Coaching Football For Dummies

Table of Contents
Welcome message from Joe Galat, President of American Youth Football …………...……………4
The Warm Up
Warm up introduction - Willis Whalen..………………………………………………………………..…5
AFC - NFC Warm Up Drill................................................................................................................6
Gassers Warm Up Drill....................................................................................................................7
Lets Talk Defense

Reaction Drill………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
4-3 Defense…………………………………………………………………………………………...…….9
Defensive Lineman Drill …………………………………………………………………………………10
3 Point Stance……………………………………………………………………………………..….. …11
4 Point Stance…………………………………………………………………………………..…………12
Linebacker Stance…………………………………………………………………………………..……13
Pass Rush Techniques ………………………………………………………………………………….14
Fumble Recovery Drill ………………………………………….........................................................15
Form Tackling ………………………………………………………….. ………………………………..17
Form Tackling 2 …………………………………………………………………………………………..18
Defensive Back Stance…………………………………………………………………………………..19
Bird Dog Steps…………………………………………………………………………………………....20
The Shuffle Step …………………………………………..................................................................21
The Interception ……………………………………………………………………………..……………22
Lets Talk Offense

Offensive Line Up..........................................................................................................................24
Offensive Line Up Stance…….…………………………………………………………………….……25
Pulling Guards………………………...…………………………………………………………………..26
Pass Protection …………………………………………………………………………………………..27
The Reach Block……………………………………………………………………………………….....28
Hole Numbering …………………………………………………………………………..………………30
Basic Formations…………………………………………………..……………………………………..32
The 48 Sweep………………………………………………..………………….………………………..33
The 32 Drive..................................................................................................................................34
The 44 Hand Off ………………………………………………………………….………………………35
The Huddle………………………………………………………………….……………………………..36
Center/Quarterback Exchange.……………………………………..…………………………………..37
Wide Receiver Stance...................................................................................................................39
Wide Receiver Drill …………………………………………………….…………………………………40
Over the Shoulder Catch ………………………………………………………………………………..41
Quarterback Mechanics .………………………………………………………………………….……..42
The 3 Step Drop…………………………………………………………………………………………..43
The 5 Step Drop…………………………………………………………………………………………..44
2
The 7 Step Drop…………………………………………………………………………………………..45
Special Teams
Special Teams - Willis Whalen…………………………………………………….…………………....46
Summary
Summary – Willis Whalen ………………………………………………………………………………47
Copyright NYSCA, All rights reserved.
3
Welcome message from Joe Galat,
President of American Youth Football.
Welcome to the NYSCA Coaching Youth Football clinic.
I’m Joe Galat, President of American Youth Football. We’re pleased
to be working with the National Youth Sports Coaches Association to
promote the sport of football. Along with the credibility of football
coaching comes a responsibility.
American Youth Football believes that you should help children develop physically, emotionally
and socially. The well being of the great sport of football depends on a broad appreciation of the
game, excellence in coaching and emphasis on health and safety.
We at American Youth Football are privileged to help, promote and support the sport of football in
your community. We encourage you to be ever mindful of the NYSCA Code of Ethics. Let it be
your guide in your coaching. AYF hopes you will join us in our efforts to honor the game through
exemplary leadership. You can make a difference and a significance in the lives of youngsters.
On the behalf of the staff of American Youth Football we would like to congratulate you for taking
the first steps of becoming an NYSCA member. I hope you enjoy coaching football as much as I
do.
The Coaching Youth Football website is presented in cooperation with American Youth Football,
Inc. For more information about AYF, visit their website at www.americanyouthfootball.com, or
call (888) 438-2816.
4
Willis Whalen - Manager of Youth Programs for the Miami Dolphins
Hi, my name is Willis Whalen, Manager of Youth Programs

for the Miami Dolphins. We are going to have some fun,
and show you some drills and techniques. We realize that
coaches are working with different age groups so we are
going to try and show you a couple of ways you can
approach this.
So once again, the National Alliance for Youth Sports

would like to thank you for taking the time to spend with the
kids and to coach youth programs.
5
AFC - NFC Warm Up Drill
Organizational Set Up
Entire Team
Practice area approx
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Coaching Points:
The AFC - NFC drill is a great activity to make your warm up activity fun. Begin by positioning the
entire team on the AFC line. On the coach's command, the players run to the line designated by
the coach. The coach can shout either AFC or NFC.
In between runs, the coach gives additional exercises for the players to stretch. For example:
• If the coach shouts, "The trainer's here", everybody must stop

