When young players get on the football field, coaches are interested in making sure they are in proper shape for the demands of the sport and are also doing drills to help them learn the fundamentals of their sport. Both aspects are important because players who are not in good condition have a better chance of getting injured while playing the game. Those that learn the skills needed to play have a better chance of performing well.
Sprint Drills
Line up all your players on the near sideline. On your whistle, they will sprint to the near hashmark, then sprint back to the sidelines. They will then sprint to the far hashmark and back. Then sprint to the far sidelines and back. After taking a two-minute break and making sure all the young players have had water, repeat the drill. Football is a game that requires significant cardiovascular conditioning and this drill will help young players get stronger.
Loose Ball Drills
Young players need to build their instincts for getting to and gaining possession of a loose ball. This is not a drill that requires intricate skills, but players must demonstrate to their coaches how much they want the ball and how much they are willing to compete. Line two players up at the 10-yard line. The coach will line up at the 25-yard line and roll the ball 5 yards towards the two players. Once the coach releases the ball, the two players take off and attempt to gain possession. They must dive toward the ball and then roll away from their opponent to gain possession. Pair teammates and give each pair three attempts to gain possession.
Tackling Drill
Players who are new to the game have to develop their tackling skills. This is done with the use of tackling dummies. Have the players start at midfield and make sure the tackling dummy is at the 40-yard line. On the coach's whistle, the player rises up out of his three-point stance and sprints toward the dummy. The player must drive his shoulder into the dummy and wrap his arms around it in order to ensure that it topples over. Give each player five attempts to make the tackle.
Member Comments