Form Tackling

This may sound elementary to coaches in older age groups but I honestly believe that it is imperative that you practice form tackling EVERY SINGLE PRACTICE.  There is no need to spend a whole lot of time on it…maybe 5 minutes….but it will pay dividends in the long run. I pair everyone up with someone…

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Planning your Football Team Like a Business – Part 4

The SWOT Analysis   SWOT stands for Strength-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats. Understanding these are very important in planning a business as well as planning your football team. Let’s say your assessing your upcoming season and getting ready for the draft. You take a look at your team from the previous year and list your Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths…

Special Teams in Youth Football

More often than not, Special Teams are regarded as an afterthought and very little time is devoted to this very important aspect of the game.  Younger age groups typically don’t have to worry about identifying a punter or a field goal/xtra point kicker, however, once the boys reach the age of 10 or so, these…

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Why We Coach

When we coach a football team, or any youth sports team, we usually we initially volunteer because we have a kid on the team. That’s where it begins, but it last much longer. Today while walking to my car in the parking lot, I heard my name called “Coach Ragland, Coach Ragland”. I looked as two imposing,…

The Dreaded Youth Football Parent

This is by no means a slam against the parents of youth football players who get a bit exuberant about their kid, but rather a view of your over-exuberance from a coach’s perspective. We coaches love coaching youth football! It usually starts out as a way to spend more time with your son and it…