Being a defensive coach, this is a drill we work on all the time in practice. Angle of Pursuit. Making plays on defense is all about taking the correct angle. When going after the ball carrier you should try to see the path they are taking and try to meet them at a spot. Running directly at a good ball carrier is not good especially in the open field, because a good runner will put a move on and evade the tackle more times than not. In the open field you always want to attack the ball carrier at an angle making it harder for them to use a move to get by you. Study the angles taken in this video and practice this the next time you are on the field
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Team Spotlight The Richmond Giants From Miami Fl
The Richmond Giants are the Nations #1 ranked Pop Warner football team for both the Midgets and Jr Midgets according to levae.com. The Jr Midget team won the 2008 national title. I would assume a majority of those kids will be back playing on the midget team.
There is not much info on this team,and the website provides little. However they are ranked #1 so it will be interesting to see how they do this season. If anyone has any information on this team they want to contribute drop me a line and I will update this blog post
Richmond Giants Jr Midget Team 2008 National Champs
There is not much info on this team,and the website provides little. However they are ranked #1 so it will be interesting to see how they do this season. If anyone has any information on this team they want to contribute drop me a line and I will update this blog post
Richmond Giants Jr Midget Team 2008 National Champs
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Mental Preperation By Michael Jordan
Came across this video with Michael Jordan talking about how he prepares mentally for a game. I know this is a Pop Warner blog, but I consider Michael Jordan to be one of the greatest athletes I have ever seen in my lifetime. I believe the thing that separates great players from the rest is their mental state and attitude. This holds true at every level of sport from Pop Warner, to High School, College and Pros
As a Pop Warner coach I have seen players that have all the athletic ability in the world but have poor attitudes. It is this attitude that keeps them from reaching their true potential. This is true in all areas of life not just sports.
If you have a good attitude and prepare yourself mentally to take on all challenges you face you give yourself a chance to be great at everything you do.
As a Pop Warner coach I have seen players that have all the athletic ability in the world but have poor attitudes. It is this attitude that keeps them from reaching their true potential. This is true in all areas of life not just sports.
If you have a good attitude and prepare yourself mentally to take on all challenges you face you give yourself a chance to be great at everything you do.
Monday, June 22, 2009
NFL Punt Pass And Kick Competition
How would you like to participate in the NFL's punt pass and kick competition. CLICK HERE to get all the information needed
The NFL PUNT, PASS & KICK (PPK) program is a national skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 8 -15 to compete separately against their peers.
Girls and boys in four separate age divisions (8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15) compete against each other in punting, passing and place kicking in a fun and engaging forum.
The PPK program is free – both to organizers who host a local competition and to every youngster who wants to participate!
With more than four million boys and girls from around the country taking part in the PPK competition every year from July through January, it is one of the world's largest youth sports participation programs.
Sign Up
Now! You may find yourself on TV representing your city
The NFL PUNT, PASS & KICK (PPK) program is a national skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 8 -15 to compete separately against their peers.
Girls and boys in four separate age divisions (8-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14-15) compete against each other in punting, passing and place kicking in a fun and engaging forum.
The PPK program is free – both to organizers who host a local competition and to every youngster who wants to participate!
With more than four million boys and girls from around the country taking part in the PPK competition every year from July through January, it is one of the world's largest youth sports participation programs.
Sign Up
A Coaching Motto
The coaching staff for the Mission Hill Buccaneers Pop Warner program out of Boston Mass, has this as their coaching motto. It gets right to the point. Feel free to incorporate this in your coaching beliefs
I believe that coaches are teachers first. We have a responsibility to not only teach football, but also develop quality young men. We are role models to the youth in our communities and should always conduct our self with that in mind.
Three of the most important aspects of every man's life are his physical well being, his strong moral character, and his mental alertness.
The All East Football Camp Starts June 28th
Camp is for any youth football players ages 7-15. Camp is located at Madison Park high School. Roxbury Ma
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wide Receiver Drill to Help You Catch Better
Last season Larry Fitzgerald established himself as one of the best, if not the best wide receiver in football. Along with the physical tools he has, his pass catching ability is great. If you look at all his catches you will notice he never lets the ball touch his body. He is all hands. I always stress catching with hands and not your arms or body. When catching a football practice getting your hands out in front of you. Don't let the ball touch your body or forearms.
