RAPID CITY
1. Practice Organization
Limit Standing Around
This is a common problem with youth sports that ultimately turns kids off. Whether it’s a game, practice, clinic, or camp, we have designed all of our programs to engage every participant consistently. Kids don’t attend practice to watch others play. Kids enjoy practices when they have fun and they experience an improvement in their overall skills. Many professional coaches put a major emphasis on fast paced and interactive practices that eliminate downtime. You will see your team’s attention and energy levels improve immediately when you engage the entire team in drills of short duration.
Emphasize The Fundamentals
Build a foundation that will never crack by properly teaching the basics. Learning the fundamentals and perfecting the same basics at every level of play is essential to having any chance of success.
If one player does not execute the fundamentals of his position correctly, the most sophisticated scheme in the world will not work. It is unfair and not fun to focus on running plays that will fail 9 out of 10 times. Youth programs that focus on scheming plays over executing fundamentals are cheating every participant out of the chance to learn the game properly.
Make It Fun
This is the primary objective and cornerstone of the entire philosophy. Regardless of whether it’s a game or a practice, football at the youth level should always be fun. This requires a little creativity on the part of the parent/coach to offer and adopt fun methods throughout all aspects of their program. Incorporate games and low-key competitions to teach fundamentals.
Every practice should contain stretching, fundamentals, team work and conditioning.
BE ORGANIZED
Basic Terminology
(Keep it simple here is an example)
Player Numbering
This is a basic numbering system:
Quarterback = 1
Wingback = 2
Full Back = 3
Tailback = 4
Left = odd right = even
0 0 0 X 0 0 0
7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8
I 46 lead
2. Plays
A good Midget football play book has approximately 15 plays.
3. Blocking
All Blocking is head up man on man blocking in Rapid City Midget Football.
Blocking is the cornerstone of a good offensive football team. Teams use blocking to move a defensive man out of an area where they want to run the football and to keep defenders from getting to the quarterback. All players including the quarterback may be used as a blocker at times.
- Explode from the stance with the foot closest to the opponent and drive your hips forward on the third and fourth steps.
- Use short choppy steps and keep the feet moving.
- Keep the feet wide when delivering the block, keeping the head up and the shoulders square.
- Punch hands or forearms into the opponent to establish momentum, and deliver the blow on impact.
- Keep your head on the side of the opponenet toward the hole, and follow through with short, choppy steps.
Drive Block
The drive block is a one-on-one block used most often when a defender is lined up directly over an offensive lineman and must be moved in order for the play to succeed. Emphasize the following points to your players.
Pass Protection Block
The pass protection block keeps the defender from getting to the quarterback before he can deliver the ball to a receiver.
The initial move and setup technique is extremely important in pass blocking. The lineman must set up quickly, stepping with his inside foot first. The lineman pushes up into a two point stance with his down hand. The movement projects the offensive lineman into a position with his head up, eyes open, back straight, rear end down, hand and arms up, and feet positioned to move back or laterally in a split second.
The lineman must position himself between the quarterback and the defensive pass rusher. He can do this by backing off the line of scrimmage quickly after the snap. Make sure that your linemen know that they should never get beat to their inside.
The blockers must be patient when pass blocking, keeping the legs under him and always remain in a good blocking position. They are not the aggressors while pass blocking.
4. Tackling
Proper form - feet about shoulder width apart for good base, knees bent, back flat, butt out and arms wrapped around the buttocks. Drive hips lift and drive feet.
Drills
Keep practices and drills organized, get players to grasp each drill's execution and use constructive criticism when making corrections
Youth Football Drills All Begin With Ready Stance:
The Ready Stance drill teaches one of the proper “ready” football stances. Line up your team into lines and shout “ready”… “stance”. Walk up and down the lines as the players crouch into their stances. Correct any players that are not in the correct position. This is one of the most important, basic football skills needed.
Quick Hit Drill:
The Quick Hit drill helps team members, such as the blocking backs and linemen, in quickly moving from the Ready Stance into a blocking position. Youth football drills, such as this one, are basic to the game. The players will make a circle and stand in their Ready Stance. On your command, the players will pop into a pass protection position, take a quick step with the outside foot, and assume the squat position ready to strike a blow. Repeat these youth football drills as needed.
Youth Football Drills Teach Good Balance:
Good balance is important to all sports, but especially to all youth football drills. For a Good balance drill, have your team players line up across from one another on the field. Have each player grab the shoulder pads of the player situated directly in opposite from them. Each player should take turns trying to knock his “opponent” off balance. He will do this by pulling, pushing, and tipping his opponent from side to side. The opponent will get down into a low base, and move his feet around to maintain balance.
