Category: Football

Football Topics

Home Workouts

Keeping Athletes Busy

With a little more time on our hands these days, we thought these workouts created by Coach Greg Eichler would be nice to share with all of the Youth and High School Football Coaches that follow this site to keep their athletes productive.  If these workouts are of value to you, please let Coach Eichler know at twitter@CoachEichler_GT and thank him for putting these together.

Coaching, Drill, Football

Teaching Stalk Blocking in Youth Football

Teaching Stalk Blocking in Youth Football

(Running Backs and Receivers)

 

Recently Coach Mike Rowe shared the video below with us outlining a nice teaching progression on how to teach Receivers how to block.  This video does a nice job of demonstrating a number of drills and coaching points that can be applied to the youth game.  As a new youth football coach, one of the the skills that I struggled with was teaching my Running Backs and Receivers how to block in space.  It’s a skill that I believe is difficult for young athletes, but one with lots of repetition can be learned.

 

 

Diamond DrillOne of our go to drills over the past several years to teach this skill has been the Diamond Drill that we orginally learned from Coach Dave Cisar at Winning Youth Football that we have since modified a bit for our purposes.

On the whistle, the Defender must run around the designated point of the diamond trying to get to the center of the diamond to try and touch the football.  The Blocker (offense) runs around the designated opposite (shorter) side of the diamond attacking the defender and keeping them from touching the football for 5 seconds.

Key Coaching Points:

  • Blocker needs to run his feet keeping a low center of gravity with his head up and helmet below the Defender’s chin. No Lunging!
  • Defender can use any type of move they want after rounding the designated cone, but should not be allowed to dive at the football.
  • Depending on the age group you are coaching you may have to play around a bit with the dimensions of the Diamond.

If interested in other drills for your backs and receivers, we suggest you take a look at another article we published covering Youth Football Drills for Running Backs and Receivers.  This not only contains another Stalk Blocking Drill, but has links to other valuable drill material as well.

 

 

Coaching, Drill, Football, Offense

Tackling Circuit

Tackling Circuit

(Improving Your Youth Football Defense)

 

We believe that many of us would agree that the best defense in youth football is one that can tackle.  After getting the fundamentals of tackling down, we think that a tackling circuit is a great addition to any practice plan.  It allows you to get a maximum number of reps in a relative short period of time by splitting up into small groups and running multiple drills at the same time.  Concerning groups, we suggest that you create them with size and abilities in mind. Also, to save time and possibly even frustration we suggest that you know what the groups will be prior to your practice so that you don’t have to waste time splitting your players up.

If you are looking for drills to incorporate in your circuit, we recommend that you take a look at the following links:

Coachsomebody.com Every Day Drills
Glazier Clinics Tackling Circuit
Coaches-Clinic.com Tackling Drills Library
CLYFL Youth Football Drill Book
Winningyouthfootball.com

Coaching, Drill, Football

Youth Football Drills – Offensive Line

Youth Football Drills

(Offensive Line – Fast Get Offs)

 

One of the difficulties Youth Football Offensive Line coaches face each year is getting their young Offensive Lineman to fire off the ball.  A youth football drill that helps address this challenge that has been a staple in our practice plans through the years is the tennis ball drill.  Another drill that we recently came across comes to us from Coach Kyle Mlinek on the Dumcoach.com forum.  The name of the drill is the Topple Drill and much like the tennis ball drill its purpose is to help players quickly come of the ball.

Youth Football Drills - Topple Setup and Execution

Youth Football Drills – Topple Setup

Drill Setup and Execution

  • 1 Standup Dummy
  • Create 2 lines with players on either side of the Standup Blocking Dummy about 1 foot way.
  • On your Cadence, each player will try and topple the Dummy first.
  • Once done, each player rotates to the other line.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are looking for additional youth football drills for your team, we encourage you to take a look at the CLYFL Youth Football Drill Book.  It consists of 85 drills covering many aspects of the game.  If you need more drill ideas, please take a look out our YouTube library of football drills.  Our library includes drills for Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  We have even included some Flag Football drills.

