Creates Conflict

Motions like jet and rocket will put the defense in a serous conflict. Executing plays like jet and rocket sweep will  attack the edge of the defense quickly. Jet sweep and rocket sweep will allow the ball carrier to receive a pitch or hand off while running at full speed. It will force the defense to either adjust to the motion or get beat by the motion.  It will force defenses to over shift or roll defenders to the motion side. Once the defense starts to over shift, they open themselves up for plays that attack the opposite side of the motion.  Many coaches will not know how to adjust to the motion, especially if they do not scout your team and practice their adjustment to it in practice. Teams that have to change or adjust to the motion on the fly usually do not fair very well. There will be massive confusion with their defense if they have not prepared for it in practice.

Check out Coach Jeff’s dominating Jet Sweep Play:

Overload

You can use motion to send another blocker to the point of attack. You can use a motion back to lead block, kick out or trap block. It will also create an unbalanced formation.  In youth football many coaches do not even notice or adjust to an unbalanced formation. Since many coaches do not adjust their defenses to an unbalanced formation it will give your offense the blocker/defender ratio advantage. Using motion is also a man to man killer. Having a player go in motion will force a defender to follow the motion player. You can use the motion to clear out a side and then run to it.  You can use motion to also take their best player out of the game by making him follow the motion back.

Deception

Deception is vital in youth football.  Having plays that offer deception will make the defense read instead of reacting. It will make the linebackers and secondary react indecisively because they are not sure where the play is going. It will also draw eyes to the motion player. Once the defense starts over playing to the motion side you can hit them with a counter or inside trap play.  Having a player come in motion creates big problems for defensive coordinators.

Jet Motion

In Jet Motion the motion player come straight across the formation, horizontally. This motion is used when running jet sweep. This motion is also a great way to get a lead blocker in front of the running back.

Rocket Motion

A deeper motion that will allow the ball carrier to get the ball and get down hill when blocking or receiving a pitch. Usually rocket motion goes right behind a fullback or half back.

Please Note: The motion player cannot go or lean forward while in motion. The motion player is not allowed to gain any ground going forward until the ball is snapped, or it is a penalty. A motion player can go backwards and or horizontally, but not forward. 

The post wheel combination pass play is an underrated and under used play in youth football. Most youth football defenses play man to man coverage. The post wheel combination passing play is a man to man killer. This play is out of the spread offense, with the QB in shotgun and a running back off set to his right.

This play features a split-end and a slot receiver split out to the right. The left side has a receiver off the ball and a tight-end. The backside tight-end pass blocks, while the receiver off the ball does a skinny post. The split-end that is line up out wide to the right side does a post pattern at the safety. You want the split-end to put his hand up like he is open, this will hold the middle safety. The receiver in slot does a wheel route. The slot receiver needs to run his wheel route right off the butt of the split-end running the post route.

The QB catches the snap and does a quick fake to the off-set running back. The running back needs to do a good fake to hold the linebackers in the box. After the QB does his fake he plants his feet and throws to the slot receiver running the wheel route.  The ball needs to be thrown to the receiver’s outside shoulder.  This is a youth football passing play that works! How do you beat man to man coverage? You use play action passing plays and passing plays with combination routes.

Age: 12

Position: QB/ CB

League: Orange Hurricanes, New Jersey Twin Valley Youth Football

Favorite NFL player: DeSean Jackson

Favorite College Team: Oregon Ducks

Youth Football Offense: Spread

Youth Football Defense: 44

Favorite Play: Cowboy 6 Fade, QB Keep to the Right

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Class: Math

Meet Youth Football Online’s All-Star selection Ta’Quan Roberson. Football intelligence  and excellence in studies are characteristics that we look for and we found them with our latest All-Star selection.

