2011 COACHING HANDBOOK

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1 2011 COACHING HANDBOOK BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 1

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS BYF PHILOSOPHY FOUNDATATIONS FOR THE SEASON BYF EXPECTED SKILL OUTCOMES PER GRADE LEVEL 3 RD Grade 4 TH Grade 5 TH Grade COACHING HINTS ADDITIONAL COACHING IDEAS PRACTICE FRAMEWORK: How to get your team game-ready in 6 practices. BYF DRILLS Offensive Drills Offensive Line Drills Quarterback and Receiver Drills Quarterback and Running Back Drills Running Back Drills Defensive Drills FUTURE LUMBERJACKS OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKING TECHNIQUES PLAY EXECUTION GOALS BY GRADE BYF FORMATIONS AND PLAYS Formations Defense Defensive Formations Offense Running Game Passing Game COACHING RESOURCES / WEBSITES BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 2

3 BYF PHILOSOPHY The philosophy of the Bemidji Youth Football program is to create an organized tackle football program for all children that reside or go to school in the Bemidji Area. The primary purpose of the program is not to win football games, but rather to teach the fundamentals of football, sportsmanship, discipline, and the importance of team play to all of the participants. The primary objectives of our program are as follows: We do not create heroes or failures among participants who are too young to handle either role. Each participant will learn to play positions on offense and defense during the course of the season. Each player will have a starting position on offense and defense for the game, except for disciplinary reasons. Teams at each grade level will be formed by a draft to ensure an equal distribution of talent. There will be no All Star or Traveling team. Each grade level will have a weight limit for running backs so that the heaviest players cannot carry the ball. Coaching Bemidji Youth Football is about teaching and encouraging kids to develop. Coaches should consider themselves as a teacher first and a football coach second. Coaches are responsible for molding young minds, and need to have a clear understanding of what is required to be a successful coach in BYF. Your focus should be on teaching the kids how to play the game right, and what good sportsmanship means. All coaches representing BYF need to be clear on this point, so that there are no misunderstandings. If your primary motivation for coaching is to win championships, this is not the right program for you. It really comes down to giving each of the kids an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game and keeping them interested enough to come back the following year. In our ultra-competitive society so much focus is placed on winning that the enjoyment of the game is often lost. We need to understand that the true test of a successful season is how many kids choose to come back the following year. That being said, we are not saying that winning does not count, because it does. Instead we want to help the players develop a healthy competitive attitude toward winning and losing. How we measure results and success of coaches Your true measurement of success will not be based on wins and losses but rather by the return rate of your players the following season. Note that there will always be circumstances as to why team members will not return due to no fault of their coach and this will be taken into consideration. Generally speaking though, the return rate for the following season will be strongly considered when the grade commissioner selects coaches. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 3

4 Positive Reinforcement FOUNDATIONS FOR THE SEASON The best way to motivate players is to encourage them as they learn about football. Encourage your players to do their best, whatever their best might be. They need to understand that it is ok to make mistakes. We should work on being positive in our tone. 1. Say: Nice effort, but let s try this instead, 2. We are going to get you there. 3. Was that your best effort? Common sense Your players will respond to positive reinforcement and encouragement much more favorably than criticism and ridicule. Teach and encourage the players that it is also their responsibility to do the same support each other through encouragement. Do not accept any put-downs among teammates or trash talking opponents. Teach Fundamentals Coaching youth football is about building a solid foundation of good fundamentals. The focus should be on teaching football basics: 1. Proper footwork. 2. Correct position for blocking and tackling. 3. Understanding the proper pursuit angles. 4. Understanding not only what to do, but also why certain positions have that type of responsibility. Provide Opportunity to Learn Every Position The more opportunity the players have to learn all of the positions, the better the chance they will stay interested in the game. Almost every player wants to carry the ball and it is important to give every player the opportunity to do this in a practice setting. Incorporate drills and games into the practice time so EVERY kid has a chance to catch, throw and carry the ball. Each player will benefit from learning all of the positions. Understanding what their teammate s responsibilities are will help them play better football as a team. Everyone Will Play At Least 50% of the Game Each player should have a starting offensive and defensive position. Everyone participating in BYF paid a fee to participate in our program and should be given the opportunity to develop and learn the game as well as playing in games, regardless of skill. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 4

5 Promote Teamwork Football is a team sport and it should be taught that way. We need to emphasize that each player and each position is as important as the other. The key to a successful football team is when all 11 players are working together and taking care of their responsibilities. We need to make sure we constantly encourage teamwork in favor of individualism. When you have a very talented individual on your team it is easy to focus your attention on that player. Remember that the team will follow your lead. The most successful teams are teams that have many leaders and that develop the mentality that winning is a team effort. Promote Good Sportsmanship Good sportsmanship starts with the coaches and should extend to the parents. If the kids see coaches screaming at the officials, or talking badly about the opposing team or complaining about an unfair call, they will follow that leadership. Coaches should not allow players to talk negatively. This should be taught and demonstrated to the kids by example. Football is a physically aggressive game, but excessive force is never appropriate. Cheap shots or late hits are not tolerated. Discipline Is Important To Teach Discipline is essential to establishing a solid practice experience. The kids must understand that they need to respect the authority of the coach. One of the ways to instill discipline is have the kids do a series of beneficial exercises when the players aren t listening or following the rules. For example, extra sprints or up-downs would prove your point effectively. The key is never show anger when you are disciplining. It is important that you are under control. Including the rest of the team in the consequence can be a powerful form of promoting teamwork, and placing peer pressure on players who need discipline. It is important to clearly communicate the cause and effect of actions on your team. The players should understand what is expected of them. Teams without discipline will quickly deteriorate into chaos and it will be a bad experience for everyone involved. Effort Is The Only Measure Of Performance Make sure you teach your players that hard work and effort are the characteristics you are looking for and the key success for a football player. Playing time and opportunities should be rewarded based on attitude and effort in practice. Reward great effort regardless of results. Example: A player works hard to keep a runner contained, but ends up being blocked by a superior player. Reward the hustle - coach the need to keep containment. Coach poor effort regardless of results. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 5

6 Example: A superior player makes a great block that opens a hole for the RB for big yardage, but walks after the play and watches the rest of the play progress. Make sure you are reinforcing that they need to go until the whistle blows we need to make sure they don t develop poor habits. Make It Fun It is important that we keep the players engaged and interest throughout the season and the best way to do this is by making part of your practice fun. If they have fun they will continue to show interest and will invest more of themselves in getting better and helping the team. We have an opportunity to teach the players that hard work and getting better can also be enjoyable by including some drills and games that don t have the appearance of being just another drill. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 6

7 BYF EXPECTED SKILL OUTCOMES FOR YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYERS It is imperative to remember that the overall goal of youth football is not to win, but to learn how to play the game. The team whose players learn the lessons best will end up winning most of its games. If a kid does not learn the basic skills, he or she will lose the desire to play. If kids on your team don t have the desire, they simply won t do well and that will mean fewer victories on the score board and in the minds of the players and their parents. To that end, BYF has identified the following desired outcomes for each grade. As the kids get older, we have added more outcomes. Remember that some kids will take longer to learn (or will be new each season) so these outcomes build on each other and incorporate the earlier grades outcomes for each successive grade. Lastly, remember to expose kids to various positions especially in the earlier grades. When your star 5 th grade quarterback enters the high school program, he may end up as a safety. So teach them well! General Outcomes for All Grades SAFETY Fair play and sportsmanship Importance of teamwork Fitness Rules and penalties Authority of coaches and referees Grade 3 Skill Outcome Comment Learn Positions EXPOSE PLAYERS TO MANY POSITIONS! Sportsmanship Listening to coach Violations should have consequences. Emphasize this to parents. Rules of the game Basic plays and numbering system Players should have a strong understanding of the Pro Formation Plays and be introduced to the Tight and Flex Formations only after they have mastered the Pro Formation. Stance Players should know the 2-Point and 3-Point stance. Blocking Handoffs How to hold and run with the ball How to catch the ball How to snap the ball DON'T LEAD WITH TOP OF HEAD! First step out of stance. Which way to block the opponent. How to give a handoff. How to receive a handoff. You are not doing them a favor by teaching them an easy, but incorrect way to snap the ball. Learning the skill is the goal. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 7

8 Grade 4 Skill Outcome Comment Learn Positions Sportsmanship Stance Hole Numbers Back Numbers Blocking Tackling Passing Defense EXPOSE PLAYERS TO MANY POSITIONS! Line and backfield stance. Stability. First step out of stance. Which way to block the opponent. Run blocking (drive blocks, blocking downfield) Pass blocking. Wrap Up. Open-field tackle. 3 Step Drop. How to defend the pass without interfering. How to read keys for pass vs. run plays. Grade 5 Skill Outcome Comment Learn Positions EXPOSE PLAYERS TO MANY POSITIONS! Sportsmanship Stance Play Calling Blocking Passing Linebackers Line Methods for penetrating the line Line and backfield stance. Stability. Downfield blocking. Open field blocking. Basic pass routes. Visual keys. Recognize different Offensive Sets & Defensive Alignments. Swim moves. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 8

