Does your young football team look confused when you call a play? Do you see the other teams running smooth, successful drives while your players just stand there? It’s a common problem for coaches. Picking the right plays for youth football can feel overwhelming. You want plays that are easy for small kids to learn, but still effective enough to compete.
Many coaches worry about using plays that are too complicated. They fear players will get frustrated or, worse, get hurt trying something too advanced. Finding that sweet spot between simple and successful is tough! You need plays that build confidence and teach the fundamentals of the game without causing headaches on the sideline.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you the best, most effective plays designed specifically for younger players. You will learn exactly which formations work best and how to teach them quickly. Get ready to ditch the confusing playbooks and start running plays that score points and keep your players smiling.
Top Plays For Youth Football Recommendations
- Hess, Dillon (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 237 Pages - 05/17/2018 (Publication Date) - CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
- Coach B. Sports Academy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 122 Pages - 09/17/2022 (Publication Date) - Coach B. Publishing (Publisher)
- NOTE : WristCoaches by Pro Sports Plans only
- WRISTBAND PLAYBOOK - Lead your team to victory with the WristCoaches quarterback wristband. Run the offense like a pro while you call deep balls, play-action passes, screens, or go for the RPO. Put defenses on skates as you skillfully execute big plays!
- 3 PANEL COMPARTMENTS - Our QB wristbands have 3 panel compartments that make it easy to call plays and view position assignments during the game. Ideal for tackle and flag football. Practice like the professionals with this essential quarterback training equipment!
- EASY OPEN, SECURE SHUT - This wrist playbook is easy to open when engaged in an up-tempo offense. The secure velcro closure ensures wristband stays shut during critical gameplay. Machine washable and dryer safe so you can remove those tough game-day stains!
- FOR ADULTS AND AGES 13+ Durable structure is designed for extended use with a comfortable sweat absorbing cotton/spandex material blend and 3 play card slots. Our quarterback play wristband fits kids 7-12, but can work for boys or girls 13+ years of age with smaller wrists.
- ENDORSED BY DREW BREES - The PlayCoach junior size football with a route tree is endorsed by future hall of famer, Drew Brees, giving you the assurance that this junior football is well equipped to help your child learn the fundamentals of the game
- EASY GRIP - This junior football measures 10.5" x 5.9", making it the perfect kids football for ages 10 to 12 years old. The leather material provides a better grip and durability for easier throwing and catching
- ROUTE TREE DESIGN - The pass patterns on the football helps the child learn the fundamentals of the game as our youth football has 10 basic passing routes that all athletes can learn. Great for kids flag football or tackle youth football
- DURABLE KIDS FOOTBALL - The PlayCoach junior size football delivers consistent flight and accuracy on every playing field. It is made with high quality bladder for a consistent shape and air retention. Please note that the PlayCoach football is intentionally shipped deflated to ensure no air pressure impacts the quality of the product
- GREAT GIFT IDEA - Looking for a great gift idea? Look no further than the PlayCoach mini football. Whether they're playing in a youth league or just having fun in the backyard, this small football is a sure hit among young athletes everywhere!
- JUNIOR SIZE: This junior football is the perfect size for kids to grip, throw, kick and catch the ball with ease
- EXTRA GRIP: This football has a durable synthetic leather covering designed with deep pebble texture to provide enhanced grip for easier catching and throwing
- PRO STYLE LACES: The pro-style, double-tuck, hand sewn laces are easy to grip so young players can throw tight spirals
- PREMIUM DURABILITY: This football is built tough with all-weather materials so you can play rain or shine season after season
- AIR PUMP INCLUDED: Footballs arrive deflated and includes an air pump with needle so you can inflate the ball to the perfect level for play
- Tappa, Scott (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 143 Pages - 02/27/2019 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Tactical Stickers Included: Our football wristbands kit comes with 43 commonly used football tactical stickers covering offensive, defensive, and running plays. These stickers can be affixed to any grid on our tactical cards, allowing you to create a unique tactical wristband. Made from PVC, they are not only durable but also reusable
- Waterproof Design: Unlike ordinary paper printouts that can be ruined by sweat or unusable in the rain, our tactical stickers and the accompanying 3 PVC cards are waterproof. After a match, simply wipe the cards dry, wash the wristband, and reinsert the cards for another round of use. The cards feature a smooth film that allows for easy writing with a marker and erasing with a wet wipe
- Durable and Reliable Quality: After comparing over 30 common tactical wristbands on the market, we chose a flat-stitch fabric for better elasticity and durability, a more transparent and clear PVC window, and a thicker PU material. The tighter stitching can withstand the pulls and tugs of the game, and with our cards and stickers, the wristband's lifespan is significantly extended
- Available in Multiple Colors: We offer a range of popular colors to perfectly match your team's jersey and primary colors, selected based on the preferences of various teams
- Sizing and About Us: The wristband measures 3.54-7.08 inches in width and 5.5 inches in length, suitable for youth and adults over 10 years old. We specialize in providing professional tactical wristbands and are committed to continuously developing more tactics to meet the evolving needs of players
- Tactical Stickers Included: Our kit comes with 43 commonly used football tactical stickers covering offensive, defensive, and running plays. These stickers can be affixed to any grid on our tactical cards, allowing you to create a unique tactical wristband. Made from PVC, they are not only durable but also reusable
- Waterproof Design: Unlike ordinary paper printouts that can be ruined by sweat or unusable in the rain, our tactical stickers and the accompanying 3 PVC cards are waterproof. After a match, simply wipe the cards dry, wash the wristband, and reinsert the cards for another round of use. The cards feature a smooth film that allows for easy writing with a marker and erasing with a wet wipe
- Durable and Reliable Quality: After comparing over 30 common tactical wristbands on the market, we chose a flat-stitch fabric for better elasticity and durability, a more transparent and clear PVC window, and a thicker PU material. The tighter stitching can withstand the pulls and tugs of the game, and with our cards and stickers, the wristband's lifespan is significantly extended
- Available in Multiple Colors: We offer a range of popular colors to perfectly match your team's jersey and primary colors, selected based on the preferences of various teams
- Sizing and About Us: The wristband measures 3.94-7.08 inches in width and 5.9 inches in length, suitable for youth and adults over 10 years old. We specialize in providing professional tactical wristbands and are committed to continuously developing more tactics to meet the evolving needs of players
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Youth Football Plays
Buying the right set of plays for your youth football team is a big deal. Good plays help kids learn the game and have fun. This guide will help coaches and parents choose the best plays for their young athletes.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at different playbooks or digital play sets, check for these important things:
- Simplicity: Plays must be easy for young minds to understand. Complex plays confuse kids. Look for plays with simple instructions.
