Long to hear the roar of a crowded stadium, and cheerleaders rooting you on? Playing football takes plenty of dedication and practice. If you are determined to scrimmage with some of the top athletes of your high school, college, or university, here are some tips on how to join the school football team.

• Football can be an exciting and rewarding sport to be a part of. Playing for your school will allow you to make new friends, hone your athletic abilities, and be recognized for good performance. School football can even lead to a career in professional sports -- it's where everyone starts, after all. Keep in mind that the game is physically strenuous, and there is always the possibility of getting injured.

• Before you can try out for the team, you need to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of the sport. If you are not confident in your football knowledge, you can learn more about it in the following ways:

1. Ask someone to explain the rules
2. Read guides on how on to play, like this one on Mahalo.
3. Watch football on TV
4. Go to your school games
5. Watch football practice

(Creative Commons photo by rdesai)

• The key to succeeding in any sport is to practice, practice, practice. This will help you to gain experience, allow you to become comfortable with football, and increase your skill as a player.

• You can start by playing games with your friends or family. If there is a recreational league in your area, you can join and hone your skills in a less competitive arena.

• In addition to practicing football, you may want to do some strength training to help build muscle-power and increase your stamina. If your school has a weight room, you will probably be able to use it at no cost. If not, you may want to join a gym. It will also help to engage in some cardio activities, like biking or running, to build stamina and speed.

• When the time comes to try out for the team, make sure you are in peak performance condition. Here are some tips:

1. Get a good night's sleep
2. Eat a nutritious meal about two hours before you try out
3. Focus your mental energy onto your performance
4. Have confidence in your abilities
5. Stretch out before your performance

• Playing football for your school team can be fun and challenging. If you put enough time and energy into preparing for your try-out, you should have no problem making the team. If for some reason you don't get picked this year, try not to let it upset you. If you are truly determined to play, keep practicing and so that your performance will be better next season.

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