Coaching, Drill, Football, Offense

Youth Football Drills – Linebackers

Youth Football Drills

(Linebackers)

 

In our previous Youth Football Drills blog post we shared a Defensive Line Swim Move Progression Drill that we have used in past seasons to help our Defensive Lineman.  In this post we are going to share a Drill we call Fill the Alley that we use with our Linebackers to help them execute their run fits.

Youth Football Drills - Linebackers

Youth Football Drills – Fill the Alley Setup

Drill Setup

  • Plenty of Cones to define Alleys.
  • Blocking Dummies to define Line of Scrimmage and “A” and “B” Gaps.
  • 1 Football
  • 1 Line for Runners
  • 1 Line for Linebackers

 

 

 

Youth Football Drills - Linebackers

Youth Football Drills – Fill the Alley Execution

Drill Execution

  1. Linebacker aligns at his proper depth to the line of scrimmage and alignment relative to the “A” and “B” gaps.
  2. Coach designates Alley 1, 2, or 3 for the Runner.
  3. On “Go”, the Runner will run through his designated Alley.
  4. The Linebacker should take his read step and attempt to tackle the Runner.

Note:  To make the drill more difficult you can add a Blocker on the line of scrimmage so that the Linebacker must shed a block and then attempt to make the tackle.

For additional drill ideas for your team, we encourage you to download the CLYFL Youth Football Drill Book, as well as visit our YouTube library of football drills.  Our library includes drills for Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  We have even included some Flag Football drills.

Coaching, Defense, Drill, Football

Youth Football Drills – Defensive Line

Youth Football Drills

(Defensive Line)

 

 

In our previous Youth Football Drills blog post we shared a Defensive End Box Drill we developed several years back to help teach our Defensive Ends how to properly box.  In this post we are going to share a Defensive Line Swim Move Progression Drill that we have used in past seasons to help our Defensive Lineman.  Below is an example of a Swim Move:

 

 

Youth Football Drills - Defensive Line

Youth Football Drills – Defensive Line

Drill Setup

  • 2 half round dummies.
  • 1 Ball
  • 1 Cone
  • 2 lines facing the coaches with 1 player standing upright 3 yards behind the ball.

 

Drill Execution

  1. Demonstrate Swim Technique:
    • 3 Point Stance
    • First step with inside foot.
    • Outside arm to midsection of the dummy.
    • Inside arm comes over the top and propel past the dummy.
  2. The Defense gets into a 3 point stance and on ball movement, executes their first step, then brings their outside arm to the midsection of the dummy, then bring their inside arm over the top and propel themselves to the offensive player where they execute a form tackle.  Note:  All movements are half speed until the coach is satisfied with the players form.
  3. Once satisfied with Step #2, repeat going full speed.  Note:  Switch out the player in the backfield every 5 to 6 reps.

For additional drill ideas for your team, we encourage you to download the CLYFL Youth Football Drill Book, as well as visit our YouTube library of football drills.  Our library includes drills for Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  We have even included some Flag Football drills.

Coaching, Defense, Drill, Football

Youth Football Drills – Defensive Ends

Youth Football Drills

(Defensive Ends)

 

In our previous Youth Football Drills blog post we turned our attention to the defensive side of the ball with the DB Read and React Drill.  In this post we are going to share a Defensive End Box drill we developed several years back to help teach our Defensive Ends how to properly box.  If you are not a fan of boxing your Defensive Ends and prefer the Spill and Kill technique, we highly recommend you take a look at Coach Wilkins’ X’s and O’s of “Spill and Kill” Contain clinic.

 

 

Youth Football Drills - Defense End Box Drill

Youth Football Drills – Defense End Box Drill Setup

Drill Setup

  • 8 Cones
  • 1 Ball
  • Setup up cones and players to represent a Double Tight, 2 Back Split Formation.
  • Setup up cones to designate the Sweep Alley/Spot on each side of the ball.

