Getting Started: The Pre-Game Plan

Have you developed a strong interest in football? Do you want to learn more about the game? Great! Here you can find all the information you need about specific positions, rules, safety equipment, football conditioning and more to get started playing the game of football.

Playing football requires commitment and dedication as well as a knowledge and understanding of the game. NFLHS has found the content and information that, combined with your physical and mental skills, will prepare you to play to the best of your ability. Here is some information on how to get started in various aspects of football. The content in this section comes from a variety of sources, including our partners USA Football, NFL Youth Football, and NFL.com.

NFLHS Content: Coach Bass

Tom Bass is a former NFL coach with more than 20 years of experience with the Cincinnati Bengals, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coach Bass generously donates his time and knowledge to NFLHS.com with a two columns a week to answer questions sent in by fans and players like you. In the following articles, Coach Bass shares his insights for high school football newcomers trying out for the first time.

Getting Started in High School Football (2006 Edition): Part 1
Getting Started in High School Football (2006 Edition): Part 2
Learning the Most You Can From Our Website
First-Time Players: What to Expect
What Position Should I Play?
Have a question? Ask Coach Bass!

NFLHS Content: Website Links

Whether you are a first-time player, a seasoned high school veteran, or a football fan, there is content on our website for you to enjoy. However, we have articles that are certainly interesting to the first-time football player. Read the articles below to see how you should prepare for your high school football career!

Position Index
Staying Fit: What You Need to Know
Playing at the Next Level: College Eligibility
2006 Football Camp and Clinic Information

Helpful Information from USA Football

One of our partners, USA Football, has exciting and informative content for the high school football player. USA Football is an independent non-profit organization whose purpose is to support and expand football at all amateur levels.

Football Terminology
Football Equipment: Safety & Performance
Health and Safety Information for Football
League Locator: A List of Youth Football Programs & Organizations
Parents: Your Child Entering Football
The History of Football

Football Rules

From the high school level all the way up to the NFL, here are the links of rules and regulations.

National Federation of High School State Associations
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - PDF File
National Football League

NFL Junior Player Development Program

One of the best ways for you to learn how to play the game is through the NFL's Junior Player Development Program. Developed to provide a template for high school football programs, as well as additional access to youth tackle football, the program provides step-by-step instruction for every team position to boys between the ages of 12 and 14 in a fun and engaging environment. Click here for more informaton!

NFL High School Player Development Program

The NFL High School Player Development Program helps high school students in communities-in-need tackle the challenge of getting to college. Preparing for higher education isn't always easy. HSPD is committed to helping students achieve that goal both on and off the field. Our team of mentors, led by Pat Kirwan, provides additional guidance by answering questions relating to football, school and other life issues. Click here for more informaton!

Pat Kirwan Mentoring Program

Pat Kirwan, former NFL Executive, and his team of Football Mentors are available to answer your questions about skills, techniques, training, nutrition, leadership, college preparation and anything else related to football. Click here for more informaton!