and grab their knee and bounce around.
• If the coach shouts, "Heisman", everybody must stop and make a Heisman pose.
Use your own imagination to incorporate your own fun stretches into this activity.
NOTES:
6
Gassers Warm Up Drill
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Coaching Points:
This is another fun activity that you can incorporate in your warm up. Divide your team into two
groups. Give one football to each group. Teams compete against each other in a relay race. The
first player in line runs to each cone, then hands off the ball to the next player in line. First team to
have all players complete the relay wins.
Emphasize that the ball exchange is good, have them cradle the ball and ensure they get low
when turning at the cones.
NOTES:
7
Reaction Drill
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Coaches, if offense sells tickets and defense wins championships, we are going to talk a little
defense right now. If you are deciding what you want to be, a 3-4 or a 4-3 team, it all depends on
what athletes you are dealing with. Here is a real quick drill to see how quick your players are.
Coaching Points:
Position the players in front of you in a straight line. When the coach shouts “breakdown” the
players must pump their legs on the spot. The coach then gives the players a direction to move
too (by pointing his hand) and the players must react quickly. Players are directed back, forward
and side to side.
See how quickly the players can react to your commands. If you have smaller, quicker players,
you may want to run a 3-4 defense, and if you have bigger linemen, you may want to go with a 4-
3 defense.
NOTES:
8
4-3 Defense
Seven Players
20 x 20 yards
Coaching Points:
We are going to look at what determines a 4-3 defense and a 3-4 defense. In a 4-3 defense you
are going to have four down linemen on the defensive line, consisting of two defensive ends and
two defensive tackles. That means three line backers that will play off the line.
There are a lot of variations that you can do, but we are going to show you a basic 4-3.
Coaches, when you do have a 4-3 defense we give names to the three line backers. You have
the “strong side”, the “middle” and the “weak side”.
NOTES:
9
Defensive Lineman Drill
Small group of players

20 x 20 yards
Coaching Points:
Here is a great drill to show you how quick your defensive linemen are, or if you are just looking
for defensive linemen.
The drill starts with defensive lineman and the running back (with a ball) laying on their backs,
opposite each other, approximately 5 yards apart. On the coach's command, the players recover
to their feet, and the defensive lineman must make the tackle and prevent the running back
getting past him.
Coaches, what you are looking for in the defensive lineman is for them to take the proper angle
towards the tackle. You can slow it down in practice and show them the proper technique.
NOTES:
10
3 Point Stance
Individual technique
demonstration
Anywhere in practice
area
Coaching Points:
We are now going to look at some stances in the defensive line. The most important thing with
the defensive lineman is their stance.
• Feet should be a little outside shoulder width apart.

• When they get in the “ready position” they need to crouch down so their rear end and
hips are back. So that way when they go into the 3 point stance all they need to do is shift
the right leg back.
• Extend one arm down and put their fingers on the ground so they are nice and low.
• Keep the head up.
NOTES:
11
4 Point Stance
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
Another important aspect of the defensive linemen and their stances is goal line defense, you
have goal line defense you may want to have your defensive line men take a four point stance.
The best way to start is have them start out on one knee, then, when they get ready to go into the
stance they shift to two knees. Once they are on two knees they are going to place their hands
slightly in front of them and hunch back a little bit. The body should be raised up a little with their
heads up. When you say “fire off” they can fire off right into the offensive linemen.
NOTES:
12
Linebacker Stance
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
Another important aspect is the linebacker stance. The linebacker's stance really affects the way
they can move and react to the play.
The Middle Linebacker:
The middle linebacker has a basic stance. He should move his feet a little wider than his
shoulders, crouch down a little bit, keep the hips back and keep his hands up so he has freedom
of movement, right or left, forwards or backwards.
The Outside Linebacker:
The right outside linebacker should have their right foot slightly in front and the left foot slightly
behind. The left outside linebacker should have their left foot slightly in front and the right foot
slightly behind. They should crouch down a little bit, keep the hips back and keep
his hands up so he has freedom of movement and ready for action.
13
Pass Rush Techniques
Entire group divided in

pairs.
20 x 20 yards
Coaching Points:
Divide the group in pairs. Have each player kneel while facing their partner. The defensive
lineman grabs their partner's shoulder pad (jersey) and pull their partner towards them. Swim the
opposite arm over the partner’s helmet. The last step is to fire the hips through and have them fall
over straight onto the ground and work on having them lunging their hips forward.
Key Points:
• Grab
• Pull towards you
• Swim
• Lunge hips
NOTES:
14
Fumble Recovery Drill

