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Post by coachhawk0811 on May 24, 2020 19:01:38 GMT -6
Hello everyone I’m new to the board, just wanted to get an opinion on offseason activities. I will be going into my 3rd yr as a head coach (coaching the 10 yr olds this season). I don’t know if it’s just the area we live in or parents not thinking about football in the offseason or pure laziness, but I’ve tried to get the majority of my team to do offseason training, even just once a week ( here in Utah Mtn West Elite) does really good trainings on Sat. mornings & it’s really inexpensive, & I’ve offered all the rides to and from & can’t get more than 2 kids to do it ( besides my own two). I’ve put stuff on team snap when we go to our local high school to do workouts & still can’t even get a response. I’m very frustrated, I know some kids play other sports but not all of them & it just makes me feel like nobody appreciates the fact that I’m willing to work with/mentor their sons for free to help them individually & to help our football program. Any thoughts, ideas, advice??
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Post by 19delta on May 25, 2020 3:11:43 GMT -6
Hello everyone I’m new to the board, just wanted to get an opinion on offseason activities. I will be going into my 3rd yr as a head coach (coaching the 10 yr olds this season). I don’t know if it’s just the area we live in or parents not thinking about football in the offseason or pure laziness, but I’ve tried to get the majority of my team to do offseason training, even just once a week ( here in Utah Mtn West Elite) does really good trainings on Sat. mornings & it’s really inexpensive, & I’ve offered all the rides to and from & can’t get more than 2 kids to do it ( besides my own two). I’ve put stuff on team snap when we go to our local high school to do workouts & still can’t even get a response. I’m very frustrated, I know some kids play other sports but not all of them & it just makes me feel like nobody appreciates the fact that I’m willing to work with/mentor their sons for free to help them individually & to help our football program. Any thoughts, ideas, advice?? This is a league for 10-year-olds? Like kids in 5th grade? What activities comprise these "off-season" workouts? Are off-season workouts common for youth football in your area? In most places of which I am aware, the concept of off-season training doesn't begin until the summer before 9th grade. 5th grade seems excessively early to me. |
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Post by bobgoodman on May 25, 2020 8:56:19 GMT -6
This is a league for 10-year-olds? Like kids in 5th grade? What activities comprise these "off-season" workouts? Are off-season workouts common for youth football in your area? In most places of which I am aware, the concept of off-season training doesn't begin until the summer before 9th grade. 5th grade seems excessively early to me. At a couple of clubs where I coached in the Bronx, we had spring "clinics" that were weekly or twice a week and mostly for recruiting. For insurance purposes the participants had to be signed up, but no dues were charged and no commitment to join a team required. In fact one club sold the clinics partly on the basis of its developing agility for other sports as well. Here in Newton, NJ we started "spring practice" with the 11Us last year that was specifically for the football team but unpadded. In both places it was also common during late spring or early summer to host one recruiting event that might include a sort of football-athlon competition for each age, like punt, pass, kick, and obstacle runs. One thing I'd like to see would be youth football clubs that play in the fall organize spring rugby. There is organized youth rugby here in northern NJ, but flag only, not tackle. In years past I've seen children's mini-rugby, which was tackle. I think kids who play tackle football in the fall should have the chance to experience tackle rugby in the spring. |
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Post by tomstickrod on Jul 1, 2020 11:13:15 GMT -6
We struggle with the same thing. Where we have had success is in the flag leagues. Putting a team or two together helps keep them busy year round. Also, when we do workouts at a local park every Saturday we target all age groups and even kids that don't play football. Families are more likely to come if there is something for the whole family to do.
Most of the leagues in Florida do something like this all year round. Granted the weather allows it easily, but there is a reason that a disproportionate number of D1 atheletes come from Florida. |
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Post by chipprjonz10 on Dec 15, 2020 13:20:03 GMT -6
Perhaps the kids and the parents want a "break" so they do not get burnt out. Be careful doing a sport year round at such a young age, it might make them dislike it after a few years or resent it. Most kids do play more than 1 sport, which is a good thing. That also keeps the sport seasons exciting when the next season is approaching. Just my two cents...
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Post by bobgoodman on Dec 15, 2020 19:52:58 GMT -6
Our season was canceled, and I'm wondering how successful the club will be in pulling the teams together for 2021. It might help if we're allowed spring training, which was also canceled in 2020.
