Take a look at this submission from Tim. A great example of a [tag]football[/tag] [tag]drill[/tag] for [tag]coaching football special teams[/tag] that can work with all age groups. Try the football drill from Carl–excellent for [tag]conditioning[/tag] and [tag]balance[/tag].
From Tim,
Special teams idea:
Put your kids in 4or 5 lines. Have your [tag]punter[/tag] behind them with plenty of balls. Place 2 [tag]punt[/tag] returners in position about 30 yds down field. Punter punts and you can teach your 4 players to stay in there lanes, contain and breakdown 10 yards from the return man much easier than a team of 11 players.
Also you can place cones or have the kids pick something on the horizon to run straight at to help them stay in a lane. This helps to show them that they are responsible for that lane.
From Carl,
Bull in the ring.
I [tag]coach[/tag] 9-10 yr olds. We have all the kids form a circle. We put one player in the center of the circle . We call out a player’s name (similar size and weight especially for the smaller players) and that player fires into the circle to hit/block. The player takes the hit or sheds him. Quickly call another name. Repeat 4-5 times per player then switch the player in the center till every player has a turn.
This teaches the kids balance, quick reactions from all sides, and the ability to stay in the play. The kids love both giving the hits as well as being good enough to keep the hits off.
