How to Make Youth Football Players More Aggressive

While youth football players are not likely to play with the fire and power of players in the NFL, the earlier they learn to play aggressively, the faster they will progress. It is important to not only teach the value of aggressive play but also the line between aggressiveness and violence. Not only will excessive aggression likely result in penalties, it could end up injuring another player. Teaching young players to be aggressive but wise will be key in raising their football potential.

Things You'll Need

  • Face paint
  • Tackle dummies
  • Field
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up tackle dummies for the players to tackle. This allows you to teach them proper techniques for tackling as well as help the players to feel what it's like to tackle something or someone at full force.

    • 2

      Build up the confidence of the players with team meetings and pre-game and pre-practice pep talks. On an individual and group basis encourage their passion and compliment their attributes as players.

    • 3

      Instruct the players to throw in all exertion at the moment of impact with the opposing player. Speeding up momentum just before the hit allows you to tackle more aggressively.

    • 4

      Tackle at an angle for an intense and powerful impact.

    • 5

      Practice with mats to help boost confidence and minimize fears of falling. Starting with mats allows players to take hits, evade tackles and initiate tackles with full confidence and aggression.

    • 6

      Paint the faces of the players in bright colors in warrior patterns before practice. This will help evoke primal emotions and feelings of aggression.