Youth Football

• Youth 6-14 years of age should play non-contact, flag football
• Hold small-sided practices or games of 6 v 6 on one quarter of the
• football field; use all four quarters for multiple games at the same time
• Let the players create their own plays
• Get everyone involved in a minimum of 12-15 plays
• Teach only the basics of the positions and the basic skills
• Avoid the "3Ls": Lines, Lectures and Laps (1)

Examples of Modified Programs

NFL Flag Football
For kids ages 6-14; co-ed and non-contact

NFL Ultimate
This is a combination of football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, hockey and basketball

References

(1) Bigelow, B., Moroney, T. & Hall, L. (2001). Just Let the Kids Play: How to Stop Other Adults from Ruining Your Child’s Fun and Success in Youth Sports. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc.