Posts in category Guest Blogs

Ask A Youth Football Parent- Benefits of Playing The Game Young

Feb21
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Youth Football Online

We asked the parents of Youth Football Online All-Star Amir Bankhead two questions about involving their under 10 year old son in youth football. Here are the responses:

What do you believe are the benefits of involving Amir in football at an early age?

We believe that getting Amir involved in youth football at an early age has been of great benefit. His involvement with youth football has played a tremendous role in his development as a young man. We believe that football, through the discipline that it requires has giving Amir a head start on developing the qualities that are needed to be a significant contributor to society as an adult. Football teaches (to name a few things) the importance of academic excellence (which is needed to compete and advance at the youth level all the way through to the collegiate level), accountability, responsibility, teamwork, self discipline, self confidence, resiliency, sportsmanship, integrity, dignity, self respect, respect of others, the lesson that (You Get Out of Life ,What You Put Into It) as well as the importance of proper nutrition and proper exercise. We have witnessed all of these qualities which are already taught in our household being reinforced in our son since his introduction to youth football.

amir bankhead youth football

Do you believe safety in youth football is improving?

We believe that youth football safety is improving and advancing greatly. Just look at the advancement of the equipment that is available now or the emphasis that has been put on safety and proper technique training throughout the country.Remember, these are our children participating in this sport and as parents of youth football players their health, well-being and development are our priorities. Rather than eliminating youth football, it should be made accessible to the whole country at no cost. Then we will see our youth become more successful, proud and active as opposed to being involved with gangs, drugs, dropping out of school and becoming slaves to the newest electronic gadgets or video gaming systems.

Check out the video, you’ll see why we name Amir Bankhead one of the best under 10 year olds we’ve ever seen-

Posted in From the Gut, Parents, YFO All-Stars, Youth Football Benefits

The Power O Football Play

Feb06
2013 1 Comment Written by Guest

Read Coach Ross Maddalon’s article on the Power “O” football play. Coach Maddalon is the varsity offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Old Bridge High School in Central New Jersey.

The Power “O”

The Power “O”, or Power for short, is an off-tackle play that utilizes a “gap” blocking scheme. The play is used in some form at every level, from youth football to the NFL. Different than the traditional ISO play, the Power play attacks defenses that like to take away the “B” gap from the offense. Through the years, running strong ISO against a 4-3 team with a dominating 3-technique can prove to be difficult. Against an odd front, teams will slant or play their DEs/DTs in the B gaps to take away any type of isolation play. One of the best schemes around for any offense is the gap scheme utilized by the Power play.

Power Blocking Rules

PSTE, PST, PSG – Gap, Down, Backer (Combo blocks can be used if there is no blitz threat)

C – Protect Pulling Guard Hole

BSG – Pull and lead up for PSLB

BST, BSTE – Scoop Playside

The advantages of this scheme…

Blitz-proof – Since it’s a gap scheme, not a man-blocking scheme
Can be run strong or weak
Can be run out of multiple formations, offenses, philosophies

Seen below is an example of the true “Power-O” scheme out of the traditional I-Formation.

The Power play can also be run by Wing-T teams as their “Lead Sweep” play.

Gun and Gun Pistol teams have been running the Power play as a good compliment to their inside and outside zone plays.

More teams, especially at the collegiate and professional levels, are starting to utilize the 1-Back Power scheme against defenses that empty the box. Instead of your PSTE or PST blocking down, they can either Base block or Pass Block their defenders up the field.

The Pulling Guard

We use a “skip” pull method where the BSG will always keep his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. The BSG will put his backside foot back an inch in his stance so he can explode off that foot first. After the step, he will “skip” with his inside foot, staying low, and staying square towards his destination. I want our guards to seal any leakage before he gets to the hole in order to prevent a bad play. If there is no leakage, he will be able to explode onto the PSLB since his shoulders will still be square to the line of scrimmage.

By incorporating this scheme into your philosophy, you have more answers and fewer questions to what the defense gives you.

Coach Ross recently wrote a great article about implementing an easy pass blocking scheme for youth football.

Follow Coach Ross on twitter: @ MadDawgFBall

Posted in Coaching Offense, General Coaching Tips, I Formation, Offensive Linemen, Wing T, Youth Football Free Plays - Tagged I formation, pistol offense, power o football play, single back, Wing T

Youth Football Pass Blocking Schemes- Coach Ross Maddalon

Dec16
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Guest

Read about pass blocking from coach Ross Maddalon. Coach Maddalon is the varsity offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Old Bridge high school in Central New Jersey.

Simple “Quick Game” Pass Protection – Scheme and Technique

I have always been a fan of getting the running backs involved in the passing game. Whether it be out of 3-back, 2-back, or 1-back set, the more outlets you have in the passing game – the better. At the same time, I have tried to simplify our quick game passing scheme to be easy to learn for our linemen. We run the ball more than we pass, so I know time allotted to practice pass protection technique is at a minimum. I have found this scheme and technique is both easy for our offensive linemen to understand as well as fundamentally sound.