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Post by kylem56 on Dec 16, 2020 22:10:02 GMT -6
How about letting them just be kids and do other sports? Let them develop as athletes at that age.
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Post by coachcb on Dec 18, 2020 12:50:12 GMT -6
No. There's is absolutely no need for an off-season with youth football. This kind of crap is ruining sports in the U.S..
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Post by coachd5085 on Dec 26, 2020 20:47:01 GMT -6
Hello everyone I’m new to the board, just wanted to get an opinion on offseason activities. I will be going into my 3rd yr as a head coach (coaching the 10 yr olds this season). I don’t know if it’s just the area we live in or parents not thinking about football in the offseason or pure laziness, but I’ve tried to get the majority of my team to do offseason training, even just once a week ( here in Utah Mtn West Elite) does really good trainings on Sat. mornings & it’s really inexpensive, & I’ve offered all the rides to and from & can’t get more than 2 kids to do it ( besides my own two). I’ve put stuff on team snap when we go to our local high school to do workouts & still can’t even get a response. I’m very frustrated, I know some kids play other sports but not all of them & it just makes me feel like nobody appreciates the fact that I’m willing to work with/mentor their sons for free to help them individually & to help our football program. Any thoughts, ideas, advice?? A few thoughts: 1) You will find very quickly as you continue in this profession that the vast majority of the time, people don't care about it as much as you. Not the parents, not the players. Key point that is often missed by the coaching fraternity-That doesn't make the parents or kids wrong. 2) Define "Really inexpensive". Regarding the type of things you mention, consistency is by far the most important ingredient to improvement. 3) You use the term "our football program". As a neutral 3rd party here, is that really an accurate term? Is it an "our". Or is it your program? Regardless of any responses typed here, only you can truly answer that deep down. coachdb I would normally agree with your sentiments, HOWEVER, with regards to kids who don't play other sports, I actually may be changing my thoughts somewhat. With the proliferation of travel ball and other adult led/adult living out their frustration through kids activities, kids really aren't given opportunities to create their own play. So for those that don't play basketball or baseball or soccer-many really won't have options or opportunities to do anything physical unless it is a formalized activity. coachhawk0811 I think the biggest thing is to not have "football offseason" but rather just have fitness based activities for youth regardless of football or not. Once you few it as "football offseason" I think it gets more complex. |
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Post by bobgoodman on Dec 27, 2020 11:13:54 GMT -6
No. There's is absolutely no need for an off-season with youth football. This kind of crap is ruining sports in the U.S. I could take that in either of two, opposite meanings: - Trying to occupy the whole year with activity related to the sport is ruining sports.
- There should be no off-season, the sport should always be "on".
Which one do you mean? And then why do you think it? You will find very quickly as you continue in this any profession that the vast majority of the time, people don't care about it as much as you. Fixed that for you. |
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Post by coachd5085 on Dec 27, 2020 15:28:58 GMT -6
No. There's is absolutely no need for an off-season with youth football. This kind of crap is ruining sports in the U.S. I could take that in either of two, opposite meanings: - Trying to occupy the whole year with activity related to the sport is ruining sports.
- There should be no off-season, the sport should always be "on".
Which one do you mean? And then why do you think it? You will find very quickly as you continue in this any profession that the vast majority of the time, people don't care about it as much as you. Fixed that for you. Regarding your first point directed at coachcb I have to ask "Really???" Really Bob? Do you REALLY have that great a disconnect and inability to read the room to ask for clarification on that? Really? As for your "correction" on my post, now THAT comment can be taken 1 of two ways: 1) Most people who are also in any profession do not care about said profession as much as the person making the comment (I would argue this is not a true statement) 2) Most people don't care about a profession as much as someone who is actually in that profession. (That would seem to be objectively an obvious point). The key reason why I don't agree with your correction is that in this case the topic would be FOOTBALL, which is not the same as the profession of coaching. |
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Post by bobgoodman on Dec 28, 2020 10:46:56 GMT -6
I could take that in either of two, opposite meanings: - Trying to occupy the whole year with activity related to the sport is ruining sports.
- There should be no off-season, the sport should always be "on".