This video will show you a drill that will help with catching with the hands. If you can master this drill you should have a good season catching the ball this year
This video will show you a drill that will help with catching with the hands. If you can master this drill you should have a good season catching the ball this year
Pop Warner and High School Football Camp Guide
With the Pop Warner and High School Football season approaching, now is a good time to find a camp to attend. I have found a great resource to find the right football camp for you.To find a football camp in your state click here. Here you will find a list of camps by the state where the camp is held and also the age range. When you find a camp that your interested in, click on it to get more information about the camp. I am a big advocate of preseason camps. It gets the kids ready for the season. Also, because you are in shape it cuts down on injuries like pulled muscles.
Here is an example of the information you will find. Some camps will have more information than others. There is a link to a webpage for all the camps listed.
Blitz Football Skills & Conditioning Camp
Monday, July 20, 2009 - Friday, July 24, 2009
Date & Time
Monday, July 20, 2009 @ 5:30 PM - Friday, July 24, 2009 @ 5:30 PM
Address
DEL MAR HIGH SCHOOL
1224 Del Mar Ave
Fees
$45.00
Registration Closing Date
Sunday, July 19, 2009 @ 6:00 PM
Blitz Football Skills & Conditioning Camp
Monday, July 20, 2009 - Friday, July 24, 2009
Date & Time
Monday, July 20, 2009 @ 5:30 PM - Friday, July 24, 2009 @ 5:30 PM
Address
DEL MAR HIGH SCHOOL
1224 Del Mar Ave
Fees
$45.00
Registration Closing Date
Sunday, July 19, 2009 @ 6:00 PM
Brief Description
Over 5 days the campers will take a journey through the fundamentals of all positions of football: Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Quarterback, Receiver, Defensive Back, Linebacker and Running Back. Special emphasis is placed on proper and safe ways of tackling, blocking and good fundamentals at the receiver and quarterback positions. The tempo will be energetic and fun. Each day the campers will also work on conditioning, agility and speed training.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
USA Football Jr National Team World Tournament
Here is something to strive for, The USA Football Jr National Team. Making this team is a very high honor for this group of high school football players.
Forty-five graduating high school seniors soon to enter one of 33 college football programs have been selected to play on America's first national team in the sport comprised of players aged 19 and under. USA Football announced its initial 36 players on April 14 and its remaining nine roster slots were confirmed today.
USA Football, the sport's national governing body on youth and amateur levels, has built America's first junior national team to compete in the eight-nation, four-continent 2009 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio, from June 27-July 5. National football teams from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Sweden have qualified to join the United States to pursue the sport's first world championship on the international junior level (19 and under).
I would love to see the skill level of some of the teams from countries like New Zealand, Sweden and France. I am sure they must be competitive or the tournament probably would not be a success. But, you just don't think of those countries as places that like American Football
USA Football's Junior National Team is led by Chuck Kyle, Head Coach of Cleveland St. Ignatius High School, who has led his Wildcats to 10 of Ohio's past 21 large-school state titles, including two USA TODAY "national championships."
Here is a short video with some nice highlights
All eight national teams will live and practice at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, throughout the tournament (June 27-July 5).
Forty-five graduating high school seniors soon to enter one of 33 college football programs have been selected to play on America's first national team in the sport comprised of players aged 19 and under. USA Football announced its initial 36 players on April 14 and its remaining nine roster slots were confirmed today.
USA Football, the sport's national governing body on youth and amateur levels, has built America's first junior national team to compete in the eight-nation, four-continent 2009 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio, from June 27-July 5. National football teams from Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Sweden have qualified to join the United States to pursue the sport's first world championship on the international junior level (19 and under).
I would love to see the skill level of some of the teams from countries like New Zealand, Sweden and France. I am sure they must be competitive or the tournament probably would not be a success. But, you just don't think of those countries as places that like American Football
USA Football's Junior National Team is led by Chuck Kyle, Head Coach of Cleveland St. Ignatius High School, who has led his Wildcats to 10 of Ohio's past 21 large-school state titles, including two USA TODAY "national championships."
