Football Tips for Kids

Football training tips for kids will help them become better players. Most kids learn to play football during neighborhood games with their friends. While this is a good way to start playing the game, many players do not develop the proper techniques necessary to play in a youth football league. By participating in a league, a youngster will have the opportunity to learn how to play football the right way.

  1. Passing Tips

    • Practice throwing with a friend.

      A quarterback is the most important offensive player. Practice passing the football with a friend. Try to throw the ball a little ahead of your friend, and let him run under it to make the catch. When you cannot find a friend to play, practice throwing at a target. Move around before throwing the ball, and pretend a defender is trying to make a tackle. Keep your eye on the target, and follow through once you release the football.

    Receiving Tips

    • Use both hands to catch the football.

      The main youth football tip for a wide receiver is to use both hands when catching the football. Once the ball is within reach, grab it out of the air with both hands. Secure the ball by pulling it down and covering it with both of your arms. Continue running down the field and try to avoid any tacklers. Make sure to hold the ball tightly once a defender is close, then turn away from the tackle to keep from fumbling the ball.

    Running Tips

    • Tuck the ball away during a run.

      Two tips for running are to secure the football with one hand during a run, then to cover the ball with both hands once contact is made with another player. This will help to prevent a fumble from occurring during the tackle. Practice taking the handoff from the quarterback, then tuck the ball away under one arm. Grip the ball tightly with one hand during the run. Use both hands to squeeze the ball right before the tackler arrives, then make sure to hold onto the ball until the referee blows the whistle to end the play.

    Defensive Tips

    • Once the ball is in the air, it is up for grabs.

      Defensive players must stay alert during a play. Sometimes when runners appear to be down, they will emerge from behind a wall of players and keep going. Do not stop playing until the whistle blows. Keep an eye out for blockers, and try to get around them to make the tackle. Watch for loose balls that occur after a defensive teammate causes a runner to fumble or tips a pass. Yell "ball" when a runner fumbles, which will let the rest of the defense know to try and recover the ball on the ground.