Which one do you mean? And then why do you think it? Fixed that for you. Regarding your first point directed at coachcb I have to ask "Really???" Really Bob? Do you REALLY have that great a disconnect and inability to read the room to ask for clarification on that? Really? Yes. #1 is not true. #2 I think is true whichever way you break it down. Most people don't care about football as much as coaches (probably even of other sports) would. You introduce an existing coach to a competitive sport they haven't even heard of before, and within 10 minutes they're analyzing it. |
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Post by coachd5085 on Dec 28, 2020 11:07:58 GMT -6
Regarding your first point directed at coachcb I have to ask "Really???" Really Bob? Do you REALLY have that great a disconnect and inability to read the room to ask for clarification on that? Really? Yes. #1 is not true. #2 I think is true whichever way you break it down. Most people don't care about football as much as coaches (probably even of other sports) would. You introduce an existing coach to a competitive sport they haven't even heard of before, and within 10 minutes they're analyzing it. Well bob. I will with 100% GUARANTEED CERTAINTY put words in coachcb 's mouth here and say he meant that trying to make sports year round and fill the year with specific sport activity, particularly for youth, is ruining sports. 100% guarantee that, and I would be absolutely shocked if ANY OTHER coach on this site even needed that to be clarified. But there is your clarification. With regards to the second point, in case you needed additional clarity, it was simply to highlight the fact that parents and kids aren't going to care as much about any football related activity, particularly non game activities, as the coach. The one exception to that may be banquets LOL. |
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Post by coachcb on Dec 28, 2020 13:15:55 GMT -6
Youth football should have, AT MOST, two seasons; the fall and then MAYBE the 7 vs 7 flag league in the spring. And that spring 7 vs 7 better not be pushed on the kids as there's other sports for them to enjoy during that time.
Anything above that is just feeding youth coach egos and not thinking about the kids' physical, emotional or social well-being.
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Post by bobgoodman on Dec 29, 2020 13:24:53 GMT -6
Yes. #1 is not true. #2 I think is true whichever way you break it down. Most people don't care about football as much as coaches (probably even of other sports) would. You introduce an existing coach to a competitive sport they haven't even heard of before, and within 10 minutes they're analyzing it. Well bob. I will with 100% GUARANTEED CERTAINTY put words in coachcb 's mouth here and say he meant that trying to make sports year round and fill the year with specific sport activity, particularly for youth, is ruining sports. 100% guarantee that, and I would be absolutely shocked if ANY OTHER coach on this site even needed that to be clarified. But there is your clarification. Thanks. Some of my difficulty is that I'm mindless of people. Some one poster could've been saying something over and over for years, and I won't remember who that was or even if it was the same person or different ones. I'm one of the guys who really suffer the day in pre-season practice the name tapes come off the players' helmets. And I agree with the general sentiment that a particular activity shouldn't become a year-round focus of a child. My point was that football, or sports, or coaching was really no different in that regard from any other thing that people do professionally or as a volunteer. People in general don't care as much about "your thing" as you and others of your kind do. |
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mrcnry1
Probationary Member
Posts: 9
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Post by mrcnry1 on Jan 26, 2021 8:47:04 GMT -6
Gentleman,
I would like to participate in tbis 'fruitful' discussion. Let me give you some context, because my situation seems different in some aspects.
I coach American Football in Germany. We do not play football in schools, but in sports clubs. Season is most likely from April - September with around 3-4 teams per league and up to 22 players per team. We usually have Severin weeks between games, sometimes just one. We play 9 man football in the north of Germany. We play in agegroups u10 (flagfootball), u13 tackle, u16 tackle, u19, seniors - these can vary from 19 to players in their fourties, occasionally fifties.
Due to the pandemic, we did not have a real season, but scheduled individual games.
Usually, in spring, recruiting starts. Basically we practice and convince spectators, family members and friends of players to join.
This year, we tried video studies, workout challenges via WhatsApp and all around staying in touch with the families.
I, too, am looking for ways to keep the boys and girls committed to the sport- or sports in general- but, of course, I d love them to stay with our team.
I have read a lot about booster clubs and events, however, I seem to have been attached to football in a completely different way than most of you.
Sincerely, Florian
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Post by rsmith627 on Apr 30, 2021 10:43:33 GMT -6
Have you tried Oklahoma drills in the parking lot?
