Ages 4-6. Had my first conditioning practice today and found out my entire team hasn't ever played before, so needless to say, I have my work cut out for me.
Originally Posted by staylor26:
Ages 4-6. Had my first conditioning practice today and found out my entire team hasn't ever played before, so needless to say, I have my work cut out for me.
I coached for years. That age is ROUGH. For that age a playbook with a laminated card that has 4 offensive plays on one side, and a defensive formation you want to run on the other side so you can point them all to where they need to be.
Work extensively on just running one play at first. Snapping the ball cleanly, proper hand-off technique so they don't drop the ball during the exchange. On defense some flag pulling drills - get in front of the runner first so they have to slow down. On the outside corners stress to guard the sideline and force the runner back inside.
Those are first things off the top of my head. If you can get that all working you'll probably be a few miles ahead of most of the teams on opening day. [Reply]
My son is 8 and is in his 2nd year and loves it. His coaches use different colored wristbands for each kid on the field and have a program on their iPad that has all the plays. In the huddle they choose the play and show them the play being run (like a gif) and each kid knows what to do based on their wristband color.
When the kids need to sub on the field they just have them give their wristband to them.
I just coached Tball for 4-6 year olds. Practice the basics in small groups of 3-4 so they aren't standing around. Besides yourself, you'll want two other parents to help. Practice should not exceed more than 45 minutes.
Basics of throwing, catching and flag pulling at different stations. Kids at that age also like to run so setup some cones for them to run in and out of.
Keep it fun and basic. Some of the kids liked the team cheer (Go "Mascot!") at the end more than anything. :-)
Popsicles at the end of each practice will make you the best coach. [Reply]
Been coaching flag for years. At that age, keep it super simple. Work a lot on flag pulling. Set up some basic running plays. Not many kids at that age can throw or catch a football but you’d be shocked at how many coaches/parents think they have the next Mahomes/Kelce. Run the ball and pull flags.
Make practice super fun. Flag pulling sharks and minnows is a great drill. [Reply]
Originally Posted by lewdog:
I just coached Tball for 4-6 year olds. Practice the basics in small groups of 3-4 so they aren't standing around. Besides yourself, you'll want two other parents to help. Practice should not exceed more than 45 minutes.
Basics of throwing, catching and flag pulling at different stations. Kids at that age also like to run so setup some cones for them to run in and out of.
Keep it fun and basic. Some of the kids liked the team cheer (Go "Mascot!") at the end more than anything. :-)
Popsicles at the end of each practice will make you the best coach.