The Scheme

When pass blocking we want to slide our offensive line to the side we are throwing the ball. I figure that the offensive tackle is the closest player to the playside emolos (end man on line of scrimmage), so I want him to get his hands down as fast as he can. We have our QB read coverages pre-snap to find out which side he will throw the ball to, so he can check the slide protection at the line if you desire to do so. If we are throwing to the right – the playside OL (RG, RT) will either “Jump-Cut” or “Jump-Punch” their playside gap threats. The backside OL (C, LG, LT) will slide protect to their playside gap threats. If we are throwing to the left, the playside and backside will switch responsibilities. The lone running back in the backfield will block the backside “C” gap.

Figure A -Throwing Right Figure B- Throwing Left

When pass blocking is important to teach your linemen to block a gap – not a man. This is important against blitzing and slanting fronts. The scheme is blitz-proof against C-Gap to C-Gap blitzes. If a defense sends 7 or 8 – someone is guaranteed to be open. Run your best quick game blitz beaters if you see that. I prefer double slants, slant-arrow, or bubble screens.

The Technique

Playside Pass Blocking Technique – We teach our playside OL to either “Jump-Cut” or “Jump-Punch” their playside gap threats. I teach the “Jump-Cut” technique if we are under center. Our “Jump-Punch” technique is taught if we are operating from the shotgun.

“Jump-Cut”

1^st step

The OL will kick back with his outside foot on a 45 degree angle to show pass immediately. He will pop his shoulder pads up to influence the pass rush. This will get the DL to pass rush aggressively – Exactly what we want.

2^nd step

The lineman will cut the DL using the “crab” technique. I want the OL to get his inside shoulder on the outside knee of the DL and “crab” walk into him. If the lineman does a good enough job with his first step, the DL should be pretty easy to cut. This will give the QB a clear lane to throw the ball without having any hands in his face to bat the ball down.

“Jump-Punch”

1^st step

Same first step as above with the “Jump-Cut” technique

2^nd step

The OL will literally jump with both feet into the defender to his playside gap. While he jumps, he will deliver a major punch with both of his hands to the lower abdomen of the DL. He will be bringing all of his force and power into his “Jump-Punch.” As long as he hits the DL low, the DL will be forced to bring his hands down to defend himself. This will clear the QBs vision for throwing the ball.

Backside Technique

Slide Pro

1^st Step

The OL will slide with their playside foot to the their playside gap staying low the entire time. It is important that the OL keeps their shoulders square to the LOS.

2^nd Step

The OL will slide his backside foot to the playside gap. The OL will now have taken over the vacated gap left by the playside OL or adjacent backside OL. Keeping his shoulders square, he will deliver a low punch to any DL or blitzing LB in their gap. It is important to emphasize to the OL that they must keep moving his feet after contact.

This has been the most effective quick game pass blocking protection that I have been using. If we have two backs in the backfield, we can now get one of them involved in the passing game.

Pass blocking protections do not have to be too complicated. Always remember – Easy to teach, simple to learn. It’s the best way to go in youth football!

-Coach Ross Maddalon

Follow Coach Ross on twitter: @ MadDawgFBall

Posted in Coaching Offense, Double Wing, General Coaching Tips, I Formation, Offensive Linemen, Quarterbacks, Receivers, Running Backs, Spread Offense, Wing T, Wish Bone - Tagged pass blocking, pass blocking in youth football, pass blocking scheme

Youth Football Kicking- Guest Article by Expert Coach Chris Husby

Aug14
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Guest

Expert Coach Chris Husby from Special Teams Football Academy, breaks kicking down for us. Like the article below for more articles like this!

Youth Football is a very fun and exciting time in many young athletes and parents lives.

For many of them, it’s their first introduction to playing competitive football. Many kids have dreams of playing in the NFL, and also on down to playing under the Friday Night Lights with their local high school. At the youth level of football much time is focused on just teaching kids the terms and plays on offense and defense. Often times special teams, kicking and punting is overlooked, or just given to the kid that can naturally kick the ball the farthest. In most youth leagues a kicking a PAT/extra point can be worth 2 points because it is rare that you have a youth kicker that can make a 20 yard extra point.

Personally, as a private kicking instructor, I really enjoy working with youth athletes and teaching them the proper techniques for kicking, punting, holding and snapping. With Youth, you have to play to their strengths. Many times they can’t quite physically do everything needed to kick, punt, and snap that you see at the High School and College level, but you need to keep things simple and work with them on the basics. Below is a basic step by step approach to Kicking, Punting, Snapping and even Holding.