9 COACHING HINTS The following suggestions are offered mainly for the benefit of the first year coaches in the BYF Program, but experienced coaches might find the suggestions helpful as well. The key to a successful season is mainly a matter of common sense in dealing with young athletes. Many games in our league have been won by teams comprised of kids possessing very little raw talent, coached by parents without technical football backgrounds. Remember, BYF believes a successful season is not reflected by wins and losses but rather a successful season is one where all your players come back the following year to play football. Make it FUN while also teaching. Learn all the players names as soon as possible. Be sure that you and your assistants are familiar with the BYF philosophy, league rules and playbook. Make sure your players know in advance the practice times, location of the fields and when the practices start and end. Practices cannot last longer than two hours. Make sure that the parents get the schedule right away. Do not assume that because you gave it to the child the parents will get it. Positions players have previously played or want to play can be taken into consideration when choosing positions, but players need to understand that they will need to play where they are assigned, if that it is in the best interest of the team. Starting with the first practice, watch your individual players run sprints, block, passes, etc. Try to find positions that they can be successful in. Make sure you have multiple players for each position as you will have to contend with injuries, illness, vacations, etc. Make sure every player has a starting offensive and defensive position for the season and backup role. Most fumbles occur on the snap from the center. Work carefully with your centers and quarterbacks on the correct technique. Be fair with the kids. From the first practice on, have your players practice doing everything on a snap count, e.g., wind sprints, tackling and blocking drills, plays from scrimmages, etc. In addition to improving their reflexes, this also enhances the kids feeling of being part of a team. Never complain about the officiating within the hearing range of your players. It is much better to have the players master a few plays well rather than try to run a complicated offense poorly. A good principle is to keep it as simple as possible. Make certain that every player understands that being on time for practices and games are their responsibility. If a child cannot make a practice or game, have him call the coach to tell them. Failure to attend practices can be a reason to limit playing time, be consistent with all the players. Always be calm and constructive when criticizing a team or an individual. It is much better to stress the positive than dwell on the negative. Remember the importance of the warm up exercise for all of your players (warm-up could be running routes and catching passes at half speed). Have an assistant coach warm up players who arrive late for practice. Assistant coaches (and helper dads) are a key to a successful season. Make sure they are involved in your practices and know the rules. A good practice is a well-planned practice. Plan multiple drills to keep the players interested and to have some fun. Remember, these are young kids that have a limited attention span. Start and end practices on-time. If some kids can and want to stay longer and play catch or work with you one-on-one that s great, but don t keep the whole team late. Be frank in admitting coaching errors. These kids are extremely perceptive. If you have goofed, they will certainly know it, so be prepared to admit your mistake. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 9

10 ADDITIONAL COACHING IDEAS The following are some additional thoughts on coaching that you may want to review. If you get one or two ideas to make your job easier or your team more successful, your time will be well spent. GENERAL Consider yourself more of a teacher and a motivator rather than a coach that calls the plays. Your success will be as much a function of how well your average/weakest players develop as your best players play. Divide your team into two equal units with an equal number of players. For example, if you have 20 players on your team, divide them into two ten person units that if they played a game, you would expect a very equal game. You can switch players from one unit to the other unit when you switch from offense to defense per the fair play and equal time rules as stated in the BYF Rulebook. To help the players visualize the hole numbers utilize the numbered hose that can be laid out to show the 2 hole, 4 hole, etc. Don t assume the kids know the rules and terminology. Start with the basics to ensure they know terms such as the line of scrimmage, names of the positions and infractions (clipping, holding, etc.). GAMES Let every child be a co-captain for at least one game or practice. Their responsibilities may include: Leading the team in the pre-game and practice warm-ups during the week. Going out for the pre-game coin toss. Make sure your parents understand the importance of displaying and practicing good sportsmanship. We have had situations where the officials have penalized a team for comments made by players parents or assistant coaches on the sideline. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 10

11 BYF PRACTICE FRAMEWORK How to get your team game-ready in 6 practices. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 11

12 TEAM PRACTICE 1 (Please remember to give players water breaks during the scheduled times or as needed. We need to pay attention to the players and keep it fun!) 4:00-4:10pm 4:10-4:20pm 4:20-4:30pm 4:30-4:35pm 4:35-4:40pm 4:40-5:00pm CALISTHENICS (First chance to organize and build team work). 10 MINS. AGILITY WORK. 10 MINS. TEAM INTRODUCTIONS (Players / Coaches / Volunteers). 10 MINS. Teach the 3 POINT STANCE. Everyone does this. Work on balance. 5 MINS. 1 st STEP DRILL: Form 3 to 4 lines. Come out of the 3 point stance with a heavy first step and then run 5 yards. 5 MINS. SPLIT INTO 2 GROUPS: BACKS (HB, FB, QB, X, Z) & LINEMAN (O-Line, D-Line, TE) BACKS: Teach the 2 POINT STANCE. BALL EXCHANGE DRILL. RESISTANCE RUN DRILL. Go slow to make sure proper technique is learned first and foremost, and then increase speed. LINE: Go over Offensive Hole Numbers with the hoses and/or cones to show positions. Practice first step out of stance and technique. 20 MINS. 5:00-5:05 pm WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. 5:05-5:20pm 5:20-5:35pm 5:35-5:40pm 5:40-5:50pm 5:50-5:55pm 5:55-6:00pm FULL TEAM: OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: Go over the NUMBERING SYSTEM, CADENCE, Running Back Positions (FB, HB) and Lineman Splits. 15 MINS. REVIEW PRO FORMATION: Assign positions. Walk through the Pro Formation using the playbook. Teach PRO Formation first. We want players to know and understand this formation before moving on to the others. If they only learn one formation this year, this is the one we want them to know. Two groups if possible - may have to go without linemen. 15 MINS TACKLING EXPLANATION: Head up / eyes open / slide head to side / don t reach until shoulder makes contact / butt down / back flat. 5 MINS. TACKLING PRACTICE: Use a Tackling Dummy first then pair off. Practice the tackling technique. Do not tackle to the ground; just pop hips and lift up. Stand 1 yard apart 3 times each player. Try to watch everyone at least once. Now stand 3 yards apart 2 times each player. 10 MINS. END: Gather as a team. Go over a few rules such as offside, holding, helmet buckled, mouth guard, etc. 5 MINS. ALL GRADES: Gather as a group to break down. 5 MINS. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 12

13 TEAM PRACTICE 2 (Please remember to give players water breaks during the scheduled times or as needed. We need to pay attention to the players and keep it fun!) 3:50-4:00pm 4:00-4:10pm 4:10-4:20pm 4:20-4:30pm 4:30-4:35pm 4:35-4:45pm 4:45-5:00pm 5:00-5:05pm 5:05-5:20pm 5:20-5:30pm 5:30-5:40pm 5:40-5:45pm 5:45-5:55pm 5:55-6:00pm WARM UP (Center and QB exchanges, QB will throw passes to all players on routes). **USE ONLY ROUTES IN THE PLAYBOOK. 10 MINS. CALISTHENTICS. 10 MINS. AGILITY WORK. 10 MINS. BREAK: Go over the number system and back numbers. Use cones or ropes for younger groups to show locations. 10 MINS REMINDER - TACKLING EXPLANATION: Head up / eyes open / slide head to side / don t reach until shoulder makes contact / butt down / back flat. 5 MINS. TACKLING PRACTICE: Use a Tackling Dummy first then pair off. Practice the tackling technique. Do not tackle to the ground; just pop hips and lift up. Stand 1 yard apart 3 times each player. Try to watch everyone at least once. Now stand 3 yards apart 2 times each player. 10 MINS. DEFENSE EXPLANATION: Explain positions and responsibilities. Run dummy offense. 15 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. SPLIT INTO 2 GROUPS: BACKS (HB, FB, QB, X, Z) & LINEMAN (O-Line, D-Line, TE) BACKS: BALL EXCHANGE DRILL. Run simple plays out of the Pro Formation such as CUT / ISO / POWER. LINE: Blocking technique / first step / hole # s. 15 MINS. FULL TEAM: LUMBERJACK HIT DRILL: 2 on 2 with RB and LB. Use cones to mark the drill. 10 MINS. REVIEW FORMATIONS: Assign positions. Review formations using the playbook. Pro Formation first. Once mastered, move on to the TIGHT and FLEX Formations. Two groups - may have to go without linemen. 10 MINS REVIEW: Hole Numbers, Offense and Defense Position. 5 MINS. RUN PLAYS: Pro Formation. 2 groups if possible. Use cones or ropes for holes. 10 MINS. ALL GRADES: Gather as a group to break down. 5 MINS. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 13

14 TEAM PRACTICE 3 (Please remember to give players water breaks during the scheduled times or as needed. We need to pay attention to the players and keep it fun!) 3:50-4:00pm 4:00-4:10pm 4:10-4:20pm 4:20-4:35pm 4:35-4:50pm 4:50-5:05pm 5:05-5:10pm 5:10pm-5:25pm 5:25-5:35pm 5:35-5:45pm 5:45-5:55pm 5:55-6:00pm WARM UP (Center and QB exchanges, QB will throw passes to all players on routes). **USE ONLY ROUTES IN THE PLAYBOOK. 10 MINS. CALISTHENTICS. 10 MINS. AGILITY WORK. 10 MINS. DEFENSE EXPLANATION: Explain positions and responsibilities. Run dummy offense. 15 MINS. FORM TACKLING: 15 MINS. CLOSE THE DOOR DRILL: 15 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. SPLIT INTO 2 GROUPS: BACKS (HB, FB, QB, X, Z) & LINEMAN (O-Line, D-Line, TE) BACKS: Run simple plays out of the Pro Formation CUT / ISO / POWER. LINE: Stance / 1 st Step Holes / 1 vs MINS. FULL TEAM: RUN PLAYS: Pro Formation. CUT / ISO / POWER. 10 MINS. RUN LIVE PLAYS: Half Field: 5 vs. 5 (right and left side / rotate players). Split the team up into groups of 5 -- three lineman and two backs. Run play simulations 5 on MINS. FUMBLE DRILL: 2 Groups. 10 MINS. ALL GRADES: Gather as a group to break down. 5 MINS. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 14