Here is a short video with some nice highlights
All eight national teams will live and practice at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, throughout the tournament (June 27-July 5).
Monday, June 15, 2009
How To Train And Get In Shape For Football
If your a two sport athlete then I am sure you have experienced the feeling of going from one sport right into another. Sometimes it takes a while to get adjusted to the new sport. This is because you use different muscles for different sports. That being the case, when training for a sport you should train the muscles used for that sport.
The best way to train for any sport is to look at what you do when you play the sport and mimic those activities. Your workouts should be slightly more difficult than the actual play to make games seem easier.
Most players don't train for the football season until a few weeks before the season, usually because they don't know what type of off-season exercises work the best. That's too bad. Now that your season is over, it's the perfect time to plan a conditioning strategy that will get you ready in time for football camp or your team's summer workouts.
Training for Football
Playing football involves hitting, jumping, changing direction and sprinting for short distances with short rests in between. That is why the running part of a football player's training should be sprints followed by short rests. This trains your body to respond like it should during games.
Common mistake: Players often condition for football with long runs around the field. These long runs hurt more than help because the type of muscle used to run distances is different than the muscle used to sprint. Your long-distance muscles (they're called Type I fibers) react more slowly and produce less power than your sprinting muscles (they're called Type IIb fibers). If you only train the slower muscle fibers by running long distances, your body will only use those slower-reacting muscles when you play football. Since football requires power and speed, football players should train the muscles used for sprinting.
The Program
Stick to your workout plan year-round, three days a week. Two days should be used for interval sprints; use the third day for change-of-direction, agility, foot speed and plyometric drills, which include jumping, landing and throwing. This will make you more explosive by improving your muscles' ability to stretch and shorten more quickly. You can watch videos of these types of drills by clicking here
The two "running" days should consist of a series of timed sprints with brief rest periods in between (see Table 1 for an example). Each rest period should be twice as long as the time it took to run the sprint. If it takes you 10 seconds to run an 80-yard sprint, you should rest for 20 seconds before running your next 80-yard sprint. Run your sprints for a set number of total yards for the day.
Each week, the number of yards can be increased (see Table 2 for an example). Early in the week, do a "heavy" sprint day by running more total yards, and later in the week do a "light" sprint day. Reducing the number of yards you sprint later in the week will help your muscles recover from the week's work.
Train Smart
A year-round training plan that includes interval sprints will keep you from pooping out during games, and it will help you avoid having to get back in shape each season. But never train alone. Always have an adult supervise your workouts. During the warmer months, train during the cooler parts of the day. Exercise indoors when it is too hot. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout. It will prevent problems like dehydration and heat-related illness, and it will help your body recover.
The best way to train for any sport is to look at what you do when you play the sport and mimic those activities. Your workouts should be slightly more difficult than the actual play to make games seem easier.
Most players don't train for the football season until a few weeks before the season, usually because they don't know what type of off-season exercises work the best. That's too bad. Now that your season is over, it's the perfect time to plan a conditioning strategy that will get you ready in time for football camp or your team's summer workouts.
Training for Football
Playing football involves hitting, jumping, changing direction and sprinting for short distances with short rests in between. That is why the running part of a football player's training should be sprints followed by short rests. This trains your body to respond like it should during games.
Common mistake: Players often condition for football with long runs around the field. These long runs hurt more than help because the type of muscle used to run distances is different than the muscle used to sprint. Your long-distance muscles (they're called Type I fibers) react more slowly and produce less power than your sprinting muscles (they're called Type IIb fibers). If you only train the slower muscle fibers by running long distances, your body will only use those slower-reacting muscles when you play football. Since football requires power and speed, football players should train the muscles used for sprinting.
The Program
Stick to your workout plan year-round, three days a week. Two days should be used for interval sprints; use the third day for change-of-direction, agility, foot speed and plyometric drills, which include jumping, landing and throwing. This will make you more explosive by improving your muscles' ability to stretch and shorten more quickly. You can watch videos of these types of drills by clicking here
The two "running" days should consist of a series of timed sprints with brief rest periods in between (see Table 1 for an example). Each rest period should be twice as long as the time it took to run the sprint. If it takes you 10 seconds to run an 80-yard sprint, you should rest for 20 seconds before running your next 80-yard sprint. Run your sprints for a set number of total yards for the day.
