The most important aspect of teaching the rule of football for kids who are learning the game or may be playing organized football for the first time is to play the game safely. Additionally, players should learn how to put the ball in play according to the rules, how to advance it downfield and how to stop the advancement of the ball when playing defense.
Safety Rules
The most important thing to teach youngsters when they start practicing and playing football is not to use their head as a weapon when it comes to blocking or tackling. Teach them to lead with their shoulder and stay low when hitting the opponent. A block or tackle with the helmet could lead to a cervical injury that could lead to paralysis. The chances of a devastating injury like this is quite small because the players usually can't generate the force needed to cause major damage. However, habits are formed when players are young and it's important not to allow them to consider hitting with their helmet. Another key safety rule involves the facemask. Players are not allowed to grab each other by the facemask, and the result is a 15-yard penalty.
Starting the Play
The ball is ready for play when it is set down at the line of scrimmage. A play begins when the center snaps the ball to the quarterback. The quarterback calls signals and the center snaps the ball at a pre-arranged time to the quarterback. All linemen on the line of scrimmage must be set for a full second before the ball is snapped. Once the quarterback receives the ball, he can run with it, drop back and pass to a receiver or hand the ball to a running back who will carry it.
Blocking
The offensive players attempt to advance the ball toward the opponent's goalline. In order to have a reasonable chance to do this, the offensive linemen must block effectively. Offensive linemen cannot grab or hold on to their opponents. They must block with their hands inside their shoulders as they attempt to push and use their bodies to get tacklers out of the way. If an offensive lineman grabs or holds a defender, he is penalized for holding and the offending team loses yardage.
Tackling
The defensive team attempts to stop the offensive team by tackling the player with the ball. The proper way to tackle an opponent is to drive your shoulder into the midsection of the ball carrier and wrap him up with both arms while bringing him to the ground. This is a legal tackle. Defensive players cannot tackle by grabbing an opponent's facemask or the back of his uniform shirt under the helmet. The latter is called a horse collar tackle and can result in injury.
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