15 TEAM PRACTICE 4 (Please remember to give players water breaks during the scheduled times or as needed. We need to pay attention to the players and keep it fun!) 3:50-4:00pm 4:00-4:10pm 4:10-4:20pm 4:20-4:35pm 4:35-4:50pm 4:50-4:55pm 4:55-5:05pm 5:05-5:30pm 5:30-5:55pm 5:55-6:00pm WARM UP (Center and QB exchanges, QB will throw passes to all players on routes). **USE ONLY ROUTES IN THE PLAYBOOK. 10 MINS. CALISTHENTICS. 10 MINS. AGILITY WORK. 10 MINS. DEFENSE REVIEW: Positions / Responsibilities / Stay at home. Run dummy offense. 15 MINS. OPEN FIELD TACKLING: 1 on 1. A defensive player and a running back will stand 20 yards apart and the defensive player will tackle the RB. Plenty of space is required for an open field tackle (20yd x 20yd area). All players must stay within the 20 yard box. 15 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. OFFENSIVE REVIEW: Review the huddle, cadence, hole numbers and the Pro Formation Plays ONLY. 10 MINS. SPLIT INTO 2 GROUPS: BACKS (HB, FB, QB, X, Z) & LINEMAN (O-Line, D-Line, TE) BACKS: Break into groups and review/practice PRO FORMATION plays. LINE: Review assignments and blocking techniques. 25 MINS. RUN LIVE PLAYS: Full Team, rotating players in from the sidelines (simulating a game). Scrimmage a team in your grade. 25 MINS. ALL GRADES: Gather as a group to break down. 5 MINS. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 15

16 TEAM PRACTICE 5 (Please remember to give players water breaks during the scheduled times or as needed. We need to pay attention to the players and keep it fun!) 3:50-4:00pm 4:00-4:10pm 4:10-4:20pm 4:20-4:35pm 4:35-4:40pm 4:40-4:55pm 4:55-5:05pm 5:05-5:20pm 5:20-5:25pm 5:25-5:55pm 5:55-6:00pm WARM UP (Center and QB exchanges, QB will throw passes to all players on routes). **USE ONLY ROUTES IN THE PLAYBOOK. 10 MINS. CALISTHENTICS. 10 MINS. AGILITY WORK. 10 MINS. LUMBERJACK HIT DRILL: 2 on 2 with RB and LB. Use cones to mark the drill. 15 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. SPLIT INTO 2 GROUPS: BACKS (HB, FB, QB, X, Z) & LINEMAN (O-Line, D-Line, TE) BACKS (INCLUDING CENTER): Work on teen pass plays. LINE: 1 st Step, run plays (Cut, ISO, Power) against contact (D-Lineman). Coach will play QB. 15 MINS. FUMBLE DRILL: 2 Groups. 10 MINS. FORM TACKLING: 15 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. RUN LIVE PLAYS: Full Team, rotating players in from the sidelines (simulating a game). Scrimmage a team in your grade. 30 MINS. (Play 15 MINS. on offense & 15 MINS. on defense). ALL GRADES: Gather as a group to break down. 5 MINS. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 16

17 TEAM PRACTICE 6 (Please remember to give players water breaks during the scheduled times or as needed. We need to pay attention to the players and keep it fun!) 3:50-4:00pm 4:00-4:10pm 4:10-4:20pm 4:20-4:30pm 4:30-4:35PM 4:35-4:50pm 4:50-5:00pm 5:00-5:15pm 5:15-5:20pm 5:20-5:50pm 5:50-5:55pm 5:55-6:00pm WARM UP (Center and QB exchanges, QB will throw passes to all players on routes). **USE ONLY ROUTES IN THE PLAYBOOK. 10 MINS. CALISTHENTICS. 10 MINS. AGILITY WORK. 10 MINS. FORM TACKLING: 15 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. SPLIT INTO 2 GROUPS: BACKS (HB, FB, QB, X, Z) & LINEMAN (O-Line, D-Line, TE) BACKS: Review first 8 plays (Cut, ISO, Power & Toss). LINE: Review assignments and blocking technique. 15 MINS. DEFENSE REVIEW: Positions / Responsibilities / Stay at home. Run dummy offense. 10 MINS. CLOSE THE DOOR DRILL: 15 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. RUN LIVE PLAYS: Full Team, rotating players in from the sidelines (simulating a game). Scrimmage a team in your grade. 30 MINS. (Play 15 MINS. on offense & 15 MINS. on defense). END: Gather as a team. Go over a few rules such as offsides, holding, pass interference, helmet buckled, mouth guard, etc. 5 MINS. ALL GRADES: Gather as a group to break down. 5 MINS. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 17

18 TEAM PRACTICE TEMPLATE FOR PRACTICES 7 AND BEYOND. (Please remember to give players water breaks during the scheduled times or as needed. We need to pay attention to the players and keep it fun!) 3:50-4:00pm 4:00-4:10pm 4:10-4:20pm 4:20-4:30pm 4:30-4:35PM 4:35-4:55pm 4:55-5:05pm 5:05-5:15pm 5:15-5:20pm 5:20-5:50pm 5:50-5:55pm 5:55-6:00pm WARM UP (Center and QB exchanges, QB will throw passes to all players on routes). **USE ONLY ROUTES IN THE PLAYBOOK. 10 MINS. CALISTHENTICS. 10 MINS. AGILITY WORK. 10 MINS. FORM TACKLING: Start across from each other using the proper technique. Chose a Defensive Drill from the coach s manual that utilizes live tackling. 15 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. SPLIT INTO 2 GROUPS: BACKS (HB, FB, QB, X, Z) & LINEMAN (O-Line, D-Line, TE) Review the offensive and defensive rules. Alternate days. BACKS: On opposite days pick a drill from the coach s manual. LINE: On opposite days pick a Defensive or O-line Drill from the coach s manual (alternate). 20 MINS. DEFENSE REVIEW: Positions / Responsibilities / Stay at home. Run dummy offense. 10 MINS. OFFENSIVE REVIEW: Review the huddle, cadence, hole numbers, formations and plays. Master the Pro Formation first before moving on to the Tight and Flex Formations. 10 MINS. WATER BREAK. 5 MINS. RUN LIVE PLAYS: Full Team, rotating players in from the sidelines (simulating a game). Scrimmage a team in your grade. 30 MINS. (Play 15 MINS. on offense & 15 MINS. on defense). END: Gather as a team. Go over a few rules, announcements, etc. 5 MINS. ALL GRADES: Gather as a group to break down. 5 MINS. General Comments This is a proven framework that will get your team ready for the first game. Spending too much time on conditioning is not important at this level. Work on skills and responsibilities instead. Keep your players busy. Do not do drills that allow the majority of the players to stand around. Your players will lose interest fast the more they stand around. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 18

19 BEMIDJI YOUTH FOOTBALL DRILLS BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 19

20 OFFENSIVE LINE DRILLS FIRST STEP DRILL FIRST TO THE BALL ALL BLOCKS DRILL RUN BLOCK PASS BLOCKING DRILL PASS FOOTWORK DRILL 10 YARD DRIVE PANCAKE DRILL DRIVE BLOCK PUNCH STRANGTH DRILL BEAR CRAWL BLOCK BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 20

21 FIRST STEP DRILL The 1 st Step Drill is designed to teach lineman how to take their first step out of the 3-Point stance. What you need 3-4 equal lines of players. How this drill works Have 3-4 equal lines of players. Have the first line get into the 3-Point stance. The coach will then call the cadence. Players will take a heavy first step and then run 5 yards. Continue through the rest of the lines. Result This should reinforce the importance of the first step out of their stance. FIRST TO THE BALL Firing out to make blocks is important for offensive lineman to learn; especially at a young age. What you need You can line up 5 offensive linemen at a time or in smaller groups if you don t have the numbers. You will need a cone with a ball on top for each player. How this drill works One of the problems encountered by coaches that are coaching younger players is that they aren t firing out of their offensive line spots in order to make a block. This drill should help that. Line up the line in their typical positions. Each player should be lined up across from a cone with a ball on top. Using a standard cadence (down, color & number, color & number, hutt), when you get to hutt, the lineman needs to burst forth and get to the ball and bat it with their hand (ball should be about 3 yards away). The player that gets out of their stance first and touches the ball gets to sit out the next tries. Then the next fastest player gets to sit out and so on until you get to the last player. The last player should understand that they need to work on bursting out of their stance to get to the ball similar to firing out at a block during a game. If a false start occurs, the offensive lineman that would be penalized will have to continue in the drill, even if they are the first person to get to the ball. Result This should reinforce to your offensive lineman that they need to fire out on the snap of the ball, and that it should be an instantaneous response. ALL BLOCKS DRILL This drill will help provide some of the fundamentals of all blocking for offensive lineman. What you need You can match an offensive lineman up with a defensive lineman or to start, coaches can hold a dummy while the lineman perfects technique. How this drill works When the coach blows the whistle, the lineman will engage the dummy or the defender and coaches will watch for the following: Feet shoulder width apart at impact, and feet are moving in short, quick, choppy steps. The shoulders are square and low. Neck is bowed. Head up, eyes up. Hips pushed up and forward when making contact. Maintain contact until the whistle blows. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 21

22 Result During this drill, the coach should watch for the technique of the offensive lineman. Corrections can be made at this point for technique. RUN BLOCK This is the first of two types of basic blocks young players will learn. What you need Coaches with tackling dummies to start, and then you can move into putting players together once they understand what they are doing. How this drill works You want to teach kids to essentially drive block in this drill. This means that they need to learn the basics of leveraging their body to open up running lanes for their running backs. This is a key component to a successful running attack, so good attention should be paid to it at this level. The body should have a good base, with the feet just under shoulder width apart. The lineman should engage their opponent with their head up, and their feet under the core of their body. Too far extended and the defensive player can pull them forward. Leaning back too much and they will continue to knock the offensive lineman backward. The player should engage the defensive player by driving his hands underneath the chest part of the shoulder pads and then using his body to drive the player away from the hole. Result The basics of run blocking will be learned. PASS BLOCKING DRILL Pass blocking is the second element of blocking that young players should understand. What you need Coaches with tackling dummies to start, and then pass rushing players once the players understand the technique. How this drill works Start by explaining to the players that the run block is an attacking block, while the pass block is a protection or a defending block. The same rule of thumb applies with having a strong base to block from but the block is executed differently. The pass block involves the offensive lineman creating a base first and then repelling the oncoming attack either by: standing his ground, using his arms to keep the defender at bay or by pushing the defender around the quarterback (the pocket). Coaches will try to penetrate into the backfield, while the young players learn the technique for pass blocking. At some point you can add in real defenders. Result The knowledge of pass blocking and how it works. PASS FOOTWORK DRILL Footwork and proper set up is essential for offensive linemen. What you need You will need two lines of lineman and a coach with a tackling dummy in one hand. A cone should be set up no more than three to five yards behind the player. How this drill works On the snap of the ball, the coach will move forward with the tackling dummy as though it was a defensive lineman. The lineman needs to focus on three things: BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 22