Each week, the number of yards can be increased (see Table 2 for an example). Early in the week, do a "heavy" sprint day by running more total yards, and later in the week do a "light" sprint day. Reducing the number of yards you sprint later in the week will help your muscles recover from the week's work.
Train Smart
A year-round training plan that includes interval sprints will keep you from pooping out during games, and it will help you avoid having to get back in shape each season. But never train alone. Always have an adult supervise your workouts. During the warmer months, train during the cooler parts of the day. Exercise indoors when it is too hot. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your workout. It will prevent problems like dehydration and heat-related illness, and it will help your body recover.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Team Spotlight White Oak Warriors of Maryland
The White Oak Warriors of Maryland are another one of those Pop Warner organizations that has a long standing tradition of winning. The warriors have been around since 2002 and have been winning championships since their existence.
The White Oak Mission Statement
As you are aware, children are experiencing tremendous hardships and misfortunes on a daily basis. Drugs, pregnancy and violence plague us at an alarming rate. Keeping children busy has been a proven anti-drug. Various programs and organizations exist to provide outlets for our youth - some provide recreational activities, some provide cultural events, while others provide tutoring assistance. We provide it all. The White Oak Youth and Sports Association, Inc. ("WOYSA"), a non-profit 501 (c)(3), was established in January 2002 to provide youth with educational, recreational, social and cultural activities in a safe and supervised environment to enable them to reach and exceed their full potential. The WOYSA believes that young people from all backgrounds are capable of making the most of their lives and talents when they are given two essential things - opportunity and support. The WOYSA is committed to providing both.
Some of the Warrior Championships
2008
JR PEE WEE FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
PEE WEE FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION
2007
JR PEE WEE FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
*POP WARNER NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP WINNER*
2006
PEE WEE FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
2004
MIDGET FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
2002
JR MIDGET FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
I do these team spotlights to point out teams with a history of winning. I know winning is not everything at this level. But to win at any level you need athletes that are hard workers, disciplined, and dedicated.
I want to wish the White Oak Warriors good luck on the 2009 season
The White Oak Mission Statement
As you are aware, children are experiencing tremendous hardships and misfortunes on a daily basis. Drugs, pregnancy and violence plague us at an alarming rate. Keeping children busy has been a proven anti-drug. Various programs and organizations exist to provide outlets for our youth - some provide recreational activities, some provide cultural events, while others provide tutoring assistance. We provide it all. The White Oak Youth and Sports Association, Inc. ("WOYSA"), a non-profit 501 (c)(3), was established in January 2002 to provide youth with educational, recreational, social and cultural activities in a safe and supervised environment to enable them to reach and exceed their full potential. The WOYSA believes that young people from all backgrounds are capable of making the most of their lives and talents when they are given two essential things - opportunity and support. The WOYSA is committed to providing both.
Some of the Warrior Championships
2008
JR PEE WEE FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
PEE WEE FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION
2007
JR PEE WEE FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
*POP WARNER NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP WINNER*
2006
PEE WEE FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
2004
MIDGET FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
2002
JR MIDGET FOOTBALL
*POP WARNER NATIONAL CHAMPION*
I do these team spotlights to point out teams with a history of winning. I know winning is not everything at this level. But to win at any level you need athletes that are hard workers, disciplined, and dedicated.
I want to wish the White Oak Warriors good luck on the 2009 season
The Benefits Of Drinking More Water
One of the best things you can do while training in the off-season and all year long, is to drink water. There are many benefits of drinking water. Some of these benefits will help you on the football field and others off the field. With the summer months upon us, we tend to drink more because of the heat. Try to drink more water than any other fluid.
Drink at least 8 glasses a day. Experts now recommend even more, up to 12 glasses a day. To be more precise, drink ½ ounce per pound of body weight. If you exercise or are very active, increase the number to 2/3 ounce per pound. Try monitoring your water intake closely for the next month. When you drink enough you will look and feel better.
