Learning how to Play Noseguard in youth football will make your defense dominate your opponent’s offensive line.

By Geoffrey Weed

Learn how to play nose guard by following these tips.

The noseguard position in football is one of the most grueling spots on the defense. Not only are noseguards positioned directly in the middle of the defensive line, but they are often subject to double-team blocking, chop blocks, and other hard-to-handle abuse. Learning how to play the noseguard position you’ll need a particular kind of grittiness and toughness.

Doing the Dirty Work

1. Line up in a 3-point stance directly across from the opposing team’s center, also known as a zero technique. The center is the player who snaps the football to the quarterback.

2. Watch the football and wait for it to be snapped. As soon as the ball moves, you’re free to cross the line of scrimmage.

3. Cross the line of scrimmage and try to get past the center and into the other team’s backfield. You can do this by bull rushing the center, using a swim or spin move or slapping their arms away. Use leverage to get underneath the center and push upward to get him off balance. The offensive line is usually crowded with big bodies so use proper technique along with power to get the advantage.

4. Locate the football. As you cross the line of scrimmage you should be looking to see where the football is and actively determining the quickest way to get to the ball.

5. Attack the football. If the quarterback still has the football, try to sack him. If the ball has been handed off, attempt to tackle the ball carrier.

6. Take an angle of pursuit. If the football has already passed you by, determine a proper angle of pursuit and pursue the ball carrier, never giving up your pursuit until the whistle blows.

Tips & Warnings when learning how to play noseguard

Learn all of your teams “stunts.” These are essentially tricks that defensive linemen, like the noseguard, use to confuse the offensive linemen and make it easier for the defensive players to get penetration of the line of scrimmage.

Make sure that you never over-pursue the football, leaving your area of the defensive line unprotected.

Be on the lookout for double team blocking, which happens to noseguards frequently. If you’re double teamed, get as low to the ground as you can and just try to plug your hole up and keep the football from being carried through your area of space.

Always keep your head up and wear proper equipment to help avoid serious spinal injury when learning how to play noseguard.

Be weary of trick plays and screens.

If you can follow these tips you’ll be on your way to becoming a dominating force.

To teach a youth football player how to rush the quarterback I would first make sure the pass rushers know the types of rushes that are available for them to use. We would go over the rip, the swat and swim and the bull rush. I like to use a fourth style also I learned while watching a Reggie White interview a long time ago. A player sets the lineman up by favoring the rush to the outside, the when he thinks the lineman is cheating to the outside he employs this other move. At the snap the defender goes up field like he is going to rush the outside, then plants his inside foot while simultaneously getting his inside hand in the armpit of the line man. He then shoves the lineman while he is off balance to his outside, which creates a clear path to the quarterback. One would have to have considerable upper body strength to accomplish this move.

Every player will have a favorite style of how to rush the quarterback, but the objective of this first stage is to get the competent at a couple of other styles. During this first stage, we would also go over the hand and footwork required to use these moves. During the second stage of the staircase I would have the defensive lineman go against the offensive linemen and you can use another player to simulate the quarterback if he is not available, I am sure that he is probably doing more important things. This stage would be at half speed in full pads so the players can get a feel for the new move they have learned. For the third step I would put first team offensive line against the defenders, no matter what string they are. During this process, I would keep tract of which players were using proper hand and foot techniques, and after the drill refresh the memories of the ones who failed to use proper technique. The fourth step would be to use a game to exhaust the player, which would create muscle memory for the moves learned. The game could pit one defensive lineman against a constantly rotating offensive lineman, this way the offensive lineman will be fresh, whereas the defender will be tired.

A coach could use some way to keep track of points to make it a competition on how to rush the quarterback. Creating muscle memory is the best way to have the human body do what you want it to do when a person is so tired that their brain shuts down, it is all about repetition. Unless you see that the players do not understand in practice, the only real proof of whether the system is really working or not will happen on game night. The techniques I would use to teach the pass rush would start with proper stance then jump to proper hand and foot movement and finish with the follow through and properly tackling the quarterback.

