Four Corners
Similar to The Gauntlet, this game will allow players to work on their running skills and defensive skills. In a larger grid (as compared to Flag Tag and The Gauntlet), have one player start in the middle of the grid and serve as the ball carrier. Have the remaining players split equally into four groups and head to each corner of the grid.
The coach initiates the game by having one defender from each corner enter the grid and chase after the ball carrier. Once the game begins, the coach will once again begin to count. The game ends (and the clock stops) when the ball carrier has one of their flags pulled by one of the four defenders. The coach then resets the game and selects a new ball carrier to face four new defenders. The player who lasts the longest wins.
Coaching Tip: With more room to run, the defenders need to communicate and work together as a unit of four. Each defender should try to cut the ball carrier off, force them to change direction and usher them into congested areas.
Pass Patterns
One of the most critical skills for a receiver is the ability to get open--and running effective pass patterns helps make that task easier. Have a line of players stand next to a coach and work through a number of different patterns. Have players run Ins, Outs, Posts, Corners, Slants, Curls, Comebacks and Go Routes. The players should run the patterns effectively without being thrown the ball. However, when the players have demonstrated an understanding of each pattern, then coaches can throw them the ball to complete the drill.
Coaching Tip: As a receiver, pay close attention to making sharp changes of direction and continuously adjusting your speed. Your job as a receiver is to get free of defenders so that the quarterback's throw becomes easier. If you are unpredictable and creative with how you run your patterns, it makes you more difficult to defend.
Ultimate Football
This game adopts the same rules as ultimate Frisbee. Set up a field with two end zones and play with an even number of players on the field from each team. Ultimate Football takes away the aspects of running with the ball and flag pulling; focusing on throwing and catching the football and defending receivers.
Teams move the ball toward the other team's end zone by throwing the ball and successfully completing passes. A point is scored if a team has a player outside the end zone complete a pass to a player inside the end zone. Changes of possession occur during failed passes, interceptions or after scoring plays.
Coaching Tip: Without the ability to run with the ball, players need to advance the ball by throwing to open receivers. If you have the opportunity to throw the ball, quickly scan the entire field and look for receivers that have separation away from defenders. Avoid throwing into crowded areas or to receivers that have defenders close by.
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About the Author
Zac recently wrapped up grad school at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY and he currently serves as a youth sports instructor for KidsPlay of WNY and as a freelance contributor for a few different publications. He’s a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres and loves to run and play soccer and tennis in his free time.
You can read some of his other work at The Butter Lamb and Buffalo Rumblings.
You can also follow him on Twitter at @ZacHirschbeck.
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