Drill Execution

  1. Defensive End turns their back.
    • Coach tells the blocker and runner which hole to run to (Off-Tackle or Sweep) and snap count.  Note:  Run away from the Defensive End from time to time to make sure that they are pursuing through the backfield properly.
  2. On the snap count the blocker and runner run to the designated hole with the Coach handing or pitching the ball to the runner.
    • The runner must stay between the cones (Off-Tackle or Sweep).
  3. The Defensive End gets to the Sweep Spot, meeting the lead blocker, shedding the block, and tackling the runner.
    • They need to fight to force the runner deeper than the “Sweep Alley” or squeeze him inside the Off-Tackle hole.
    • When shedding the block, they position themselves where their outside arm is kept free to make a tackle and their inside foot is splitting the feet of the blocker.
  4. After cycling through several reps, switch to the other side.

For additional drill ideas for your team, we encourage you to download the CLYFL Youth Football Drill Book, as well as visit our YouTube library of football drills.  Our library includes drills for Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  We have even included some Flag Football drills.

 

Coaching, Defense, Drill, Football

Youth Football Drills – Defensive Backs

Youth Football Drills

(Defensive Backs)

 

In our previous Blog posts we shared a couple of youth football drills that we like to use with our Offensive Line and Running Backs and Receivers.  In this post we are going to turn our attention to the Defensive side of the ball with a drill we call DB Read and React.  The purpose of this drill is to teach the Defensive Backs how to read the play to determine whether to execute their run fit or to defend the pass.

Youth Football Drills - DB Read and React

Youth Football Drills – DB Read and React Setup

Drill Setup – Tight End

  • 6 Cones
  • 1 Ball
  • Use 4 cones as Offensive Guards and Tackles.
  • Designate 1 cone as a Defensive End and another as a Defensive Tackle.

Note:  The Drill is setup for a defense that uses boxing Defensive Ends and the Defensive Back is playing Off Man coverage with their run fit being inside the Defense End.  However it can be adapted to other Defensive Systems.

Drill Execution

  • With the Defensive Player’s head turned the Coach instructs the Tight End to either Down Block on the Defensive Tackle cone, Stalk Block the Defensive Player, or run a pass route.
  • On “Go”, the Tight End executes the Coach’s instruction:
    1. If Down Block, the Defensive Player executes his Run Fit between the Defensive End and Tackle.
    2. If Stalk Blocked, the Defensive Player uses his hands to make a Swim Move keeping outside leverage and executes his Run Fit between the Defensive End and Tackle.
    3. If Pass Route, the Defensive Player covers the Tight End trying to break up the pass from the Coach.
  • After several reps, flip to the other side.
Youth Football Drills - DB Read and React

Youth Football Drills – DB Read and React Setup

Drill Setup – Split End

  • Designate 1 cone as a Defensive End and 1 cone as a Defensive Tackle.
  • Offensive Player lines up as a Split End.
  • Defensive Player aligns on the Split End per their alignment rules.

 

Drill Execution

  • With the Defensive Player’s head turned the Coach instructs the Split End to either Stalk Block the Defensive Player or run a pass route.
  • On “Go”, the Split End executes the Coach’s instruction:
    1. If Stalk Blocked, the Defensive Player uses his hands to make a Swim Move keeping outside leverage and executes his Run Fit between the Defensive End and Tackle.
    2. If Pass Route, the Defensive Player covers the Split End trying to break up the pass from the Coach.
  • After several reps, flip to the other side.

If you are looking for additional Defensive Back drills for your youth football team, we highly recommend, that you take a look at Coach Mahoney’s  Less is More Approach to Defense and Training up your Cornerbacks clinic.

For additional drill ideas for your team, we encourage you to download the CLYFL Youth Football Drill Book, as well as visit our YouTube library of football drills.  Our library includes drills for Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  We have even included some Flag Football drills.

