Not all football is played at the varsity level. In many colleges and high schools, football is played at the club level. In most cases, the game involves a smaller version of the tackle game -- either eight or six players per side -- or flag football.
Size of Field
The size of the football field is often smaller in club football, depending on the number of players who participate. In a six-on-six game of tackle football or a flag football game, the field is usually 50 yards long with two 10-yard end zones. If the game is eight-on-eight, the field may be 70 yards long with two 10-yard end zones. Run interval sprints to get ready to play. Have each player start off at the goal line and sprint 10 yards and back, 20 yards and back, 30 yards and back, and then 40 yards and back. This will improve speed, quickness and endurance.
Style of Play
In club football, many leagues and organizations play with all players being eligible receivers. In standard football, the interior linemen are never allowed to get involved in pass patterns. In flag football and smaller versions of the tackle game, all players are eligible. As a result, all players need to practice receiving. In this drill, have all receivers start at the line of scrimmage and run 10 yards upfield and then 10 yards to the sideline. At that point,the quarterback throws a pass and the receiver attempts to catch it in the hands. This is important because you don't want receivers who body catch the ball because it can bounce out of the grasp and fall to the ground. Make sure each receiver gets a chance to catch at least two passes per practice.
Ballhandling Practice
The quarterback must be an excellent ball handler. In addition to downfield passing, the quarterback must be able to make laterals and pitches. To practice all the throws that will be made in game conditions, the quarterback should practice pitching the ball out to the running backs. Have him pitch right and left. Many quarterbacks are more comfortable pitching one way or the other -- but not both. Alternate left and right pitches to running backs and receivers. These are lateral passes and then those players can throw the ball down field in a legal manner.
Downfield Throwing
The game is largely dependent on the quarterback's ability to throw the ball accurately. The quarterbacks must practice passing accuracy. Set up stationary passing targets 10, 20 and 30 yards from the line of scrimmage on both the left and right sides. Have the quarterbacks throw at least four passes to each of these targets when they are not conducting live throwing sessions with the wide receivers.
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