Ta’Quan plays Quarterback with leadership. He is able to coordinate a no huddle offense with great success.  He runs a spread offense with multiple wide receivers.  He finds the open receiver consistently.  Ta’Quan had 19 passing TDs last season, an impressive feat in youth football, he will strive to hit a goal of 20+ touchdowns this season.  His team runs the no huddle, which allows them to call the right play each time.  Ta’Quan is able to get the call from his coaches on the sideline and coordinates the play calls to his teammates.  He is the first YFO All-Star to lead a no huddle offense.  Ta’Quan is a smart kid that operates the no huddle flawlessly. I credit his coaches for having such an explosive well coached offensive attack.

While observing Ta’Quan’s game film, I noticed that he throws a really nice deep ball, one of the best I’ve ever seen. He consistently hits his receivers in stride.  He has great arm strength, but he is also very accurate. Ta’Quan is able to throw any passing route on the field. He also does a nice job on play action passing plays- he really does a nice job faking hand-offs.

Ta’Quan is not only a great throwing QB- he is an overall great athlete.  He is able to hurt the defense by running the football himself. He is a nightmare on roll out passing plays, he is able to run and throw the ball with accuracy. Ta’Quan runs the zone read play really well.  He is able to read the defensive end, should the DE slant, he pulls the ball. If the defensive end sits he gives to the running back.  It’s rare that an 11 year old QB is able to run a zone read play with consistent success. Ta’Quan can execute any offensive scheme.

We asked Ta’Quan to tell us the most important point about playing youth football quarterback, his response was- “Using my head is important, being smart”.

“Ta’Quan is a very energetic, charismatic student that understands when it’s time to play and when it’s time to work. He is a leader in group activities and cares about his schoolwork. He is also one who enjoys his time at recess. Taquan is comical and mature and will be missed next year.” – Mrs. B., Ta’Quan’s teacher.

Ta’Quan understands the importance of his studies thanks to his.” Homework is a main focus for him, I don’t even have to say anything” said his dad Michael.

Congratulations Ta’Quan, continue to work hard and be the best student athlete you can be.

Philosophy

Implement what you as a coach believe in, and make sure all of your coaches, players and parents believe in your system as well. Stay true to what you feel is best for your football players. Believe in your offense, defense, and special teams philosophies.  Stay true to yourself and always be genuine with your players, assistant coaches, and parents. Remember, coaching youth football is not just about winning- It is all about creating positive experiences for the children with the understanding that not all kids will be football all-stars.  Every youth football coach has his own scheme and practice plan, but there is a universal philosophy that all coaches must adhere to- never to put the children in an unfair or unsafe situation. All practices should be operated safely, in accordance to rules. Also, never win at the expense of the children.

Teach Proper Techniques and Fundamentals

Successful coaching in youth football is all about teaching the basics or fundamentals of the game. You must be a good teacher. Practices should be focused entirely on playing with the proper technique. Playing with proper technique will not only give your team success, it will keep the players safe from most injuries. It is vital to have proper technique when blocking, block shedding, and tackling.  Players must always keep their heads up! Playing with the proper football fundamentals will help deter most injuries.

Management  

If you cannot manage the players and coaches that surround you, then you will not win. Great management comes with great organization. In order to have productive practices coaches must have scripted practices. All coaches on the coaching staff should have practice plans and all coaches should be on the same page.  It is vital to keep youth football players busy in practice, no kids should be aimlessly standing around. When managing practices make sure they are up tempo and enthusiastic. Coaches need to be able to manage multiple players at once. You must be able to coordinate with parents, players, and other coaches flawlessly. Good managers are able to work successfully under pressure, have confidence, and stay true to their beliefs at all times. Football is just like a businesses or company. A business with bad management will not make any money. Football teams with bad management will lose. Head coaches must be able to manage everything from parents to games and everything in between.

Good Luck!