The first key point in learning how to rush the quarterback is to recognizing the pass protection. It is stated in the text that this step does not have to be used all of the time. If it is 3rd and 19, the hope is that the defenders can be reckless in their pursuit of the quarterback because the quarterback is probably going to pass, and if they did run the ball there would be a slim chance that they would succeed in getting the first down.

Another key point in how to rush the quarterback is staying in your lane, this one is important because you do not want to disrupt the other pass rushers on your team from completing their task by getting in their way. The last two key points are to use the move taught and to use other moves. The last is especially important; you do not want to be the defender getting pancaked because you do the same rushing move every time. Then during the film study on Monday it will hurt all over again as your teammates laugh. The video really made sense to me because it was a concept that I was already familiar with.

The 40-yard dash is the ultimate measurement of speed in football. Prospective NFL players are given bigger contracts or passed over entirely based on how they run the 40. College prospects are given an extra look if their 40 time warrants it. Want to improve your 40-yard dash time? Patrick Beith of Athletes’ Acceleration offers seven tips to a faster 40–and they’re all before you even take off.

What can we as youth football coaches take away from the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal at Penn State University?

What Other Sports Help Develop Youth Football Players Best

Check out these great tips on Receiver Blocking Techniques.  This post covers many of the different kind of Receiver Blocking Techniques that are required to make as a wide out.

A Few Wide Receiver Blocking Techniques
by FIGUREFOUR on Offensive Strategy

Blocking, like running a pass route, begins with the stance and take off. It is imperative that a receiver get off the line fast to give the defender the impression that he is running a fade route and will not cheat to stop the run. If you have not reviewed our discussion on lining up, getting in a proper stance, and exploding off the line of scrimmage, it is recommended reading for all facets of the receiver position.

When throwing a block, remember the defender’s run support keys. If the defender is on the edge, he has to keep his outside shoulder free to eliminate getting sealed from the sideline. For our purposes here, you will need to remember three basic concepts for the defender (assume cornerback) in a run support role: Force the offensive player towards the middle of the field, go through the receiver to get to the ball carrier, and don’t miss a tackle.

Stalk Block: Receiver Blocking Techniques

The stalk block is an effective technique often used when a receiver is lined up on the play side of the offensive formation. The receiver will need to be alert and show awareness to throw this block, as the receiver will need to position himself to be able to successfully stalk block. A common example of this block is a WR blocking the cornerback who is lined up directly in front of the receiver.

The first item that the receiver will need to identify is the depth of the defender off the LOS. A defender’s depth will dictate the angle that the receiver will need to take to put himself in proper position. This will also dictate the aiming point for the receiver as he attempts to block the defender. A defender playing closer to the LOS is more likely to be able to rip through a receiver and get to the football. Hence, the receiver will want to run at the defender (he may even use the defender’s inside shoulder as an aiming point) to assure that he keeps his body between the football and the defender.

Rule of Thumb: The receiver will also want to identify the technique that the defender is playing, as a defender playing a slide step will be able to look into the backfield and make a run-read quicker than a defender dropping into a straight backpedal. Typically, a defender playing a backpedal technique will be focused on the receiver and is more likely playing man as opposed to a defender playing the slide step.

Rule of Thumb: Regardless of the attack point chosen (whether outside the defender’s numbers or the middle of his body), the receiver must assure that he gets himself in the best position to eliminate his defender from the play. His goal is to close the defender’s cushion quickly yet under control. When the receiver is within a yard or two, he will break down, squatting to put his hips at a lower elevation than the defender’s. Remember this, in football the low man ALWAYS wins, as the sport centers around basic leverage.

Once the receiver is close to the defender, he will assure that he is under control and will mirror the defender. By mirroring the defender (similar to the technique a basketball defender uses when guarding his offensive opponent), the receiver can maintain proper body control AND maintain his position between the defender and the ball carrier. Often, a slide technique is used by the receiver to position and reposition himself based on the defender’s movements.

As the defender approaches on a run-read, the receiver will maintain an optimal leverage position (keeping a low center of gravity) and will get into the defender’s body. The receiver will then “seal” his block by turning the defender either towards the sideline or towards the middle of the field. By sealing off the defender, the receiver creates a running alley for the ball carrier. Running backs are coached to watch the receiver, identify which direction the seal will occur, then cut off the blocker’s butt on the seal side.

