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[Canadian Speed]

I'm a guy trying to get into coaching a "pee wee" league football team here in Ontario Canada and I came here looking for some information to help me out. I'm new to coaching and I'm looking at getting as prepared as I can be to help some young players reach their potential. Any help from any of you guys would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance...

[dmlevin]

Hey Canada - what do you want/need?

[Canadian Speed]

I need general drills, and simple playbooks both on O and D...

[dmlevin]

I assume you're playing Canadian Football (12 players) yes?

Drills I can help you with:

1.  Pursuit drill:

Get three players to line up at DL/LB/S depths.  Have a running back start running to the sideline, trying to get upfield.  When you blow your whistle, the players will chase the running back trying to take the best pursuit angle they can to make the tackle.  Teaches proper pursuit angles.

2.  Gate Drill:

Use cones to set up 4 openings (gates) in a line (x   x    x   x    x).  Have a ball carrier on one side and a tackler on another.  The ball carrier then runs parallel to the gates until he decides which hole he wants to run into.  The tackler must step up into the hole and make the tackle.  Running backs CANNOT cut back.  Teaches tackling technique, trail technique

3.  Gauntlet:

Have two bag holders with blocking shield stand about a yard apart from each other, with about 6 or 7 guys behind them in a row.  The ball carrier will approach the bags trying to stay low and break through.  The second the ball carrier gets through the bags, the players behind will go for the strip.  Fumbles = 20 pushups.  Teaches ball security, running low.

4.  Pin-ball

A personal favorite - have three bag holders line up in front of a ball carrier staggered left right left, with a tackler 12 yards downfield stationary.  On the snap, the ball carrier will try to run forward in a straight line, maintaining balance as the bag holders try to knock him from one side to the other.  If he gets past the last bag holder on balance, he then must avoid or run over the tackler.  The tackler CANNOT move forward off his line, only sideways.  Teaches balance, lateral agility

5.  Line in the sand

Another personal favorite, and the simplest means of determining who's got what it takes.  Draw a line (use cones as well) in the dirt.  Pick players of equal size/skill level.  Line them across from each other.  The will explode out of a 3 or 4 point stance and work to drive the other player back.  First person to get both feet across the line wins.  Teaches explosion and staying low.