PAT/Field Goals

Typical distance form snapper is 7-8 yards deep
Let your Kicker place the holding block, not your holder.
Kicker should line up body facing target (Uprights)
Plant foot should be approx 1 shoe length from kicking block
Kicker should take 2-3 steps in backward approach.
Make sure kicker is squared up and facing uprights.
Take 2 steps 90 degrees to the left (for right footed kickers) or 90 degrees to the right (for left footed kickers).
Once kicker is ready he should nod or give a signal to the holder, who then gives a signal to the snapper.
Once snapper snaps back and holder firmly has hold of ball, kicker should make his approach to the holding block. *Note- you can speed up the process for the kicker to start as your snapping unit is comfortable and fluid.
Kicker should make his approach toward the “plant foot” area. This forces the kicker to swing up through the ball utilizing kicker’s quad in the swing.
Kicker’s leg, ankle and foot should be straight and locked.
Foot contact on the ball should be the “instep” of foot making contact on the bone that connects to the big toe, but closer to the ankle.
After contact, the kickers leg should swing up through the ball and toward the uprights.
If physically possible, kicker’s plant foot should skip forward after kicking ball. Alleviates stress on ankle and knee. *Sometimes young athletes aren’t able to do this.

Kickoffs

Kicker should line up body facing target (Uprights)
Plant foot should be approx 1 shoe length from kicking block
Kicker should step back 5-9 yards backward approach depending on comfortability.
Take 4-7 steps 90 degrees to the left (for right footed kickers) or 90 degrees to the right (for left footed kickers).

Ideally the angle/approach the kicker takes on a Kickoff should be similar to that of a FG approach. This allows for having the same kicking swing for both kicks.

Punting

Feet Parallel and shoulder width apart
Catch the ball with hands out away from body
Mold ball with laces up, with arm extended over kicking leg
Take 2 or 3 steps to get punt off
Flat Drop
Drop the ball between 11-12 o’clock for right footed punters or 12-1 o’clock for left football punters
Lock out (point toe) foot.
Ball contact on laces of shoe/cleat
Swing leg up through ball.

Holding

Holding for Right Footed kicker
Right knee down, left knee up
Align kicking block 2-4” from left foot
Keep left hand/fingers on block as a guide.
Use right hand to give single to holder.
Voice prompt as well for team
Bring both hands up to catch ball
Use left knee as back stop and guide to bring ball down onto block
Hold the ball with left hand (thumb, index and 2nd finger) or whatever is easier; just don’t put too much pressure on the ball.
Use right hand to rotate the ball to get laces out.
For left footed kickers, reverse the following steps.

Coach Husby owns and runs Special Teams Football Academy. He is a Professional Kicking, Punting and Snapping instructor and a former NFL Free Agent Punter of 6 years. He trains athletes of all levels (youth, High School, College and Free Agent Specialists), and holds one on one lessons, small group lessons and clinics, Special Teams camps, and National Camp Series evaluations and camps for kickers, punters & snappers. For more information check out www.SpecialTeamsFootballAcademy.com!

Posted in General Coaching Tips, Special Teams - Tagged coach husby, kickoffs, punting, special teams football academy, youth football special teams

An Uncle’s Perspective on Youth Football

Jun27
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Guest

A Guest Blog By James Campion

Over the years I have had several nephews of mine involved in youth football. I viewed their involvement almost as mandatory coming from parents that were very active in their children’s lives. But as of late I have noticed the positive effect it has had on them more than ever before. This youth sport has also changed and improved the community of friends around them. I could have never imagined how an involvement in a simple sport such as football could blossom into a world of responsible maturity that I see in this young men and women.

I personally regarded youth sports as a way of keeping kids busy and out of trouble. Like so many parents I was grateful to go to the games and root my family into the end zone. The numerous organizations of youth football brings adults and children together in a common goal of empowerment and success. The strive to better one’s self on and off the field is what it is like to be human. To improve your physical and mental strength while growing into adulthood is essential not only to build better athletes but better business leaders and decision makers.

We live in a brave new world that is moving so fast. Technology and innovation is what will take our future to new heights. I see such an evolution in not only the players but the coaches and support staff around them. More importantly, I am witness to the changes that youth football is having on these brilliant young minds that only want to strive to better themselves and the future of our country. Onward and upward my young friends. May your hard tackles on the field make life’s challenges all that more satisfying.

Check out the Youth Football Movement that is going to change the country!

Posted in From the Gut - Tagged benefits of youth football, youth football

Off-Season Training for Youth Football by Henley Sports Performance

Jun20
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Guest

Drew Henley from Henley Sports Performance joins us to offer training tips for your youth football athlete. Implement these valuable pointers! If you have any further questions, Drew’s contact information is below.

Many coaches and parents are looking to help their kids prepare for the next youth football season, and searching for the proper way of doing so. Should their child be lifting weights? Focus on football? Or is it best to do something else? Here are a few dos and don’ts for helping your child get ready for the upcoming season.

