I want to be a starter.

Question
Hi, my name is kevin and I just finished my freshman year of football and it didnt go as i planned. It was my first year playing football.During the season i dislocated my shoulder making a tackle in a scrimmage.I recovered from it and got to play the hole season.I was sure i would start at linebaker if i never got injured.I played 2nd string running back instead.Running back is my fav position but for some reason in games i wasnt getting alot of yards.I want to know what should i do to get better for 10th grade.And I would really like to start at running back line backer or any position.What should I do?thanks

Answer
Kevin
This type of question I do not normally answer because it requires personal knowledge of your playing ability that only you and your coach can address.  However, I can offer you some tip that should help.

First, last season is over so think about next season.  You had an injury last year.  Make sure it is healed and you are 100% ready and able to play by this Spring.

The next thing you need to do is to hit the weight room and increase your strength and muscle endurance.  Make sure you are lifting 3-5 days a week.  Work ALL Muscle groups [upper body, lower body, Abs, back and CORE training!!!!!]

Next you have to work on your cardiovascular training - i.e. running, sprints, jump rope, biking, cross trainer, etc.  You should do this at least 5 days a week and spend 20 minutes to an hour.  Start off at 20 minutes then each week increase your time.  Work on speed.

Next is a mental exercise - after you work out, shower and then start your homework and studying for school.  You will be physically tired but will build your mental endurance.  This will help with concentration and help you identify thing quicker (i.e. it helps you make correct decisions and think while physically tired; such decisions that it will help with are reading the correct hole, reading keys faster, deciding alternate routes or holes,etc.)  The other affect is it will help you with your grades.  It is easier for a coach to decided to start a player who has good grades rather than poor grades.

Lastly, is a visualization drill.  Spend 5-10 minutes a day  [when you crawl into bed before you sleep] and visualize plays and keys.  Visualize yourself as a RB running through holes, making cuts, making blocks, reading keys.  Do the same as an LB.  Make sure you are visualizing real plays in your play book.

Do the above daily/weekly and by May you should be ready.

Best of luck.  Please let me know how you do next season.  I look forward to hearing from you and look forward to following your very successful football career.

Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official

Kevin

You rating was less than desirable and very immature.  Please choose to follow what ever course you desire, but please do not ask for my assistance or advice in the future.  As explained, the question you asked requires personal knowledge of your abilities and is not normally the type of question I answer.  I provided you with very sound steps. Obviously it is not the answer you sought.  I am far to busy to waste my time answering question where the person asking the question lacks the maturity to understand the answer or to appreciate an exception made on giving advice given when asked.  You asked for my opinion ["what should I do"] and sound advice was given.  

Unfortunately, I will now make it my sound policy not to make exceptions in answering questions such as yours.