With Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner, how could this month’s Spotlight Sport be anything but football? Each month’s Spotlight Sport is something you can do at any age to stay healthy for life. Let's look at some of the ways football can help you get in shape, burn calories and have fun.
Football is an American tradition, and it’s huge here in the Treasure Valley. Whether you prefer college ball like the Boise State Broncos, or professional games like Sunday’s Super Bowl, there’s a good chance you’ve watched some football in your life. But outside of childhood, when’s the last time you played a game of football?
You might get a chance this Sunday, since we’re due for decent weather—sunny skies with a high of 45 in the Boise area. And who wants to watch all that pre-game anyway? Instead of loading up on nachos while you listen to the talking heads analyze Eli Manning’s penchant for pulling off an upset or the Tom Brady’s performance in the clutch, get some friends and go play.
Football can help you build endurance and stamina, improve cardiovascular fitness, and develop mental focus and concentration. You’ll get a good leg workout from all the running, and if you like to play quarterback, your arms will get some work, too. Most friendly pick-up games at the local park or school don’t involve tackling, but you’ll definitely improve your agility while you try to chase down a receive and do a two-hand touch or try to remove his or her flags.
To play football, you’re going to need a ball and an open area, preferably of natural grass. Cleats will help keep you from slipping on wet grass. For a friendly game, protective gear is not usually necessary. If you’re more serious, invest in a helmet and pads to protect your body, and guys, it should go without saying, but you’ll need a cup.
Before you start, make sure everyone understands the rules and safety regulations. A friendly game means no horse collar tackling (grabbing your opponent by the back of the pads or jersey, near the neck). It may seem harmless, but this type of tackle can cause an opponent to fall backward in an awkward, twisting motion. The danger is that it increases the risk for injury to ligaments in the knee and ankle, as well as leg fractures. It’s illegal in the NFL, NCAA and high school football, so there’s no reason to do it.
Other than that, the game involves moving that pointy, oval-shaped ball from one end of the field to the other, either by running it or throwing it to a receiver, until you reach the goal. Likewise, you want to prevent the other team from doing the same. It’s a physical game and a lot of fun, no matter what position you play. Just make sure that you’re actually playing, not just goofing around, or you won’t get much of a workout.
Talk it up:
Do you enjoy playing football?
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