The goal for the receiver is to engage the defender, get into his body, turn the defender, the drive, drive, drive. Once engaged, the receiver cannot be complacent to simply keep the defender at bay. He MUST show some leg drive and keep his legs moving to push the defender around.

Running off a Defender: Receiver Blocking Techniques

This technique is really straight forward. The receiver (through coverage recognition or through in-game experience) is 100% positive that the defender is focused on him (usually, this is a straight-man read). The receiver then fires off the LOS and runs a fade route, being sure to run his route at least 2 yards outside of the defender to the boundary side. Since the defender is focusing solely on the receiver, he will turn with the receiver and run with him down the field, effectively eliminating him from providing run support. The receiver should only try this if he absolutely knows the defender will turn and run with him. Otherwise, he should revert to the stalk block described above.

Crack Back Block: Receiver Blocking Techniques

A designed crack back by a receiver involves the receiver blocking a linebacker or a safety, from the outside-in, who usually doesnt see him coming until its too late. These blocks also usually involve an offensive play designed to go outside of the tackles. At the snap of the ball, the play quickly moves to the outside. The linebacker is reading the lateral run and tries to position himself outside to make the stop. The receiver runs something similar to a slant route, decleating the unsuspecting linebacker who is naturally drifting towards the boundary due to play design.

The receiver wants to get off the ball and immediately move towards the middle of the field. The receiver then needs to identify his target and put himself in the linebacker/defender’s path of movement. Immediately before contact, the receiver needs to be under control. He will lower his center of gravity and explode into (and through) the linebacker at impact. The result is the linebacker laying on his back, eliminating a playside tackler for the ball carrier. We should note that the execution of this block should be fairly rare. The corner should recognize the potential for a crack back as soon as he reads run and sees the receiver coming across the field. The defender will then warn his teammate of the crack back by screaming “Crack, Crack”. Trust me, a linebacker hearing these words will get his head on a swivel because being on the receiving end of one of these is painful.

To combat this, a defensive coach will teach OLBs to take a “crackback” alignment presnap. The LB is taught to line up close to the LOS and will square his body up facing the QB or the RBs. This basically takes the possibility of a crack block out of play because a) the WR would have to come behind the LOS to get in front of the LB and b) because you can’t execute a block into his back. That WR has to turn the LB or wait for him to turn to face before he can block him, or it is a penalty.

Crack back blocks also occur downfield. Often a defender will be trailing a play or coming across the field to try to make a play. In such a scenario, the defender is solely focused on the ball carrier. The downfield receiver identifies this and throws a vicious block on the unsuspecting defender.

There have been rule changes on the legality of this block, but I see them as a gray area and will describe the block as though such changes do not exist. I will also note that this block is a potential KO shot and can involve a severe collision for the player receiving the block.

Other notes: Receiver Blocking Techniques

Often, a smart receiver can take his man out of the play without even making contact with the defender. If the receiver is the playside receiver and recognizes that the defender across from him is in man coverage, the receiver can run a fly route towards the defender’s outside shoulder to get the defender to turn away from the play and run with the receiver. This is also effective in some Cover 3 and Cover 4 looks as well, as the defender has to respect the receiver’s deep threat IF he cannot read a run play quickly enough.

If the defender is utilizing a backpedal technique, the receiver should attack the defender just outside of his jersey number. The defender here is more likely to turn with the receiver, thus putting his back to the LOS. If the receiver realizes the defender is playing hard man and can get him to open his hips, he may wish to utilize the “Running off a Defender” technique. If the defender is playing a slide technique, he will be watching what is going on in the backfield AND the receiver. In the case of a “soft corner”, the receiver should attack the middle to inside of the defender off the LOS. In the case of a “hard corner”, the receiver HAS TO attack the middle to inside of the defender off the LOS. If the defender is playing further (7 yards or more) off the ball, the receiver has more room to work and should attack–aiming point to which the receiver should try to initiate contact–the outside the defender’s jersey number, especially if the play is a wide run (i.e., toss sweep or something similar). Otherwise, the receiver cannot allow the defender to get inside and thus must attack the middle of the defender because he cannot chance the defender using speed/balance to get around the blocker.

