All youth football leagues have some degree of politics in their organization. The people that are more involved with the running of the league will get the preferred teams to coach as well they should. There is an enormous amount of time that is volunteered to keep a youth football league in operation. There are many meetings, early set up of the fields, late breakdowns of the field and much more.
The members of the board have to be involved of every decision including where and when to practice. They have to cut all the deals with the local venders if they are providing concessions on game day. There is no doubt that these people should get preferential treatment. Most of them do not want any thing special.
Then there is the self-serving scumbag who uses his position on the board to help his own cause. He could care less about the kids, the program or anyone who gets in his way. This jerk will run the program into the ground as long as it serves to his benefit. He runs the program into the ground, letting his big ego make decisions that make no sense. To top it off this self-serving jerk leaves the program in shambles as soon as it can do him no more good, meaning his kid is no longer involved.
I always avoid any youth football program run by someone like this. I can only recommend that if you feel you are in a program that is unfair, switch to another one.
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Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Coaching Youth Football - Cheerleaders
There is a mixed feeling about the worth of cheerleaders to the youth football program. I personally feel that from a financial point of view cheerleaders are moneymakers. The insurance is cheap and there is no equipment to buy, just uniforms. Some people feel they add ambiance to the whole football day.
As a coach, I feel the cheerleaders can be a pain in the rump. I suggest you check with the league and see what their rules are pertaining to how much cooperation and involvement you need to have with them. If you are required to deal with them make sure you talk to who is in charge of the cheerleading squad for your age level. I have found it best to set the guidelines up front so there is no miscommunication. Make sure you let the cheerleader’s coaches know what you will allow not only for homecoming but also for each game. Make sure the cheerleaders do not go beyond what your league’s rules state. For example if no pyramids are allowed then make sure that is known.
Homecoming and/or Rally night is the big event for the cheerleaders so try to cut them some slack. I usually let my kids run through a banner and share a snack with the girls after the game. If you are having a big feast have Team Mom get the parent’s of the girls involved.
Over the years, the cheerleaders are usually out of the way during the youth football game. They take center stage on the main field when you are at halftime.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
As a coach, I feel the cheerleaders can be a pain in the rump. I suggest you check with the league and see what their rules are pertaining to how much cooperation and involvement you need to have with them. If you are required to deal with them make sure you talk to who is in charge of the cheerleading squad for your age level. I have found it best to set the guidelines up front so there is no miscommunication. Make sure you let the cheerleader’s coaches know what you will allow not only for homecoming but also for each game. Make sure the cheerleaders do not go beyond what your league’s rules state. For example if no pyramids are allowed then make sure that is known.
Homecoming and/or Rally night is the big event for the cheerleaders so try to cut them some slack. I usually let my kids run through a banner and share a snack with the girls after the game. If you are having a big feast have Team Mom get the parent’s of the girls involved.
Over the years, the cheerleaders are usually out of the way during the youth football game. They take center stage on the main field when you are at halftime.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Game Stats for Coaching Youth Football
I have kept game stats for every youth football game I have coached. I must know which of my players are being effective on game day. There always seems to be the ultimate practice player who disappears on game day. The stats serve multi purposes on game day as well as for later.
On game day, you want to be able to track the following things
The success of your first down plays
The success of your primary running plays
The success of your primary passing plans
Your leading rusher
Third down conversions
Fourth down conversions
Leading tacklers
Opponent’s leading rusher
Opponent’s leading tackler
With the Game Day Stats Sheet I use you can review all of the above quickly. A copy of the actual sheet I use is available on my website (www.jimoddo.com). It is a great simple tool for gathering data as the plays develop. It is a job for a parent who will be at all the games. The benefit for that parent is they get to go up and down the sidelines. In the last few years, I have had other parents help the Stat parent by giving him jersey numbers.
The sheet contains Down, Distance, yard location, run stats area, pass stats area and defensive notes area. It is very easy to use during the actual youth football game.
The other reason for keeping stats is that you can pass out copies at the year-end party. One of my assistants for the last couple of years makes an awesome set of “player cards” for each player. He then adds some of the stats along with a picture of each kid. This has been a big hit with the kids and parents. In past years, I have had a youth football yearbook, which also contained the full year stats.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
On game day, you want to be able to track the following things
The success of your first down plays
The success of your primary running plays
The success of your primary passing plans
Your leading rusher
Third down conversions
Fourth down conversions
Leading tacklers
Opponent’s leading rusher
Opponent’s leading tackler
With the Game Day Stats Sheet I use you can review all of the above quickly. A copy of the actual sheet I use is available on my website (www.jimoddo.com). It is a great simple tool for gathering data as the plays develop. It is a job for a parent who will be at all the games. The benefit for that parent is they get to go up and down the sidelines. In the last few years, I have had other parents help the Stat parent by giving him jersey numbers.