1. Do focus on speed and agility – Multi-directional speed, change of direction, acceleration and deceleration are all skills that can be developed at an early age. It is well known that learning ability is highest at a young age and motor control is just like any other mental ability – it must be learned. By focusing on these fundamental movements, athletes will have an excellent base to build on as they age. This kinesthetic awareness (mind-body connection, or control over one’s movements) is what we notice when we see an athlete make smooth, fluid movements. An athlete who hasn’t “grown into his body” is an example of an athlete who didn’t establish his kinesthetic awareness at a young age. Additional benefits include stronger tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues, which are the main injury areas for football players.

2. Don’t worry about lifting weights – During this stage of development, adding resistance training can actually be detrimental to your child’s long-term growth. Pre-pubescent training should be geared towards learning to move their body, improving coordination, and developing agility. The natural increases in hormones during their growth will increase their muscle mass and size, these other traits require early training to be fully developed.

3. Do get them outside – Get them playing, running around, and acting like kids before the inventions of television and video games. Remember monkey bars? Or climbing on top of them? I call those pull-ups. Tag? Agility drill. Going down the slide? Gotta run those stairs first. Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in this country as kids spend less and less time outdoors. By encouraging a variety of outdoor activities, your child will be less likely to become bored and resort to sitting in front of a TV.

4. Don’t force it – Early specialization is a bit of a double-edged sword. While many of the greatest athletes began their careers at an early age, however they are the exception. Many young athletes will quickly burn out and lose their joy for the sport if it encompasses their entire life. Think of a plant – too much water as a seed and the soil will be washed away. Allow it to grow naturally and it will blossom later in life. High school is the earliest I would suggest focusing on a single sport.

5. Do encourage diversity – Many athletic traits are improved by cross training with different sports. For example, soccer is an excellent way for a young athlete to improve coordination, agility, and foot speed. All of these traits carryover to the football field and can improve performance. At this level, athletes should be encouraged to participate in other sports. Not only will it prevent burn out, as mentioned above, but also will improve their athleticism in ways that football doesn’t.

I hope these tips help you in training your child for the upcoming season. If you would like to know specific drills or exercises for your athletes, please feel free to contact me by email, call or text and I will do my best to help.

Drew Henley, CSCS, USAW, CES

480-241-4112

www.HenleySP.com

Email: Drew@HenleySP.com

Twitter.com/DrewBHenley

Posted in General Coaching Tips, Youth Football Training - Tagged drew henley, off season football training, youth football, youth football training

Successful Youth Fundraising – Selling Candy Vs. Teamwear

Apr30
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Referee Steve Wells

Searching for youth football fundraising ideas is a challenge for any football organization. Everyone has something for you to sell.

youth sports fundraising at youth football online

Candy or Pizza Salesman

Fundraising for football programs has come a long way since I was playing. It used to be you sold candy or popcorn or pizza kits. People who knew you would buy them, because they felt like they had to. The organization would get a $1 or $2 per kit, but it was a lot of work and the return was maybe a few hundred dollars for the organization.

A youth football program fundraising in today’s marketplace is a challenge. Having a product to sell is often a burden for the parents, coaches and players. Coaches are great with the X’s and O’s , but not so much with food inventory.

Fundraising Shirts, Jackets, Bumper Stickers

Teamwear has long been a staple of youth football fundraising programs. Matching undershirts, performance shirts, jackets and polos for coaches are great way to build awareness for youth football programs. These can be an excellent source of revenue for youth football.

The key to using teamwear successful for youth football fundraising is planning and execution. Unlike other options, you may have to spend money up front to buy t-shirts and polos. Here are some tips for using teamwear as a youth football fundraiser:

Keep it simple – limit the products to ones everyone needs or has requested.
Keep the design clean – printing or embroidering simple designs is cheaper.
Use a pre-sale. Give your team parents a simple order form.
Plan for a second order – when people see others in teamwear, they will want it for themselves.
Shop around. Prices can vary widely between vendors. Get competitive bids.

See our article on 5 fun Youth Football Online Fundraising Ideas for the great tips on successful fundraising!

Posted in Fundraising

Parents’ Review Of The Junior Rank Academic All American Game

Jan05
2012 4 Comments Written by Guest

All-Star parents, Sandra and Arthur Araiza, reviewed their experience at the Junior Rank Academic All American game exclusively for us. Youth Football Online All-Star Isreal “Izzy” Araiza was the only 11 year old in the game so he was undersized, however he was able to hold his own and have success blocking for his QB. As you’ll learn from the review below, the Junior Rank game wasn’t just about an all-star football game. The winner or loser of the game didn’t matter. Emphasis at the event was centered around the importance of character building and academic excellence.

It was such an exciting atmosphere and a great honor to have been a part of youth football history as parents of a participating student athlete in the Junior Rank Academic All American Game, 13 and Under. The magnitude of this event was extraordinarily high. It was such a rewarding and yet humbling experience for these young men aspiring to do great things on and off of the field. The Junior Rank Academic All American game was a well organized event, and celebration of some of the top youth football players from across the country. Right off the bat, Mr. Berry made it clear how the boys should carry themselves and represent themselves for this magnificent event. High ranking officers in the United States Marine Corps. talked to these young men with words of wisdom, courage, and inspiration. It was so moving to see how motivating this was for these young men.