Name: Jonathan Pollock

League: Windermere Preparatory School

Team Name: Lakers

Position: RB, MLB, CB

Favorite NFL Player: DeSean Jackson

Favorite NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite College Team: USC Trojans

Offense:  Spread

Defense: 4-3

Goals: To make Dr. Phillips varsity team

Favorite Food: Dad’s spaghetti and meatballs

Favorite Class: Art of Language Arts (Wants to a producer for the NFL network)

Hobbies: Weightlifting/ Attending Youth Football Camps / Hoops

Meet Youth Football Online All Star Selection Jonathan Pollock. Jonathan is a kid that’s very passionate about playing football. He described his football experiences in great detail, one thing is evident, this kid loves the game.

Jonathan is a superb athlete, a strong kid that can squat 400+ pounds and bench press 200+pounds. He has great speed (4.8, 40 time) and agility. After watching Jonathan’s game film it was obvious that this kid loves to play defense. He plays defense with strict aggression and technique.  Jonathan plays corner back but hits like a middle linebacker. This kid is not only an awesome tackler but he’s also great in pass coverage. Jonathan can best be described as a ball hawk. He does a nice job of attacking the ball at its highest point. When he intercepts the football he has the ability to take it for 6 points. He plays the game with extraordinary energy and passion.

Jonathan is also an outstanding youth football running back. He runs with great attitude and has no problem lowering his shoulder and running through, or over, a defender.

“ Jonathan is a true football player. Jonathan also, is a great student of the game and is the hardest worker. His level of commitment is unmatched by his peers.” – Coach Jacob Doss

Jonathan’s personal trainer Michael Greene from No Limits Training has been working with Jonathan for the past 4 months. Michael talks about our newest All-Star’s work ethic - “it is rare to find young men Jonathan’s age willing to work as hard as  possible to achieve their dreams. We have little doubt that he will achieve his goal of playing college football and any program that recruits him will have an outstanding young man with exceptional character on their roster, not to mention his athletic ability and intrinsic drive to be the best he can be while encouraging others to do the same”.

Jonathan’s Advice to fellow youth football athletes- 

Work hard, keep your grades up.. if you don’t get the grades, the one thing you love (football) may be taken away from you. Work hard everyday, if you get injured, lay off it..

Jonathan was selected to play in the 2012 Junior Rank “Semper Fidelis”All American game.  We asked Jonathan to describe his Junior Rank experience – “Loved it!  Nice set up, we got to keep the helmets.  The younger guys were partnered up with the seniors. I loved the coaching- I learned so much about the linebacker position in the few days I was there. I also made new friends all around the country that I still stay connected with. I could have done a little better in the game, but I was happy with my performance.”

President and CEO of Junior Rank, Shaon Berry, wrote to us regarding Jonathan- “The coaches at our Academic All-American game raved about his range and explosion. When you put those things together with excellent grades and strong manners, he will be a young man that I consider to be as close to can’t miss as they come.”

Jonathan runs track, lifts weights, and practices MMA to keep in shape. He trains for football all year round. Jonathan is a shinning example of how hard work pays off.  Jonathan’s most recent accomplishment was winning the MVP award at the NUC Combine in Orlando, Florida.

Here are highlights of this talented football player:

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:

1. Keep it simple – limit the products to ones everyone needs or has requested.
2. Keep the design clean – printing or embroidering simple designs is cheaper.
3. Use a pre-sale. Give your team parents a simple order form.
4. Plan for a second order – when people see others in teamwear, they will want it for themselves.
5. 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!

Player Name: Caden Clark

Team: Massillon Tigers

Conference: Independent

Age: 10

Position: OL, DL & LB

Favorite NFL Player: Calvin Johnson

Favorite NFL Team: Detroit Lions

Favorite College Team: Ohio State Buckeyes

Future Goals: Attend Ohio State University and Play in the NFL

Offense: I formation & Shotgun

Defense: 4-3

Favorite Class: Music

Meet Youth Football Online All Star Selection Caden Clark. Excellence in character, studies and football define this youth football player.  Caden joins his brother Danny Clark as the first YFO All-Star sibling duo.  As we interviewed Caden and his dad, we collectively agreed that this kid is sharp; astute for his young age. He spoke with decisiveness and was very enthusiastic about football and his studies.