23 1. Solid base with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. The foot closest to the Center position should be slightly forward. 2. Their bottom should drop dropped, the waist bent slightly forward and the weight of the body centered over the balls of the feet, while still maintaining an overall solid balance. 3. The arms should be up in a prepared position as the player shuffles back but no more than the 3 to 5 yards to the cone. In a pass block situation, the lineman should be focused on creating a pocket for the quarterback, preventing penetration and riding the defensive lineman to the outside. Result Once proper footwork is achieved, the players will see an improvement in their overall pass blocking skills. 10 YARD DRIVE It is important for offensive linemen to learn to drive block and to continue driving for the entire play. What you need To start, you only need the offensive lineman and a coach (or players will work) to hold a tackling dummy. How this drill works Often times younger offensive linemen believe they have executed their block correctly as soon as they fire out and make contact. Coaches do not impress upon them the importance of gaining position on the block, maintaining the block and on running plays, driving that block. The offensive lineman (square) in this drill will engage the coach holding the dummy with the proper drive block form (head up, feet shoulder width apart, feet moving, hands in tight underneath shoulder pads, etc.). Once engaged, the offensive lineman will hold this block and drive it at least 10 yards before letting go. Coaches should offer a little resistance on the bag, to give the lineman the feeling of having to drive a player off the ball. You can take this one step further by placing a cone out 10 yards, but at an angle to demonstrate angle blocking to open a hole another element of a good drive block. Result This drill should help your offensive lineman to understand that blocking is not just about hitting a player once and then letting them go. It is about engaging, maintaining and driving that block out of the hole. PANCAKE DRILL This drill helps to prepare younger offensive linemen to execute a drive block, and possibly a pancake when run blocking. What you need To start, you need two lines of offensive linemen with a coach and a tackling dummy at each line. You can add defensive players once the offensive linemen master the pancake. How this drill works On the snap of the ball, the offensive lineman will drive forward and engage the tackling dummy, instead of having the tackling dummy meet him (as in a passing situation). Coaches should watch for the following three things: 1. Solid base (too far forward and the lineman s momentum can be used against them; too far back and they won t get the leverage they need.) BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 23

24 2. Arms extended, but tight (inside of shoulder pads on defensive linemen). 3. Feet moving forward at all times, while the arms are engaged with the tackling dummy. After driving the tackling dummy for five yards, the coach should release the dummy to give the player the feeling of pancaking the dummy. This means driving the dummy to the ground. Result Offensive linemen will learn and understand the essential element of run blocking on the offensive line. DRIVE BLOCK More blocking skills are learned with this drill. The drive block is essential for creating running lanes for the running back. What you need You can set this drill up the same as you set the previous blocking drill up. To start, you need two lines of offensive linemen with a coach and a tackling dummy at each line. You can add defensive players once the offensive linemen master the drive block. How this drill works When the coach blows his whistle, the lineman will step straight toward the dummy. At this point, the feet must be planted and the body leans forward and the palms of the hands strike the center of the chest. The elbows remain close to the body to maintain control of the defender and the hands should slide up under the defenders pads. The lineman should continue pushing the defender back with the hands engaged until the whistle blows. The key here is for the offensive lineman to keep the feet moving, the hands engaged (without holding), and to DRIVE the dummy out of the hole. Result Better technique on the drive blocks will help your running game as the holes are driven open with this blocking technique. PUNCH STRENGTH DRILL This drill works on the O-line punch technique and also builds strength in their punches. What you need Set up two or three lines of offensive linemen. Each line has a set of two weights between 5 and 15 pounds (lighter for younger players heavier for older players). How this drill works The punch is the offensive line technique to prevent defensive lineman from using their hands to get by an offensive lineman, and to keep the DL from getting a lock and then driving the OL back. This drill starts with the offensive lineman setting up in a proper pass blocking frame: feet shoulder width apart, inside (closest to center) foot slightly ahead of the other, bottom down and slightly bent forward at the waist ready to engage with the arms extended. Each player at the beginning of the line will grab the two weights, one in each hand. On the coaches whistle, the players will chop their feet up and down, and they will punch the air as though they are pass blocking against a defender. Strength is an important factor in being able to keep defensive lineman at bay when they are pass rushing. Coaches should watch that the offensive linemen have good form, and should stop and instruct during the drill when needed. Result This drill not only works on pass blocking form, but builds increased strength in the O-linemen s arms so they can impact and punch block more effectively. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 24

25 BEAR CRAWL BLOCK In a four point stance, one often looks like a bear and learning to block from this position can build agility and strength in the blocks. What you need Pair up offensive lineman together, one will be the bear and the other will be the pass rusher. How this drill works The offensive lineman will be on his hands and feet, but in a slightly crouched position. The pass rusher will start about 2 yards away from him. When the coach blows the whistle, to start the pass rusher will just simply go one direction or the other at about half speed. The offensive lineman in the bear crawl position will stay in the bear crawl, but try to get in front of the defensive lineman to prevent penetration. Often time the offensive linemen will be pushed down, and still be expected to make a block. Increase the speed of the rusher as the blocker gets more adept at making good blocks from the bear crawl position. Result This drill will help offensive lineman with those blocks and build the agility to make a block even when they get knocked down. They will need to make those blocks from a bear crawl-like position. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 25

26 QUARTERBACK AND RECEIVER DRILLS SNAP AND DROP BACK CATCHING TRIANGLE STEP, LOOK AND FIRE CATCH CONCENTRATION PROGRESSION DRILL CONES AND CUTS LIGHTNING CATCH DRILL STOP AND TURN ROLLOUT PASSING OVER THE SHOULDER SIDELINE CATCH DRILL OVER THE MIDDLE CONTINUOUS PATTERN DRILL CHECK OFF PASS RAISE HAND RECOGNITION DRILL RECEIVER CRACK BLOCK BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 26

27 SNAP AND DROP BACK The snap is the first element of starting a play and players should learn this technique early. It is a very important exchange that starts each play. What you need - You will need your center and quarterback. If you have more than one of each great! You can have them working together. How this drill works The quarterback will set up behind the center and the coach will call the cadence. On the final hutt, the center will snap the ball and the quarterback will receive it. The quarterback will then begin the drop back. The player should focus on the proper form during the drop back: good crossover back, holding the ball with two hands (the throwing hand on the laces), and holding the ball at shoulder height with the head up looking downfield. Result This is where each play begins if you can t master this aspect of the offense, your team is going to have a hard time moving the ball. CATCHING TRIANGLE This is the basic way for players to learn to catch the ball. What you need Pair up, or put players in groups of three to throw the ball back and forth. How this drill works Passes should be caught with fingers outstretched and palms out, with the index fingers and thumbs nearly meeting to create a triangle window. Once caught, the ball should be brought down and secured to the body. Result Players will learn the basics for catching the ball. STEP, LOOK AND FIRE Quick drop and release is important for quick timing pass plays. Holding on to the ball is going to disrupt timing. What you need You can line up receivers with the quarterbacks in this drill. Receivers will only be running quick slants or stops. How this drill works The emphasis of this drill is on the desire to get the ball out of the hand as quickly as possible. Holding on to the ball on a three step drop will get your QB hammered. Upon the snap of the ball, the receiver will run a 2-yard slant. The QB will drop back three steps with his head looking forward (not at the receiver), and then once planted on the three step drop, he will turn his shoulders slightly at his target, look, and deliver the ball. This all happens instantaneously. A pass with a three step drop should take no more than three seconds to complete if that. Learning to make the throw as quickly as possible is important. Make this drill more difficult by having a defender there to watch for the slant pattern. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 27

28 Result Improved quickness throwing the ball. This can be applied to a variety of patterns, and you might want to vary the pattern to increase the quarterbacks understanding of where they need to throw the ball. CATCH CONCENTRATION Catching the ball through a maze of hands, arms and while distracted makes a good receiver great. What you need Two lines, one line of receivers and one line of distracters. How this drill works The ball will be thrown to the receivers, but between the receiver and the ball is the distracter. The distracter will be facing the receiver, waving their arms, shouting and generally trying to keep the receiver from catching the ball without touching the receiver. Result With regular work on catch concentration, your receivers will develop the skill to focus on catching the ball and bringing it in no matter what sort of distraction they might face. PROGRESSION DRILL Quarterbacks have to go through receiver progressions to make the best passing decisions on the field. What you need You need a quarterback and a three-receiver combination (2 WR, 1 TE or 2 WR, 1RB, etc.). How this drill works On the snap, the receivers will run their patterns at full speed as the quarterback drops back. The quarterback should have his head up, and be looking downfield at his receivers. The coaches should have a primary, secondary and tertiary (third) target picked out before the play. The quarterback will look at each of his targets in this drill before deciding which one is the best choice. He will then make the pass to the appropriate player. The ball should be released within 3 seconds at the end of his drop. Quarterbacks at this age can work up to that point. Result Recognition skills are crucial for making the right pass at the right time during a game. Learning this skill early will help the player at higher levels. CONES AND CUTS It is imperative in many cases for a receiver to cut at exactly the right spot. What you need For each passing route requiring a cut, the coach will place the cones where he wants the player to make the cut. This will vary, depending on the length and type of route the receiver is running. How this drill works Upon the snap, when the quarterback drops back, the receiver will be running his route. The quarterback should know where the ball needs to go, and should pass it to that area. The receiver will sprint to the cone, and make a quick fake and then the proper cut. Even with the fake, the cut needs to be made at the proper time not a step before, or a step after or the pass will likely be missed. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 28