20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Tackle Bag
One football
This is a great drill for the defensive linemen, but you can also use this for your linebackers.
This exercise creates a pass rush atmosphere, along with fumble recovery and the proper way of
recovering a fumble.
Coaching Points:
Place cones and a tackle bag (with a ball on top) as in the diagram above. Position a small group
of players at cone “A”. Have the player in the front of the line face the other players. This player
will serve as a passive defender. The drill starts with the first in line player moving towards the
defender. He grabs the defender, and swims his arm over the defender's helmet. He then runs
around cone “B” and tackles the tackle bag (which acts at the quarterback). The player must
immediately recover from the ground and recover the ball.
The player then returns to the end of the line and the practice is repeated by the next player in
line.
15
Key Points:
• Make sure the players keep their head up when they make contact with the tackle bag.
• When the player recovers the ball make sure they are in the “cradle” position to protect all
the important organs.
NOTES:
16
Form Tackling

divided in pairs.
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
The best method to teach form tackling is to break it down into four simple steps. These steps are
contact, slide to head, wrap up and lift up.
Coaching Points:
Divide your group into pairs with each player facing their partner approximately 1 yard apart. One
line will be the “defensive line” and the opposite line will be the “offensive line”. On the coach's
command, the defensive linemen practice the technique of form tackling in four steps:
Step One – Contact: Step towards your partner and make contact with your helmet.
Step Two - Slide Off: Slide up against partner.
Step Three - Wrap Up: Wrap your arms around your partner.
Step Four - Lift Up: Lift your partner off the ground.
Copyright NYSCA, All rights reserved
17
Form Tackling 2

divided into running
backs and linebackers.
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Supply of footballs.
This is another great drill for form tackling. This exercise will work your linebackers on defense
and also work your running backs.
Coaching Points:
Place cones as in the diagram above. Position a small group of running backs at cone “A” (ball
each) and a couple of linebackers at cone “B”.
On the coach's command the running back has to attempt to get past the linebacker and the
linebacker has to stop the running back. The drill is the repeated by the next players in line.
Key Points:
• The linebackers need to keep their shoulders “square” to the line of scrimmage as they
are pursuing the running back. That way they can keep their relationship for cut backs.
• Emphasize good footwork.
18
Defensive Back Stance
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
The left corner back should have their left foot slightly forward and the left foot slightly behind.
The player should crouch down a little bit, keep the hips back and keep his hands up and ready.
The right corner back should have their right foot slightly forward and the left foot slightly behind.
Copyright NYSCA, All rights reserved
19
Bird Dog Steps
Small Group of
players
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Coaching Points:
Using the correct defensive back stance, the players will be in a position to do the “bird dog”
steps, allowing them to turn and go backwards.
To perform the “bird dog” steps, the left corner back will step back using the left foot, then the
right foot, then the left foot and turn and go. The right corner back will step back using the right
foot, then the left foot, then the right foot and turn and go.
This allows the corner backs to get into a position to defend against the deep pass.
20
The Shuffle Step
Small Group of
players
Two cones approx
10 yards apart.
Supply of Cones
Coaching Points:
Now we are going to progress to the shuffle step. The key important facts for the shuffle step are
footwork and body position.
The player should have both feet apart and centred over his hips. It is very important not to click
the feet together or cross over the legs as this will offset the players balance when performing the
shuffle step.
Coaching Points:
Place two cones approximately 10 yards apart. On the coaches command players perform the
shuffle step from cone “A” to cone “B”.
NOTES:
21
The Interception
Small Group of
players
Two cones placed
approx 20 yards
apart.
Supply of Cones
Supply of footballs.
Coaching Points:
Set up two cones at a 45 degree angle as in the diagram above. The defensive backs break from
cone “A” to cone “B” to catch a ball thrown by the coach. The players should use the “diamond”
hands technique to catch the ball at the highest point, protect the ball and then run through for the
interception.
NOTES:
22
Respect
Steve Mariucci
Treat every kid on your team with respect and every kid will
respect you. Kids will do things for their coach that they
won’t even do for their parents. This power over children
should never be abused. Above all, always look out for their
safety and well being.
Whether a player or a fan, we want them to remain in