The sheet contains Down, Distance, yard location, run stats area, pass stats area and defensive notes area. It is very easy to use during the actual youth football game.
The other reason for keeping stats is that you can pass out copies at the year-end party. One of my assistants for the last couple of years makes an awesome set of “player cards” for each player. He then adds some of the stats along with a picture of each kid. This has been a big hit with the kids and parents. In past years, I have had a youth football yearbook, which also contained the full year stats.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Fundraising for Youth Football
Most youth football players will be involved in some kind of fundraising. It may be selling candy, raffle tickets or a walk-a-thon.
Whatever the activity is, I am sure the youth football league will have you as the coach involved. Again, I suggest Team Mom to the rescue. Ask Team Mom to organize and get other parents involved on passing out the information and collecting the funds at the end of the fundraiser. You need updates of what is going on, especially since there is money involved. I just try to stay away for the day-to-day involvement.
I have been lucky since the league I am involved with does not require each individual player to sell anything for youth football fundraising.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Whatever the activity is, I am sure the youth football league will have you as the coach involved. Again, I suggest Team Mom to the rescue. Ask Team Mom to organize and get other parents involved on passing out the information and collecting the funds at the end of the fundraiser. You need updates of what is going on, especially since there is money involved. I just try to stay away for the day-to-day involvement.
I have been lucky since the league I am involved with does not require each individual player to sell anything for youth football fundraising.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Coaching Youth Football - Homecoming or Rally Night for Youth Football
I hate homecoming games for youth football. My record with the last five teams I have coached is 1-4. What is the purpose of a “homecoming”? I believe it is for prior players and families to come back and support the team. What a bunch of hogwash! I have never seen any returning players come back to watch a game because it was a homecoming game. The other players will come back if they have a sibling playing on your youth football team.
The truth is the players get completely distracted. They want to screw around, paint their faces and pig out on junk food. Some parents want to have parties before and after the game. A double dose of BS as far as I am concerned.
Once again, we live in a democracy so I need to deal with youth football homecoming. I have found it best to use that Team Mom and depending on how she and the other parents feel about it let them have at it. I ask that the festivities be held after the game. Let Team Mom put together a committee and make homecoming as big as they want. I usually leave after the game to go scout. Some of my assistants have enjoyed hanging out after the game for the social event. I know it is for the kids so I try to keep a low profile regarding homecoming. You will want to check with your league as to what the require you to do. Make sure the Team Mom coordinates with the cheerleaders since they live and die for this day. Some years the cheerleaders have made a banner for the kids to run through. This really keeps the focus in check before the game (joke).
One youth football league I coached for had a rally night. I thought this was a good idea. They had the Youth football Rally Night before the first game. This is brilliant since all teams are undefeated at this point and optimism is at the highest level. All the youth football teams would line up and each player had his name announced. The player would run through a large inflatable helmet. This helmet came from a local high school. Each player gets his moment in the sun by running through this helmet. I believe they even used a fog machine so the players ran through a cloud of smoke. They had one of the families donate hamburgers and hot dogs. All food was cooked and given to the players free. The league bought Gatorade which was given free too the players.
This was well run and fast. There was no youth football game following the event so the kids were able to be as crazy as they wanted to be.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
The truth is the players get completely distracted. They want to screw around, paint their faces and pig out on junk food. Some parents want to have parties before and after the game. A double dose of BS as far as I am concerned.
Once again, we live in a democracy so I need to deal with youth football homecoming. I have found it best to use that Team Mom and depending on how she and the other parents feel about it let them have at it. I ask that the festivities be held after the game. Let Team Mom put together a committee and make homecoming as big as they want. I usually leave after the game to go scout. Some of my assistants have enjoyed hanging out after the game for the social event. I know it is for the kids so I try to keep a low profile regarding homecoming. You will want to check with your league as to what the require you to do. Make sure the Team Mom coordinates with the cheerleaders since they live and die for this day. Some years the cheerleaders have made a banner for the kids to run through. This really keeps the focus in check before the game (joke).
One youth football league I coached for had a rally night. I thought this was a good idea. They had the Youth football Rally Night before the first game. This is brilliant since all teams are undefeated at this point and optimism is at the highest level. All the youth football teams would line up and each player had his name announced. The player would run through a large inflatable helmet. This helmet came from a local high school. Each player gets his moment in the sun by running through this helmet. I believe they even used a fog machine so the players ran through a cloud of smoke. They had one of the families donate hamburgers and hot dogs. All food was cooked and given to the players free. The league bought Gatorade which was given free too the players.
This was well run and fast. There was no youth football game following the event so the kids were able to be as crazy as they wanted to be.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Snack Schedule for your Youth Football Team
This is a tough one especially if you are coaching a younger youth football team. My personal opinion is there is no need for a snack before the game or at half time. I am not even a fan of it after the game since the kids are more concerned about getting their food and not listening to the coaches.
