New Youth Football Coaches

What Matters Most in Youth Football

If I could offer one piece of advice to a new youth football coach—or explain to a parent what I believe this game is really about—it’s this: focus on teaching the right things, for the right reasons.

Start with the fundamentals. Not just of football, but of effort, responsibility, and respect. Teach kids how to line up, how to move their feet, how to block and tackle safely. Don’t worry about being creative with formations or coming up with a bunch of advanced passing concepts. That stuff has its place, but it’s not the foundation. If your players understand leverage, space, and timing—and why those things matter—you’re doing your job.

Keep your communication clear and your energy consistent. Kids don’t need complexity, they need clarity. They should know exactly what’s being asked of them, and they should feel like you believe they can do it. Your energy sets the tone. Show up with purpose and they will too.

That said, coaching is also about learning. If you're new to the game or just want to keep growing, take time to educate yourself on the basics of formations, schemes, and concepts. On this site, you’ll find breakdowns and tools to help make that side of the game more approachable—so when you're ready to add more layers, you’re doing it with intention.

At the same time, don’t lose sight of the joy. Make it fun. Let their personalities come out. Compete hard, but laugh with them. Cheer the effort plays. Let them run a trick play in practice just for the thrill of it. The more they love the game, the more they’ll want to keep learning and growing.

And maybe most important—build relationships. Every kid on your team deserves to feel seen and supported. The starter and the backup, the quiet kid and the loud one. Take the time to know them. Connect with them. Because once they trust you, they’ll listen to you. And once they know you care, they’ll give you everything they’ve got.

You’re not just coaching football. You’re helping shape who these kids become. That’s the real job. And it’s worth doing well.

How to Run Practice

A great practice is structured, intentional, and full of energy. The best youth football practices balance teaching, repetition, and fun. Kids should leave tired but confident—feeling like they got better and had a good time doing it.

1. Start with Purpose

Every practice should have a plan. You should know exactly what you’re trying to teach that day—whether it’s installing Power, working tackling fundamentals, or building timing in the passing game. Write it down. Script it. The more organized you are, the smoother it runs.

2. Warm-Up & Dynamic Stretch (5–10 min)

• Focus on getting their bodies moving: high knees, lunges, skips, shuffles, backpedals, and sprints.
• Keep it fast-paced—avoid long static stretches.
• Use this time to set the tone and energy for the day.

3. Individual Periods (15–20 min)

Break into position groups. Each coach works with their group on skills that directly connect to that day’s install.

• QB: Footwork, dropbacks, mesh points, throwing on rhythm.
• RB: Hand-offs, aiming points, pass protection, ball security.
• WR: Releases, route technique, blocking leverage.
• OL: Steps, double teams, communication, blocking schemes.

During install days, your individual drills should directly tie into that day’s play—for example, “Power run” or “Flood passing concept.”

4. Group/Combined Period (10–15 min)

Pair position groups together to start connecting the play:

• OL + RBs: Work run fits and blocking assignments for the day’s run concept.
• QBs + WRs: Rehearse timing, spacing, and progression for the day’s passing concept.

This helps players understand how their assignments fit into the bigger picture before you go to full team reps.

5. Team Offense / Team Defense (20–25 min)

Bring everyone together to run full plays at team tempo. This is where you install, correct, and reinforce execution.

• Keep it fast-moving but controlled.
• Coach on the run—don’t stop every rep.
• Emphasize effort, alignment, and communication.

6. Competition & Fun Period (10 min)

End every practice with something competitive and fun—relay races, goal line challenges, or best-catch contests. Let them compete and laugh. That’s what keeps kids coming back.

7. Team Talk & Wrap-Up (5 min)

Always end together as a team. Reinforce effort, sportsmanship, and the day’s teaching points. Highlight great effort or leadership moments. End on a positive note that builds your culture.

Remember: Consistency and structure beat complexity. Kids thrive when they know what to expect, can see progress, and feel like they belong. Make your practices organized, upbeat, and focused—and you’ll build something that lasts.