Playing youth football requires proper preparation --- and the proper equipment for playing the game. The equipment is specialized, and no coach will allow players to show up in just shorts and a T-shirt and allow them to take the field. Even during a team's conditioning drills, wearing the proper equipment is essential. A team should also have the correct types of practice equipment needed to prepare players for games.
Helmets and Pads
Prior to the start of practice, your team will give you a helmet and pads, which you will be expected to wear every day. You must provide your own shoes and a protective cup. Coaches will check for all equipment in the early stages of the season. Practice for youth football usually begins during the heat of summer, but you will be expected to wear your equipment. You will often get to take off your helmet for many of the running drills, but you must bring it --- so get used to wearing it. Helmets and pads protect your body from injury when you start hitting.
Tackling Dummy
One of the most important parts of youth football is learning the correct way to tackle opposing ball carriers. Coaches will use a tackling dummy to help demonstrate proper technique. After being shown how to tackle, players will take turns tackling the dummy --- a padded object that will not strike back, and that will not go down if the player doesn't use correct form. The tackling dummy will be used every day in youth practice.
Blocking Sled
This device is used to teach proper blocking form to young players, and is used by football players at all levels. The blocking sled often has room for three blockers to hit at a time. There are also single-man and five-man blocking sleds. The blocking sled allows the coach to get on the back and observe young players' blocking techniques. If there are any errors or problems, the coach can make immediate corrections so the players hit the blocking sled in the correct manner.
Rope Ladder
To help players learn to move from side-to-side and make tackles even when other players are in their way, coaches use the rope ladder to help players run with knees high. This will not only teach players to move with precision, it will help them run with more power and strength. The more quickly they step through the ladder, the more powerful they will become, and the better they will get at running to make a block or tackle when other players may be in the way.
Member Comments
JHemi April 7
The proper equitment is vital. Blocking pads,sleds and rope ladders are used often when I operate my practices. You do not want to beat up your children in youth football pratices too much. Having good equitment is important. Check out www.youthfootballonline.com for practice equitment,playbook, free plays, blog and a large number of articles.