We live in a democracy so plan on the kids getting something. The younger the team is the more likely there will snacks. This is where the Team Mom needs to assign a schedule for the families. I try to keep it to just a beverage, like Gatorade and only for AFTER the game. One year I allowed for oranges at half time since the parents thought it would energize the kids. What a nightmare! The kids used more energy pushing each other over to get to the bag of orange slice. No one listened and the player left orange peels all over the place. Half time was spent cleaning the mess made on the field. I have seen some teams have a “party” at half time with all kinds of cookies and other stuff. No way will I allow snacks at half time. If the individual parent gives you a hard time tell them to bring something for their kid and the parent can feed it to them while you speak to the team at half time.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
We live in a democracy so plan on the kids getting something. The younger the team is the more likely there will snacks. This is where the Team Mom needs to assign a schedule for the families. I try to keep it to just a beverage, like Gatorade and only for AFTER the game. One year I allowed for oranges at half time since the parents thought it would energize the kids. What a nightmare! The kids used more energy pushing each other over to get to the bag of orange slice. No one listened and the player left orange peels all over the place. Half time was spent cleaning the mess made on the field. I have seen some teams have a “party” at half time with all kinds of cookies and other stuff. No way will I allow snacks at half time. If the individual parent gives you a hard time tell them to bring something for their kid and the parent can feed it to them while you speak to the team at half time.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Coaching Youth Football - Selecting the Team Mom
When coaching youth football, an important early decision is picking your Team Mom. Many years you will get lucky and get the mom that volunteer every year. Sometimes you will get no one to step forward. Occasionally you get a few moms that want the job and you have to choose one. Make sure you are compatible with the mom you select. You need a take-charge mom who will keep you informed but not be a pain in the butt.
The many duties of the youth football Team Mom include
Typing and Passing out a roster list with all the players names, numbers, parents names and contact info
Emergency phone numbers lists
Organizing the homecoming of Rally night, which may include assigning things for people to bring.
Help passing out uniforms
Collection of money and delivery of uniforms to local shirt shops to get the names printed on the back
Email updates to the parents
Make and distribute an assignment list for game day duties
Make and distribute a snack list. I am funny about this and have pretty much gotten away from it. A lot of teams do a halftime and end of the game snack. I have eliminated both since I believe they are a distraction. An after game beverage like Gatorade is fine.
Plan and book the year-end banquet. This will include collecting the money from each parent.
Your youth football year will go a lot easier with a good Team Mom. Please make sure to take care of her at the end of the year as well. A nice gift certificate will show your appreciation.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
The many duties of the youth football Team Mom include
Typing and Passing out a roster list with all the players names, numbers, parents names and contact info
Emergency phone numbers lists
Organizing the homecoming of Rally night, which may include assigning things for people to bring.
Help passing out uniforms
Collection of money and delivery of uniforms to local shirt shops to get the names printed on the back
Email updates to the parents
Make and distribute an assignment list for game day duties
Make and distribute a snack list. I am funny about this and have pretty much gotten away from it. A lot of teams do a halftime and end of the game snack. I have eliminated both since I believe they are a distraction. An after game beverage like Gatorade is fine.
Plan and book the year-end banquet. This will include collecting the money from each parent.
Your youth football year will go a lot easier with a good Team Mom. Please make sure to take care of her at the end of the year as well. A nice gift certificate will show your appreciation.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Coaching Youth Football - Youth Football Year End Party
It is never too early to plan for the year end party for your youth football team. The Team Mom should be able to help you make the arrangements. I have had parties that have been as simple as a pizza party and as formal as a banquet. It is best to get a read on the team (especially the parents) before you decide how fancy the party will be. The age of the team will also help in your decision.
The one main tip I can give you is to make sure the Team Mom collects the entire amount of money that the party will cost in advance of the event. Make sure all siblings, parents, grandparents and friends are accounted and paid for. Too many times I have seen the party end and someone (me) winds up settling the bill for quite a bit more than was collected.
I also try to see if there is a local place where some of the other youth football teams use annually. Another option is if any of the parents own or have a contact with a restaurant.
The main thing is you want to make sure there is enough room for all who attend.
As fare as the youth football banquet goes we usually start with the meal. When all have finished eating I start the festivities. If you have a parent who likes to video tape or take a lot of pictures and is good with a computer you might be able to have them put together a slide show. I have done this a few times and it is a blast. This is optional and very time consuming but if you decide to have it done make sure you get a lot of help and work on it all year.
The next thing I do is give a small recap on the team. I make sure all is positive. This is the end of the year so there’s no reason to anger anyone.
