Football training and education articles from the Texas Sports Academy coaches and athletes who live it.
A linebacker who tackles with his head down is a hazard to himself and everyone on the field. The five phases of a head-up tackle, the drills that build proper form before full speed, and the NFHS rules every player and parent should know.
Sep 4, 2026
A defensive lineman who wins one-on-one on passing downs changes the structure of a defense. Get-off, hand fighting, the four core rush moves, and the counter sequences that keep a blocker guessing — plus how to read the blocker before the snap.
Sep 4, 2026
Concussions in youth football are more common than most parents expect — and fewer than 10 percent involve a blackout. Learn the warning signs to watch for on the sideline, what to do the moment you suspect one, and the six-step return-to-play protocol athletes must complete before taking the field again.
Aug 19, 2026
Many parents assume football recruiting starts in junior or senior year — in reality, recruiting conversations begin as early as 9th grade. Here's what parents and athletes should do at every stage of high school to maximize their chances for recruitment.
Aug 19, 2026
New to Texas high school football? This guide maps how the UIL works — the six classification levels, the two playoff divisions in the larger classes, spring practice windows, transfer rules, and the championship bracket that runs from November through mid-December.
Aug 19, 2026
Coaches spend the first weeks of camp figuring out where each athlete fits. This guide covers how the major position groups — quarterback, running back, receiver, offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back — develop from youth football through high school, and the skills coaches prioritize at every age.
Aug 19, 2026
Quarterback development only works when the framework matches the athlete's age. This guide breaks the progression into age-banded stages — throwing mechanics first, footwork drops second, pre-snap reads third, and decision-making under pressure last.
Aug 19, 2026