29 Result Many pass patterns are run off of timing and the quarterback is throwing to an area that they expect the receiver to be in at a given time. If the cut is not proper or executed on time it can result in a turnover or incomplete pass. LIGHTNING CATCH DRILL Your receivers are going to develop quick hands and good concentration with this drill. It is also a good drill for your quarterbacks to work on throwing accurate passes. What you need One line of receivers and three quarterbacks lined up on each of the three sides of the receiver for this drill. You will also need 6 footballs. How this drill works With the players lined up as above, the drills starts when the coach blows the whistle. When initially beginning this drill, the quarterback to the receiver s right should start by throwing to the receiver. Once the receiver catches and secures the ball, the middle quarterback will throw to the receiver. The receiver must then drop the first ball and prepare to catch the second ball. Then, once the second ball is secured the third quarterback will throw, and the process repeats itself. Then the third quarterback throws again, then the middle, and then the left with the same catch, secure, drop repeated for each one. The receiver will handle six balls total. Coaches can increase the complexity of the drill by having the quarterbacks throw quicker, making the receiver catch and release much faster. Result Your receivers will use this drill to develop better hand-eye coordination and work on catching and securing the ball. Quarterbacks will be able to work on accuracy and making quick release throws. STOP AND TURN This is a basic pass with an extra move that will help gain yardage. It is a basic stop move that all offensive players should learn. What you need You can put your quarterbacks in one line (to alternate throwing this pattern) and your receivers in another. Or, you can have two quarterbacks working side by side, with one line of receivers to the right of them (for one QB), and another line of receivers to the left of them (for the other QB). How this drill works Upon the snap of the ball, the receivers will run 10 yards and then stop and fade 2 yards toward the sideline. This is the stop pattern. The QB will throw the ball to them; the receiver will catch the football, tuck and tap, and then give a quick quarter-turn one way, then go the other (fake and turn the other way). Both receivers and quarterbacks should switch sides for receiving and throwing. Result This is a basic maneuver for receivers to use on this pattern, and one of the most common patterns QB s will throw. It is good to learn the timing for QB s and the turn for receivers. ROLLOUT PASSING Quarterbacks need to know how to properly throw on the run. What you need Need two quarterbacks side by side taking snaps. You will also need a line of receivers about 10 yards downfield facing the QB. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 29

30 How this drill works Upon the snap, the quarterback will sprint out to the right or left (open side of the drill) staying between 6 and 8 yards away from the line of scrimmage. The receivers will break towards the sideline, and the quarterback will need to square up his shoulders, hips and head toward the target area so the throwing arm can come through properly toward the target. The quarterback will try to hit the receiver before he gets to the sideline. Result A greater ability to maneuver and throw outside the pocket. OVER THE SHOULDER The deep pass is one of the toughest passes to catch on the run especially for younger players. What you need You need two quarterbacks side-by-side, one with a line on his left, and another with a line on his right. How this drill works The receivers will take off down the field in a straight GO (17) pattern. When you first start this drill, the QB should throw the ball within the first 5 yards or so. This makes it a short pass, and the receiver can get used to catching the ball over his shoulder. As the QB and the receiver are able to get on to the same page with the deep ball, they can start running the patterns a little deeper, so that the receiver can develop this skill. Coaches should be watching for proper cradling of the ball when it is received and the catch, tuck and tap. Result Receivers will learn to catch the ball over their shoulder and QB s will perfect the deep pass. SIDELINE CATCH DRILL Catching the ball with the feet inbounds is an excellent receiving skill to work on. For quarterbacks, this drill will build accuracy for throwing the ball to the sideline. What you need You can split this drill into two stations, one on each sideline, each station with a quarterback (or two), and a line of receivers about 10 yards out from the sideline. How this drill works This drill is the same for receivers each time it is run, however it can be done three different ways for quarterbacks. A) In the first one, on the snap of the ball the receiver sprints toward the sideline and the QB takes a three-step drop and then fires the ball to the sideline. The catch must be made in bounds. B) In the second one, on the snap of the ball, the QB can be on a sprint out and attempts to make the same pass. C) For the third way, you can have the quarterback right up against the sideline and throwing directly in front of him to the receiver at the sideline. This can be done on either sideline. QB s and receivers should switch up the side they are on to get work on both sides. Result QB gets work throwing sideline routes and receivers work on concentrating on the ball while making sure they are still inbounds. OVER THE MIDDLE Maintaining concentration on pass routes over the middle is something every coach battles with. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 30

31 What you need Two lines you can split receivers up, or you can have defensive backs in the other line if you like. How this drill works You ve heard of the term hearing footsteps when it comes to players dropping passes that they should have otherwise caught. This drill aims to eliminate that from happening. The receivers will sprint across the field at an angle so they catch the pass at about the 15 yard mark (or less for younger players). The footsteps will be barreling towards the same spot making noise, waving their hands, and even faking a hit on the wide receiver, but they WILL NOT actually hit the receiver. The defender will just stop short of hitting the receiver coming across the middle, mainly because this is more of a concentration drill just to get a receiver used to catching the ball over the middle in traffic. Result In time, this repetition will prepare receivers to catch the ball over the middle of the field and NOT be tentative when they try to receive a pass. At some point down the road, you may consider making quarter contact or a pop once the receiver catches the ball in preparation of future contact in a game situation.ww.footballtutorials.com CONTINUOUS PATTERN DRILL This is a great conditioning drill, but it is also a good drill to help receivers maintain focus while running crisp pass routes. What you need Two QB s and a coach should be feeding balls between routes. You will need a line of wide receivers. How this drill works Two QB s will be dropped back (each with a ball). They will alternate throws to the receiver while the coach hands them balls in the backfield. Each receiver will run a total of 9 routes and catch 9 balls. Each receiver will run the first route and then return to the end of the line before starting the second series of routes and so on. The wide receiver will start by running the STICK route (the first QB will throw the ball), then he will run the STOP route (the second QB will throw the ball), then the GO route (at 15 yards), then the POST route, then the CROSSER route, then the OUT route, then the CORNER, then the WHEEL, and finally a SLANT route over the middle. Each time the QBs will alternate throws while the coach is replenishing balls to them in the backfield. After the throw, the QB must reassume the proper throwing position to get ready for their next pass. Improper preparation will result in inaccurate throws. This drill should be done at full speed. Result Passing accuracy for the QB s on selected routes and work on hands, routes and conditioning for receivers. W.FOOTBALLTUTORIALS.COM CHECK OFF PASS Checking downfield and then making the dump pass is a tough skill for many quarterbacks to master. What you need Have the quarterbacks work with the running backs on this drill, but the drill is more for the QB recognition. How this drill works To start the drill, the QB will be under center and after the snap of the ball he will drop back 3 steps. QB will need to check downfield first for receivers (which are not there in this drill), and then make the decision to throw to their safety valve. QBs need to be aware of looking downfield, BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 31

32 and then if they have no targets, to turn their shoulders towards their target and make the pass to the advancing RB. Far too often QBs will just side arm the ball over to the RB sacrificing accuracy. Result Once the quarterback becomes comfortable throwing this pattern it will become second nature and it will be completed on a far more regular basis. RAISE HAND RECOGNITION DRILL QBs always need to improve their downfield recognition skills, and this drill is certainly going to help. What you need You will need a quarterback and three or four receivers to do this drill. Each receiver is between yards away from the quarterback and spread about the field. One in the middle should be deep, one in the middle should be short, and the other two should be near the sidelines (get rid of the middle short if only three receivers). How this drill works The coach will stand behind the QB, and prior to the snap, will point to the receiver that is going to be open. The QB will not know which player is going to be open. The QB will drop back 3 steps before he needs to find the receiver and complete the pass. At first, the player will raise one hand to show that he is the intended receiver. To make the drill more difficult, and more important for the quarterback to read, the all the players will raise one hand, and the intended target will raise TWO hands. This forces the QB to make quick reads and hit the proper target. The coach should enforce a three second release rule for the QB after he reaches his drop. To increase the difficulty further, you can extend this to 5 receivers (RB ARROW route), and you can lengthen the throws. Result The QB will dramatically increase his ability to find and complete the passes to his intended targets down the field.w.footballtutorials.com RECEIVER CRACK BLOCK Learning to effectively and legally block down from the receiver position is an excellent skill to teach. What you need You can start this drill with groups of receivers and a coach or a player with a dummy, acting as a linebacker. How this drill works On the snap of the ball the wide receiver will execute a legal seal block on the linebackers. The advantage of this block is that it prevents the linebacker from making a play, but there are disadvantages your receiver could get blown up by a backer, or they could cause injury to the LB if they don t execute the block correctly. The block is ALWAYS above the waist never should this block be executed below the waist. The lateral movement of the linebacker exposes their knees. The block is NEVER from behind if the LB has his back turned, you become an obstacle to their movement not cracking them from behind. The best crack blocks engage the linebacker in the midsection, with the head up, just to get in their way. Properly executed, this can be a great block to add to your scheme. Result Another blocking tool for when you run your running plays. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 32

33 QUARTERBACK & RUNNING BACK DRILLS CIRCLE PITCH / TOSS DRILL BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 33

34 CIRCLE PITCH/TOSS DRILL The circle pitch drill will teach quarterbacks how to properly pitch and toss the football to the running back. What you need 1 quarterback and all your running backs for this drill. You will also need a football. How this drill works The running backs will form a circle around the quarterback. The first part of this drill will work on the pitch. The quarterback will pitch the ball to each of the running backs in the circle. The running back will catch the pitched ball and tuck it away before he pitches it back to the quarterback. The second part of this drill will work on the toss. The quarterback will toss the ball to each of the running backs in the circle moving clock-wise. The running back will catch the tossed ball and tuck it away before tossing it back to the quarterback. The quarterback will repeat this drill, this time going counter-clockwise. Result This drill is a good one for quarterbacks and running backs as it will teach quarterbacks the proper way to pitch and toss the ball and it will teach running backs how to receive a pitched or tossed ball and tuck it away. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 34