This was such a rewarding experience for our son to see how far all of his hard work in the classroom combined with talent on the football field can take him. This experience was a great opportunity to see where our son Isreal measured up with the best of the best. This event made it possible for us to see where he is at now and where he needs to develop to continue to play at a high level. This alone is PRICELESS. We could see the changes in Isreal’s play within days of working with these coaches. He is definitely returning home a more refined player.

The Game & Other Activities:

The Jerseys and helmets were one of a kind. The boys got to ride in travel buses wrapped with US Marines and Semper Fidelis Logos to and from practice, as well as special events such as the The Fiesta Bowl Parade and Arizona Cardinals Game. All of the Junior Rank & Semper Fidelis All American Players got to be a part of the Fiesta Bowl Parade. Each 14 and 13 & Under player was buddied up with a Semper Fidelis High School All American Player as a big brother. This game itself took youth football to another level. The coaching staff all around was made up of both former NFL, and College players as well as coaches. This was definitely football on a higher level. The talent of both the East and the West teams was nothing short of superb. The linemen were not only big, but strong and athletic. The Linebackers were fast, tall, and lights out hitters. Offensively, the talent in the skilled positions category was ridiculous. I had never seen a 13 year old run perfect routes and use double moves. The speed of the running backs was impressive. The defensive backs were very skilled.

The entire time the Junior Rank Staff and Speakers put a heavy emphasis on Character, and Academics, stressing that without these two characteristics, talent alone is not enough to receive a college scholarship offer. The game itself was exciting as the young men warmed up like pros getting a sneak preview of what the future holds for some of these players. It was simply put, ” A World Class Experience”. The game was a big deal, Junior Rank is a big deal. I would love for my son to be so fortunate as to be selected next year. This was a phenomenal experience, and a memory that will last a lifetime.

Posted in On The Road, Youth Football Benefits - Tagged academic all american game, Isreal Araiza, junior rank, youth football

Youth Football Referee Steve Wells Gives An Inside Look At Officiating

Dec12
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Vin

We’re happy to feature youth football referee Steve Wells as a guest contributor. He’ll answer questions you may have regarding youth football officiating and give you a glimpse of what it’s like to be a ref. Here’s Steve first post-

I am 23 years old. I just worked my first Varsity football game. As luck would have it, it
was a rivalry game. The football gods can be cruel to young officials.

The call was an Unsportsmanlike. A cornerback and wide receiver were trash-talking and
one decided to use a word that should get you flagged. In NC today, using this particular
term will get you ejected. However, with a 14-0 score and the losing side lining up for 3rd
and long this might have not have been the time to flag that.
The result was the losing team getting a first down and driving down the field to make
the game 14-6. That was the final score.

There was no judgment in the Crew Chief’s voice. He was just making a point – a point that I would remember for the rest of my life.

Depending on who you talk to today, you will get varying opinions of whether I was right
or wrong. Technically, I was right. I could have held my flag and penalized it during the
down. I could have spoken to the player. Any of these actions would have been correct.

Personally, I don’t know that I would have done anything differently. I think there is a
difference between words and actions. Guys say a lot of stuff, especially teenagers whose
brains aren’t fully formed that if they really thought about it, they wouldn’t.

In many ways a young official, the guys working your youth football games, are learning
the game the same as your players. Judgment isn’t something that comes overnight.

Flash forward to a 4th and inches QB Sneak a year later. The QB dives over the line. The
Wingmen rush into their spots. The QB looks at the spot and says “What the F…” Then
sees me and says: “Sorry Ref, I didn’t mean that.”

I grabbed the ball, spotted it. Looked the player in the eye and said: “Said What?”
paused “But don’t say it again. Okay?” He smiled, nodded and went back to his huddle.

I would like to this opportunity to share some of what it is like from inside the lines. Feel free to ask questions via the youth football online Facebook page or on twitter @Youth_Football.

Posted in Referees - Tagged officiating, youth football, youth football referee

How Youth Football Coach Ken Sloan Won His State Championship

Oct21
2011 1 Comment Written by Youth Football Online

Coach Jeff interviewed city and state youth football championship winner Coach Ken Sloan about his season. Coach Sloan used the Youth Football Online Wing T Jet Series playbook masterfully, congratulations Coach!

Name: Coach Ken Sloan

League/ team name: U-11 BGC/ Clark Falcons

Age Level: 9-10 year old

Location: Anchorage, AK

Coach Jeff: How many years have you been coaching youth football?

Coach Ken: 7 years

Coach Jeff: What is your favorite aspect of youth football?

Coach Ken: Competition. Watching them grow week to week in this contact sport is amazing.

Coach Jeff: You won your city championship, tell us little bit about the journey to the championship.

