How to Coach Youth League Football

Stress the importance of team work, self confidence and discipline in practices and games. Spend time with each child one on one no matter what his athletic ability may be. Some of the children may look upon you as a role model or father figure. You must project leadership, and you can't play favorites.

Stress improvement over winning. In youth football, practice time is far more important than game time. Discuss the team goals at the start of the season. Winning is always important, but set goals to improve each week. Analyze each player and set goals for that player that you know he can achieve. That will inspire confidence and encourage the player to keep working on his game.

Try to play every child. Some leagues have rules that require full participation, but every youth coach should give kids a chance to play. The only reason to limit playing time is due to injury concerns. Don't play a passive, small child in a position where he will have to face bigger players. Put smaller players at cornerback or receiver, positions that don't get a lot of action in youth league games since few teams have quarterbacks with strong arms.

Go over your plays several times in practice and be patient. Some players will not understand them as fast as others will. Do not have a lot of plays since youth players can't be expected to memorize so many small details. If you live in a district with one high school, try to run plays that mimic the high school's offense.

Treat each player as an individual. At upper levels of football, coaches can expect players to fit into a system. At this level, every player is different. There may be kids with exceptional speed or size, and others who have never played competitively. Expect to spend time every practice working with individuals on a specific skill. Use positive language whenever possible.

Keep the kids hydrated. Educate yourself on how to treat minor sports injuries.