Next I hand out the individual youth football player awards. You will need to check with your league on what kind of medals or trophies they will be providing. I have made it a long standing rule not to give out any special individual awards for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year or any other type. I usually split the names on the roster up among the coaches and have all of us take turns speaking about the kids. Please keep everything positive. Try to talk about something personal that the player did making his night extra special.
I am not a big fan of the year end party but I do make sure it is a great time for the kids who really love it.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
The one main tip I can give you is to make sure the Team Mom collects the entire amount of money that the party will cost in advance of the event. Make sure all siblings, parents, grandparents and friends are accounted and paid for. Too many times I have seen the party end and someone (me) winds up settling the bill for quite a bit more than was collected.
I also try to see if there is a local place where some of the other youth football teams use annually. Another option is if any of the parents own or have a contact with a restaurant.
The main thing is you want to make sure there is enough room for all who attend.
As fare as the youth football banquet goes we usually start with the meal. When all have finished eating I start the festivities. If you have a parent who likes to video tape or take a lot of pictures and is good with a computer you might be able to have them put together a slide show. I have done this a few times and it is a blast. This is optional and very time consuming but if you decide to have it done make sure you get a lot of help and work on it all year.
The next thing I do is give a small recap on the team. I make sure all is positive. This is the end of the year so there’s no reason to anger anyone.
Next I hand out the individual youth football player awards. You will need to check with your league on what kind of medals or trophies they will be providing. I have made it a long standing rule not to give out any special individual awards for MVP, Offensive Player of the Year or any other type. I usually split the names on the roster up among the coaches and have all of us take turns speaking about the kids. Please keep everything positive. Try to talk about something personal that the player did making his night extra special.
I am not a big fan of the year end party but I do make sure it is a great time for the kids who really love it.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Coaching Youth Football - Treat the Team Early in the Season
Pizza Party early before 1st game
This tradition I have done for 20 years and it has been a big winner. Once you have been working with your youth football team for about three weeks it s time to reward the kids. After 4 weeks of five days a week practice the kids are tired and ready for their first game. I like to have this pizza party after a practice the week before our first game. I usually have this the same day I pass out uniforms.
A parent will usually be able to pick up the pizzas for you and bring them to the field. I serve juice boxes and use paper plates and napkins. I make sure the field is clean after we are done.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
This tradition I have done for 20 years and it has been a big winner. Once you have been working with your youth football team for about three weeks it s time to reward the kids. After 4 weeks of five days a week practice the kids are tired and ready for their first game. I like to have this pizza party after a practice the week before our first game. I usually have this the same day I pass out uniforms.
A parent will usually be able to pick up the pizzas for you and bring them to the field. I serve juice boxes and use paper plates and napkins. I make sure the field is clean after we are done.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Youth Football - Have enough help for the Youth Football Tryouts
Please make sure that your youth football try outs are organized and run smooth. There's nothing worse than an unorganized time wasting tryout for parents to see. The parents will be standing on the side watching your every move. This will be the first impression for many of the parents so please be organized. It is imperative that you have enough help for every single drill station and event that you plan to use during the youth football tryouts. Make sure you have the entire tryout planned ahead on a schedule and follow that schedule to a tee. You can make adjustments for the next day but sick to the schedule you have set for the day. I write out the entire plan and give copies to all of the parents and coaches that will be helping out. Please make sure they all understand what you are looking for during the evaluations. I use a stop watch for each station of the tryouts and give many water breaks in the hot July heat.
Make sure each and every station or youth football drill has the purpose that will help you evaluate the players. You need to make sure that each and every child gets a fair shake. This will avoid any potential parent problems complaining the tryouts were not fair. I run almost exclusive head on head drills or competitions with the winners and losers each moving to different groups. I like to use the competition in drills versus using a stop watch for many different reasons including
Any “running time” will not be exact since the field may not be set up the same way from day to day. Also you have the issue of start and stopping the watch at the same time for each kid. When John races Joe and beats him John is faster.
Competing Head to Head brings out the best in some kids. Others will fold under the pressure. You want to know this before the first game.
The kids will love it.
The parents will realize that their kid winds up in the group they belong.
I will give the complete list and details of all the things I run the first week of youth football evaluations.
I will leave on one note and that is these are evaluations so try to keep the coaching to a minimum. Each player should be evaluated on his skill level. Make sure all are players are instructed on the proper techniques so there is less risk of injury. Encourage all players to ask as many questions as they need to. The youth football evaluations are a very exciting time since you are getting your first look at this year’s talent.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Make sure each and every station or youth football drill has the purpose that will help you evaluate the players. You need to make sure that each and every child gets a fair shake. This will avoid any potential parent problems complaining the tryouts were not fair. I run almost exclusive head on head drills or competitions with the winners and losers each moving to different groups. I like to use the competition in drills versus using a stop watch for many different reasons including
Any “running time” will not be exact since the field may not be set up the same way from day to day. Also you have the issue of start and stopping the watch at the same time for each kid. When John races Joe and beats him John is faster.
