How to Play Safety in Football

Know your assignment on every play. The safety plays both the run and the pass and must quickly react as a play begins to recognize what the offensive side is doing. There are two types of safeties--the strong safety and the free safety. The strong safety traditionally plays closer to the line of scrimmage and chases down the ball carrier on running plays and.This position also covers the middle of the football field when the offense is passing the ball. The strong safety will be on the side of the field where the tight end is on offense. The free safety, who normally is smaller and speedier than the strong safety, usually will stay back and then fly to the football on a run. This position also covers wide receivers on a pass.

Do not miss tackles. The safety is often the last player a ball carrier needs to elude to get into the end zone. Tackle with the head up and drive through the ball carrier with the shoulder when possible.

Be fearless. The safety needs to play his position with reckless abandon. Be known as a hard hitter and make receivers think twice before leaving their feet around you and going high into the air for the football. They have to be aware that they are going to be hit hard if they do so. This can take away from their concentration and be an asset in your favor.

Be a ball hawk. When the football is in the air, the safety needs to be in the area of the pass if at all possible. A safety must be able to close the gap between himself and the receiver while the ball is in the air. This also gives him a chance to break up the play, intercept the ball, or--at the very least--put a hard hit on the receiver. The safety that can cover a receiver and still be able to keep one eye on the quarterback will have a chance to follow the path of the ball and be in position to make a play on it.

Develop good instincts and display a strong work ethic. The safety must be able to make quick reads and be aware where the quarterback wants to throw the ball on a play. This comes from watching film of opposing teams and learning their tendencies in certain situations and where players go on the field when in certain formations. The safety must be able to overcome being beaten on a play and come back strong on the next one. Defensive coordinators will often have the safety blitz the quarterback on a passing down. This rushing of the passer needs to be disguised so that it can be successful. A safety must work on this and other skills, making a good work ethic a valuable tool.