How to Find Your Position in Football
Football positions each have different responsibilities. Whether you are a quarterback, running back, receiver, defensive lineman or linebacker, by the time you reach high school, each position requires a certain body type and skill set. For example, offensive and defensive linemen are typically the largest players on the team, whereas the running back has a unique blend of strength and speed. There are a few ways to test your strength and skills to determine what position you should play.
A quarterback is getting ready to throw a football. (Image: 8213erika/iStock/Getty Images)Determining Football Position
Step 1
Measure your exact height and weight. If you're a high school player and are 6 feet 2 inches tall and weigh 230 pounds, consider playing a position such as offensive line, defensive line or linebacker. These positions are more physical, and bigger players can withstand and inflict harder hits on their opponents. If you're a high school player 5 feet 10 inches tall and weigh 150 pounds, consider playing receiver, running back or defensive back. These positions require speed and agility.
Step 2
Find your 40-yard dash time. Set up a pylon as a starting point and another one 40 yards away. Have a partner time you and make sure he stands next to the finish line. Sprint as fast as you can to the finish. The high school football SPARQ Combine in 2011 featured some of the top players in the country. The top 20 times in the 40-yard dash were done by running backs, receivers and defensive backs, according to ESPN Rise. The average time of the top 10 players was 4.42 seconds. If you can run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds or under, running back, receiver and defensive back are probably the most appropriate positions.
Step 3
Test your ball skills. For a receiver and running back, it is not enough to have speed. You must be able to catch the ball and handle it effectively. Run 10 yards downfield, turn around and have your partner throw you the ball. Make sure the throws are high and low and not always easy to catch. If you find you're able to catch the majority of them, you may have sufficient ball skills to be a receiver or running back. An effective wide receiver sometimes is lacking in speed, but he is able to catch even difficult throws.
Step 4
Assess your potential to play quarterback, perhaps the most important position on the team. The quarterback is the only player who handles the ball on every offensive play, except on wildcat snaps. If you want to play the position, you need to test your throwing strength and accuracy. Have your partner run 10 yards upfield and cut diagonally to the left. Throw the ball over his outside shoulder. Make sure he also runs long routes. If you can throw it far enough without the receiver breaking stride, you may have the strength and accuracy to play the position. Quarterbacks also need quick feet to elude the pass rush. If you are lacking in this area, practice jumping rope and running sprints to improve.
Step 5
Test your leg strength to see if you'd make a good kicker. Place the ball on a tee and simply run up and kick it with your toe. If you've played soccer, try a soccer-style kick. If you have sufficient leg strength, work with one of your coaches to learn the fundamentals of place-kicking and punting.
Things You'll Need
Running shoes
Pylons
Scale
Tape measure
Partner
Tip
Size is important in football, but smaller players can be successful at the right position.
Warning
Do not attempt to play a position where the average player outweighs you by 50 or more pounds. This can cause injury. If you are unsure of where you should be playing, speak to your coach.
