Tips for Watching Football the Right Way
Football has grown in popularity in a way that few could have anticipated. Known as “American Football”, the popular pigskin sport has now come to be a favorite in countries around the world, attracting new fans all the time.
If you are one of those new fans, there are a few things to know before you get started. With a few helpful tips, you can start off your football viewing experience on the right foot.
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Don’t Keep Your Eye on the Ball
The old saying “Keep your eye on the ball” doesn’t really apply here. It is more of a metaphorical thing, like staying focused when partaking in college or NFL betting. In some sports, there are a lot of things happening away from the ball. The same goes for football.
At one time, there are only a handful of players around the ball. Almost 90% of the action happens away from the ball, be it a backside block, a hold in the secondary, an unblocked linebacker screaming at the quarterback, or a million other things. Taking a look around the field can give you a better idea of how things unfold on any given play.
Start Paying Attention to Coverages
This might be something of an advanced tip, but it can help you get a better idea of what both teams are doing and seeing ahead of the snap. What most casual fans don’t realize is that football is mostly about pre-snap actions. Those alignments and shifts can have a drastic impact on what happens during the play.
Defenses are especially transparent. The alignment of the safeties can provide a good indication as to what kind of coverage is being implemented. The toughest part is telling what the players near the line of scrimmage are doing as some can make it look like they are planning to blitz, only to pull out at the last second (and vice versa). Learning these alignments and looks can help make you look like a pro when watching with others.
Space Matters
The key in just about any major team sport is finding the rare open space and doing the most with it. In football, that space represents a window where the quarterback can connect with a receiver. It presents a hole for running backs to hit and break off a big run.
Locating those open spaces can be just as important for those watching. Being able to find those spaces means being able to anticipate where the offense is trying to go and seeing a big play develop before it has even started to do so. This is a great way to build your own anticipation on every single play.
Watch the Ball Carrier
A great way to get acclimated to the game is to focus on a position player and try to see what they see. Some of that can start with the quarterback, attempting to locate open receivers and developing plays. But following the running back can be a great way to develop that vision as well.
Watch how running backs approach the line of scrimmage. Watch as they use patience, bounce left and right, and attempt to find a small crease in the defense to turn seemingly nothing into something. There are plenty of other things that you can do to feel closer to the action on the field. That greater understanding will also provide a better overall viewing experience as you watch plays develop and unfold. All of which will make you a better, more attentive fan as well.