football. You can help make that happen. Live up to your
NYSCA Code of Ethics pledge and you’ll make a great
football coach.
23
Offensive Line Up
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Coaching Points:
There’s nothing more exciting than to hear the crowd go wild after a score, so right now let’s take
a look at the offense.
Offensive Line
On the offensive line we have a center, the center is flanked by the two offensive guards, a left
and right tackle and a tight end on the right side. So that means our offense is strong right.
Splits on Offensive Line
A real simple way, if you’re beginning as a coach, to look at the offensive splits is to have the
offensive linemen stand with their arms apart. The players should be spread out evenly with
fingertips touching.
24
Offensive Line Up Stance
demonstration
area
We are now going to look at the offensive line stances. The most important thing with the
defensive lineman is their stance.
Coaching Points:
• Feet should be a little outside shoulder width apart and parallel.

• Check the right foot (the power foot). The right toe should line
up with the back heel of the left foot.
• Crouch down so the rear end and hips are back.
• Extend one arm down and place fingers on the ground so they are nice and low.
Do not put too much weight on the hand.
NOTES:
25
Pulling Guards
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
Now we are going to work on our pulling guards. The biggest mistake players make is that when
they pull, they over-step that first step. When they come out they take too big a first step, leaving
too much room between the feet. This is a hard position to make adjustments from.
The second thing to remember when you’re pulling is to rip the arm around after you take the first
step. By pulling and forcing the right arm backwards, it opens up the shoulders and puts you in a
position to move to the right. The body position should also be kept low for good balance.
NOTES:
26
Pass Protection

20 x 20 yards
Tackle Bag
Supply of Cones
One of the things we have to emphasize to our offensive line is to always keep their head up and
never lunge. This drill will help them emphasize and develop the techniques in pass protection.
Coaching Points:
Position a group of players at the starting position. The coach holds the tackle bag. The players
alternate performing the drill. On the coach's command, the first player in line quickly approaches
the tackle bag and hits the bag. The player quickly recoils (backs off) and performs the same
routine several times until they reach the end of the drill.
Key Points:
• Sink the hips.

• Hit with the hands up.
• Retreat quickly.
• Make sure you don’t lunge.
27
The Reach Block
demonstration
area
There are a couple of very important blocks for the offensive line. We are going to touch on one
now called the “reach block”. This is used in a situation where one of your offensive linemen may
have to block one of the defensive linemen who might be in the gap or outside the offensive
lineman. For beginners this may be a very difficult skill to teach, but we are going to show you the
proper footwork.
In this example we are going to concentrate on the right guard on the offensive line, with a
defensive lineman in the gap. This is a good situation to use the reach block.
Coaching Points:
The first thing we are going to do is ask the lineman to get across the body of the defensive
lineman’s body. The first step is going to be at a 45 degree angle, while shooting ahead and
trying to get across the other side of the defensive lineman. Once the lineman gets across, he
swings his hips around and gets low and seals off the defensive lineman from the hole where the
play side is going.
You are going to have some kids on the offensive line who are going to forget their assignments.
So we are going to go over some simple rules that you can instill in your offensive linemen.
1. Man on. If your offensive linemen come up to the line of scrimmage and they forget who they
are supposed to block, a real simple rule is to block the man on you. So when the linemen come
up and you have a man on you, that’s your first priority.
28
2. Man over. If you don’t have a man on you, but you have a linebacker standing over you, that’s
your second priority.
3. Man outside. If you don’t have a man on you or over you, the next thing to do is look for the
man on the outside.
4. Man backside. Last, but not least, look backside so you can cut off any pursuit from the
linebackers on the defensive line.
29
Hole Numbering
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Different offensive coaches like to number either the player or the gap. In this situation we are
going to make it easy for you and number the gap.
Coaching Points:
• The gap between the center and guard is going to be the 2 hole.
• The gap between the guard and tackle is going to be the 4 hole.
• The gap between the tackle and tight end is going to be the 6 hole.
• Anything outside the tight end is the 8 hole.
On the left side we make it nice and easy and we have odd numbers.
• The gap between the center and guard is going to be the 1 hole.
• The gap between the guard and tackle is going to be the 3 hole.
• Anything outside the tackle is the 5 hole.
• Anything outside the tackle is the 7 hole.
Numbering the Backfield:
• The quarter back is always number 1

