Prepairing

Question
Dear Coach,

Im currently a freshman at a junior high in michigan( high school doesnt start untill 10th grade in my district). Im about 5'9, 180 lbs.Last year, the coaches threw me around at practice in a lot of posistions, seeing which one I could find my true self in. I played offensive line, d-line, and linebacker (along with kick return and kick off). I was not a starter though, and im wondering what could i do to improve my game during the off-season to impress the high school coaches? Also, should i try to gain weight to be a better lineman, or lose weight to be a faster linebacker?

Answer
Dear Nick,
Do not gain weight, it is never a good idea to gain weight. Believe me I know. It sounds to me like you have some speed. You should go out for tight end. All you have to do is learn how to block. Blocking is nothing more than hard work and never giving up. If I were you, I would work on my linebackers skills too, by playing a lot of handball during the off season. Play some basketball too. These two sports will help you with your conditioning and your ability to react to the ball. Before you do anything I would;

get your PARENTS, your COACH, and your DOCTOR involved.

1. GET YOUR PARENT'S PERMISSION AND ASK FOR THEIR ADVICE. THEY CAN BE OF GREAT HELP TO YOU.

2. TALK TO YOUR COACH HE IS THERE TO HELP YOU. HE WANTS YOU TO SUCCEED. HE CAN GET YOU STARTED ON THE RIGHT PROGRAM.

3. BEFORE YOU START ANY PROGRAM MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR PARENT'S PERMISSION AND A DOCTOR'S OKAY. REMEMBER ONLY A DOCTOR CAN TELL YOU IF THE PROGRAM YOU ARE STARTING IS TOO MUCH FOR YOU. IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN TO BE SORRY!!!!!!!!!!  
Let me know how things work out for you. And let me know if you need anymore help.

Good Luck, Coach Louis