How to Train Kids for Football

Football, known as "American football" outside of the USA, is a highly physical competitive sport that is won by getting the ball into the opponent's end zone. Since football is a collision sport, players must be sure to have the correct protective equipment to avoid injury. When kids are properly trained, their chances of injury are significantly less, while their enjoyment of the game skyrockets.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Protective football equipment: helmet, face guard, mouth guard, protective cup; shoulder, thigh, knee and kidney pads
• Rule book

1. Step 1

   Before you begin any sort of training, make sure your kids have all had physical evaluations by a doctor. It's important to know the medical history and risks of your players. For example, if a kid has a family history of asthma, you'll want to know that before sending him running laps around the field.

2. Step 2

   Begin with the fundamentals: blocking, tackling, passing, and receiving. Demonstrate the actions for them, first slowly, then at regular speed. Kids learn better when given a good example to copy. At this stage, don't worry about speed--it can be added later. Focus on accuracy. If possible, avoid more complicated moves like kickoffs and blitzing; the less kids have to learn, the easier it will be to perfect the important basics.

3. Step 3

   Your early practices should center around conditioning. Although 7-14 year-olds seem to have a limitless supply of energy, they're unaccustomed to the prolonged activity of a football game. Always do warm-ups, and teach stamina by having them practice the basics in simulated game settings.

4. Step 4

   Once they understand the fundamentals, add helmets and shoulder pads so that the kids can grow accustomed to their weight and bulk. Keep conditioning, but teach them offensive and defensive formations. Continue to avoid the fancy moves. Most kids begin football practice with zero previous knowledge of the game, and too much information will overwhelm them.

5. Step 5

   Once the kids are familiar with formations, teach them some basic plays, both passing and receiving. As always, stay away from anything too tricky or confusing. Have them perform the plays regularly during practice games to simulate a real game environment and solidify the moves in your kids' minds.

Tips & Warnings

• Enthusiasm is contagious, especially for young kids. Demonstrate your own love of the game. If you are coaching a team, developing a good relationship with the players' parents is key, to avoid any trouble later on.
• Remember that kids aren't miniature adults, and don't train them as such. Never use free weights or exercise equipment intended for grownups, especially for children under seven. Don't spend too long practicing one fundamental, or kids will get bored and give up. Vary your practices to keep the kids' attention.

Source : ehow.com