Football Tackling Drills
Football Tackling Drill #1
Fit Position
Objective - Teach proper tackling form.
Action - Separate your defenders into 2 groups: ball carriers & defenders facing each on a line of scrimmage. On the coach's signal, the defender's engage the ball carriers in a fit position and hold on as the coach checks for proper form - feet about shoulder width apart for good base, knees bent, back flat, butt out and arms wrapped around the buttocks.
Coaching Details - Check for proper fit form during the football drill. Be sure defenders hit with their shoulder or chest with the head up.
Football Tackling Drill #2
Fit Follow Through
Objective - Teach the follow through action of the tackle.
Action - For this football tackling drill, separate your defenders into 2 groups: ball carriers & defenders facing each on a line of scrimmage. On the coach's signal, the defenders engage the ball carriers in a fit position - then on the second signal, the defenders should roll their hips and bring the ball carriers up and back about 5 yards.
Coaching Details - Emphasize hip roll and leverage.
Football Tackling Drill #3
Form Tackle Drill
Objective - Teach proper form tackling technique.
Action - Section defenders into two groups that face each other, about 5 yards apart. One group of players are the ball carriers and they begin moving toward the defenders as the defenders move in for a proper form tackle. The ball carriers shouldn't resist the tackle during the football tackling drill.
Coaching Details - Check for proper tackling form.
Football Tackling Drill #4
Goal-Line
Objective - Teach proper form tackling technique.
Action - Separate your defenders into 2 groups: ball carriers & defenders. Place 2 cones on the line, spaced about five yards apart. The first defensive player in line lines up with his feet on the line of scrimmage. The first ball carrier lines up about 3 yards away from the defender. On the coach's signal, the ball carrier attempts to get past the defender between the cones. The defender, of course, steps up and makes the tackle before the ball carrier can do so. The ball carrier should get creative and do whatever it takes to score during the football tackling drill.
Coaching Details - Check for proper tackling form.
Football Tackling Drill #5
Angle Tackle Drill
Objective - Teach fundamentals of the angle tackle.
Action - Section defenders into two groups that face each other, about 5 yards apart. One group of players are the ball carriers and others are defenders. Place two cones about five yards apart and halfway between the first ball carrier and defender in line. The coach should stand behind the defender, points in which direction the ball carrier should go. On the coach's signal, the ball carrier begins the football tackling drill by running to the designated cone while the defender moves in to make an angle tackle. Proper technique is to get the head across the runner's body.
Coaching Details - Check for proper tackling form. Be sure the defenders don't over-run the play and that they stay on the backside of the ball carrier.
Football Tackling Drill #6
Open Field Tackle Drill
Objective - Teach defenders how to tackle in the open field. Action - For this football tackling drill, set up three dummy bags in a line (length-wise)on a line of scrimmage close to one another. Then place a cone down the line of scrimmage and five yards away from and to either side of the bags. Then place one cone about 3 yards upfield and away from the middle bag, then another on the other side (4 cones used total, forming a diamond shape around the three bags).
Separate your defenders into 2 groups: ball carriers & defenders. The ball carrier starts behind one of the middle cones and the defender behind the other middle cone. On the coach's signal, the ball carrier runs toward the middle cone, then breaks to one of the side cones set up on the line of scrimmage. The defender must read this action, then close quickly and make the open field tackle.
Coaching Details - Check for proper tackling form. Emphasize staying under control as the defenders close in on the ball carriers.
Football Tackling Drill #7
Objective - Teach defenders to shed the block and make the tackle during this physical football tackling drill.
Action - Separate team up into 3 different groups:
1) Centers & guards vs. linebackers & nose guards.
2) Tackles & tight ends vs. defensive tackles & defensive ends.
3) Wide receivers vs. defensive backs
Each group has 2 dummy bags positioned about 3-5 yards apart. Each group also has a quarterback and a running back. On the coach's signal, the quarterback hands off to the back, who tries to make it through the space created by the bags. The defender attempts to shed the offensive players block to "kill" the running back.
Coaching Details - Make this a very competitive football tackling drill. Pit the offense vs. the defense and challenge each side to do better. Keep score for bragging rights. Many teams begin camp with this drill to set a physical tone right from the start.
Football Tackling Drill #8
Chase Drill
Objective - Teach defenders to strip the ball when trailing the ball carrier from behind.
