Progressing Middle SchoolLearning Tips
Water on and off the field
Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Each athlete should bring or have a water bottle provided, and they need to use it often. Times have changed and coaches these days should be aware of hydration needs and not use water as a reward, or withhold it as a punishment. When players are hydrated and energized they will practice harder and learn more.
Ball security: The Gauntlet Drill
Ball security has to be the most important aspect of a strong offensive team. This is especially true for a running back or wide receiver as they will carry the ball more often than others on the field, but it is a good idea for all positions to practice a little ball security. One drill that has been used several times to improve ball security is called the gauntlet drill. The drill starts with a player protecting the ball as best as he can while running through several opponents. A coach can set up short fast runs or longer relays with several obstacles and defenders prying at the ball. Make sure to take the drill slow at first, and to also have the ball carrier hold the ball in several differing positions.
Playbook Practicing
Practicing the plays is fun, and also very important. When you master your part of the play it will strengthen your team and yourself. Rule number one in starting out a new play is following your coach's instructions. A lot of habits can form in the first couple of practice plays, for this sake it is a good idea to take them slow at the start. Remember that if you need help, you should ask for it. At times we have seen a player fail to advance or refine their techniques because they don't ask for added assistance. Don't let this happen to you!The last helpful hint that we want you to learn is the power of visualization. Go over the plays in your mind, over and over again. Make your mind work them out and your muscles memorize them even when you sleep!
Conditioning: Cross jumping
Reaction is as skill that players need to develop through conditioning and drills. This drill will help players quickly change directions on the field. It starts by placing players in a small four square box. The drill starts by having a player stand in one area or box, and has them jump diagonally, laterally, frontwards, and backwards from one area to another. Changes can be made so that the player will only use one foot and then the other while they run the drill.
Dehydration should never appear on the football field if both the players and coaches have good habits. Each athlete should bring or have a water bottle provided, and they need to use it often. Times have changed and coaches these days should be aware of hydration needs and not use water as a reward, or withhold it as a punishment. When players are hydrated and energized they will practice harder and learn more.
Ball security: The Gauntlet Drill
Ball security has to be the most important aspect of a strong offensive team. This is especially true for a running back or wide receiver as they will carry the ball more often than others on the field, but it is a good idea for all positions to practice a little ball security. One drill that has been used several times to improve ball security is called the gauntlet drill. The drill starts with a player protecting the ball as best as he can while running through several opponents. A coach can set up short fast runs or longer relays with several obstacles and defenders prying at the ball. Make sure to take the drill slow at first, and to also have the ball carrier hold the ball in several differing positions.
Playbook Practicing
Practicing the plays is fun, and also very important. When you master your part of the play it will strengthen your team and yourself. Rule number one in starting out a new play is following your coach's instructions. A lot of habits can form in the first couple of practice plays, for this sake it is a good idea to take them slow at the start. Remember that if you need help, you should ask for it. At times we have seen a player fail to advance or refine their techniques because they don't ask for added assistance. Don't let this happen to you!The last helpful hint that we want you to learn is the power of visualization. Go over the plays in your mind, over and over again. Make your mind work them out and your muscles memorize them even when you sleep!
Conditioning: Cross jumping
Reaction is as skill that players need to develop through conditioning and drills. This drill will help players quickly change directions on the field. It starts by placing players in a small four square box. The drill starts by having a player stand in one area or box, and has them jump diagonally, laterally, frontwards, and backwards from one area to another. Changes can be made so that the player will only use one foot and then the other while they run the drill.