Free Safety help

Question
QUESTION: My position is free safety for my high school i need some tips on how i can become a better safety. What weight lifting would help build strength for this position. I have alot of speed and can catch but what would help me read the offense and how to tackle better?

ANSWER: Hello,

Curls and bench presses. You need to watch a lot of game film to learn how to read offenses. Tackling takes a lot of repetitions.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear expert,
         Where would i acquire films tgat just cover how the safety reads the play before hand? How can i get a lot of power behind me to make the big hit that will give the back the 2nd thought before coming over the line of scrimmage? Should i focus on arms, legs, abs to get the power for the hit? What excersise for each one will help get the power for it?

         Thanks, Jared

Answer
Hello,

Sorry for the slow response, my computer has been down.

The best way to learn how to read plays is to watch old game films of teams you have played. You should be able to watch them at school, just ask your coach. Understand that each team and its offense is different. Your read may come from different things. Some teams run the ball in the direction of a "in-motion" receiver, some teams run away from the motion. Sometimes your read may be something that the offensive player doesn't realize that he is doing. Like a receivers body language may be different when it is a run play.

The big hit is highly overrated. First you must perfect the art of tackling. The proper technique of tackling is the main basis of the big hit. The big hit is also about timing. One thing I will tell you about defensive players going for the big hit, they forget to wrap up the ball carrier. And what should have been a limited play, turns into a "big gainer".