10 Simple Evening Snacks for Football Players

Posted by SPW

Check out this great article on “10 Simple Evening Snacks for Football Players” written By Jenn Stranzl Sports Performance Nutritionist, RD, CISSN

” As an athlete, it is important to fuel your body every 3-4 hours. This is much different than the saying “You shouldn’t eat anything beyond 7PM.” Choosing a balanced evening snack is to your advantage because of the body’s demands as an athlete. For example, it is essential as an athlete to stock up your muscles with glycogen (the stored form of carbohydrate) well before practice/performance. Kind of like going on a road trip, you need to fuel up before going for the long haul. Make sure an evening snack includes both carbohydrate, protein, and may also include a small amount of fat.
1.1 glass of low-fat chocolate milk and a banana
2.One bagel with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese
3.1 bowl of cereal with low-fat or skim milk
4.1 medium fruit with low or non-fat yogurt, topped with almonds
5.½ turkey or lean ham sandwich with lettuce, tomato, mustard, and one slice of cheese or ½ peanut butter and jelly sandwich
6.One bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit
7.1 ½ graham cracker sheets (OR 12-grain bread) topped with peanut butter and sliced banana
8.¼ cup of mixed nuts with ¼ cup of dried fruit
9.1 granola bar and a cup of low-fat yogurt
10.1 low-fat string cheese and 2 ounces of crackers

Or, you may also mix and match one carbohydrate and protein source from each box to make the proper Evening Snacks for Football Players:

Carbohydrate
•Banana
•2 tbsp peanut butter
•Handful of nuts (any)
•2 tbsp low-fat cream cheese
•1 slice cheese
•1-2 ounces of lean deli meat (turkey, ham, etc.)
•1 cup low-fat yogurt
•1 cup low-fat milk
•½ cup cottage cheese
•1 cup chocolate milk
•1 low-fat string cheese
•½ can of albacore tuna (in water)
•1 cup soy milk

WITH ….

Protein
•¼ cup dried fruit
•Granola bar
•1 handful of animal crackers
•1 cup whole-grain cereal
•1 handful of pretzels
•1 bagel
•1 english muffin
•1 slice toast
•1 pita
•Cup of fresh fruit
•1 cup 100% fruit juice
•1 packet of oatmeal
•1-2 ounces of crackers
•4 Fig Newtons

Also make sure you always are on top of your fluid intake. With a Evening Snacks for Football Players, drink a glass of water to help yourself keep hydrated. ”

Having a dominating defensive line is a must if you are trying to establish a solid defense.  Far too many youth football coaches ignore the defensive line and look to hide their weaker players here.  What a mistake!  Use these Defensive Line Drills to sharpen up these players.

Check out this article from Sean McCormick teaching Defensive Line Drills and you how use the blocking sled on a daily basis to make your defensive line better.

Every Day Defensive Line Drills for the Defensive Line
From Sean McCormick

Every Day Drills (EDD’s) offer a great way for defensive line coaches to get the most out of practice time while keeping the players’ interest. Introduce players to these Defensive Line Drills and explain the fundamental focus of each drill. Choose two or three of these Defensive Line Drills daily to sharpen the player’ skills.

6 Point
Players are positioned in a six-point stance (Hands/Knees/Toes on ground). The buttocks of players should be touching their heels (as close as possible). On the whistle/ball simulation, players are to explode out of this stance – rolling the hips and firing arms out as if attacking o-lineman. Have players land on chest and stomach. Watch for proper firing out hip roll techniques. Also, make sure hands are ready to attack lineman with the thumb and forefinger forming a “V.” The forefinger is pointing upward. Players tend to point thumbs up, which can cause greater stress to wrist when the player strikes with the punch. Have players fire out and recoil (back in 6 pt.) until they pass a predetermined end point (10-15 yards downfield).

Purpose of the Defensive Line Drills: It creates muscle memory on proper hip roll and striking out with arms, and also conditions players’ stomachs for hits as they are landing on the ground. It also stretches the quad muscles.

