Each week Coach Bass brings his 30 years of NFL coaching experience to USA Football. Email Coach Bass your question.
The following is welcomed feedback from readers in the field on recent questions and answers in the column. A special thanks to Donnell and Tom for their contributions.
Coach Bass,
I just read the question from the parent regarding playing time for all kids who participate at the junior varsity level. And like you stated, it should be the responsibility of each coach to ensure the positive playing experience of each kid playing. Not all kids will be able to make the huge impact coaches are looking for when trying to win ball games, but that does not mean that each childisn't able to contribute in some way.
I remember when I played high school football that one of the best ways to get on the field was through special teams. And that remains the case today. If a player has put forth the effort during the practice that week, then a shot on special teams is an opportunity to show the coaches what theycan do in game situations. Sometimes kids just don't do as well in practice as they do in games. We have certainly seen the opposite inkids who prepare each week for a game as a starter, then fail to meet the expectations they showed during practice.
I teach the age group 6-7 right now. I am the head coach of a five-man flag football team. Imake sure that in each game every kid has a chance to run the ball and catch the ball. Now not everyone is a center nor a quarterback, but those things I do try out in practice when a kid ask if they can try that position. It shows them what they can do, and I learn as well. A scrawny little 6-year-old may be a mammoth as a 10th grader or vice versa. So I try and not categorize the child by size and weight at this age. I judge on talent and ability, then by effort and responsibility.
There are ways for kids to participate in a game and build on their experience from there. It also gives them and the coaches a real idea of what they can do in the game when they review the film or talk about it the next week in practice. The only way to build something is to lay a foundation. If all you ever do is talk about it, then the building is never put into action and no one benefits.
Thanks for the time,
Donnell
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Coach Bass,
I read your recent reply to the Coach Brian question regarding the use of the face mask in the breast plate of the shoulders pads as a tackling method. I appreciate your statement that players should be taught to lead with the shoulders. However, it should have been emphasized that initial contact of leading with the helmet is not an acceptable method of tackling and is a foul.
As most youth leagues play under National Federation High School rules, rule 9-4-3(h) makes this a 15-yard penalty and possible ejection if flagrant.
As officials, we are constantly reminded of this at the rules meetings and the need to enforce it for player safety.
Unfortunately, especially at the youth level, there are coaches still teaching the "bar in the breadbasket" techniques, which only put their players in position of sustaining a severe injury.
Thanks,
Tom
The following question was sent:
My son is nearly 6 years old and starting to show interest in football. Our local sports organization begins offering flag football at age 7.What activities/drills can we perform together in the meantime to get him ready for next year? He has shown proficiency in catching and throwing the ball. However, I want to make sure I'm instructing him properly to avoid the development of bad habits. What drills or online resources are available to assist myinstructing him on proper techniques for passing and catching?
Hi Sean,
It is great that you want to be a part of your son's football development and that you realize that learning bad habits can hurt rather than help his progress as he plays the game.
You might consider looking into a USA Football Coaching Membership and take part in the Certified Coaching Education Program offered at www.usafootball.com. You will find material related to the proper way to teach the basic techniques needed to play the game and drills that you can use to work on perfecting each skill.
This course is devoted to provide safe and sound methods of teaching and playing the game of football, and I feel the information will be of tremendous benefit for you and your son.
Flag football is a great way to start learning the game because the emphasis is on running with, passing and catching the ball and the defensive skills needed to play pass defense without the emphasis on contact, which comes with tackle football.
Good luck to both you and your son, and hopefully, you may have the opportunity to serve as a coach as your son learns to play the game.
Coach Tom Bass
Coach Tom Bass, the technical writer and advisor for USA Football, is a 30-year NFL coach who has also authored several books, including "Play Football the NFL Way" - the first "how to" book ever authorized and published by the NFL. Coach Bass is happy to personally autograph his books to you. Book ordering information can be found at http://www.coachbass.com/.