Coach Ken: When we first started we only had 7 kids on the team. One full week later we were up to 22. We continued to work hard each and every day implementing our motto “hard work and dedication” to our practices and game day play. Growing week after week with our fundamentals and techniques at each position on the field was key in this run. Being able to share this championship with these players was amazing.

Coach Jeff: Your team is running Youth Football Online Youth Football Wing T Jet Series Playbook, what is your favorite aspect of the Wing T?

Coach Ken: The fake and responsibility. The Jet Series gives all 11 players a responsibility. If you aren’t blocking, you’re selling a fake. My kids loved being tackled without having the ball. My lineman loved pull blocking. This offense is amazing. I’m glad I switched to it. I can’t wait to get back to it next year.

Coach Jeff: What youth football defense does your team run?

Coach Ken: We ran a combination of the 5-3 and 4-4. In the championship game we ran the 5-3 exclusively. We had to have one of the best D-Lines in the state this year.

Coach Jeff: Are there any areas of youth football coaching that you feel has room for improvement? What areas of coaching do you feel you are strongest?

Coach Ken: I think offensively we could’ve had better timing and blocking. Every play wasn’t crisp, but it was our first year running the Wing T Jet Set. Next year I plan to drill selling that fake more and emphasize pull blocking more. As a coach I want to improve on my teaching of blocking and situational play calling. I felt strong at teaching skill positions techniques throughout the season.

Coach Jeff: What is the most challenging part of coaching youth football? For me it is dealing with disgruntled parents..

Coach Ken: This year I felt the most challenging was making sure that players got their snaps in practice and in games. I hate having a kid not be able to play due to the coaches forgetting about them.

Coach Jeff: What are some of your most effective youth football drills?

Coach Ken: Oklahoma’s, angle tackling, W drill, scramble and throw, and 7 on 7.

Coach Jeff: Physical education is crucial for kids; conditioning is a main focus while practicing. How do you promote physical education?

Coach Ken: We warm up with many stretching exercises and then get a light run in. At the end of practice we run snakes or 6 100-yards. I love hearing the players gut it out during the 100s. At the end they feel great. We really focus hard on conditioning on Mondays. We nicknamed Monday “C-Day” for conditioning Monday. We also let the kids know that the game is won in 4 quarters and those that tire can’t hang 4 quarters—“Hard work—Dedication”

Clark Falcons 2011 Alaska State Champions

Posted in General Coaching Tips, Wing T - Tagged coach ken sloan, Wing T, youth football

League Athletics – Providing Websites and Hosting For Sports Organizations

Jul07
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Coach Jeff

A guest blog by Mark K from LeagueAthletics.com.

How are you managing your football organization? Still using paper forms? Maybe you’ve made the switch to online registration, but you have four different contracts with four different service providers. Website, email, online registration, scheduling, etc.

When you’re running a football program you should be focusing on your players, not managing spreadsheets. Finally, there’s a solution for football commissioners everywhere, LeagueAthletics.com. It’s the best, and easiest way to manage your football program online. We integrate your website, online registrations, communication, team management, and scheduling.

With League Athletics you can create a custom football website and collect online registrations. The best part is, we don’t charge any additional fees for online registration. You can do as many or as few as you want. As a registrar you can also collect birth certificates and player photos during the registration process. Once your players are registered, add them to team rosters and start communicating via email and text message directly from your site. Each team gets their own team page so coaches can login, print their roster, and communicate with parents and players. We even include a Game RSVP function that allows coaches to email parents and players to see if they’ll be at the next team event. Coaches can login and view replies so they know who will be in attendance. Optionally, add game scores and player statistics that you can download into excel documents later.

We also provide document storage and picture upload space! LeagueAthletics.com is the complete online management solution for your football organization. From local clubs, to regional footballleagues and conferences, LeagueAthletics.com is the best way to manage your football program online.

Posted in General Coaching Tips - Tagged league athletics, sports website and hosting, youth football

Youth Football Online Q&A with Houston Texans Safety Dominique Barber

Mar16
2011 4 Comments Written by Youth Football Online

NFL Player: Dominique Barber – Team: Houston Texans – Position: Safety

Youth Football Online interviews NFL Safety Dominique Barber. Dom graduated Wayzata High School in Minnesota; during his senior year he was All-Conference/All-State as a defensive back. His athletic abilities weren’t limited to just football- he lettered twice in hockey and once in baseball. In college, Dom was a second team All-Big Ten selection. The Houston Texans selected Dom Barber in the 6th round of the 2008 draft. Dominique comes from a well respected football family- his dad Marion Barber played for the N.Y Jets and his brother Marion Barber III currently plays for the Dallas Cowboys. Here’s our in-depth rousing interview with Dom.