Competing Head to Head brings out the best in some kids. Others will fold under the pressure. You want to know this before the first game.
The kids will love it.
The parents will realize that their kid winds up in the group they belong.
I will give the complete list and details of all the things I run the first week of youth football evaluations.
I will leave on one note and that is these are evaluations so try to keep the coaching to a minimum. Each player should be evaluated on his skill level. Make sure all are players are instructed on the proper techniques so there is less risk of injury. Encourage all players to ask as many questions as they need to. The youth football evaluations are a very exciting time since you are getting your first look at this year’s talent.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Coaching Youth Football Making it Fun
This could easily be the first and last chapter of this book. While coaching youth football you better make it fun for the players and coaches involved. The parents will fall in line if they see that their kids are having fun. Please remember most of these kids will not go on to play high school sports. It is very important that you give them a memorable experience while you're coaching them.
I have seen way too many coaches have the military approach, which we strongly disagree with for youth football. There's a big difference between running a strict disciplined team versus a military operation. Useless conditioning and exercises prove that the coach does not know what he's doing and covers it by running these ridiculous "boot camps." Please remember to keep it light, and have fun.
The same thing goes for your coaches. Coaching youth football needs to be fun for all. You will be dedicating many hours over the course of a season so you should make it fun for all. I am so close to my coaches that we socially get together with the wives on a regular basis. You can take it serious and try to win but do not take a win at all costs approach. The parents, kids and assistant coaches will hate you for it. The league will also be happy if they do not get complaints from parents on you or your staff throughout the youth football season.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
I have seen way too many coaches have the military approach, which we strongly disagree with for youth football. There's a big difference between running a strict disciplined team versus a military operation. Useless conditioning and exercises prove that the coach does not know what he's doing and covers it by running these ridiculous "boot camps." Please remember to keep it light, and have fun.
The same thing goes for your coaches. Coaching youth football needs to be fun for all. You will be dedicating many hours over the course of a season so you should make it fun for all. I am so close to my coaches that we socially get together with the wives on a regular basis. You can take it serious and try to win but do not take a win at all costs approach. The parents, kids and assistant coaches will hate you for it. The league will also be happy if they do not get complaints from parents on you or your staff throughout the youth football season.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Youth Football Coaching - Becoming a Better Coach in the Off-Season By Attending Coaching Clinics and Camps
One of the very best things you can do in the off season is attending the many different youth football clinics and camps. There are the major camps that have huge sponsors like NIKE and a variety of coaches from youth sports to college will be giving lectures. Some of these camps last over a few days and can be expensive but if you look at the itinerary and plan your days you should get a lot of information. Just remember that any of the High School and College information must be modified for the youth football level.If you are not into the big major events the local Community Colleges and High Schools will be running some kind of clinic or camp. If you are on the board for your organization you can probably get one of the local High School coaches to come by and give your league their own private clinic.
A few of the youth football organizations are starting to run their own camps. This can be for the kids as well as the coaches and if do right can be a fundraiser as well.
It is best to check in the local papers for the camps closest to you or the internet if you don’t mind traveling.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
A few of the youth football organizations are starting to run their own camps. This can be for the kids as well as the coaches and if do right can be a fundraiser as well.
It is best to check in the local papers for the camps closest to you or the internet if you don’t mind traveling.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Youth Football Coaching Tips for the Season - Atten the Local Meetings
It can be extremely valuable to go to your monthly youth football league meeting. If you have the time and desire, volunteer to be on the board. You can gain a lot of knowledge from the veteran coaches. Many coaches and board members have been at this game for many years. The experience of these guys at the different age and skill levels can be a great source of information.
You will feel better by helping out your youth football league with other important issues than coaching. I do not believe in "playing politics” to help you secure the team and level you prefer to coach. If you have a kid you will be coaching or helping with the team is playing on. If you are a non-parent (like me) coaching you may want to consider staying at one level or helping out where the league needs the most help. I prefer to stay at one level for many reasons including
New kids each year keeps things interesting
Your “stuff” doesn’t get old
You become an “expert” at this level
It makes following years easier since you have a template to follow
Just make sure you do not over extend yourself when volunteering your time. Make sure you can complete any job you commit to. The youth football organization can use as much volunteer help as possible.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
You will feel better by helping out your youth football league with other important issues than coaching. I do not believe in "playing politics” to help you secure the team and level you prefer to coach. If you have a kid you will be coaching or helping with the team is playing on. If you are a non-parent (like me) coaching you may want to consider staying at one level or helping out where the league needs the most help. I prefer to stay at one level for many reasons including
New kids each year keeps things interesting
Your “stuff” doesn’t get old
You become an “expert” at this level
It makes following years easier since you have a template to follow
Just make sure you do not over extend yourself when volunteering your time. Make sure you can complete any job you commit to. The youth football organization can use as much volunteer help as possible.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
During the Youth Football Offseason Keep Increasing your Football IQ
Learn, learn and learn some more. One can never have too much knowledge. You'll be amazed at how much information there is regarding youth football.
