upholding the Islamic value of modesty.
Ocean Kayaks - a Buying Guide
By: Arnold Hexden | 13/07/2008
Ocean kayaks are a fantastic way to give you freedom and fun find out more about ocean kayaks and where to find the best prices.
How to Attack the Lakers "triangle" Offense? Run Smack Into the Celtics "angle" Defense
By: Ed Bagley | 11/07/2008
The Boston Celtics recent NBA title effort capped an amazing turnaround. A year ago the Celtics finished at 24-58 and dead last in the NBA Eastern Conference. This year they went 66-16, won the Atlantic Division title and the Eastern Conference title before disposing of the Los Angeles Lakers, 131-92, to win their 17th NBA title.
More from Patrick Beith
Abdominal Training for Athletes
By: Patrick Beith | 25/06/2008 | Health
Whether running, jumping or throwing there's no question the core will be involved in that activity, and developing a stronger core will help you in your quest to run faster, jump higher, and throw longer.
Warm Up Drills to Use for Your Athletes
By: Patrick Beith | 05/05/2008 | Hobbies
If you want your athletes to be able to perform at a high level in their sport, a proper warm-up is crucial. Not only is it our goal to get our athletes ready to compete and perform to their full potential, our role as coaches is first and foremost to prevent injuries. There is nothing more critical in reducing the incidence of injury then putting our athletes through a well structured warm-up program.
Signs of Over-training for Sports Athletes
By: Patrick Beith | 05/04/2008 | Hobbies
Signs of physical over-training as it relates to sports athletes.
Football Agility Training
By: Patrick Beith | 15/03/2008 | Hobbies
Agility training for football is an integral component of the overall training regimen necessary to become a champion level player. It is not enough to be strong. It will not suffice to be super fast. You have to be nimble. You must develop agility!
Speed Training Drills
By: Patrick Beith | 26/02/2008 | Hobbies
You need to use speed drills to help reinforce sound running mechanics while also making our athletes stronger, faster and more powerful. Every time you sprint you should be working on technique. You want your athletes to have proper running technique ingrained in their heads so when it is time to sprint, they can feel when everything is happening smoothly.
|
|
Hobbies 
