Agility Training for Football Players – Part 1

Agility training has become an integral part of football training at both the high school and college levels. In order for players to play at championship levels they must have power, speed and agility. It isn’t enough to just be strong and not sufficient to be very fast. Players must also have the ability to turn instantly, stay on their feet and out-maneuver the opposing team.

There is a science to the approach of teaching players agility. It isn’t enough to build endurance through long runs or speed through interval training or speed work. These all develop specific muscle groups, but by developing agility the player also hones his neuromuscular system and engages more of his muscles to perform the same motion.

Players who are agile on their feet are able to maintain their balance while changing direction, starting, slowing or stopping. It also helps the player to develop neuromuscular coordination and kinesthetic awareness that increases the control of the body and prevents injuries.

The key to agility is explosive speed, reaction time, balance, footwork and acceleration. To achieve these goals coaches have been left with traditional standing broad jumps, tires, repeated short distance runs or explosive starts over 5-30 yards.

But today agility training for football players, and other ball related sports such as soccer and basketball, must include other forms of training to improve their skills. These high school players are bigger and stronger than in past years which means they need more aggressive training to achieve good results.

Resources:

KbandsTraining: Speed & Agility

http://kbandstraining.com/speed-agility-lateral-shuffle-football-drills/

KbandsTraining: Football

http://kbandstraining.com/football/

Stack: Agility Drills with Kansas State Football

http://www.stack.com/2005/04/01/agility-drills-with-kansas-state-football/

Sports Fitness Advisor: Football Training

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/football-training.html

King Sports Training

http://www.kingsportstraining.com/

Body Building.com: Here are detailed Directions on How Rob Glass coaches the Gators to have Better Agility and Quicker Feet