Action - Separate your defenders into 2 groups: ball carriers & defenders. Each line is in single file: ball carriers at line of scrimmage & defenders alongside but staggered 2-3 yards behind. On the coach's signal, the first ball carrier starts the football tackling drill by running about half speed down the field while the first defender sprints up and attempts to strip the football as they come up behind the runner.
Coaching Details - Run the football tackling drill from both directions and give each player sufficient reps as a defender. Be sure your defenders don't sacrifice a good tackle as they try to strip the ball. They should come down on the ball or attempt to punch up through the ball as they begin to bring the ball carrier down.
Football Tackling Drill #9
Strip Receiver Drill
Objective - Teach defenders, especially linebackers & defensive backs to strip receivers of the ball as soon as the catch is made.
Action - Align your defenders into two groups about 5-7 yards apart on the sideline. One group is the receiver group and the other will be the defenders. Put the defenders about a yard or two out from the sideline. The coach, positioned at the numbers and about 10-12 yards from the receiver group, throws a pass to the first receiver who has run a pattern across the field. The defender breaks on the receiver and attempts to strip the football as soon as the receiver makes the catch.
Coaching Details - Give both groups a chance to be the defender group and run the football tackling drill from both directions. Pass the ball out in front of the receiver and teach your defenders to break for the interception point and strip the football by bringing the outside arm down on the receiver's upfield arm.
Offensive Line Drills
1) Stance & Start Drill
Objective - Teach linemen the correct way to "start", or fire out from their stance.
Action - For this offensive line drill, position your linemen along the line of scrimmage. At the coach's signal, have the offensive linemen "fire out" of their stances.
Coaching Details - In their stance, linemen's feet should be shoulder-width apart and pointed straight ahead. Teach offensive line players to step out with the back foot to maintain their base as the first step out replaces their down hand. The head should remain up, the back flat as they take quick steps out. Be sure your players stay low as they roll over the up foot with the knee pointing to the ground.
2) Fit Drill
Objective - To teach the straight ahead base block.
Action - Align three or four defenders in the standing "fit" position (hand bags can be used here) with three or four offensive linemen in front of them. The linemen should be set in their stances. At the snap, have the linemen explode into the defenders as they perform a basic drive block.
Coaching Details - Watch for good stances and leg follow-through during this offensive line drill. Make sure players' backs are arched, butts are down and their heads are up "seeing" the defender's jersey number. On contact, the elbows should be in with palms near the bottom of the defender's shoulder pad breastplate.
3) Fit Follow-Through Drill
Objective - To teach proper follow-through when blocking.
Action - Instead of lining your linemen up in their stances, have the offensive line drill start with them already in the "fit" position against the defender. At the coach's signal, the offensive line players will roll their hips and accelerate forward. The idea is to teach the players to drive the defenders back until the coach blows the whistle.
Coaching Details - Watch for proper hip roll and foot acceleration. Don't allow your blockers to over-extend and lose proper leverage during this offensive line drill.
Heavy Bag Offensive Line Drills
Line Drill #1
One-Man Drive
Objective - Improve leg drive.
Action - Get your linemen into a single file in front of a heavy bag, with the first player about 1 yard away from the bag. On the coach's signal, the first lineman performs a base block (with explosive power) into the bag. On the next signal, the player then does a seat roll and sprints ahead five yards before going to the end of the line. Repeat offensive line drill with next player in line.
Coaching Details - Be sure each lineman is in a good stance and takes a correct first step out with an explosive motion. Make sure they're moving the sled ahead in a straight line with power-based, short steps.
Offensive Line Drill #2
Hip Roll (heavy bag)
Objective - Develop the hip roll.
Action - Divide linemen up into two lines in front of heavy bags, with the first player in each line about 1 yard from the sled. On the coach's signal, each player, without moving the feet, moves the sled ahead with the forward thrust of the hips. On the next signal, the players then do a seat roll and sprint ahead five yards before going to the end of the line. Repeat offensive line drill with next players in line.
Coaching Details - Be sure each lineman is in a good stance and takes a correct first step out with an explosive motion without the feet coming together.
Running Back Drills for Football
"Ball Handling Drills"
Running Back Drill #1
Handoff Drill
Objective - Teach correct way to receive handoff, then squeeze ball away properly.
Action - For this running back football drill, separate running backs into two lines, facing one another about 10 yards apart. Place the ball at the front of one of the lines. The player with the ball hands off to the running back in the opposite line. As one back takes the football, he hands off to the next runner. Have backs change lines so they practice receiving handoffs from both sides.
