HornFan

Thanks, I think I do the praise thing pretty good.

I need to try not to cover too much and limit the things we emphasize. And working one on one should help. I just need to figure out how to get the head coach to go along with it.

The only thing you left out is the protection issue. My son is in the 7-8 year group and they tend to step on each other quite a bit. I've only ever seen the typical football cleats that have the solid think leather high tops that protect their ankles from other players cleats. I have seen my son fall due to loss of traction in regular tennis shoes and also get stepped on and injured. Noth of these are reduced with the high top cleats he wears now.

But I do agree that the cleat height is way to high for their size.

I'm pretty sure in the league I'm in we're only allowed one practice per week. I wish we could do more, I'll have to confirm that for next year.

The old "coach, I forgot the play" play is an old powder puff standby. I think its fine to run but you will only have one shot at it so make it count. Also, make sure your qb does not say anything that might indicate he's calling for a timeout or play stoppage. Another version of it has the qb telling the coach that they have the wrong ball. He says something like, "hey coach this is the wrong ball." and then says to the center, "give that to me." The center casually snaps it and the qb walks towards the sidelines with the ball. If your qb can't run he can toss it to another player who runs towards the coach then cuts up field.

I've seen this play used in Tackle football, middle school I think.

In fact this reminds me of the play we did when I was in Junior High and playing a receiver. This of course works with larger teams (11 is best, but 8 might work), and a good passing QB. During the huddle send one player to the sidelines, but have him stop just before going out of bounds (or step in just before the snap - depending on league rules). Line up like normal, the Defense will likely not notice the sole player just on the edge of the field near the other players (or parents). Snap the ball and immediately throw to the sideline player, he'll have a clear shot to the end zone, and again this will only work once.

HF

4) teach kids to blow by the defender when running. kids at this age like to "dance and juke", which usually ends up with the other team pulling a flag. we try and teach our kids to run full speed, don't look back, don't look down to see if someone pulled your flag and don't stop until you hear a whistle. we incorporate this drill with some end arounds, pitches or straight hand offs. usually a coach will be out as a defender and brush the runners flag to see if they stop or delay.

I have 3 players that do this. How do I teach them to stop. I tell them to go full speed, don't stop, but they always stop, trying to trick the defender.

I've also noted that it's the same players that get tricked while defending. My son is one of them and I want him to understand how to not get tricked and pull flags better. (as well as make the occaisional TD!)

Any advice is appreciated.