Peewee football is the way many youngsters get introduced to tackle football. The idea behind organized youth football is to teach players the basics of the game, provide them with a disciplined and safe environment, and to make sure that the youngsters have fun in the process. Various drills can help players learn the game and enjoy themselves.
Two-Direction Tackling Drill
The basics of the game are blocking and tackling. In order to get players to tackle in games, they must be given the opportunity to tackle in drills. For this drill, set up two series of cones, keeping the first set of cones 5 yards apart and to the right of the running back stationed in the backfield. Keep the second set of cones 5 yards apart and to the left of the running back. The running back stands 5 yards deep in the backfield and runs right or left -- depending on which direction the coach points to -- and tries to get through the two cones. At the same time, the linebacker tries to tackle the running back. The linebacker is also 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage. The running back tries to beat the linebacker to the cones while the linebacker tries to make the tackle.
Speed Blocking Drill
Have the kids hit two blocking pads in order to teach offensive linemen the proper way to block. Have them hit the first blocking pad with their left shoulder and the second pad with their right shoulder, then sprint 10 yards and hit two more blocking pads in the same manner. Have the coaches hold the blocking pads so that corrections can be made after the drill has been executed.
Passing Drill
In this drill, the quarterback drops back 3 steps and throws the ball to the left flat to the running back -- about 5 yards downfield. Immediately after throwing to the left, the quarterback takes the snap again and drops back 3 steps and throws to the right flat. This is a great drill for Peewee football players because most teams that use passing plays use short passes and do not go any deeper downfield.
Football Relay
This is a great drill to get every player involved and hustling. Divide your team up into two groups. Place one group at the 25-yard line on the near side of the field and the other group on the 25-yard line on the far side of the field. Place two footballs at the 50. On your whistle, the first player in each line sprints to midfield, picks up the football and sprints back to his group where he will hand it to the next player in line. That player then carries the ball to midfield, drops it on the 50-yard line and sprints back to tag the next player's hand. Then that player sprints to midfield, picks up the ball and races back to his group. Continue in this manner until all players have had a chance to run with the ball. The first team to finish the relay wins.