Caden Clark is a monster on the offensive line. He blocks with physicality and effort. He prides himself on being the best offensive linemen he can be. He blocks extremely well, and with solid technique.  Caden has great size and power- he presents many problems for defensive linemen.  Youth Football Running backs tend to get much of the attention, though it’s solid offensive line play that creates running opportunities.  With Caden Clark blocking, you will always get positive yardage.  If you are defensive linemen and you have to line up over Caden Clark – good luck!

“Caden knows the game so well for his age as he just retains everything very quickly. He is the biggest and fasted player on the field every game. He Could play any position. Very team Oriented. Team always comes first.” – Coach K.

Caden not only dominates on offense, he takes over a game on defense. Caden plays nose guard, defensive end, and linebacker.  This is kid is unblockable.  He is a big strong kid that plays with great effort. If you are an offensive linemen and you have Caden Clark in front of you, you are in for a long game.

“Caden,  for a young person, has his priorities in order.  He understands the value of his education; he applies the same ethic to his schoolwork as he does to football. He always wants to do something more – always strives to do better. Caden treats his classmates very well, a very kind and considerate person, a peacemaker. A very very special kid. I feel so fortunate to be able to teach him. When he does mess up, he’s able to admit that he was wrong. I’ve had some wonderful kids come through, but Caden is special. “ – Caden’s teacher Mrs. H.

Caden Clark is an avid reader. He told us about a current book on his reading list, ‘Rules’ by Cynthia Lord, a fictional story about a young girl’s relationship with her autistic brother. Caden’s love of reading is refreshing as reading is a lost interest in today’s internet and gaming generation.

Caden credits his dad with teaching him hard work ethic. He diligently practices everyday for the upcoming youth football season. Dad Jeff Clark says- “Older brother Danny gets all the attention but I’ve never had to say a single word to Caden, he is a flat out workhorse, more than any dad could ever dream for.”

Caden’s athletic talents are not limited to just football. He also excels playing basketball.  He recently won a league championship game by hitting a buzzer beating shot. Caden lists music has a hobby, he has a passion for singing.

“From playing youth football, I’ve learned teamwork and how to work to achieve a goal.  It’s also a lot of fun.” - Caden Clark

Here’s Caden’s highlight video:

Loyalty- Be loyal to all your players, parents, and fellow coaches.  I tell my coaches every year that we must be loyal to each other. We must also be loyal to the players, and loyal to the parents. We must always put the team first; always stick together as a team throughout both positive and negative occurrences.

Lead by Example- As coaches, it is our responsibility to model the kind of behavior we as coaches expect from our players. Lead by positive example. Coaches need to look the part, be professional and always be humble throughout victory and defeat.

Stay Positive- “If you do not have anything positive to say- keep your mouth closed”.  Youth football is not just about winning, it is about encouragement. As youth football coaches it is our job to encourage and be positive with all players and coaching colleagues.  This means working with and encouraging players that need it. Football is about building confidence in the children while developing their physical conditioning. Be positive and encourage every player, coach, and parent on the team. Take the time and work with those players that need the extra work. When things aren’t going your team’s way, true character will reveal itself.  Pride yourself on coaching your best when things are at their worst. Goals: every player gets better every day.

Organized- As a youth football coach you need to be organized. When practices aren’t organized and are slow moving they will not be productive. Have a practice plan for the day and executed it with enthusiasm. All coaches need to be on the same page. Disorganization looks really bad; the parents and players will notice it.