Trap Defensive Line Drills
The defensive line faces the offensive line. A coach will instruct the offensive players to:

•Down Block – the line blocks at an angle towards the inside or outside of the opposing defensive lineman.
•Block Head-On – each player fires out to block the defensive lineman directly in front of him.
•Trap Block – an offensive player “steps” behind the center and runs to block a purposely unblocked defender who is “trapped” to believe no one is blocking him.
The defensive line has to react to each of the blocks. If an offensive lineman down blocks, the defender must read it quickly and get into position for taking on the trap block with a wrong-arm technique. This is a full speed drill.

Purpose of the Drill: This drill familiarizes defensive linemen with blocking methods used by opposing offenses.

Push-Pull-Rip Defensive Line Drills
A defensive player lines up facing an offensive blocker. On the snap of ball, the defender is to strike/punch (remember the “V” hand position), and proceed to use PUSH-PULL technique (One hand pulls the offensive player toward him, while the other hand pushes that side of player away from him.). The defensive player uses the Rip move to the “away” side.

Purpose of the Drill: It teaches the proper Push/Pull/Rip technique.

Club-Rip Defensive Line Drills
A defensive player lines up facing an offensive blocker. On snap of the ball, the defender fires out and uses the Club (quick closed hand punch of one side of blocker) move, quickly followed by a Rip from opposite arm.

Purpose of the Drill: It teaches the player a companion rush move to the Push/Pull/Rip technique.

Double Team Defensive Line Drills
A defensive lineman lines straight up on an offensive player. A second offensive player lines up next to first offensive player. On command, a double team block, a head-on block, or a down block will be performed. The defender must recognize which of the three blocks is being attempted. If it is a double team, he rips into double team and “gets skinny” by twisting upper body to make his shoulder pads perpendicular to the offensive linemen. The objective is to split the defenders, and get through to make the tackle. The defensive player must work on quick recognition. If he cannot split the double team block, the defender will create a pile-up by dropping to his knees while pulling down on the blockers jersey front/shoulder pads.

Purpose of the Drill: It simulates game-like conditions, teaching the player quick recognition of blocks, and preventing a successful double team block.

Pass Rush Defensive Line Drills: A defensive lineman lines straight up on an offensive player. At the ball snap, the defender practices the Bull Rush, Rip, Push-Pull-Rip, and Club-Rip techniques while staying in pass rush lane.

Purpose of the Drill: Defensive players perfect their pass rush techniques, and learn to locate the quarterback quickly.

Coaching Suggestion
Use a football-on-a-stick to simulate the football snap instead of blowing a whistle. This conditions defensive linemen to watch the ball being snapped by the center. (Slice a small wedge out of a sponge-like football, place the end of a yard stick into the opening, and duct tape the yard stick to the football. Angle the stick to make it easier for the coach to simulate the snap.)

If you can get a coach to dedicate to your defensive line, I will guarantee that your team will become a more dominate force in your league using these Defensive Line Drills.

Image by alschim via Flickr

Here’s a great Youth Football Organizational Checklist from Jerry Campbell‘s football forum.  This Youth Football Organizational Checklist will keep you organized which is of utmost importance when coaching a youth football tem.

Give this a good look and feel free to make changes to fit your unique situation.

OFFENSE: GENERAL STRUCTURE Youth Football Organizational Checklist

Huddle alignment, information conveyed by QB, procedure for breaking huddle.
How plays are to be communicated to QB. Substitutions or signals (hand signals from sideline, wristbands, etc.).
Snap Count (cadence).
Audible System.
Formations & Alignment.
Personnel Groupings.
Numbering System.
Motion – Receivers & Backs.
Defensive technique numbering system.
Stance & Start – First steps

OFFENSIVE POSITIONS – The following position assignments should be covered on a daily basis;
Centers
Stance / Gripping the ball / Snap & exchange with QB / Steps / Blocks
Ace, Duece and Trey combinations
Mollie / Collie
Set the huddle

Linemen
Blocks: Base
Drive
Reach
Down
Trap
Log (Hook)
Combo’s (Ace, Duece, Trey)
Zone (Inside – Outside)
Scoop or Zone (Backside)

Pass Protection:
3 step drop (90-91 series).
5 step drop (60 – 61 series).
Play Action (100 series) – To or away.
Sprint Out (80 – Right, 81 Left).
Screens – To or away.
Assignments – Run & Pass (To or away).