Coach Jeff: How has being from a tight knit football family molded you into the person you are today ?
Dom Barber: Family is so important to me; my parents raised us the right way.
Enjoy life, live to the fullest and always put God first. So that’s what I try to do, God
comes first in everything I do, I give him praise for my family, my success, who I
am, it all goes to him. Growing up in my household the love that my family has for
each other is unconditional, and it goes a long way with my everyday life. My Faith,
Family, Football, everything I do I try to do it with unconditional love, everyday in
every way.

Coach Jeff: There are countless benefits of playing youth football, what do you
believe is the top benefit?
Dom Barber: Man, youth football was absolutely the best. It’s so important, you
learn how to play football, develop your skills at a young age. You learn how to
throw, how tackle, (as my dad always says, “Below the shoulders and above the knee
and you should have a good tackle”). The list goes on, and it’s up to you as a youth player to understand what your coaches are trying to teach you. Develop your football mind, as you would do in school.

Coach Jeff: As a student athlete, how important is it to excel in the classroom?
Dom Barber: Football isn’t going to last forever, so you always have to have a
plan. Every kid who plays football grows up wanting to be an NFL football player.
Everyone has their favorite player or that person they want to be able to compare
their game too. But it starts in the classroom and getting your degree. Because I’ll
say it again, we all think we can play this game forever but the reality is you can’t.
Football can be taken away from you at any point in your life, but your college
degree can’t be taken away.

Coach Jeff: What does it take to become a successful college and NFL football player?
Dom Barber: You have to put God first, because he is the one that is going to direct
you in the correct path. Family, you should always be able to look to your family for
guidance, help or anything you may need. Family should be there to help you find the
answer. Youth coaches, I still have contact with some of my youth coaches because it
means a lot to me. What they have taught me has helped my development not only as a player but also as a man. My high school Defensive Coordinator is now the Head Coach at Maple Grove High school. I still chat with him all the time about football and about life. It’s always nice to know that I have so many people in my corner and people I can trust
and enjoy my playing career with. But you have to be disciplined, no one can make
you go to class, or go to study hall it’s up to you. You have to find out how to balance
your school, football, and social life without trying to be too overwhelmed. Sit back
sometimes- think about everything, enjoy the moment, and think that “hey it could be
worse”. I just try to enjoy life as it is; I’ve been like that for years now and it has
helped me become who I am today.

Coach Jeff: What is the most challenging aspect of playing strong safety? What traits
do you need to be a solid safety at any competitive level of football?
Dom Barber: It’s almost like you’re the QB of the Defense. Usually the Mike Line
Backer will get the fronts set (D Line set) and as a Safety you have to make call, adjustments, and you have to do that on the fly. So you have to be a student of the game, you have to understand what are the possible plays out of this formation, what could happen if there were motions, unbalanced line, all plays when you play safety. Can’t have cold feet out there as you are the last line of defense, have to be able to tackle and you have to be able to cover a tight end and a receiver at times. You need to know the playbook as if you were a QB or even a D Coordinator because all that’s going to do is help you, then you are able to go out there and just play and not have to think.

Coach Jeff: How does having a solid week of practice translate into success on game
day?
Dom Barber: I’ll use a typical work week for us. Games are usually played on Sundays
so the workweek starts Monday. Watching film, looking for the opposing teams
tendencies, adjustments, personnel, all comes into play on Monday and you carry that
out through the week. And you have to practice hard, because you as a player have
to show your teammates and coaches that you are ready to play- ready for anything.
When you have a good week of practice you just know as a player that you are ready
and you can go out there and just ball. Can’t wait until Saturday night meetings to
think that you can go out there and play. Yes you can do it, but are you going to
be able to play as well as you would be able to play had you did your homework
earlier in the week.

Coach Jeff: What defensive back drill do you feel is best for the youth level?
Dom Barber: Back Pedal. We back pedal everyday in practice. You have to train your
legs early, it gets tiring at times but you have to be able to back pedal as a Defensive Back just as you would be able to run as a wide receiver. Yes, you’re not going to be able to run like you can forward, but the point is to be comfortable. Be able to back pedal all day long
because, as a safety, that’s what your going to be doing most of the game.

Coach Jeff: Nutrition and hydration are commonly overlooked in youth football, how
important is diet and hydration for your body to perform in practice, workouts and games?
Dom Barber: Man I can’t tell you enough how important it is to be hydrated as a
player. Again it starts on Monday, you have to train your body early. Football is a
tough sport already and it’s mentally draining. But when you’re hydrating your body you’ll take away the little man in your head that’s asking for water on game day. You have to hydrate yourself as if you were studying film. Goes a long way when you’re out there playing the game- you’ll just feel better. I’m from Minnesota and now live in Houston, so I’ve had to make major adjustments to the summer weathers. More and more fluids are needed because heat is an unbelievable thing in Houston (laugh). But it’s an adjustment
you have to make and if you want to play it’s important to stay hydrated and eat
correctly. Can’t always have fast food, you have to put things in your body that will
take care of you not worsen what you have started early in the week.

