How to Coach Football to Kids

Many people are interested in learning how to coach football to kids.  For a new football coach, one of the best places to start is by coaching kids, because to the teams winning and losing is not as important, so it is a good place to gain coaching experience.  When learning how to coach football to kids, it is important to remember that having fun is the main objective for the children that are involved.

When coaching football for children, it is important to start out with the basics. Here are some tips when learning how to coach football to kids.

1. Keep safety first. To coach football to kids, all of the parents will agree that safety is the most important aspect of coaching. Make sure all of the players are properly fitted with the correct gear. This includes helmets, shoes, shoulder pads, a mouth piece, and cleats. Having the proper pads on goes a long way in preventing injuries for the children you are coaching.  Additionally, it is important to always have your young players stretch to avoid injuries.
2. Cover the fundamentals. When the team begins to practice, make sure to start off with the basics. Before you teach plays to the team, be sure all of the players know how to hike the ball, pass, catch, and do all of the basic skills needed for football.
3. Use a simple playbook. Do not make a complex playbook when you coach football to kids. As the team progresses, you will be able to add more plays, but make sure all of the kids have a good grip on the entire playbook before adding anything new.

Remember, as stated earlier, the main goal when you are learning how to coach football is to make sure that all of the kids are having fun being on the team. If they are not having fun, then how well the coach performs will not matter. Safety and fun are the two most important things to focus on.