Football benefits of drinking water
Less muscle cramps
Water regulates body temperature
Regular hydration will boost your energy levels
You need water to speed up recovery from injuries
Other benefits from drinking water regularly
Improves skin
Regulate appetite
Increase metabolism
Less water retention
Alleviate some headaches
Help reduce blood pressure
Help reduce high cholesterol
Ease joint pain
Decrease in risk of some cancers
Less chance developing kidney stones
Release toxic waste products
Lose weight by drinking water
Hopefully, the benefits of drinking water will motivate you to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. Before long, you will start to see and feel the benefits of drinking water. Keep the habit of drinking water as you get older.
Drink at least 8 glasses a day. Experts now recommend even more, up to 12 glasses a day. To be more precise, drink ½ ounce per pound of body weight. If you exercise or are very active, increase the number to 2/3 ounce per pound. Try monitoring your water intake closely for the next month. When you drink enough you will look and feel better.
Football benefits of drinking water
Less muscle cramps
Water regulates body temperature
Regular hydration will boost your energy levels
You need water to speed up recovery from injuries
Other benefits from drinking water regularly
Improves skin
Regulate appetite
Increase metabolism
Less water retention
Alleviate some headaches
Help reduce blood pressure
Help reduce high cholesterol
Ease joint pain
Decrease in risk of some cancers
Less chance developing kidney stones
Release toxic waste products
Lose weight by drinking water
Hopefully, the benefits of drinking water will motivate you to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. Before long, you will start to see and feel the benefits of drinking water. Keep the habit of drinking water as you get older.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
10 Questions For New Pop Warner Parents
The Pop Warner Season is about a month or so away. It's time to start to get organized for the upcoming season. If you are a first year player here are some questions you should think about.
Is there a league in my area?
Pop Warner has football leagues in 42 states from coast to coast, so chances are there's one in your area. Visit Pop Warner's league finder web page to find information--including contact information and web addresses--of the Pop Warner league near you. Click Here To Find A League
When are sign-ups?
It depends on the league, but usually are in the spring and summer months. Check the website of your local league for more information.
What are the different age groups?
Pop Warner has opportunities for players ages 5-15, and they are separated into nine divisions. The youngest, the Tiny-Mite division, features children ages 5-7. The Bantam division features 13-15 year olds with 16-year olds welcome if they are light enough.
My child has a birthday during the season. How does that affect age placement?
With Pop Warner games being played in the fall, the organization has set up a specific guideline: A child's age on July 31st is his/her age for the entire season. So if your son turns 10 on August 1st, he will still be considered a 9-year old for registration purposes.
Does my child's weight matter?
Yes, it does. Pop Warner combines age restrictions with weight restrictions to make an age/weight scale. It is as follows:
Tiny-Mite: Ages 5-7. Must be between 35 and 75 pounds.
Mitey-Mite: Ages 7-9. Must be between 45-90 pounds.
Junior PeeWee: Ages 8-10 must be between 60-105 pounds. 11-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 60-85 pounds.
PeeWee: Ages 9-11 must be between 75-120 pounds. 12-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 75-100 pounds.
Junior Midget: Ages 10-12 must be between 85-135 pounds. 13-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 85-115 pounds.
Midget: Ages 11-14 must be between 105-160 pounds. 15-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 105-140 pounds.
Junior Bantam: Ages 12-14 must be between 120-170 pounds. 15-year olds are accepted if they weigh 120-150 pounds.
Unlimited: For 12-15 year olds who weigh more than 170 pounds.
Bantam: Ages 13-15 year olds who weight 135-185 pounds. 16-year olds can play if they are between 135-165 pounds.
For more information, check out Pop Warner's Age/Weight structure web page. Here
Are there any other requirements?
Pop Warner demands academic excellence among its participants. Players must receive a 2.0 grade-point average (or 70 percent average) in school to participate. Exceptions are made through Scholastic Eligibility Forms, which are filled out by that child's school to determine whether Pop Warner football would be beneficial to that child.
Are there tryouts?
No. Everyone is allowed to participate and play. All you have to do is sign up.
Is my child safe playing organized football?
Though injury is always possible in any sport, Pop Warner is quick to point out that injury rates are significantly lower in youth football than in high school or college football. That's partly because of Pop Warner's strict age/weight scale that makes sure all the children are playing against players their own size.