Tight Ends: (Same as linemen plus…)
How to carry the football.
How to catch the football.
Pass Routes.
Releases for routes.

Running Backs:
How to carry the football. Left & right.
How to catch the football.
How to key blocks as to where to run.
Blocks: Lead / Kick out / Load / Perimeter / Pass Protection Blocks
Assignments: Ball to or Ball away.

Quarterbacks:
Stance
Snap & exchange with center.
Snap count / clear – assertive – slow.
Gripping the ball / ball position.
First steps.
Handoffs / ball position.
How to carry the ball.
Faking.
Mesh If Applicable.
Throwing motion. Entire body (not just arm movement).
Pitch – Option motion. Left & Right.
Defensive fronts & adjustments to formations.
Defensive secondary alignments & adjustments to formations.

Pass Drops:
One Step.
Three step.
Five step.
Seven Step.
Sprint out.
Play action.
Boots
Screens
Draws
Assignments: Run / Pass

DEFENSE: GENERAL STRUCTURE
Huddle
No Huddle
Formations and adjustments to them.
Motion and adjustment to it.
Signals for defensive calls.
No huddle offenses adjustments.
Personnel groupings.
Sideline organization.

DEFENSIVE POSITIONS Youth Football Organizational Checklist
Down Linemen:
Stance & Alignment.
Gap control.
Keys.
First step and blow delivery.
Reaction to different blocks:
Drive / reach / down / trap / zone / scoop (backside)
Pass rush techniques.
Line stunts. Pass or Run.
Contain responsibilities.
Tackling & pursuit drills.

Linebackers:
Stance & Alignment.
Gap control.
Keys.
First step and blow delivery.
Reaction to blocks and backfield action:
Drive / reach or zone / down / trap / pass protection.
Reaction to different types of passes and protection.
Pass drops and coverage’s.
Stunts – run or pass stunts.
Contain responsibilities.
Tackling & pursuit drills.

Secondary:
Stance & Alignment.
Sideline, hash marks, and field position adjustments.
Keys.
Coverage’s: Zone (concept behind it). Man. Combination of zone & man.
First steps.
Reaction to pass routes or run.
Techniques vs. run blocks.
Techniques vs. pass routes.
Different alignment adjustments for certain coverage’s. Press drills.
Contain drills.
Tackling drills & pursuit drills.
Stunts.

KICKING GAME:

Regular Punt, Spread Punt & Coverage
Tight Punt & Coverage
Alignment and technique.
Center Snap
Punter
Quick Kick & Coverage
Fake Punt Run / Pass
Reaction to blocked punt.
Rules
Punt Return Youth Football Organizational Checklist
Alignment and technique.
Field Ball, Fair Catch
Right – Left – Middle – Reverse
Punt Block
Rules
One or Two Returners Deep?
Hold Up?

Kickoff
Alignment and technique.
Kicker : Deep Onside – High Onside – Squibb
Pooch
Coverage
Kickoff After Safety
Rules
Harsh Marks or Middle Kick

Kickoff Return Youth Football Organizational Checklist
Alignment and technique.
Middle – Right – Left – Reverse – Specials
Expecting Onside (Hands Team)
Kickoff Return After Safety
Rules
Star Burst
Personnel Groups

Extra Point
Alignment and technique.
Fake
Fire vs. bad snap
Reaction to blocked EP.
Swinging Gate If Applicable
Rules
Two- point plays.

Field Goal
Alignment and technique.
Fake
Reaction to blocked FG.
Field Goal after fair catch.
Rules.

Extra Point and Field Goal Block
Right – Left – Middle – Look for fake.
Return
When to return Kick or let the ball hit the ground.

I know it’s a long Youth Football Organizational Checklist, but I think it is about as thorough of a list that I’ve ever seen.

I have my own methods I use for communicating with my parents.  My way, is by no means the only way of introducing yourself to the parents.  Some coaches are “over the top” parent friendly, while other barely grunt at the parents.  I believe in a happy medium.  Here’s another coaches thought regarding the Youth Football Parent Meeting.