I have either run or defended many kinds of offenses including Power I, Single Wing, A11, Multiple Pro, Double Wing, Wing T and Run and Shoot. I pride myself on having a complete understanding of the offense and defense I will be running for the current season.
Since scouting is a very important aspect of the youth football coaching year you will want to have an understanding of a variety of offense and defense schemes. It makes it much easier when you are on the field scouting a team if you are familiar with a variety of schemes.
The defense we have started to rely on is a base 3-4. We also use a 10-1 with a variety of zone blitzes. We will mix up man and zone overages in the secondary depending on the scouting report.
It is important to understand that everything you read or watch must be modified for the age group you'll be coaching. There is a big difference in what schemes you can run especially with the younger kids. These are kids and need a basic understanding of what you are trying to teach them. Please do not satisfy your own ego by showing what a great coach you are by running something too hard for your kid’s age group.
Other ways to increase your youth football knowledge is to attend local high school meetings, go to clinics (Nike has a big-time clinic that travels), go to camps and continue to pursue knowledge from every available source, including books and DVDs.
There is even a website (www.jimoddo.com) that covers youth football coaching in great depth. Yes this is a shameful plug but it does get great reviews.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!Read more: During the Youth Football Offseason Keep Increasing your Football IQ - jimoddo's posterous - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/during-the-youth-football-offseason-keep-incr#ixzz0CS2chgM9
I have either run or defended many kinds of offenses including Power I, Single Wing, A11, Multiple Pro, Double Wing, Wing T and Run and Shoot. I pride myself on having a complete understanding of the offense and defense I will be running for the current season.
Since scouting is a very important aspect of the youth football coaching year you will want to have an understanding of a variety of offense and defense schemes. It makes it much easier when you are on the field scouting a team if you are familiar with a variety of schemes.
The defense we have started to rely on is a base 3-4. We also use a 10-1 with a variety of zone blitzes. We will mix up man and zone overages in the secondary depending on the scouting report.
It is important to understand that everything you read or watch must be modified for the age group you'll be coaching. There is a big difference in what schemes you can run especially with the younger kids. These are kids and need a basic understanding of what you are trying to teach them. Please do not satisfy your own ego by showing what a great coach you are by running something too hard for your kid’s age group.
Other ways to increase your youth football knowledge is to attend local high school meetings, go to clinics (Nike has a big-time clinic that travels), go to camps and continue to pursue knowledge from every available source, including books and DVDs.
There is even a website (www.jimoddo.com) that covers youth football coaching in great depth. Yes this is a shameful plug but it does get great reviews.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!Read more: During the Youth Football Offseason Keep Increasing your Football IQ - jimoddo's posterous - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/during-the-youth-football-offseason-keep-incr#ixzz0CS2chgM9
Friday, April 10, 2009
Coaching Youth Football - Team Mom and Parent Helpers
Once you have your youth football coaching staff, including the serious parents who commit as assistant coach, you still will need a lot of help to make the season go as smooth as possible.
The team mom can be the most helpful of all parents. Make sure you have the full list of duties for the team mom. I find it best to let them know up front what they are volunteering for. The usual duties always include the following;
Typing and Passing out a roster list with all the players names, numbers, parents names and contact info
Emergency phone numbers lists
Organizing the homecoming of Rally night which may include assigning things for people to bring.
Help passing out uniforms
Collection of money and delivery of uniforms to local shirt shops to get the names printed on the back
Email updates to the parents
Make and distribute an assignment list for game day duties
Make and distribute a snack list. I’m funny about this and have pretty much gotten away from it. A lot of teams do a halftime and end of the game snack. I have eliminated both since I believe they are a distraction. An after game beverage like Gatorade is fine.
Plan and book the year end banquet. This will include collecting the money from each parent.
These are the main things I will have the Team Mom take care of.
I usually get some one to volunteer very early to be Team Mom. I think the earlier in your youth football year the better. You will find that most of the time the same mom volunteers year after year.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!Read more: Coaching Youth Football - Team Mom and Parent Helpers - jimoddo's posterous - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/coaching-youth-football-team-mom-and-parent-h#ixzz0CLPFfQWu
The team mom can be the most helpful of all parents. Make sure you have the full list of duties for the team mom. I find it best to let them know up front what they are volunteering for. The usual duties always include the following;
Typing and Passing out a roster list with all the players names, numbers, parents names and contact info
Emergency phone numbers lists
Organizing the homecoming of Rally night which may include assigning things for people to bring.