35 RUNNING BACK DRILLS BALL EXCHANGE DRILL RESISTANCE RUN DRILL JUKE, SPIN AND STIFF ARM ONE CUT DRILL THE EXCHANGE CUT AND SWITCH RUN THE GAUNTLET CATCH, TUCK AND TAP HOLD THE BALL RUNNING BACK READ BALL SWITCH WITH TACKLER LEAD BLOCK BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 35

36 BALL EXCHANGE DRILL The Ball Exchange Drill is designed to teach running backs the proper technique on how to take a handoff. What you need Split your team into two equal lines of players, standing across from each other, about 10 yards apart. You will also need a football. How this drill works Make two equal lines of players standing across from each other, about 10 yards apart. The players on one side of the line will have possession of the ball and the players on the other side of the line will receive the ball. One player from each line will come together in the center for the handoff. Players should walk to the center to ensure that they are learning the proper technique. The player with the ball will hand the ball off with their inside hand and place it into the other player s stomach. The player receiving the ball will need to place their inside arm up and their outside arm down to make a basket to receive the ball. Make sure their basket is wide to ensure that the QB has room to place the ball. Once the player receives the ball, they will need to tuck it away in their arm to protect it. Repeat the drill, this time switch arms. Result This should reinforce the importance of a proper handoff technique and protecting the ball. RESISTANCE RUN DRILL The Resistance Run Drill teaches players how to break through tackles. What you need Split your team into groups of 2. You will also need 1 football per group. How this drill works Split your team into groups of 2. One player will carry the ball and try to run forward about 5 yards while the other player holds their hips, creating enough resistance to make the player chop his feet but not so much that he cannot move forward. TBALLTUTORIALS.COM Result This should teach players how to fight through tackles and to keep their feet moving. JUKE, SPIN AND STIFF ARM Running backs need to learn a few good moves and some standard ones in order to gain a few extra yards. What you need Three dummies in a single file line held by coaches or by other players waiting their turn in this drill and a line of running backs to go through the drill. How this drill works On the snap of the ball, the running back will receive a handoff (or have the ball already). At the first dummy, the runner will make a juke around the dummy then sprint to the next dummy. At the second dummy, the runner will drop his inside shoulder on the path he takes and then spin off the dummy and head to the third one. At this one the running back will decide which side to run BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 36

37 to left or right and they will change the side they are carrying the ball on and then stiff arm with the other. Result This drill is a good one for backs as they will have to employ each of these running tactics in order to try and maximize their yards carrying the ball. Also, it helps them learn to do the drills in succession and react to where the defender is. ONE CUT DRILL Getting RBs up field can be a challenge, but this drill should help. What you need Set up cones where the different running holes should be. Have a running back in the backfield and a shadow linebacker on the defensive side. How this drill works This teaches RBs to make a quick read where the hole is, and then to cut up field. Too many RBs will try to juke and jive to avoid tackles instead of taking the opening and accelerating through it. RBs get one up field cut and then they have to accelerate forward in this drill. Result Your runners will learn to take the openings that they have and make positive yardage instead of trying too hard to make something happen and not gaining the positive yards they need. THE EXCHANGE The exchange between the quarterback and the running back is nearly as important as that between the QB and the center. What you need You will need a QB and RB in order to do this drill. The RB should line up in his normal position behind the quarterback. How this drill works Upon the snap of the ball, the running back should head towards his hole in the imaginary offensive line and the QB should go there to meet him. This is the basic format of most running plays. The QB will hand the ball to the running back so he can go through the hole. Coaches should be watching for the proper reception by the running back and that the exchange is seamless. Result Timing will be improved and the QB and RB will definitely reduce exchange fumbles between them. CUT AND SWITCH Carrying the ball in the proper arm is great for kids to learn early. What you need Set up a cone course with the cones about 5 yards apart and staggered down a 10-yard section of the field. Each player will need a football as they negotiate through the course. How this drill works As each player runs through the course, they need to run outside of each cone, and zigzag (cut) from cone to cone. As they are going down the course, the ball carrier needs to switch the ball back and forth between arms to keep the ball in the outside arm as they go around the cone. Coaches should watch for the proper transfer of the ball from arm to arm. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 37

38 Result After kids get used to this, it will become second nature to them and it will carry through their entire football career. Keeping the ball to the outside reduces the number of fumbles caused by defender hits. RUN THE GAUNTLET Preventing fumbles by protecting the ball is important for players of all ages. What you need Many football organizations have an apparatus that players can run through that offers resistance and also affects the player s ability to hang on to the ball. Or, you can have a column of players that runners will go through. How this drill works Whether it is an apparatus or a column, the ball carriers must run through this area and protect the ball from being knocked out of their grasp. Coaches should watch that players use both arms to protect the ball while going through the gauntlet. Result Better ball control from each player. CATCH, TUCK AND TAP This is a pattern that many players, once learned will take the habit with them into higher levels. What you need Two lines of players throwing the ball back and forth. How this drill works This is more of a habit-forming drill, and what it entails is a series of movements that a ball carrier should do when they receive the ball from a pass (every time). The player will catch the ball, tuck it down into a carrying position, and then when it is secured, the player will tap the top of the ball. Result This will help players get used to catching the ball, securing and then tapping it so they know they have the ball secure. HOLD THE BALL Holding on to the ball upon contact, and staying on your feet are hallmarks of a good offensive football player. What you need You need 5 players holding blocking dummies (held in the hands) or they can go without and your running back. How this drill works This drill is to help your players learn to handle contact, stay on their feet, and maintain control of the ball. At first, the ball carrier will start out in the middle of the five tackling players. On the coach s whistle, the player will run towards one of the defenders, absorb a pop hit, then go right across to the other side for another pop hit, then down and across for another, etc. The drill does not end for the ball carrier until they have hit all five players that are standing around them. If they lose the ball, they will start again. If they get knocked down, they must get up and continue on with the last player that knocked them down. The defenders must not tackle the ball carrier; they must simply hit BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 38

39 them hard enough to knock the players around and possibly to the ground. This isn t a tackling drill for the defenders as much as it is a drill for the ball carriers to learn to absorb punishment. Result The ball carriers will learn to protect the ball, absorb the hits but not fall and learn the advantage of initiating contact rather than just taking it. RUNNING BACK READ Even though a play might be diagrammed a certain way, running backs need to be able to read their blocking and make cuts quickly to take advantage of openings. What you need You can set up four coaches or four players with tackling dummies. How this drill works As any coach knows, the hole that you want to run a play through isn t always open. So, it is important for your running back to learn to burst through a hole and to anticipate where a hole is going to be. This drill will help with that. The running back will start off in their normal position. The coach will be the quarterback and he will call a certain play (ISO, CUT, POWER, etc.), and the players holding the dummies won t know where that play is supposed to go. On the snap of the ball, the coach will hand off the ball as if it were a regular play. The players with the dummies will shuffle one way or another, and they can do so at a different pace (some fast, some slow). Once the running back gets the ball, he must make a decision to move up field very quickly. This requires him to make a split second judgment on which hole to take. If he runs into a dummy, or bumps into one, he has made an unwise choice. The best choice is one where he cuts up through a hole untouched. Result The best running backs are able to make split second decisions on the field and make cuts in spots where others might not see holes come up. This drill should help your running backs learn to anticipate and then cut up field where there are holes in the line. BALL SWITCH WITH TACKLER It is important for the ball to be in the right hand in order to stay away from the defenders who will most definitely be after it. What you need Have the running back and the linebacker each start 10 yards directly apart from each other behind the center. Set up two cones 7 yards laterally to each side of where the center snaps the ball. How this drill works The coach will stand in the center, where the center would actually be. He will face the running back with his back to the linebacker to indicate a direction the play will go. On the snap of the ball, the running back will go in the indicated direction and hold the ball on the proper side. If the RB goes to the right side, then he should hold the ball away from the defender in the right arm. To the left, and it should be in the left arm. The linebacker will meet the ball carrier and try to pry the ball loose. Result The RB will learn to keep the ball in the outside arm, and change it if the defender switches the side he is on. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 39

40 LEAD BLOCK This is a drill that will help the FB and the HB work together to gain the most yards. What you need You can use tackling dummies to create holes that the players must run through, and you can have a linebacker in the hole, about 5 yards from the line of scrimmage (LOS). How this drill works The fullback / halfback relationship is an important one. They need to be on the same page as each other in order to gain the most from a run. The halfback needs to be able to read the block of the fullback in order to make a cut up field. On the snap, the fullback and halfback will head through a hole, and the fullback engages the linebacker. At this point, the halfback needs to make a decision based on the block by the fullback where he is going to run the ball. He can run it straight ahead or cut to the right or left. This drill should be run at half-speed to start, so the FB and HB can get on the same page and learn what each other is going to do. Then, at full speed it makes a great competitive drill. Result This drill will teach the FB and HB to work together. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 40

41 DEFENSIVE DRILLS FORM TACKLE CLOSE THE DOOR FUMBLE DRILL AGILITY TACKLE D-LINE FIGHT DRILL THE BULL RUSH 5.5 ATTACK THE QB (DL, LB) HOLD AND TACKLE RIP, SWIM AND BULL RUSH HANDS UP DRIVE TO SIDELINES SHED THE BLOCKER AND TACKLE TACKLE SEARCH DRILL D-LINE CHOP DRILL ROLLOVER AND RECOVER ANDLE OF ATTACK LUMBERJACK HIT DRILL PIT DRILL BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 41