By Marty Schupak
Youth Sports Club

When most youth coaches think of preseason preparation, they envision grueling conditioning, long stretching sessions, creative new plays and strategies, understanding team dynamics, and attending league meetings. One topic that belongs on that list is what I call a “Youth Football Parent Meeting.”

Each sports season, I organize a Youth Football Parent Meeting before we step on the field. I make this meeting a requirement and ask that at least one parent from each family attend. During the meeting, I lay out my goals and expectations for the season and explain to parents how I run my practices. I always leave a fair amount of time for a question-and-answer period. In anticipation of the parents’ meeting, I print a handout of approximately three to four pages, which lists all of the members of the team and coaching staff, each player and coach’s phone number, a brief list of my coaching philosophies, and some organizational items.

People might say, “Well this is only youth sports. It’s not high school.” This is true, but I have learned over the years that a parents meeting will make for a better run season for the kids, the parents and the coaches.

One of the key topics I cover during a Youth Football Parent Meeting is how I expect players to arrive at least 45 minutes before the start of a game. It’s important to set this expectation early and also to explain that you are especially appreciative to parents who have very busy schedules either with other children or with regards to competing priorities (karate, music lessons, school work, car pools, etc).

I also like to address what is most important for the parents. In youth football, playing time is an issue and an explanation from the coach should be covered. Many football leagues will have their own playing time requirements and if yours does, explain the policy to the parents during the Youth Football Parent Meeting.

In soccer, playing time as well as position play are two of the biggest concerns to parents. In recreational soccer, playing time is usually dictated by the league policy. If you are coaching in one of the more competitive travel soccer teams, you must detail your philosophy and tell the parents outright that some players will be playing more than others. As far as position play, you can let parents know that you will try to be a little flexible but cannot guarantee anything.

Another important point I like to cover during the Youth Football Parent Meeting is that because of my own busy schedule, I cannot run a taxi service for any players. Parents must be at practice five minutes before it ends. When I first began to coach, I never addressed this and after each practice I had a car full of players to drop off. As coaches, this cannot be part of our jobs for more reasons than one.

I also explain during the Youth Football Parent Meeting that I’m willing to address any complaints parents might have during the season under one condition. I developed a standard policy of not taking any complaints for at least two games. This cuts down on a lot of phone calls and most of the times a complaint by a parent about playing time is taken care of by the third game.

Since I instituted this policy, I have had only a handful of complaints (and that covers the last 18 years!). It’s a long way from when I first started coaching and I would go home to be greeted by two or three messages on my answering machine.

As a coach, there are a lot of responsibilities and I try to cut down on the phone calls as much as possible. One system a lot of people use is the phone chain. This is effective only some of the time. Another system I use which is similar is the buddy system.

At the beginning of each year I ask for a couple of parent volunteers to help with the phone calls. Then I assign each player a buddy. So if there are 20 kids on the team, there are 10 pairs of buddies. The first thing I tell them is that if there is any question on practice time or location, call their buddy before they call me. And if their buddy isn’t home, call someone else on the team list. And make sure you utilize emails but do not count on them alone.

If it is raining, I call my two phone volunteers and divide the calls in half. Remember, each player has a buddy so they should never make more than five calls and maybe a call back to me. Any system you try isn’t fool proof and during the course of the season, you can expect your share of calls.

Getting players to practice on time is a key to any youth sports team. In soccer, try giving the players numbers as they come and No. 1 will be the first player in all shooting drills. In football, the first three players to arrive at practice will be team captains for that particular practice, will lead the team in warm ups and get a star on their helmet. Explain this at the parents meeting and I guarantee they will make an effort to get their kids to practice on time.

Once I began running Youth Football Parent Meeting, I found that complaints were cut down at least 50 percent. Remember, you are volunteering your time and you have a right to make the season run as smooth as possible for yourself, and that’s the way you want it to be for your team as well.

I find allot of what he does very similar to what I do, but in today’s day and age email, texting and a website are much better options for communicating than using a buddy system or phone tree rather than a detailed Youth Football Parent Meeting.