Help passing out uniforms
Collection of money and delivery of uniforms to local shirt shops to get the names printed on the back
Email updates to the parents
Make and distribute an assignment list for game day duties
Make and distribute a snack list. I’m funny about this and have pretty much gotten away from it. A lot of teams do a halftime and end of the game snack. I have eliminated both since I believe they are a distraction. An after game beverage like Gatorade is fine.
Plan and book the year end banquet. This will include collecting the money from each parent.
These are the main things I will have the Team Mom take care of.
I usually get some one to volunteer very early to be Team Mom. I think the earlier in your youth football year the better. You will find that most of the time the same mom volunteers year after year.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!Read more: Coaching Youth Football - Team Mom and Parent Helpers - jimoddo's posterous - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/coaching-youth-football-team-mom-and-parent-h#ixzz0CLPFfQWu
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Youth Football Coaching - A Help List of Duties for the Non Coaching Parent
Just because a parent is not a coach does not mean you can not use their help during the youth football season.
On game day alone you will need to have the following:
Pictures of the game (I have come to like still pictures better than video in recent years.)
Video of the game. I may like pictures better but video is still a must.
In game scouting and tendency reports
Statistics during the game.
If the youth football Game is at Home
Security of the fields
Concessions throughout the day
Set up and break down of the fields
Field Manager to answer questions
3 People to work the chains
If you have a parent who like to come to the youth football practices and wants to help you can have them help with the following
Throwing passes to the receivers
Long snapping with the punter
Direct snap monitoring before the practice
Kicking extra points with the kicker before and after practices.
Help set up and take down pads and cones for drills
Always welcome help with open arms. Just make sure that you do not put any person in a position that may make them feel uncomfortable.
Likewise you need to make sure you do not let any parent overstep the boundaries you have set. Each job you want help for should be spelled out completely ahead of time to avoid any potential future problems.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks! Read more: Youth Football Coaching - A Help List of Duties for the Non Coaching Parent - jimoddo's posterous - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/youth-football-coaching-a-help-list-of-duties#ixzz0CFscqERB
On game day alone you will need to have the following:
Pictures of the game (I have come to like still pictures better than video in recent years.)
Video of the game. I may like pictures better but video is still a must.
In game scouting and tendency reports
Statistics during the game.
If the youth football Game is at Home
Security of the fields
Concessions throughout the day
Set up and break down of the fields
Field Manager to answer questions
3 People to work the chains
If you have a parent who like to come to the youth football practices and wants to help you can have them help with the following
Throwing passes to the receivers
Long snapping with the punter
Direct snap monitoring before the practice
Kicking extra points with the kicker before and after practices.
Help set up and take down pads and cones for drills
Always welcome help with open arms. Just make sure that you do not put any person in a position that may make them feel uncomfortable.
Likewise you need to make sure you do not let any parent overstep the boundaries you have set. Each job you want help for should be spelled out completely ahead of time to avoid any potential future problems.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks! Read more: Youth Football Coaching - A Help List of Duties for the Non Coaching Parent - jimoddo's posterous - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/youth-football-coaching-a-help-list-of-duties#ixzz0CFscqERB
Coaching Youth Football - Recruit Long Term Coaches not Dads
My youth football coaching success comes from the coaches that have helped me over the years. I would never have lasted as long if it was not for a few of my good buddies. I can not over state how important it is to have a staff of coaches and not just Dads. Please don’t get me wrong. You will want to have as much help as possible and there are some Dads that can bring some value. I believe you are better off with long term relationships where all coaches are pretty much on the same page.
With long term coaches certain potential problems do not exist. The usual problems of playing time and player positions should never be a point of contention within the staff.
Please understand the point I’m making. It is great to have a coach with a kid on the team as long as the coach is not just looking for a one year gig. I have been coaching with some of the same coaches for 4 years (2 on flag football and 2 on tackle). These are great friends and coaches who I know I will continue to coach with for years to come. You can definitely use the one year Dad /coach but you need a group of long term coaches.
Another advantage of having long-term coaches is that all coaches are usually on the same page. In this helps, not needing to convince or teach your methodology to a parent who is probably only concerned about how much playing time his child will get or what position he will be playing.
You will want to have both permanent coaches and parents. Each will serve a valuable service to you during the upcoming youth football season. The parents can hold the clipboard, take game stats, work with the long snapper, hold the line markers during games, and handle snacks schedules.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
With long term coaches certain potential problems do not exist. The usual problems of playing time and player positions should never be a point of contention within the staff.
Please understand the point I’m making. It is great to have a coach with a kid on the team as long as the coach is not just looking for a one year gig. I have been coaching with some of the same coaches for 4 years (2 on flag football and 2 on tackle). These are great friends and coaches who I know I will continue to coach with for years to come. You can definitely use the one year Dad /coach but you need a group of long term coaches.
