re: Coaching 5th-6th grade youth football

Yes I know. That was my point. I don't understand why they are still teaching that old lame arse technique just so people can continue to turn their heads to mush.

They are football coaches. Not rocket scientists. Lets don't act like its impossible that an average fan is incapable of having a good idea from time to time

No actually I was taught the right way to tackle and luck had nothing to do with it. It was because I always used good technique and form and not my head and face

Hey man, do what you want, I am just saying that there is no way anyone will believe that shoulder tackling is an effective technique that is more safe than what the fricking NFL teaches. You never look for head to head contact (mainly all that could cause a concussion when using the head up facemask technique), but it will happen unless you teach kids to take out legs.

When hitting from the side, yes your technique makes sense. When hitting from the front, you risk stingers, concussion, and even paralysis. That is unacceptable. If you hit from the front and have your head to the side, the whiplash alone could cause severe nerve or head injuries.

That is why it is taught just simply as head up tackling. Two rules... from the side you cross the bow, and from the front you get low amd put your facemask in their chest. Easiest and safest way to teach tackling.

After typing all that, I feel like all of us may have argued the same point from different angles.

ok

Yep smaller players should definitely go higher and with their head right in the chest of the ball carrier

It's like you don't even hear yourself

American football could actually use rugby to help make the tackling safer. They have no where near the head injury problems that football does. LINK

He wouldn't be using his arms. He'd be using his shoulder/body.

Anyway good talk. Hope you see the light one day so kids can be a little safer and not taught the wrong way just cause that's the way you were taught

You are way over thinking on passing defense. We play Cedar Creek, River Oaks and most North La. private schools. None are passing teams.

We play with out safeties and use 4 corners but the inside guys are more like linebackers to stop the sweeps. Our linebackers and D-line is good enough to stop the middle. My son plays D-tackle and was second in tackles.

Our offense is sweeps, reverses, counters and off tackle. We did score a few on passing but we had a 6' tall 5th grader that is fast and can catch.


Do any of you guys know of a travel football team located in north La? Our team had a big break up and I am looking for somewhere else to send my son to play.

if the defense has 8 plays at that level......oh boy...

8 plays on offense is more than enough

The game has evolved at all age levels. My guy played from 5 to 25, finishing in Europe. He has been injured more on the court & soccer field than the football field. He grew up in Texas. Most high schools (1200+) are running spread-option. Head coaches take their system down to middle school & the local youth leagues. By the time they get to him, they have years in his schemes.

I coached the kids for 12 years. If I learned anything, it was to never underestimate what they are capable of learning & executing.

I ran an offense with the holes & players numbered, that allowed me to put any back in any hole out of multiple sets. Really pretty simple & kept the reptitition to a minimum. Kids enjoyed the variety. O-line zone blocked with ability to pull a guard or trap & double-team - pretty simple really. It allowed me to adjust to the defense during the game.

Thanks to all you youth coaches for devoting the time to the kids. So many parents treat youth athletics like a cheap baby sitting service. The lesson learned on the field & bonds developed among the players last a lifetime. I always smile when I run into a 30 year old ex-youth player of mine & he says, "Hi Coach". Great memories.