What is a Football Camp? A Complete Guide
No matter what sport you play, you’re always going to have to take that first step. Whether that’s practicing how to dribble a basketball, or learning the ins and outs of what every position does on the football field, we all start somewhere. Football camps help serve all levels of the sport, from those just starting in youth leagues, to those preparing to make the jump into college ball and even professionally. You can find football camps all around the country, ranging from those being hosted at colleges and universities, to those held at local fields and high schools.
The purpose of a football camp is to help players sharpen their skills on the field. From linemen working on their technique, to quarterbacks working to get in rhythm on routes to receivers, you’ll be guided by professionals in the sport to get the most of your experience. Some football camps are hosted by professional players, while others are led by coaches, trainers, and others within the sport. These camps can be a great way not only to work on your personal game, but to get tips and advice from those running the camp, as well as other players and coaches that attend, too.
Types of Football Camps
Youth Football Camps: If you’re a parent looking to get your kid into the sport, finding a youth football camp is a great place to learn and get them in rhythm with the game. Youth football camps teach kids how to build the fundamental skills they’ll need to not only find success when they get started, but to have fun while playing, too. These camps are led by coaches and trainers that’ve been around the game and know what it takes to understand it. They’ll lead with drills, training programs, and focus on the basics. These camps also may create valuable networking opportunities for players and families to connect with others in the football community and discover future opportunities in the sport.
High School Football Camps: Some high school football programs will hold Summer football camps for their teams, maybe more specifically for those coming in as the freshman class of their school. They’ll do this so that potential players can get the feel for the sport at a higher level, practice for specific positions before official tryouts begin, and learn what a high school playbook and game flow look like. Other times, you might find a football camp that isn’t school-specific that ranges from lowerclassman to upperclassman. These football training camps can range from hundreds to potentially a thousand or more athletes, all showcasing their talents through drills, game-time scenarios, and more to showcase in front of dozens of coaches and trainers—both potentially from colleges looking to recruit.
Prospect Football Camps: For those that’ve made a name for themselves throughout their middle school and high school football journeys, they’ll find themselves at prospect football camps. An example would be UA Next football camps. The “Camp Series” gives thousands of aspiring All-Americans around the country the chance to compete in drills and tests like the vertical jump and running the 40-yard dash, which both collegiate and professional athletes do. Those that really showcase themselves throughout this will get the chance at the UA Next All-America game, which is the “first test for future college and NFL stars.” Prospect football camps help give those aspiring to play at the college level the opportunity to showcase their game in front of professional scouts, coaches, and more.
Position-Focused Football Camps: Position-focused football camps are self-explanatory. If you’re a quarterback, a quarterback-focused football training camp will be led by quarterback-specific coaches and trainers. Same goes for wide receivers, running backs, linemen, linebackers, and other position-specific camps. You’ll go over drills that are catered towards the position you play.
Tips for First-Time Campers
Be coachable: The biggest thing you can do at a football training camp is show that you care about the work you’re putting in and the feedback that coaches and trainers are providing you. Ask questions. Be curious. Listen to what those running the camp are saying to not just yourself, but to other players while they’re going through their drills as well. Coaches look for talent, sure, but that’ll only get you so far. Being able to digest what they teach and showcase that knowledge on the field is just as important as being talented, if not more.
Hydrate and fuel well: It’s going to be hot, you’re going to be burning through calories like it’s your job and sweating like crazy. Be prepared for the work! Pack plenty of water that’ll get you throughout the day. Look for nutritious carbohydrates, too, like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Pack smart: Sometimes it’s better to overpack than under pack. Don’t forget the essentials like your cleats, moisture-wicking gear, gloves, mouth guard, helmet, pads, and football pants. But also don’t forget the little necessities like towels, water bottles, potential change of clothes, and more that you can store in your bag.
Take it seriously, but enjoy the experience: Football camps are a place to work on your craft, sure, but they’re also a place in which you’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded athletes. Meet new people, enjoy the process and the work that’s led you to being there, and have fun. Sometimes, being too tense can affect your play throughout the day, so try and find the balance between working hard and enjoying the work ahead of you with the people you’re surrounded by.