Cliff from Florida sent in these youth football coaching tips that he uses with his team. The drill and the tips will pay huge dividends with your team!
From Cliff…
I call this football drill the 100 yard cradle.
This is for the whole team at one time. I have my players make a single line at the goal line. They have a partner who starts on the 10 yard line, at the whistle the player on the goal line throws a pass to the player at the 10, that player must catch it and cradle the ball correctly, then place it on the ground for a team point.
The passer then runs up and picks up the ball while the player on the ten yard line has now run to the 20, and the process repeats. Should there be a bad pass, a dropped pass, or an incorrect catch (triangle) or cradle (wrong arm) they lose a point. The team that reaches the other goal line With the most points gets a point for practice.
We have a point system for the week that encompasses everything. It starts with being on time to practices and games, effort for both single and group competition in practice, effort and performance in games. It also has outside factors. The players must be good people off the field as well. I rely on a weekly report from the parents and siblings.
At the end of the week the player with the most points get to reach in my “goody bag” and grab a prize. The prizes are good stuff. Tickets to movies, video game rental coupons, gift certificates to sporting good shops, etc. It has worked out great. I get maximum effort and the players find themselves enjoying practice and games more when there is an extra incentive.
Sorry to be so long winded, I hope this helps other coaches, after all it is ALL about the kids!!!!!
Technorati Tags: youth football coaching tips, drill, football, throws, pass, catch, cradle, practice, performance
