Most football players aspire to play their best and at the highest level.

Watching NFL games can help players learn from the best.

Jason Tenner played for the San Francisco 49ers, Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe and currently serves as an assistant coach and teacher at Sheldon High school in Sacramento, California. He will also be the U-15 National Team head coach at the 2018 International Bowl.

Tenner encourages players to watch NFL games on Sundays because that was something he used to do.

“When I was in high school, I was fortunate enough to be coached by a former pro and he really drove home the concept of film study for me,” Tenner said. “I grew up watching Derrick Thomas and Reggie White rush the passer. I did my best to develop counter moves and the hump move he used to create pressure on opposing QBs. I learned a lot from watching how he played.”

Although the NFL games as a whole are nearly impossible to imitate, players can benefit by watching their position. Don’t just watch the ball.

“For example, a lineman can watch the way a pro uses their hands to strike and control their opponent, while skill players can see the details associated with route releases and angles,” Tenner said.

High school players can develop a deeper understanding for their positions and the game. They can take the techniques they see in those elite games, and work on them in practice.

Continuous strides in technique development can improve performance in games.