Another advantage of having long-term coaches is that all coaches are usually on the same page. In this helps, not needing to convince or teach your methodology to a parent who is probably only concerned about how much playing time his child will get or what position he will be playing.
You will want to have both permanent coaches and parents. Each will serve a valuable service to you during the upcoming youth football season. The parents can hold the clipboard, take game stats, work with the long snapper, hold the line markers during games, and handle snacks schedules.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Coaching Youth Football - Make Sure to Recruit the New Studs
I know it sounds terrible, but it in the off-season make sure you recruits studs. You want to try to get the best basketball, soccer, baseball and hockey players or whatever sport is in the area. One great way of finding these kids is to be involved in coaching other youth sports. You will know which of these kids are aggressive and fast. I have coached youth basketball longer than youth football and this has always been a gold mine for football.
The second way to recruit players is your current players. All kids want to have their friends on the same youth football team. Encourage your current team to spread the word.
You can check with your league to see if there are any boundary limits. If not you may want to check out some kids from the neighboring towns. This is especially effect if the neighboring city does not have a youth football program or plays in a different league.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!Read more: jimoddo's posterous - Home - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/#ixzz0C3r63jQO
The second way to recruit players is your current players. All kids want to have their friends on the same youth football team. Encourage your current team to spread the word.
You can check with your league to see if there are any boundary limits. If not you may want to check out some kids from the neighboring towns. This is especially effect if the neighboring city does not have a youth football program or plays in a different league.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!Read more: jimoddo's posterous - Home - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/#ixzz0C3r63jQO
Coaching Youth Football - Secure the Returning Players
You must secure the returning players from last year's youth football team. Returning players are very important for your upcoming season. You know what you have with a returning player. If they are young or a second year playing returning you will see the biggest improvement in their skills and aggressiveness. You can usually have a fairly good outlook on the upcoming season based on the amount of returning players.
You also need to talk to the coach of the lower level youth football teams that will be feeding into your level. Ask the coach who the upcoming studs are as well as the immediate lower-level. It is good to have some insight on their strengths and weaknesses.
Most of the youth football teams I have coached that were Championship caliber all had many returning players. We have had years where we have many skill players come from the lower level teams. You can expect a great year when you are taking skill athletes who were running backs o previous teams and they are now lineman for you.
I believe that experience is the second most important quality you want in the youth athlete. The most important quality is speed. I’m talking about Greased lighting God Given natural speed.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!Read more: jimoddo's posterous - Home - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/#ixzz0C3qkDuWb
You also need to talk to the coach of the lower level youth football teams that will be feeding into your level. Ask the coach who the upcoming studs are as well as the immediate lower-level. It is good to have some insight on their strengths and weaknesses.
Most of the youth football teams I have coached that were Championship caliber all had many returning players. We have had years where we have many skill players come from the lower level teams. You can expect a great year when you are taking skill athletes who were running backs o previous teams and they are now lineman for you.
I believe that experience is the second most important quality you want in the youth athlete. The most important quality is speed. I’m talking about Greased lighting God Given natural speed.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!Read more: jimoddo's posterous - Home - http://jimoddo.posterous.com/#ixzz0C3qkDuWb
Review the Past Year when coaching youth football
I always spend a good portion of the youth football off-season reviewing the past year. You want to continue to do what works and get rid of what didn’t. If this is the first year running a different offense or defense this is especially true. I remember the first year we ran the Single Wing offense with 8-9 year olds we had such an occurrence. Our Running Back position decided to cut every power play to the outside. The power play is an inside run where you must follow the lead backs to the hole. By trying to cut the run to the outside he was abandoning the blockers and was getting tackled for small or no gains. I learned that when coaching the young kids you really need to make sure they understand the importance of the play being run the way it is shown in practice.
It is best to wait a few months after the youth football season ends to reflect on what actually happened on the previous year. Is important to make sure you can differentiate from what really happened versus what you thought happened. There has been many time when I felt we were doing one thing well by the end of the year and I was dead wrong. By waiting a few months you can clear your mind and review the past year looking for anything that will help you be a better coach in the upcoming year.
Every year you coach a different age or skill level you'll find things that have worked from previous years at previous levels, and things that do not. You must be honest with yourself and realize that not all things work best at all levels. I always keep an entire log with detailed notes of the entire year. It is a wonderful reference for future years. I start each year by grabbing the binder from a previous year that most closely resembles the age and talent level I will be coaching this year.
Beware that each New Year will bring you new talent. What may have succeeded last year may not be appropriate for the upcoming youth football season. Make sure you keep an open mind at the beginning of the season before you make any final decisions.
Please visit www.jimoddo.com for over 200 free articles as well as daily market analysis and free sports picks!
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