Erik Saunders

Coaching Youth Football - Recommendations For Your First Practice



Posted: Monday, August 03, 2009

by Erik Saunders
Union County Sports Academy

Coaches always face a dilemma on what materials to cover on the first night and so I thought I would share my first night's agenda to give coaches some ideas for getting off to a good start on the season. The most important aspects of the first nights practice are to set expectations and the tone for the season and to evaluate your players on the basics of football. Listed below is a typical example of my first nights practice plan.
 

  1. ·         6 PM - Introduction talk - 5 minutes

    o   Welcome to the the team 

    o   This is "Contact" football"

    o   Helmets "ON" when we are on the field

    o   Pay Attention and Always Answer

    o   We are here to have fun and learn

    o   Anyone can start - Winners Finish

    o   Safety - Raise your hand if your feel sick

    ·         6:05 - Stance & Starts (3.O, 2.O, 3.D, 2.D)

    ·         6:10 - Player Evaluations - 10 minutes per station

    o   20/40 yard timed sprint - 5-10-5 Shuttle

    o   Hand Off / Toss

    o   4 yards Blast

    o   Blocking Power

    o   Tackling

    o   Throwing Receiving

    ·         7:10 - Offensive Overview

    o   Install No Play

    o   Set Up 44 Power

    §  Color Card System

    §  Blocking Scheme

    §  Splits

    §  Run Play with two groups 10 Times

    ·         7:40 - Form Tackling

    o   1 step tackle straight, left, right

    ·         7:50 - Conditioning

    o   Speed Ladders

    o   Cones

  2. o   Mini Hurdles



I like to evaluate the players for the first hour of practice. I have each coach work a station and make a notes regarding players as they go through.
 
Have a great season,
 
Coach Saunders
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by don
from atlanta 2 years 279 days ago.
Good sample of a practice schedule... Could have used more break down of each task.
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