Coaching Details - Be sure each player has the inside arm up, elbow out of the way and locks the ball with the bottom arm. Slowly increase tempo of this running back drill until it reaches game speed.
Running Back Drill #2
Bag Drill
Objective - Teach running backs to take handoff, break through immediate contact and hold onto the football.
Action - For this running back drill, align two dummy bags next to each other about 2-3 yards from the running back. Have the quarterback or coach handoff. As the back receives the ball, have them explode through the bags and a bit upfield. Practice with running back taking handoff from the left and right sides. Have dummy holders take turns hitting the backs. You can also place a linebacker after the bags to force the ball carriers to make open field moves.
Coaching Details - Be sure your running backs keep a low center of gravity, shoulders down, knees up. Make sure they practice good ball protection as they move through the running back football drill.
Running Back Drill #3
Fumble Drill
Objective - Teach backs to protect the ball as well as stay upright on contact.
Action - Position two lines of dummy holders (about 5-6 men in each line) with a small path in between. Have the running backs take handoff and then sprint into the path between the bags. The bag holders should hit the back as he moves by and try to knock him down or fumble the football. As a variation, have the ball carriers hold a ball in each arm during this running back football drill.
Coaching Details - Be sure your running backs keep a low center of gravity, shoulders down, knees up. With the 2-ball variation, your running backs will have to concentrate even more on protection of the football as they squeeze both into the body.
Running Back Drill #4
Strip Drill
Same running back drill as #3 except you have the men in line strip the ball from the runners rather than hit them with the bags.
Running Back Drill #5
Two-Line Bag Drill
Objective - Teach proper hand-off fundamentals.
Action - Using six blocking bags, position them into two rows of three bags each. Be sure the bags are one yard apart and that the two lines are about five yards apart. Create two groups each consisting of a few running backs and one quarterback. Each group should be lined up single file behind the first blocking bag.
Begin this running back football drill on the coach's signal. At the whistle, each QB will handoff to the first running back in his line as the backs cradle the football properly and run through the three blocking dummies. After the backs break through the third bag in their line, the coach will signal a direction for the backs to cut to. Have the running backs change lines after each rep.
Coaching Details - Make sure each back sets up in a correct stance and then uses proper technique when receiving the hand-off. As they run through the bags, be sure they lift their knees and hold onto the football securely. The cut at the end of the running back football drill should be sharp and quick.
Running Back Drill #6
Football Pitch Drill
Objective - Teach the fundamentals of receiving the pitch.
Action - Align a group of running backs at the sideline on a yard line with another line of running backs lined up at the next yard line so the two lines are 5 yards apart.
Give the ball to the first back in the first line and have him jog in place while the first back in the next line starts running down the yard line to receive the football pitch. The back with the football steps out and throws the pitch. When the 2nd running back receives the pitch, he jogs in place as the 1st back runs past and receives the next football pitch.
Continue the running back drill until they reach the other side of the field and then have them repeat it as they come back to the starting position.
Coaching Details - Have your backs practice catching the football pitch with both hands as they perform this running back drill for football. Also, be sure they look the ball all the way in and secure it properly before they look back upfield.
Running Back Drill #7
Bad Pitch Drill
Objective - Teach the fundamentals of receiving a bad pitch.
Action - Run this just like the regular pitch running back football drill (Drill #5). Have the player with the ball deliver the football pitch in front of or behind the ball carrier.
Coaching Details - Be sure your running backs pay close attention to securing the football before worrying about running with it.
Running Back Drill #8
Square Cut Drill
Objective - Teach the 90 degree cut.
Action - For this running back drill, position 4 cones in a square with about 5 yards of space between each. Start by having the running backs go about half speed around the cones, making a hard, 90 degree cut as they "corner" each cone. When they have this down, push it up to regular speed.
Coaching Details - When the drill gets to full speed, emphasize staying low, staying under control and getting a good push-off with the outside foot. Run the drill both ways so the backs get practice pushing off both the left and right feet.
Running Back Drill #9
Trip Drill
Objective - Developing the skill of staying balanced as defenders try to cut out the legs of the running back.
Action - For this running back drill, have defenders try to trip up the backs by swinging bags at their feet.
Running Back Drill #10
High Knee Drill
Objective - Teach backs to keep their knees up high while running.
Action - Lay 4-5 dummy bags down in succession on the field so there is enough space for the backs to high-step over them. Line up your backs in single file and have them each run over the bags in succession, keeping their knees high.