Coaching, Defense, Drill, Football

Youth Football Drills – Offensive Line

Youth Football Drills

(Offensive Line)

 

In our last blog post we shared a drill we call Slow Stalk Block that we are planning to use this coming season to help teach our Running Backs and Receivers how to properly execute a Stalk Block.  In this post we are going to share an Offensive Line drill we like to use for our Power Plays called Block the Backer.  The purpose of this drill is to make sure that our Pullers are finding Linebackers and making contact.

Youth Football Drills - Blocking the Backer

Youth Football Drills – Blocking the Backer Setup

Drill Setup

  • 6 Cones
  • 1 Stand-up Blocking Dummy.
  • Line 4 cones slightly angled downfield with a lineman in front of each. Place two cones 3 yards deep in front of center representing a Linebacker. The Linebacker stands in between the cones.
  • 1 Line. Rotate LB to Drill Line. Drill Line to Center. O-Line shifts one position to the right with PT becoming the LB.

Note: This drill is setup for an unbalanced line with the playside Guard pulling.  It can easily be adapted to a balanced line with the backside Guard pulling.

 

 

Youth Football Drills - Block the Backer

Youth Football Drills – Block the Backer Execution

Drill Execution

  • At the snap of the ball the Puller (G) must pull down the line.
  • The linebacker must try and tackle the dummy and the Puller (G) must get around the corner to block the Linebacker.

    Coaching Points for Puller

  • 6 inch first step with right foot at 2 o’clock.
  • Good rip with outside arm.
  • Low sprinter stance finish.
  • Spy the linebacker getting head to touchdown (outside) side.

If you are looking for additional Offensive Line Drills for your youth football team, we highly recommend, that you take a look at Coach O’Gorman’s How to be the Coach Your O-line Deserves clinic.

For additional drill ideas for your team, we encourage you to download the CLYFL Youth Football Drill Book, as well as visit our YouTube library of football drills.  Our library includes drills for Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  We have even included some Flag Football drills.

Coaching, Drill, Football, Offense

Youth Football Drills – Running Backs

Youth Football Drills

(Running Backs and Receivers)

 

Inspired by Coach O’Gorman’s Offensive Line Drills we have come up with a Running Backs Drill called Slow Stalk Block.   The purpose of the drill is to not only re-enforce our Stalk Blocking technique, but also to teach the Running Back to read the block.  It’s a competitive drill that has both a winner and a loser.

Slow Stalk Block

Youth Football Drills – Slow Stalk Block Setup

Drill Setup

  • 4 Cones in a 5 by 10 yard rectangle (Note:  Depending on the age of your players the size of the rectangle made need to be adjusted.)
  • 1 Ball
  • 3 Lines (Runner, Blocker, and Defender)
  • The rotation of the drill is Defender to Runner, Runner to Blocker, and Blocker to Defender

 

 

 

 

Slow Stalk Block Drill

Youth Football Drills – Slow Stalk Block Drill

Drill Execution

  1. The Blocker and Defender line up 3 yards apart in the center of the rectangle with the Runner 2 yards behind Blocker.
  2. The Blocker approaches the Defender lowering his hips and keeping his head up while keeping the Defender from going where he wants to go.  The Defender is trying to tag the Runner.
  3. The Runner walks toward the end line reading the block and must stay within the rectangle.  (Note: Walks to the side of the Blocker’s rear end).
  4. If the Defender makes a definitive move in one direction, the Blocker should attempt to keep taking him that way.
  5. If the Runner is tagged, both the Runner and Blocker have to do 5 push-ups.  Otherwise the Defender must do 5 push-ups

If you are looking for additional youth football drills for your team, we encourage you to take a look at the CLYFL Youth Football Drill Book.  It consists of 85 drills covering many aspects of the game.  If you need more drill ideas, please take a look out our YouTube library of football drills.  Our library includes drills for Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.  We have even included some Flag Football drills.

Coaching, Drill, Football, Offense