Like many other sports, drills and repetition are just as important as is natural talent -- if not more so -- in developing young football players. Youth fundamentals include a variety of football drills. By running your Pee Wee League player through such drills, you'll provide him a base of technique that will serve him well as he continues to grow and participate in more serious gridiron competition.
Receivers
In this drill, essential for aspiring wide receivers, the player lines up between 10 and 15 yards from the person running the drill, facing forward. The coach or parent who will be throwing the ball should have plenty of footballs -- at least six or seven.
The thrower then fires off as many passes as he has footballs, in rapid-fire speed and in varying heights and direction. As soon as the player catches or misses one pass, the next one should be released. This teaches the player to quickly adjust to the path of a pass and make explosive movements toward a ball thrown in any direction.
Quarterbacks
Long toss is a simple, but effective drill that helps young quarterbacks add touch and accuracy to their passes. Two quarterbacks line up facing one another roughly 20 yards apart with one ball. The player receiving the throw stands in a semi-hunched position, with one shoulder -- the one facing his teammate -- higher than the other one.
The passer then throws the ball with the goal of dropping the pass in directly over the outside shoulder. A perfect pass will result in the receiving player catching the ball cradle-style down near the lowered, outside hand. Repetitions of this drill teach quarterbacks drop passes over the outstretched arms of defenders and into receivers' hands.
Defensive Linemen, Linebackers
A variety of drills teach defensive players to shed the blocks of opposing offensive players. For beginnings, though, it's good to keep it simple. Have your defensive player line up opposite another player who will serve as the blocker.
When you blow the whistle to signify the start of the play, the defensive player must engage the blocker as quickly as possible, use both arms to drive him backward and then forcefully raise his arm through the blocker's arm and chest area. Known as a "swim move" this builds power and teaches defenders how to disengage themselves from opponents' blocks.
Running Backs
Nothing will get a running back benched quicker than turning over the ball to the opposition. The gauntlet drill is an effective way to reinforce ball security so that your little running back doesn't develop a fumbling problem.
In this drill, you line up a two-sided wall of players, forming what amounts to a hallway for the running back to run through. As he passes by, each player hacks down on the ball, attempting to strip it from him. This teaches runners to practice proper ball security and keep a low center of gravity.
Defensive Backs
The best cornerbacks have the ability to backpedal while losing a minimal amount of speed and retaining their ability to move laterally after the ball and the receiver they're covering. To work on agility, have your young defensive back line up sideways on the field, straddling a yard line.
On the whistle, have him backpedal 20 yards as quickly as possible. As he becomes more proficient, add a wide receiver and quarterback to the mix. Have your receiver line up opposite him and run a pass route, with the defensive back working on exploding out of his backpedal and staying with the receiver every step of the way.
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