Studies have shown that organized football among children produces fewer injuries than soccer.
How many games will my child play?
The regular season schedule is usually between seven and nine games, between late August and late October. Playoffs will follow in certain divisions, and the best teams will play in the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Florida in early December.
If my child isn't the best player on the team, will he/she just sit the bench all season?
Not at all. Pop Warner has mandatory rules of play that requires everyone be able to participate. That means that every player will get in for several plays every game.
Is there a league in my area?
Pop Warner has football leagues in 42 states from coast to coast, so chances are there's one in your area. Visit Pop Warner's league finder web page to find information--including contact information and web addresses--of the Pop Warner league near you. Click Here To Find A League
When are sign-ups?
It depends on the league, but usually are in the spring and summer months. Check the website of your local league for more information.
What are the different age groups?
Pop Warner has opportunities for players ages 5-15, and they are separated into nine divisions. The youngest, the Tiny-Mite division, features children ages 5-7. The Bantam division features 13-15 year olds with 16-year olds welcome if they are light enough.
My child has a birthday during the season. How does that affect age placement?
With Pop Warner games being played in the fall, the organization has set up a specific guideline: A child's age on July 31st is his/her age for the entire season. So if your son turns 10 on August 1st, he will still be considered a 9-year old for registration purposes.
Does my child's weight matter?
Yes, it does. Pop Warner combines age restrictions with weight restrictions to make an age/weight scale. It is as follows:
Tiny-Mite: Ages 5-7. Must be between 35 and 75 pounds.
Mitey-Mite: Ages 7-9. Must be between 45-90 pounds.
Junior PeeWee: Ages 8-10 must be between 60-105 pounds. 11-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 60-85 pounds.
PeeWee: Ages 9-11 must be between 75-120 pounds. 12-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 75-100 pounds.
Junior Midget: Ages 10-12 must be between 85-135 pounds. 13-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 85-115 pounds.
Midget: Ages 11-14 must be between 105-160 pounds. 15-year olds are accepted if they weigh between 105-140 pounds.
Junior Bantam: Ages 12-14 must be between 120-170 pounds. 15-year olds are accepted if they weigh 120-150 pounds.
Unlimited: For 12-15 year olds who weigh more than 170 pounds.
Bantam: Ages 13-15 year olds who weight 135-185 pounds. 16-year olds can play if they are between 135-165 pounds.
For more information, check out Pop Warner's Age/Weight structure web page. Here
Are there any other requirements?
Pop Warner demands academic excellence among its participants. Players must receive a 2.0 grade-point average (or 70 percent average) in school to participate. Exceptions are made through Scholastic Eligibility Forms, which are filled out by that child's school to determine whether Pop Warner football would be beneficial to that child.
Are there tryouts?
No. Everyone is allowed to participate and play. All you have to do is sign up.
Is my child safe playing organized football?
Though injury is always possible in any sport, Pop Warner is quick to point out that injury rates are significantly lower in youth football than in high school or college football. That's partly because of Pop Warner's strict age/weight scale that makes sure all the children are playing against players their own size.
Studies have shown that organized football among children produces fewer injuries than soccer.
How many games will my child play?
The regular season schedule is usually between seven and nine games, between late August and late October. Playoffs will follow in certain divisions, and the best teams will play in the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Florida in early December.
If my child isn't the best player on the team, will he/she just sit the bench all season?
Not at all. Pop Warner has mandatory rules of play that requires everyone be able to participate. That means that every player will get in for several plays every game.
Find Your High School Football Teams National Ranking
Here is a cool site I came across. It is a site about High School Football. Lots of information about the top high school programs in the country. Check where your high school ranks Click Here
Here are the National Rankings as they stand now
Here are the National Rankings as they stand now
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Offensive Lineman More Important Than A Quarterback
Being a Pop Warner coach for 5 years now, I can count on one thing. At The start of every season, every kid wants to play either Quarterback, Running Back or Wide Receiver. I have never had a kid say I want to play Offensive Guard. As we all know somebody has to play on tthe O-Line.
Are Offensive Lineman More Important Than A Quarterback
Offensive line play is one of the most important positions in football at any level. Without a quality line, the Quarterback will not have the time to make the throws so the Receivers will not be making many catches. The Running Backs will not have lanes to run through. The offense won't score many points.
