Football played at the junior high level is both a competitive and educational experience. Many of the young people playing the game have played organized youth football, but some may be playing for the first time. Coaches attempt to institute the basics of a cohesive offense that is usually dominated by the running game. Teaching players to block and tackle correctly is one of the top priorities in junior high football.
Step 1
Learn how to drive block when playing offensive line in junior high football. Offensive linemen have to learn how to block by getting their hands in the chest of their opponents and chopping with their feet and pushing forward. Offensive linemen can block effectively by moving their feet and engaging the defensive linemen.
Step 2
Run the ball effectively between the tackles and to the outside. The running game is vital in junior high school football because it is usually easier for young people to block aggressively and move forward than it is to give ground and form a pocket around the quarterback. The running back must learn to secure the football, look for the hole created by the offensive line and then run through that opening as fast as possible. If the play is to the outside, the running back must get past the hashmark, turn the ball upfield and then run as hard as possible. Coaches expect the running back to make at least one move that causes the tackler to miss on every carry.
Step 3
Learn the proper way to tackle. Defensive players should tackle by putting the top of their shoulder pads into their opponents' midsection and then wrapping their arms around the ball carrier and driving him to the ground. Tacklers should never lead with their helmet. This is dangerous and can lead to a devastating head or neck injury for both the tackler and the recipient. In addition to the injury risk, the player will be called for a penalty and may be ejected from the game.
Step 4
Throw the ball to receivers in order to open up the defense in the running game. It's easiest to establish a passing game at the junior high level when the quarterback is mobile and can run away from potential tacklers. If the quarterback is right-handed, have him run to his right prior to throwing. The opposite holds for left-handed quarterbacks. Teach receivers to catch the ball with their hands and not to let it get into their body where it can bounce off their shoulder pads.
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