How to Watch Opponent Football Game Films

A football game is much like a game of chess. Players on opposing teams are positioned on the field to attempt to block the offensive team's advance to the goal. Preparation for an upcoming football game involves viewing game film of the opponent. Game film is often traded between teams several days before a game to allow both sides to view and break down the footage.

Things You'll Need

  • Video player
  • Television
  • Remote control
  • Paper
  • Pencil
  • Whiteboard
  • Markers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Play an opponent's game video on a large screen that allows for good viewing by coaches and/or players. Use a remote control to pause, slow down, rewind and advance the images on the television screen so you can hone in on key plays.

    • 2

      Use a pencil and paper or whiteboard and markers to draw formations that are used by the upcoming opponent and how their plays are executed.

    • 3

      Look for tendencies based on down and distance. Concentrate on first-down plays throughout the game, for example, to determine what formations are used repeatedly and whether the play is a pass or run.

    • 4

      Watch the defensive secondary, including corners and safeties, to see how they react in certain situations. Determine if they have the tendency to look into the backfield, play bump-and-run or provide cushions based on certain situations.

    • 5

      Look for tell-tale signs from receivers and running backs as to how they approach or come off the line of scrimmage. Watch how a receiver, for example, moves from the huddle to the line of scrimmage to see if you can determine whether the play will be a run or pass.

    • 6

      Watch for certain players to be used in specific plays or situations. Look for specialists, such as wide receivers, to play out of position on unconventional or trick plays.

    • 7

      Note how the upcoming opponent reacts to specific defensive or offensive formations. Determine weaknesses in their defense or offense that will benefit your team.