Coach Jeff: Tells us about the Barber Foundation Youth Football Camp that your
family runs..
Dom Barber: Our foundation is toward inner city youth kids. We do a camp in
Minneapolis every year and it’s for the kids. Its an all day camp where we have some
of our teammates, and other players come out to interact with the kids. We’ll show them
somethings that we do to prepare ourselves for the upcoming season. All we want to do
is give back, and the Lord has blessed us to do just that. Some kids are less fortunate
than others, and it goes a long way when these kids see professional athletes trying
to help them with their game. I love it! I love giving back and every year I get so
excited about the camp back home because I know the smiles I see, the laughter I hear,
are extra bonuses to me and to us- our foundation. It’s a wonderful thing to be able
to do that and feel the love that these kids bring.

We would like to thank Dom Barber for sitting with us for this authentic interview. Follow Dom on twitter @34DomBarber. Visit Dom’s website at DomBarber.com.

Posted in From the Gut, General Coaching Tips, Youth Football Camps, Youth Football Drills - Tagged barber foundation, dom barber, hydration, marion barber, youth football, youth football drills, youth football tips

Youth Football Online Coach Interview- Roderick Brown

Feb24
2011 3 Comments Written by Youth Football Online

Youth Football Coach: Roderick Brown

Organization name: Waccamaw Youth Football Georgetown County

Location: Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Coaching position: Head Coach, Offensive coordinator

Coach Jeff: What age level do you coach?

Coach Roderick: 9-10

Coach Jeff: How many seasons have you been coaching youth football?

Coach Roderick: 7

Coach Jeff: I feel every coach has room for improvement. After every season I sit down with my assistant coaches and go through thorough analysis of the season. We figure out what we did well and what we could have done better. Are there any areas of youth football coaching that you feel has room for improvement? What areas of coaching do you feel you are real strong at?

Coach Roderick: We are always looking for areas to get better. I think I need to do a better job of installing plays that will work with our talent. This past year I needed to have more of a power running game to expose some weaknesses on the other side. We were too focused on off tackle and outside running. I also need to work on play calling in critical moments.

I think our strength is making our kids know we believe in them and that it is ok for them to trust us. That has to be earned and I believe we do that well.

Coach Jeff: What are your goals for the upcoming youth football season?

Coach Roderick: Our main goal every year is to have fun! Then we start breaking down our team goals and that is to make the playoffs– That all takes care of itself when we do things the right way and that starts in August.

Coach Jeff: What is your favorite aspect of coaching youth football?

Coach Roderick: Without a doubt it is the kids……I love to take a kid and work with them not only to teach them about the game of football but share with them things that help them with life. The number one things a lot of kids suffer from is non –confidence; so if I can give them confidence and make them believe in themselves then I have done my job.

Coach Jeff: What offense are you thinking about running this season? Why?

Coach Roderick: We try and keep it simple and run base plays out of the I formation but it depends on your talent and we adapt our offense around the kids at this level.

Coach Jeff: What defense are you thinking about running this season? Why?

Coach Roderick: That could be difficult to put in a category but some version of a 5-3 but we bring guys off the end and set guys up in spots to make plays to stop the outside game. That is mostly what we see in our league at this age is sweeps.

Coach Jeff: What is the most challenging part of coaching youth football? For me it is dealing with disgruntled parents, once in a while I get a few crazy ones.

Coach Roderick:For me it is not knowing enough x and o’s. I am very blessed with parents and the key to that is tell them up front in team meetings what to expect and get them involved. Youth football, more than any other sport has to have parents involved.

Coach Jeff: I put a decent amount of time into special teams, I feel many coaches spend little to no practice time on special teams. Do you feel special teams tends to get overlooked by many coaches?

Coach Roderick: I think the less experienced coaches drop the ball there but in our league we don’t punt so we spend time each week on kick off-and return and we haven’t any issues there.

Coach Jeff: I feel physical education is crucial for kids; conditioning is a main focus of mine in practice. How do you promote physical education?

Coach Roderick: We do conditioning but we do it in a variety of ways to get it in….maybe I am soft but I don’t think real conditioning happens until 6^th or 7^th grade where their bodies can handle it more effectively.

Coach Jeff: What are some of your most effective drills?

Coach Roderick: Tackling drills, blocking drills ..If you block and tackle well you will win games.

Coach Jeff: Do you think making youth football free for kids in town (budgeted by the municipalities) will keep kids busy, while teaching them about physical education? Do you feel this will deter kids from getting into trouble?

Coach Roderick: Here we pay $3 , it can’t get cheaper than that…….yes I think it keeps them out of trouble and can be the key to some childrens escape from lots of trouble.

I would like to take the time to thank Roderick Brown for taking time from his day to do this interview. He is a great coach that is there for the right reasons. Roderick loves his players and he teaches them much more than just football. I look forward to following him and his team this season. It was a pleasure to meet you coach.

-Coach Jeff

If you are interested in doing an interview please contact us, parents and coaches welcomed.

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