At The Pop Warner level you want your kid to at least have a good understanding of drive blocking. This the most basic way to block. Once kids have a good understanding of this you can move on to different blocking techniques. Now That you know how to get into a proper 3-point-stance, Here is what you do once the ball is snapped if you are playing on the offensive line.
Are Offensive Lineman More Important Than A Quarterback
Offensive line play is one of the most important positions in football at any level. Without a quality line, the Quarterback will not have the time to make the throws so the Receivers will not be making many catches. The Running Backs will not have lanes to run through. The offense won't score many points.
At The Pop Warner level you want your kid to at least have a good understanding of drive blocking. This the most basic way to block. Once kids have a good understanding of this you can move on to different blocking techniques. Now That you know how to get into a proper 3-point-stance, Here is what you do once the ball is snapped if you are playing on the offensive line.
This video points out some good tips you should use when praticing your blocking this season.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Qualities Of A Great Football Player
What qualities do all great football players have. Well, if you speak to different coaches you'll probably get more than a few answers. I do believe there is a consistent theme to being a great football player
A Great Football Player
A Great Football Player
- Has a burning desire to win
- Loves to run, tackle, and block Footballs three fundamental actions
- Prepares themselves physically and is in top condition year round
- Is disappointed by defeat but who reacts to it with a more determined effort and resolve, and not by displaying anger, poor sportsmanship, and making excuses
- Learns his assignments thoroughly
- Never quits or admits defeat, and plays every play as if it is the most crucial play of the game
- Is better conditioned, more confident, and has greater poise than their opponent
- Works on their weakness
- Is intent on coming off the field a better player than you were when stepping on the field
- Strives to be the best player on the team
- Hustles all the time
- Encourages their teammates
ARE YOU A GREAT FOOTBALL PLAYER
Monday, June 1, 2009
Join A Youth Football Camp This Offseason
Offseason training is always a good thing to do for any athlete. The conditioning you get from the training ensures you will perform at a high level during the season. Also, being in shape will also help you stay healthy and avoid injuries.
As the Pop Warner Football season starts to get close, a good thing to do is to sign up for a youth football camp. If you can find one especially for Pop Warner aged kids 7-15 that would be ideal. The price of the camp will depend on who is running the camp or who will show up. If professional players are there it will cost more than a camp run by a group of local Pop Warner coaches. I recommend one with less star power as it is distracting to the kids. However most pros will attend camps geared more toward high school kids.
These camps run before the start of the season. Most are run only on weekends over a month or so, or it might be a week long camp. These camps help you get a leg up on the season as you will show up football ready when the season starts.
These camps usually focus on conditioning like running and doing sprints, fundamentals such as proper stances and alignments, and doing football drills like using step over dummies and working on agility. There usually is no contact, because no one has football equipment. I say usually because some of the more high end camps may.
Finding a camp is pretty simple go to any Google search bar and search for youth football camps in your state. I would bet there is more than one to chose from.
I am part of a group of coaches that run a camp in Boston Mass. This will be our 4th year running the camp. For information about it Click Here
As the Pop Warner Football season starts to get close, a good thing to do is to sign up for a youth football camp. If you can find one especially for Pop Warner aged kids 7-15 that would be ideal. The price of the camp will depend on who is running the camp or who will show up. If professional players are there it will cost more than a camp run by a group of local Pop Warner coaches. I recommend one with less star power as it is distracting to the kids. However most pros will attend camps geared more toward high school kids.
These camps run before the start of the season. Most are run only on weekends over a month or so, or it might be a week long camp. These camps help you get a leg up on the season as you will show up football ready when the season starts.
These camps usually focus on conditioning like running and doing sprints, fundamentals such as proper stances and alignments, and doing football drills like using step over dummies and working on agility. There usually is no contact, because no one has football equipment. I say usually because some of the more high end camps may.
Finding a camp is pretty simple go to any Google search bar and search for youth football camps in your state. I would bet there is more than one to chose from.
I am part of a group of coaches that run a camp in Boston Mass. This will be our 4th year running the camp. For information about it Click Here
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