what is ota in football

OTA stands for "Organized Team Activities" and refers to a period in the NFL offseason when teams begin to practice in an official capacity. During this time, players join their new teams, rookies work with their new teammates, and fringe players try to secure training camp invitations that could lead to roster spots in the fall. OTAs are quasi-practices that are held after the NFL Draft in April and before training camps begin in late July or early August. They are designed to prevent players from overworking their bodies and are limited to 10 total days. During OTAs, coaches instruct players more on a one-to-one basis in a more relaxed atmosphere, and players get used to the field, work up their stamina, and get excited for the season ahead. Although OTAs are voluntary, most players attend them to compete for the eventual 53 spots on the teams roster.