• The split end is number 2
• The fullback is number 3
• The running or tail back in number 4
30
Once you have your holes numbered and your players numbered, now you can start with your
basic offence and start taking shape by giving names to plays.
NOTES:
31
Basic Formations
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Now that we have our gaps and holes numbered the next step is to number all of your players in
the back field. The best way to do this is using the basic I-formation, with a split end and wide
receiver.
Numbering the Backfield:
• The quarterback is always number 1

• The split end is number 2
• The fullback is number 3
• The running or tail back in number 4
Once you have your holes numbered and your players numbered, now you can start with your
basic offense and start taking shape by giving names to plays.
Coaching Points:
In the back field you want your running backs and fullbacks in a 3 point stance. The tail back will
generally have their feet nice and parallel, with their hands on their knees. It is very important that
you do the same thing on every play because the defense will be checking out the things that you
do. Players do not want to point their toes towards the hole they are running to, because the
defense might pick up on that and know where the ball is going.
32
The 48 Sweep
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Coaching Points:
This play is called the 48 Sweep and it is run out of the I-Formation. The 4 back that we
numbered is going to run to the 8 hole (see diagram above).
NOTES:
33
The 32 Drive
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Coaching Points:
This play is called the 32 Drive and it is run out of the I-Formation. The number 3 back runs into
the number 2 gap.
Coaches, another thing you may want to emphasize with the running backs is security of the ball.
Players should use the “eagle claw” to protect the ball close the body.
NOTES:
34
The 44 Hand Off
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Coaching Points:
Now we are going to show you a different formation. Using a pro-formation we are going to run a
play called the “44 Hand Off”. In this play we are going to split our backs up. In this play the
number 4 back will run through the number 4 hole.
NOTES:
35
The Huddle
Entire Team
20 x 20 yards
Supply of Cones
Coaching Points:
We are going to go over the huddle right now. The most important person in the huddle at first is
the center, because he is the one who determines where it is. On the outside of the center we
have our 2 guards and then our 2 tackles. Up front we have our wide receivers on the outside.
Then our tight end and running backs are inside the middle. The quarterback is the only one who
should be talking during the huddle.
NOTES:
36
Center/Quarterback Exchange
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
In the center/quarterback exchange it is very important for the center and quarter back to get a
clean exchange, so we don’t turn the ball over on offense.
The Center:
• When the center snaps the ball, the

laces on the ball must be away from
the center.
• Snap the ball up to the quarter
back. When the center brings
his hand back he wants to get the
ball to the quarter back’s hands.
• The off hand should rest on the left
knee as to not interfere with the
snap.
37
The Quarterback:
• The quarterback should have his hands together and show a big wide target for the
center to get the ball into.
• The quarterback should communicate with the center to tell him if he is not getting the
ball clean.
The center/quarterback exchange is a very important technique that needs to be worked on

