learn how to play, and you will play hard and safe most kids get hurt because they are not playing hard and the other team is, sometime thing happen but that is the game

First know who your playing, "scouting" Read the offense. Know your own teams abilities then defend in order pass then run, practice angles of approch and tackeing. Watch for motion opposite action that will help you see mis-direction plays like reverse's and halfback passing. attack passes at there highest point to beat the reciever to the ball learn to read the ball in the air to know in a instant to tackel or cut the route and pick. Keep your eyes open your head on a swivel and your feet moving stay out of the junk instead look for the trash, fumbles finishing guys off ect. your busy every snap and if you miss they get 6. If everyone knew how much fun it was they would all want to be one.