Youth Football Safety Matters- Be informed about the importance of proper hydration and nutrition. Regardless of age- the human body only runs as good as the food you put into it. Also, if your players are not hydrated they will dehydrate, overheat, get sick, cramp, and their overall body function will be weak. Inform your players, coaches and parents about the importance of hydration and nutrition. Hydration should occur-before, during, and after any physical activities. Most importantly look for kids that are hurt or getting banged up. Also, concussion prevention and discovery should be a top priority. The entire coaching staff must be educated and able to notice any kind of injury. If there is any doubt then sit the kid out.

Children- A main objective of every coach should be to develop his players into fine young football players. It is about the implementation of safe and proper youth football drills. It is about teaching the players the importance of team work. Coaches need to encourage their players to communicate with each other. It is about making a team first environment. Football is a competitive game; the goal is always play to win. Good coaches get their players to compete during all practices and games.  Condition those kids! Football is a physically demanding game; these kids need to be ready for four quarters of contact and cardiovascular exercise. Always have their well being first. Always develop and implement the positive portion of youth football. Play to win, but never try to win at the expense of the children.

Name: Jelani McCall

Position: Running Back/Cornerback

Team/ League: Del Norte KnightHawks Youth Football Organization,  San Diego California- American Youth Football League

Age: 11

Offense: Power I

Defense: 62 Defense

Favorite NFL Players: Marshall Faulk, Barry Sanders

Favorite NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite College Team: Ohio State Buckeyes

Favorite Play: “Smash” – Unbalanced formation with a direct snap

Favorite Foods: Pizza and fried chicken

Favorite Books: Hunger Games (Jelani gives this book 2 thumbs up).

Today we introduce our newest Youth Football Online All Star selection Jelani McCall. Jelani is a very talented youth football player in San Diego, California. This student athlete excels in the classroom (3.5 GPA), and is involved in service to his community.

“At church- we go to an area in San Diego to donate toys, we give them gifts so they have something”- Jelani McCall.

Jelani is one of the best fundamentally sound running backs I have seen. What stands out most about Jelani is his ability to break and run through tackles.  Jelani never makes the mistakes of stopping his feet-he runs through the contact.  It usually takes more than one defender to bring this athlete down.  Many youth football running backs stop their feet as contact arrives, not Jelani.

YFO All-Star Jelani McCall also has concise vision. He is able to find a slight seam and explode through it. He always secures the ball and runs with his head up. Another great aspect of his game is his speed and agility. Jelani uses his exceptional speed to outrun defenders. He also uses his speed and agility to make something out of nothing.  Jelani is a great athlete that runs the football hard. This comes from great preparation.

“Youth football has taught me to never give up, always believe in yourself”- Jelani McCall

If you are an opposing defensive coordinator good luck preparing for Jelani!  His coach described Jelani as:”Explosive and a play maker”.
Jelani’s effort aren’t limited to the running back position, he also plays defense very well.  He plays cornerback, but hits like a linebacker. This youth athlete is super aggressive and has great fundamentals when tackling. He also has great ball skills- you do not want to throw the ball his way. He is too fast with too good of instincts, best advice- try the other side.

As we interviewed Jelani and his dad Antoine, we sensed there was something special about the McCall household. They were affable with a positive attitude that you can’t help but be impressed with. They are a family securely grounded in the principles of faith, family and football.

How important is school to Jelani? “School is very important, we wouldn’t be able to learn anything without school.” said Jelani. With an interest in the earth and nature, Jelani lists science as his favorite subject. He also has the entrepreneurial spirit, currently he has plans to start his own t-shirt company.

We concluded our interview with Jelani by asking him for final words.  Without much hesitation, he confidently answered “I would like to say I love God and I love my very beautiful baby brother”.

Here are Jelani’s highlights:

“Indy” is a blitz play where we have the defensive linemen slant inside and the linebackers blitz outside. In this case we have the defensive linemen slant down and the linebackers blitz outside. This creates a problem with the offenses blocking scheme. It will confuse the offensive linemen because they will have a defender shooting their inside gap and a defender shooting their outside gap. There is an old saying you live by the blitz and die by the blitz- so blitz strategically.

Good Luck!