often.
NOTES:
38
Wide Receiver Stance
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
Another important aspect is the wide receiver stance. With the wide receiver stance, you always
want to start off with how their feet are lined up.
Feet should be parallel and split, one foot slightly in front and the other foot slightly behind (the
dominant or "power foot").
The legs should be bent slightly, to enable the player to change directions easily and explode off
the mark.
The weight of the upper body should be over the front foot.
Hands should be up in the ready position.
39
Wide Receiver Drill
Small group
20 x 20 yards
Supply of cones
Supply of footballs
Coaching Points:
This drill is called the wide receiver tree. Set up cones at 5 yard intervals as in the diagram
above. On the coach's command, the wide receiver runs to the first cone (5 yards), makes a cut
to the right (break out) and receives the ball from the quarterback. On the second set, the wide
receiver runs to the first cone (5 yards), makes a cut to the left (break in) and receives the ball
from the quarterback.
Make sure the wide receiver always starts using a good stance.
Emphasize proper technique when catching the football. The wide receiver should make a
“diamond” with their hands when catching the ball. As soon as they get the ball into their hands,
they must protect the ball.
Ensure that the wide receivers are running nice crisp patterns, so when they are cutting at the
cone, make sure they start at a sharp angle, instead of having their patterns round.
40
Over the Shoulder Catch
Small group
20 x 20 yards
Supply of cones
Supply of footballs
Coaching Points:
One of the hardest catches in football is the over the shoulder catch. This drill is designed to help
improve the technique of the over the shoulder catch.
Set up cones at 5 yard intervals as in the diagram above. On the coach's command, the wide
receiver runs to the last cone, makes a cut and receives the ball from the quarterback. The wide
receiver must catch the ball using the over the shoulder technique.
As a general rule;
When the ball is coming at you, the wide receiver's hands should be in a triangle shape. If the ball
is coming down, the palms of the hands should be up towards the sky.
41
Quarterback Mechanics
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
The mechanics of the shoulder position for the quarterbacks are broken down into three steps:
Step One – Shoulder to Target: The front shoulder should be pointing towards the target.
Step Two – Shoulder Square to Target: When releasing the ball, the shoulders should be
square to the target.
Step Three – Follow through – Thumb Down: When the quarterback releases, the right
shoulder should be pointing towards the target and follow through with the thumb pointing down.
42
The 3 Step Drop
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
Now we are going to look at the 3 Step Drop. The 3 step drop is commonly used in a blitz
situation where you want the quarterback to get rid of the ball quickly. When the quarterback is
lined up with the center, the first step they take after the snap will be on the same side as the
hand they throw with. For example, if they use the right hand to throw, then they will take the first
step with the right foot.
Step One: When the center hikes the ball, the quarterback takes the ball, pulls out and steps
back with the right foot.
Step Two: The quarterback then takes another step back using the left foot.
Step Three: The quarterback then steps back with the right foot towards the target and follows
through.
43
The 5 Step Drop
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
Now lets take a look at the 5 Step Drop. When the quarterback is lined up with the center, the first
step they take after the snap will be on the same side as the hand they throw with. For example, if
they use the right hand to throw, then they will take the first step with the right foot.
Step Three: Takes another step back using the right foot.
Step Four: Takes another step back using the left foot.
Step Five: The quarterback then steps back with the right foot towards the target and follows
through.
44
The 7 Step Drop
demonstration
area
Coaching Points:
In some situations the quarterback may want to go deep down field and do some longer patterns.
That is when the 7 Step Drop will come into play. Now let’s take a look at the 7 Step Drop.
When the quarterback is lined up with the center, the first step they take after the snap will be on
the same side as the hand they throw with. For example, if they use the right hand to throw, then
they will take the first step with the right foot.
Step Three: Takes another step back using the right foot.
Step Four: Takes another step back using the left foot.
Step Five: Takes another step back using the right foot.
Step Six: Takes another step back using the left foot.
Step Seven: The quarterback then steps back with the right foot towards the target and follows
through.
45
Special Teams
Willis Whalen -
Manager of Youth Programs for the Miami
Dolphins
Coaches, special teams are a very important part of football which often gets neglected. We
could do an entire video on just special teams, but coaches have different philosophies towards
special teams. So we are just going to recommend that you stick to basics and that during
practice you look for kids who have the talent to kick the ball, to punt the ball and also to receive
the ball. Really emphasize basics in special teams because the game could come down to it.
46
Summary
Willis Whalen -
Manager of Youth Programs for the Miami
Dolphins
Thank you for attending the NYSCA Coaches Clinic, and I
would like to leave you with three very important points as a
youth football coach. That first point is to never
underestimate the power of positive reinforcement. Positive
reinforcement is so important at that age: the kids are going
to learn a lot more than being yelled at.
Secondly, never underestimate the power of basics. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel as a coach.
When things aren’t going well on the field always revert back to basics. And last, but one of the
most important things, never underestimate the power of the influence you are going to have on
these kids.
My high school coach was a very influential person in my life and you’re going to have an
opportunity as a youth coach to be influential on these kids, so never underestimate that power
and good luck
47

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Table of Contents

Lets Talk Defense

Lets Talk Offense

Special Teams - Willis Whalen…………………………………………………….…………………....46

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Hi, my name is Willis Whalen, Manager of Youth Programs

So once again, the National Alliance for Youth Sports

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• If the coach shouts, "The trainer's here", everybody must stop

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Small group of players

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• Feet should be a little outside shoulder width apart.

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The Middle Linebacker:

The Outside Linebacker:

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Entire group divided in

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Small group of players

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Small group of players

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Small group of players

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Whether a player or a fan, we want them to remain in

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Splits on Offensive Line

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• Feet should be a little outside shoulder width apart and parallel.

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Small group of players

• Sink the hips.

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Numbering the Backfield:

• The quarter back is always number 1

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Numbering the Backfield:

• The quarterback is always number 1

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• When the center snaps the ball, the

The center/quarterback exchange is a very important technique that needs to be worked on

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Hands should be up in the ready position.

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