42 FORM TACKLE It is a must for players to learn to tackle properly at an early age otherwise serious injury can result. What you need At first, you need a few tackling dummies to use for the littler players. Have coaches, parent helpers or other players hold them when the players use them to tackle. How this drill works In this drill you want to go over the fundamentals of tackling: the breakdown, the lean, keeping your head up, and then the thrust through with your hips and midsection to drive the player back. Note I can t emphasize enough the importance of teaching kids the proper tackling technique it will reduce the risk of serious neck injuries. Kids will approach the tackling dummy at half speed and go through each motion very deliberately before they try it full speed. They need to be able to execute the proper form before they get to hit the dummy hard, or start tackling other players. Result- Fewer injuries down the road and teaches players the best way to tackle their opponent. CLOSE THE DOOR Close the Door is a linebacker drill to teach them how to fill the hole. What you need See diagram for set up. 3 offensive lineman, 1 running back, two defensive linemen and 1 linebacker (ILB/OLB or CB). You will also need a football. How this drill works On one side of the ball, line up 3 offensive blockers and 1 running back. On the opposite side, you will need 2 defensive lineman and1 linebacker. See diagram below. The coach will stand behind the linebacker and direct (point) the RB to a hole prior to the start of the play. The running back will run through that hole and the linebacker will need to watch the running back and Close the Door (Fill the Hole). The Center and Tackle will block Man on Man. The Guard will double team on the side the running back is going to. Occasionally, send the guard to block the LB. RB C G T LB Result This should reinforce the importance of linebackers filling the holes and making a tackle. Sending the guard out to block the LB will also teach the linebacker to shed blocks. FUMBLE DRILL COACH Being aware of the ball and learning to recover fumbles is important for players to learn especially at a young age. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 42

43 What you need Split your team into two equal lines of players, standing across from each other, about 5 yards apart. You will also need a football. How this drill works One of the problems encountered by coaches that are coaching younger players is that they do not have enough practice recovering fumbles. This drill should help that. Make two equal lines of players standing across from each other, about 5 yards apart. Have one player from each line come together in the center. Each player will lie down on their back, helmet to helmet. The coach will stand on one end and will throw the ball to one side or the other and say GO. The players will need to locate and recover the ball. Result This should reinforce the importance of recovering and locating the ball, and that it should be an instantaneous response. AGILITY TACKLE This drill will work on agility by putting barriers in the way of players making tackles. What you need Tackling dummies and a ball. How this drill works Lie tackling dummies on the ground around the player and then move the ball one way or another. As you move, your player should follow, and still try to avoid the tackling dummies littered on the ground. They will need to keep their head up and also see the dummies to elude them and make the tackle. Result This is a great drill for building a young player s agility. D-LINE FIGHT DRILL Defensive linemen often find themselves down on the ground fighting to get back to their feet and back into the play. This drill will help them build quick-reaction skills to do just that. What you need You can run several stations at one time, each one will need a defensive lineman and either another player or coach with a tackling dummy. Put a cone behind the player with the tackling dummy and have a ball or other object on the cone for the player to grab. How this drill works Defensive lineman will start in the prone position (on the stomach), with the player holding the tackling dummy above them, securely holding the dummy. On the whistle, the defensive lineman will trying to get back on his feet, with the player holding the tackling dummy beating them back down to the ground. The defensive lineman needs to get to his feet or to his knees and make it to the cone to grab the ball. Result During a play, defensive linemen will often find themselves on the ground with an offensive lineman on them. They still need to find a way to get into the play and close holes in the line, or get penetration. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 43

44 THE BULL RUSH The Bull Rush is one of the best pass rush moves and penetration skills that you can learn as a defensive lineman. What you need Pair up defensive linemen against each other. They should be approximately the same size. How this drill works With the two defensive linemen matched up with one another, one will be the offensive lineman to start, as the other practices the bull rush. The player that starts as the offensive lineman will turn his back to the defensive lineman to start the drill. The offensive lineman will provide resistance to the defensive lineman by pushing back as the defensive lineman pushes forward. In the beginning, the offensive lineman should just give limited, but firm resistance. Then they should drop quickly into a sit position and the defensive lineman not only needs to hold him up, but needs to push him forward. The sit position automatically provides more resistance for the DL. Result Your defenders are going to get better with their bull rushes and begin to build the strength they need to collapse the pocket on pass plays. 5.5 ATTACK THE QB (DL, LB) Defensive players love to get the chance to rush the quarterback. What you need You won t need a QB for this, but a tackling dummy will suffice as the QB for now. Tackling dummies on the outside will act as offensive lineman for defensive lineman to execute their moves. How this drill works Defensive lineman should start to develop a series of moves to elude the blocking of the offensive lineman. This is one way to do that. Defensive lineman will lineup in their stance opposite the standing tackling dummy. On the snap, the defensive lineman will execute a quick move around the tackling dummy (spin, swim, bull rush) and then take an angle of pursuit at the tackling dummy that is a quarterback. Result As your defensive lineman start to improve their repertoire, they will be able to put even more pressure on the quarterback. One note as your players are learning these moves, they need to remember that some of the moves may put them out of position for the run game. HOLD AND TACKLE A defensive lineman often has to hold a block to fill a gap or hole, and then must shed it to make a tackle. What you need You need two coaches on tackling dummies (or players), and a defensive linemen and running back. You will also need a cone. You can have more than one station. How this drill works On the snap of the ball, the lineman, or linebacker will engage the tackling dummy and use quick chopping steps, but stay in a stationary position. When the runner comes along, the defensive player must disengage from the dummy and try to make the tackle. The defensive player must stay engaged until the runner reaches the cone (about 3 yards downfield) and then they can shed BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 44

45 the block and try to make the tackle. To make this drill more difficult, add another tackling dummy, or make the line live and have the defender fight through the blocks in order to make the tackle. In that case, make sure the offensive lineman give the defender a chance to shed the block and make the tackle. Result The defensive lineman will learn to fill the gaps and then make the tackle once the runner gets through the line. RIP, SWIM AND BULL RUSH This is a defensive line drill that will teach younger players a few of the basic defensive line maneuvers. What you need Two lines of defensive linemen with a coach and a tackling dummy (offensive lineman) opposing them. How this drill works At the snap of the ball, the defensive lineman has one step forward before he has to make a move on the offensive lineman. Coaches should teach the following basic techniques the rip (using the offensive lineman s momentum to rip him forward; the swim when the DL uses his arms to lift and then swim around the offensive lineman and the bull rush, which is a straight ahead charge forward to the hole or lineman they are supposed to be against). It is important to teach the players to execute these moves and also to keep their eye on where the play is headed sometimes a move may work but will take you right past the opposing offensive players and out of position. This drill is primarily for pass rush maneuvers. Result Teaching defensive linemen a few moves to put in their pass rush arsenal is a good idea. They will need to learn how to avoid being locked up with an offensive linemen, where they can be neutralized. HANDS UP A pass rushing defensive lineman needs to get his hands in the air to cover potential passing lanes for the QB. What you need You can run this drill with a defensive lineman and a coach on a tackling dummy, or with an offensive lineman. You will need a quarterback or a coach to throw the ball. How this drill works To start, you might just want to run this drill with a coach or another player on the tackling dummy. It is a little easier that way, until a defensive lineman can learn to read the play and then make the appropriate reaction. On the snap of the ball, the defensive lineman (square) will rush (3/4 speed) to the tackling dummy. The dummy will push back to simulate an offensive lineman blocking. The quarterback will take a three step drop and throw the ball in the direction of the defensive lineman. Although the idea of this drill is not to necessarily knock the ball down, it is to help defensive lineman read where the ball is going to go, and then get the timing down for putting their hands up in the air. To add difficulty to the drill, you can have an offensive lineman there, trying to protect the QB and trying to keep the defender s hands down. Result A good defensive lineman can anticipate when the ball is going to be thrown by the way a QB sets up in the pocket. While rushing the passer, the DL needs to be wary of this, and close off passing opportunities by raising his hands. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 45

46 DRIVE TO SIDELINES LBs need to get away from arm tackling and learn to get their body across and in front of the ball carriers. What you need This is a drill that just the linebackers will do to start. Defensive lineman can participate as well. How this drill works This is a very simple tackling drill that you can run to get your players used to tackling with their bodies rather than with their arms. The thrower tosses the ball to a receiver, and the player must approach the ball carrier with his arms outstretched as though he were going to make a tackle. The IMPORTANT part of this drill is that the player NOT wrap, but make sure his head is up and that it goes to the sideline side of the ball carrier s body. Then he must continue to drive that player to the sideline, without using his hands. The ball carrier should not run at full speed. This is a drill about the proper way to tackle when going to the sidelines. Players should not rely on their arms to make tackles. Result Better tackling technique and a reduction in attempted arm tackles. SHED THE BLOCKER AND TACKLE Linebackers and defensive lineman will often have to shed several blocks to try and string a play out to the sideline and then make the tackle. What you need Line up the defender at one end, with 3 players or tackling dummies lined up across from him. There will also be a runner that the defensive player must tackle in this drill. How this drill works The runner starts with the ball and runs ¾ speed to the right. Once the runner reaches the outside of the final tackling dummy, they can turn up field at full speed. In the meantime, the defender will sprint to the first bag, punch it (heel shiver with both hands), go to the second bag and punch it and then the third bag and punch it then on to make the live tackle. The defender must try to do this at full speed in order to catch up with the runner. The object of the drill is to teach linebackers and defensive linemen to quickly shed blocks in order to string a running play to the outside and then make the tackle on or near the sidelines. You can make this slightly more difficult for the defender by replacing the tackling dummies with actual lineman or lead blockers. Result Your defensive players will build their ability to shed blocks and make a defensive play even after contact. TACKLE SEARCH DRILL Reading the play and reacting to the ball carrier is an excellent skill for good linebackers to learn. What you need Divide players into groups of 5 or 6 and have two cones placed about 5 yards apart. How this drill works Have the players line up, single file behind the first cone. The first player steps out to the second cone, with his back to everyone else to start the drill. The coach will give the ball to any one of the players left in the group of 5. When the whistle blows, the lone player must search through the other players to find the ball carrier and make the tackle. The players come out one at a time. The players coming out that do not have the ball must pop the linebacker at the other cone. The linebacker BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 46

