Developmentally Appropriate Youth Football Modifications
- 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
For kids ages 6-14; co-ed and non-contact
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.
