Youth football can be a great sport for young people. Not only can they learn how to become better players, but they can also get in top condition and learn the value of hard work. They can also get to know the importance of being part of a team and learn the joy that comes from working hard and succeeding. However, in order to become a productive football player, young athletes have to go through drills to condition themselves and learn the nuances of the game.
Conditioning Drills
Prior to the start of any youth football season, players have to get in the proper condition. Coaches often run a week of conditioning prior to any physical contact that may take place. Ladder sprints are often a big part of those conditioning drills. Start off by having players sprint from the goal line to the 40 yard line and back. Then sprint to the 30 and back, followed by a sprint to the 20 yard line and back. Take a 2-minute break and repeat the drill.
Competitive Sprinting
Divide your team into four groups and place each group in the corner of the field. Place four footballs in the center of the field. On the coach's signal, the first player in each line races into the center of the field and picks up the football and races back to the line and hands it off to the next player. That player runs to the center of the field and puts the ball back on the ground and then races back and tags the next runner. The relay continues in this manner until all the players have run. The team that completes the sprint first wins the event. This drill builds speed and teaches youngsters how to run with a football.
Bag Drill
In this drill, players learn how to move their feet effectively to get in a position to tackle opponents. Set up six pads that are 2 feet wide by 8 feet long. In this drill, the players have to run over the pads---commonly called bags---and then pick up a football that is waiting and sprint 20 yards with it. The key is to keep the movements fluid. The players have to keep their feet moving and not scrape any of the bags. They will try to pick up the ball while on the run and not slow down. This helps develop coordination and footwork.
Oklahoma Drill
In this drill, a running back and a linebacker set up on opposite sides of the line of scrimmage. The coach will give the running back a direction to run, and the linebacker will try to tackle him. The running back will not make any fakes. It is strictly a power and speed drill. If the running back is stronger and faster, he will run by the tackler. If the tackler is strong and determined, he will bring the running back down in his tracks.
Wide Receiver Drill
Have the wide receiver run 10 yards downfield and turn around and face the quarterback. He will catch a ball and then secure it and turn 90 degrees to his right. He will then put the ball down and catch another ball thrown by a coach. He will secure that ball, turn 180 degrees and put the ball on the ground. He will then catch another ball and turn upfield and sprint 20 yards. This will encourage catching the ball and making quick moves on the football field.