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mrcnry1
Probationary Member
Posts: 9
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Post by mrcnry1 on May 5, 2021 10:15:33 GMT -6
Have you tried Oklahoma drills in the parking lot? Is this irony? |
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Post by coachd5085 on Jun 9, 2021 6:40:58 GMT -6
Have you tried Oklahoma drills in the parking lot? Is this irony? Hello Coach. Sorry I am just seeing this thread. I am not sure what the coach was trying to say here either- given that your situation is not the typical one, I don't sure why a sarcastic reply came from him. As far as trying to keep your kids interested, I can see that as a completely different challenge than here in the United States since our citizens are bombarded with football and it is by far the most popular sport. Maybe a series of mini camps (like the NFL does every year- currently happening now) might help. 2-3 days of refresher training focusing on individual skill development might help. |
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mrcnry1
Probationary Member
Posts: 9
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Post by mrcnry1 on Jun 12, 2021 6:04:06 GMT -6
Update
I just wanted to update you guys on my situation.
In January, we were in a complete shutdown and had about 8 kids committed to football in total. As the numbers of covid infections decrease, we are allowed more and more on the practice field. Basically, our staff chose to keep offering practice to everyone interested. Many of the kids participated, as this was the only way for them to socialize or do a team sport, due to the lockdowns.
Soccer is king in Germany, but coaches don't need to look very far for potential players. That is why many of them probably did not care too much and avoided being tested, for example, to cancel practice at all.
So, just being there, offering something was part of the deal.
Another lucky aspect is that our club could start on a brand new football field. It is rare in Germany to have a football field with all the lines and numbers and we now have three of them in Hamburg alone.
Since we started practice in February, kids from the area came to watch, try out and join on a weekly basis.
We now have about 20 kids age 10 -13 running around at practice. Season will start mid - August. I am hyped up to see them in action.
Last, but not least, I am convinced that the attitude towards the kids is the most important criterion. We want to offer these kids the chance to grow physically and mentally. Our 5 rules, which we recite and evvaluate at every practice are: have fun, be respectful, team, give it your best (100%) and learn something.
Kids suddenly take responsibility and ownership of the team and doing so, they develop. But most importantly, they can get physical in a way they cannot in most other sports.
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Post by aceback76 on Jun 14, 2021 10:09:27 GMT -6
Out-Of-Season: Offer FREE Instructional Camps on Saturdays once or twice a month. Include a MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER for each.
1. 45 minutes INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION
2. 45 minutes FUN (but competitive) games such as "7 vs. 7", etc.
3. 30 minutes MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER.
The FCA would provide the treats afterwards (hot dogs on grill, chips, ice cream, watermelon, etc.).
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mrcnry1
Probationary Member
Posts: 9
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Post by mrcnry1 on Jun 21, 2021 7:15:51 GMT -6
Excuse me if I offend anybody, but I am wondering what a motivational speaker should achieve to kids who play a game in their free time in the first place?
To me, if somebody who has been introduced to my program needs more motivation, I do think the problem is rarely solved with more talk.
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Post by aceback76 on Jun 22, 2021 8:57:06 GMT -6
Excuse me if I offend anybody, but I am wondering what a motivational speaker should achieve to kids who play a game in their free time in the first place? To me, if somebody who has been introduced to my program needs more motivation, I do think the problem is rarely solved with more talk. Have you ever COACHED? Football players of all ages & on all levels need MOTIVATION (creates all-important MORALE)! If you disagree = simply don't MOTIVATE! |
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mrcnry1
Probationary Member
Posts: 9
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Post by mrcnry1 on Jun 22, 2021 10:07:47 GMT -6
What are you talking about exactly? A fiery halftime speech, which makes the players turn around their lackluster performance and win the big one? I prefer to win games during practice, due to adjustments and thus on because of the trust and confidence the team buillds up over time.
I am definitely interested in any experience, however, I can hardly imagine my players coming to losten to yet another talk when they can play football or even practice certain patterns or concepts.
This might be a problem of misunderstanding, but in my experience as a coach and teacher in Germany, young players tend to be motivated by knowing how to play and by playing, not so much by a speech. It might be my wqy of talking.
Again, I think there are differences in the way of coaching and playing football between the US and Germany and I have joined this forium not to be knowsy, but to learn.
I have to admit that there was one incident where a player attended an online talk about how to visualize success during the lockdown. He then could much think of and perform a proper catch or a correct block. However, I cannot imagine inviting a speaker to attract football players.
But I will definitely use your idea of weekend camps in the " off- season".
Kind regards
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Post by 33coach on Jun 28, 2021 11:27:53 GMT -6
just my opinion... but a youth players off season, should be playing baseball.
if you want to run 1 speed/OL camp. do it. but this isnt pro sports...let kids do other things.
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