47 must shed that block and prepare to take on the next block, or to make the tackle if it is the ball carrier. Watch for good stable technique when the player is shedding blocks (power stance, good stable core, and shoulders and knees lowered). Then, of course, look for a good tackling technique. Result This is a great drill to learn which of your defensive players has a head for the game of football. It can become an intense drill, especially with the older players, and you will see your best players rise above the rest in this drill. D-LINE CHOP DRILL Defensive lineman need to be wary of where the offensive lineman s hands are in order to prevent getting locked up with them. What you need Pair up defensive lineman - one of them can hold a small arm shield, to be used for the drill. How this drill works When an offensive lineman sets up for a pass block, they extend their arms to try and keep the defensive lineman in front of them and at arm s length. This drill teaches the defensive lineman how to penetrate past those arms and then move forward. The player with the arm shield will try to move the shield towards the defensive lineman either to the right or left side. The defensive lineman must use his hands to chop away the arm shield, as though he is pushing the arms of the offensive lineman away. He should do this before the arm shield makes contact with his body. The player with the arm shield should vary the direction and area where the arm shield is going, in order to provide a defensive lineman with a variety of angles and appearances. Result Defensive lineman will be more adequately prepared to handle an offensive lineman that is extending his arms to keep the rush at bay. ROLLOVER AND RECOVER Linebackers will be pushed to the ground due to blocks and they need to learn to get up and still make plays. What you need Create a hole for the running back to go through (off tackle) and have the linebacker line up as an inside linebacker (ILB). The linebacker will be on the ground. How this drill works When the whistle blows, the linebacker will roll over and then get up to try to make the tackle. This is going to be difficult for the backer, but it will help him build agility and quickness and will provide him with the instinct he needs to get up from being blocked in order to get back into the play. You should reward your linebackers for making a play and penalize the running backs if they get brought down. Result The linebackers will improve their ability to recover from a knockdown by getting up and possibly making a play on the ball. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 47

48 ANGLE OF ATTACK Players don t always get a straight on attack at a player when they try to tackle. This drill will help with that. What you need Have a linebacker face a RB in this drill, about 10 yards apart. 10 yards to the right or left, you will also have cone. How this drill works The RB will already have the ball, so upon the snap he takes off toward the outside of the cone and the linebacker will need to pick an angle of pursuit to make the tackle. Proper angle tackling technique should be taught to players (helmet across, in front), and coaches should go over how a player should approach the player they are trying to tackle at an angle (pick good angles). Result The players will have a greater understanding of angle pursuit. LUMBERJACK HIT DRILL There are several different variations of this drill, but no matter which way you slice it, running backs go up against linebackers. What you need See diagram for setup. Mark off an area that is about 15 yards long and about 7 yards wide. You will have two running backs (FB, HB) and two linebackers for this drill. They will line up one behind the other. How this drill works On the snap of the ball, the half back must try to cross the 15-yard mark with the ball and without being tackled. The full back must take on the initial block, (or both) and create an opening for the half back. It is the responsibility of the linebackers to prevent the running backs from breaching the 15-yard mark on this particular drill. The front linebacker takes on the block (FB) and the rear linebacker takes on the runner (HB). FB HB COACH Result Both sides gain something from this drill. The running backs will learn to block and to open holes. The linebackers will learn to shed blocks, take on blocks and make tackles. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 48

49 PIT DRILL This is a head to head matchup between your running backs and the defensive front seven. What you need You need to create a pit area, with tackling dummies lining both sides, and the players in the participating positions gathered around to create the pit. How this drill works This is head to head football, and it can be teeth rattling with some of the hits. Defensive players are going to go up against their arch-rivals on the other side of the ball the running backs. When the coach blows the whistle, the pit begins and the running back (or any ball carrier) must go within the area of the tackling dummies and either drive over the linebacker or defensive lineman, or juke and jive their way through. Linebackers and lineman must take the ball carrier down, and not let them get by. On most football teams, this is one of the fiercest drills going. Result A competitive one-on-one tackling drill that will build the competitive edge in your players. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 49

50 FUTURE LUMBERJACKS It s our goal for our players to continue on with football into their high school years. Players that come out of our program should be ready to play a game within two days of practice because the players will be familiar with the high school program s numbering system, formations, huddle, snap count, etc. Therefore, BYF strongly recommends that our coaches put in place the varsity Lumberjack s program that is outlined in this manual and our playbook. By using the standard numbering system and some basic plays, we will take a major step in improving the BHS Lumberjacks. The advantages will be: 1. The players will not have to learn a new system if they change coaches. 2. Coaches can spend more time working on fundamentals rather than teaching their plays. 3. When the players get into 9 th grade, they will already be familiar with the high school plays and numbering system. 4. If the kids go to BHS games, they will recognize some of the same plays they are running. Please refer to the BYF Playbook for a complete list of our plays and formations (Pro Formation, Tight Formation and Flex Formation). We are asking each coach to teach these plays to their team and use them in games. PLEASE REFER TO THE BYF PLAYBOOK FOR HUDDLE, CADENCE AND NUMBERING SYSTEM INFORMATION. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 50

51 OFFENSIVE LINE BLOCKING TECHNIQUES Drive Block or MOM (Man on Man): Fire off the ball straight ahead using the right or left shoulder depending on which play is called. The dot indicates the side your head should be on. V V Right Shoulder Left Shoulder Trap Block: Take a short depth step and proceed directly to your target. V V Trap Right Trap Left Reach Block: To the Right take a 45 O step with your right foot then use your left shoulder. To the Left take a 45 O step with your left foot then use your right shoulder. Always keep your shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. V V Reach Right Reach Left Gap Block: Block the player to your inside gap. Step with your lead foot first, to the right your lead foot is the right and to the left your lead foot is the left. V V Right Gap Left Gap Double Team: There are two blocks to execute in the double team: the Post Block and the Lead Block. The Post Blocker executes a drive or MOM block using the shoulder which is next to the Lead Blocker. The Lead Blocker steps with their lead foot and uses the shoulder which is next to the Post Blocker. Lead V V Post Right Post Left Lead BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 51

52 Down Block: The first step must be taken with the lead foot directly down the line of scrimmage. You will block with the opposite shoulder. V V Right Left Pull and Seal: To the Right take a good depth step with your right foot. Drive your right elbow back and open your hips. Look for your target and aim for their outside hip. Use your left shoulder. To the Left take a good depth step with your left foot. Drive your left elbow back and open your hips. Look for your target and aim for their outside hip. Use your right shoulder. V V Right Left Pull and Kick-out: Use the same pulling technique as Pull and Seal. With the kick-out block, you aim for the inside hip. V V Right Left Area Block: Take a quick initial step forward then block anyone who comes through your area. ALL BLOCKING TECHNIQUES MUST BE EXECUTED WHILE STAYING LOW!! THE LOWEST BLOCK WINS. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 52

53 PLAY EXECUTION GOALS BY GRADE PLAY EXECUTION GOAL IN 3 rd GRADE The goal for 3 rd Grade is to introduce the players to the importance of every position and executing the play as designed. The plays in 3 rd Grade should be simple and stress the fundamentals of opening a hole for the linemen, executing a handoff and the running back hitting the designated hole. Keep everything simple and have fun. 3 rd GRADE PLAY EXAMPLES At BYF, we limit ourselves to only eight run plays and the teen pass plays as we try to execute a few plays exceptionally well rather than many plays poorly. We ask that at the 3 rd Grade level you keep plays exceptionally simple. PLAY EXECUTION GOALS IN 4 th & 5 th GRADE Coaches are still on the field for 4 th and 5 th Grade and the objective is to execute a small number of plays well. Coaches should add to the plays and formations used in third grade. By the end of the season, the team should be able to execute more advanced plays such as the Toss with a pulling guard, Option, or Reverse. The objective of the one unique backfield in these grades is to give as many kids as possible a chance to run the ball in game situations and to maintain parity among the teams. 4 th & 5 th GRADE PLAY EXAMPLES At BYF, we limit ourselves to only fourteen run plays and 2 pass plays in the addition to the teen pass plays as we want to execute a few plays exceptionally well rather than many plays poorly. We ask that you match the level of your team to the individual plays or variations you find here and keep the numbering system consistent. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 53

54 All BYF plays are based off the I Formation. FORMATIONS Limitations: Teams may have X, Y or Z receivers with certain limitations. It is important to understand the definitions of each before we go into formations. o We define Z as a receiver that is split wide of the formation and is at least 2 yards or more outside of the closest offensive lineman. Z is always off the line of scrimmage. o We define X and Y as receivers or tight ends (TE) depending on the formation. X and Y are always on the line of scrimmage. Valid Formations: The formations below are for illustrative purposes as well as a point of reference for any formation which might be disputed by another coach. 3 Back I Formation: Shown below in a RIGHT formation but can also be run in a LEFT formation. Quarterback (Q) must be under center. Fullback (F) aligns directly behind Q at a distance of 3 yards. Halfback (H) aligns directly behind Q at a distance of 5 yards. Quarterback (Q) must be under center. Fullback (F) aligns directly behind Q at a distance of 3 yards. Halfback (H) aligns directly behind Q at a distance of 5 yards. 1 Tight End (Y) on the line. Y is the #2 receiver on his side. Y is on the same side as Z. 2 Receivers (X, Z), one on each side. X is on the line; Z is off the line. X is the #1 receiver on his side; Z is the #1 receiver on his side. 2 Tight Ends (X, Y) on the line, one on each side. X is the #1 receiver on his side; Y is the #2 receiver on his side. 1 Receiver (Z) off the line. Z is the #1 receiver on his side. Z is on the same side as Y. BYF 2011 COACHES HANDBOOK Page 54

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