Coaching Details - Don't allow them to lose focus on proper ball handling during this running back drill and be sure they keep their eyes looking up and ahead. Emphasize explosive high knee action.
Running Back Drill #11
Stumble Drill
Objective - Teach ball carriers how to keep their balance while falling as well as keeping the ball secured.
Action - Give each back a ball and have them position themselves at the 25 yard line. At the whistle, instruct them to start running. Every 5 yards, the running backs should place their palm to the ground as if stumbling. As they get up and regain balance, they should switch the ball to the other arm. This happens every 5 yards until they reach the goal line, then repeat the running back drill back to the 25.
Coaching Details - Make sure each running back switches the ball to the opposite arm after each stumble. Teach proper technique for regaining balance: bring the head up, the chest out and drive the knees forward for power.
Football Quarterback Drills
The first five drills help ball control skills.
Football Quarterback Drill #1
Grip Drill
With palm facing down, the quarterback grips the ball and moves the ball up and down. With each motion, be sure they re-grip the football. After at least 15 reps, repeat drill with the other hand.
Football Quarterback Drill #2
Drop Drill
Extend arm from the body and hold ball with palm facing down. Drop the ball and then re-grip instantly. Bring football back to starting point and repeat at least 15 times. Repeat drill with opposite hand. You can also do both hands at same time by using two footballs.
Football Quarterback Drill #3
Drop and Rotate Drill
Same as the Drop Drill except that as the ball is dropped, the quarterback rotates his hand around the ball before re-gripping it. Perform at least 15 reps with each hand, and then try with two hands at the same time.
Football Quarterback Drill #4
Spin Drill
With palm facing down, hold the ball at one end. With a flick of the fingers, give the ball a full back spin so it lands on the back of the hand. With the back of the hand, flick the ball into a full front spin and re-grip the ball with palm facing down again. Do at least 15 reps with each hand.
Football Quarterback Drill #5
Basketball Drill
Just like a basketball point guard, move the ball from hand to hand behind the back and between the legs. Do at least 3 sets that last 25-30 seconds each. Perform this football drill as fast as you can.
The next set of quarterback drills will help develop the proper mechanics of the delivery, release, follow-through, drop, throwing on the run, etc.
Football Quarterback Drill #6
Knee Drill
Objective - To develop the proper wrist snap and release of the ball.
Action - Begin the football quarterback drill with the QB's on both knees. Align them about five yards apart. The first QB gets the proper grip, lifts the football like he would when taking the snap and passes the ball to his partner. Be sure the ball is brought up near the ear, the follow-through is straight at the receiver with palm down. After ten reps back and forth, move the players five yards further apart and continue football drill from there.
Coaching Details - Check for proper grip with opposite hand securing the ball. Be sure follow-through is correct and pay attention to accuracy.
Football Quarterback Drill #7
Alternate Knee Drill
Repeat QB drill #6 with the right knee down, then with the left knee down.
Football Quarterback Drill #8
Release/Follow-Through Drill
Objective - Develop a proper release and follow-through.
Action - Align your quarterbacks with shoulders facing (standing sideways to one another) and about 7-10 yards apart. As the first player makes the pass, he rotates his hips properly in order to get the shoulder around for a good throwing motion. Partner repeats the process and returns the pass. Move the QB's 15 yards apart, repeat the football drill. Repeat at 20 yards.
Coaching Details - Check grip, hip rotation, release and follow-through.
Football Quarterback Drill #9
Drop-Back Drill
Objective - Develop the three, five and seven step drop-backs.
Action - Quarterback starts in the pre-snap stance and on coach's whistle, performs a three step drop. On the third step, he should be set and ready for a pass with the ball held at chest level. Do the three step 5-10 times, then do the same things with a five step and seven step drop-back.
Coaching Details - Make sure your QB performs this drill with adequate quickness and that at set-up, most of his body weight is positioned on the back foot.
Very important - Be sure there are no false steps in the drop... Boom, boom, boom, throw.
Football Quarterback Drill #10
QB Clock Drill
Objective - Develop further the drop-back and stance.
Action - As your quarterback drops back, call out "3 o'clock!", "9 o'clock!", "12 o'clock!", etc. At each call your QB must turn in that direction, give a pump fake, then step into the next direction. Repeat this with a each of the three types of drops.
You can also have receivers set up and at each command, your quarterback will turn and throw a pass.
Coaching Details - As with the drop-back drill, be sure your quarterback is taking a quick drop. Don't allow him to let his throwing fundamentals break down at any time during the football quarterback drill.