- Visual Clarity: The diagrams must be very clear. You need to see where every player moves. Bright colors and simple lines work best.
- Adaptability: Can the plays work against different defenses? Good plays let you make small changes easily.
- Age Appropriateness: A play designed for 8-year-olds will not work for 14-year-olds. Make sure the plays match your team’s age and skill level.
Important Materials and Formats
Plays come in different formats. The material affects how easy they are to use on the field.
Physical Playbooks:
These are printed books. They are durable. You can write notes directly in the book. Paper quality matters. Thick, glossy paper resists tearing when it gets wet or dirty.
Digital Playbooks (PDFs or Apps):
Digital formats are great for quick updates. You can easily share them with parents. Check if the file size is manageable. If the app is slow, it wastes practice time.
Drill Integration:
The best resources include specific drills to teach each play. If a play shows a “Power Sweep,” it should also show you how to practice the blocking for that sweep. This integration is crucial for learning.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all play packages are created equal. Some features boost the quality significantly.
Quality Boosters:
- Coaching Notes: High-quality plays include specific coaching tips. These tips tell you what the quarterback should look for or how the lineman should set his feet.
- Variations Included: If a play shows three ways to run it (e.g., run left, run right, quick pass), the quality is higher. This shows flexibility.
- Player Responsibilities Chart: A simple chart clearly lists what each position (QB, RB, Center) must do on every play. This removes confusion.
Quality Reducers:
- Too Much Jargon: If the material uses complex football terms that beginners don’t know, the quality drops. Simple language is key.
- Poor Diagramming: If arrows overlap or it is hard to tell which player is which number, the diagram fails.
- Lack of Progression: If the plays jump immediately to advanced concepts without building up from basics, they are not useful for beginners.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the plays matters as much as what the plays are.
Practice Field Use:
You need plays that translate well from paper to grass. If a play requires perfect timing that is hard to achieve with 10-year-olds, it is a poor choice for practical use. Look for plays that allow for slight hesitations or mistakes while still working reasonably well.
Game Day Use:
On game day, you need quick reference. A coach should be able to look at a play card and call it in seconds. If you spend too much time flipping pages, you lose valuable time.
Learning Experience:
The ultimate goal is player development. Plays that focus on fundamental movements (like proper blocking angles or clean handoffs) provide a better long-term learning experience than plays that just rely on one fast player.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Youth Football Plays
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in youth football plays?
A: The most important thing is simplicity. Plays must be easy for young players to remember and execute correctly.
Q: Should I buy digital or physical playbooks?
A: Digital is better for easy sharing and on-the-go viewing. Physical playbooks are better if you worry about rain or need to write heavily in the margins during practice.
Q: How many plays should a youth team start with?
A: Most youth teams do very well starting with 8 to 12 core offensive plays and a few basic defensive alignments. Master those first.
Q: What does “adaptability” mean for a football play?
A: Adaptability means you can change the play slightly without confusing the players. For example, running the same formation but switching from a run to a short pass.
Q: Are complicated trick plays useful for 10-year-olds?
A: Trick plays are usually not useful until players have mastered the basic plays. They often cause more confusion than points.
Q: What if the plays use terminology my kids don’t know?
A: You must teach the terminology first. If the playbook uses terms like “Iso” or “Fold,” ensure the resource includes a simple glossary or you teach those terms clearly.
Q: Do plays need accompanying drills?
A: Yes, plays that include specific drills are much higher quality. Drills show you exactly how to teach the movement required for the play.
Q: How do I know if the plays are too advanced for my team?
A: If your players cannot consistently execute the basic blocking assignments or handoffs after a few practices, the plays are likely too advanced.
Q: Can I mix and match plays from different sources?
A: Yes, you can mix them, but try to keep the terminology consistent. Using different names for the same blocking scheme confuses players quickly.
Q: How important is player numbering in the play diagrams?
A: Player numbering is very important. Clear numbering ensures that every player knows exactly which diagram number corresponds to their position on the field.