Touch football is a fast-paced version of American football played throughout the United States. Touch football allows young players to play the exciting sport of football with a lesser risk of injury than the full-contact version of the game. In this version of the sport, tackles are made when a defender touches the runner clearly while the runner is in possession of the ball. Rules can differ by league regarding whether a tackle is a one- or two-hand touch. Coaches can help kids improve at touch football by using drills that emphasize the fundamentals.
Passing Tree Drill
This touch football coaching drill allows a quarterback and wide receiver to practice route running, as well as the fundamental skills of passing and catching. Begin by working against no defensive pressure, with the receiver running five repetitions of each route in the playbook and the quarterback completing a pass to him. Add defensive pressure by lining up opposite a defensive back 20 yards out from the end zone, and varying the route. The wide receiver and quarterback score one point for each pass completed and 10 points for a touchdown. The defensive back scores one point for every incomplete pass and 10 points for an interception.
Read and React
Read and React is a touch football coaching drill that works on a number of fundamental skills and allows a number of positions to get quality practice repetitions. A quarterback lines up centrally at a line of scrimmage 20 yards away from the end zone. Line up with three receivers and three defenders opposite. Three seconds after the snap, one defender will take a knee as the game continues; the quarterback must spot this and quickly release the pass to the wide receiver. The defenders should vary who takes a knee every play, forcing the quarterback to read the field. The passive defending allows plenty of successful repetitions for the offensive players. Progress this drill to allow the defenders to defend full speed throughout the drill. Keep score with one point being awarded to the offense for a complete pass and 10 points for a touchdown. Award one point to the defense for an incomplete pass and 10 points for a touchdown. The first team to get 20 points wins.
Touch Tackling Drill
This touch football coaching drill allows defenders to practice both tackling and evading blockers. Play in a 10-yard box with a defender lined up on the end line. The runner has a ball and takes up a position on the end line directly opposite. The ball carrier attempts to cross the goal line on which the defender starts without being touched with both hands. This should be relatively easy for the defender and allow a good amount of success. Progress the difficulty by increasing the width of the box and placing a lead blocker in front of the running back.
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