Games to Play for Tackle Football

Tackle football games break up the monotony of practice by letting the players have some fun. Many of the games help the players to improve their individual skills. The type of game and duration of play is up to the coach, unless the team is playing a game on their own.

  1. Two Minute Drill

    • The two minute drill helps the team work on play execution.

      A two minute drill game is a good way for the team to simulate an actual end-of-game situation. The offense and defense can both work on executing their respective strategies during the two minute drill. The offense starts with the ball on its own 20-yard line. The coach times the drill with a stopwatch. If the offense gets a first down, play continues. If the defense stops the offense from getting a first down, or if the offense scores, the coach has the option of starting the drill over to work on areas that need improvement.

    Dodge Ball

    • Dodge ball works on receiving skills and quickness.

      A fun game for football players to try is dodge ball, using a football. The players split into two teams, each on one side of the 50-yard line. To make the game harder, the players must stay within 10 yards of their side of the 50-yard line. Neither team may cross over to the other team's side. Use four footballs and give two to each team. When players get hit by the football and do not catch it, this eliminates them from the game. If a player catches a ball cleanly, this eliminates the opposing player who threw the ball. The game continues until only one player is left standing.

    Football Tag

    • Tag allows the players to practice their running moves.

      Football tag is like the regular game of tag, except the team will try to tackle the runner instead of just applying a tag. The entire team can participate in the game or just a few players. The number of participants will determine the amount of space to use in football tag. For example, if only five players are playing, use a 20 by 20-yard space. If the entire team decides to play, use the whole football field. One player runs with the ball until the team makes a tackle, then the tackler becomes the new runner. Continue the game until each player has a chance to run or as time allows.

    Short-sided Games

    • One-on-one games improve a player's fitness level.

      Short-sided games for football such as one-on-one will improve a player's fitness level. To play one-on-one tackle football, a third person or coach will have to play quarterback. Each player takes a turn on offense, using the quarterback as a teammate. The defensive player tries to stop the offensive player from scoring in four downs or less. The length of the field to use during a one-on-one game is usually 50 yards or less. Play continues for as long as the players like or until one player reaches a predetermined number of points.