My son is playing 7th grade football. He is a great running back for the most part, very fast, agile, tough. But he is having trouble reading the blocks, which obviously doesn't always result in the best play possible. With a team of 70+ players, the coach can't offer much individual assistance.
Does anyone have any tips on how he can improve in this area? Tricks or clues on reading his teammates body language, or easy drills he could do with just a few friends rather than a whole line? Or even any helpful literature we could check out. Thanks for your help!
2007-08-23 13:58:58 · 4 answers · asked by MorgaineMichele 2 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
I'm not sure I understand. There's supposed to be a hole in the line, where the play is intended to go. If it's not there, he has two options. 1) Go through the hole that's supposed to be there; this may be what the coach expects; 2) He bops out, until he see daylight.
Have him clear this with the coach 1st. This way he's less likely to get benched.
2007-08-27 10:23:23 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
His biggest problem may have been in part what you mention...he is very fast. Speed is wonderful in the open field but at his age it often leads to him getting on top of the blockers too fast. The only time he should go full speed into the line is on a "quick hitter" type play where a combination block (not likely being run at his level) is supposed to open a small hole very quickly. The best (and hardest thing) to help him with is to understand that he needs to slow down a bit and give the blockers time to develope the play. Once they get their push (remember this really only takes between 1 and 2 seconds) he can see which shoulder the blockers have their man on and move away from that shoulder. His speed should never be shown until he actually see's the hole starting to open and can read where the blocker is moving his man, then the burst will be his tool to open field running. It is very difficult to get a younger kid to slow down but if you can help him even with 3 or 4 other kids (or adults) to keep the blockers a couple yards in front of him until he can read where they are moving their guy he will quickly see why patience is FAR more important than speed, power, agility. If he can see the lineman get the defensive guy on his left shoulder then he will know to move up the right side of his blocker (he cant see that if he runs right up the back of the blocker).Have him watch some preseason football and watch the starting running backs and see how they actually work fairly slowly until the hole developes and then have him watch the 3rd string rookie who is trying too hard to impress and lets his excitement get the best of him and see how fast he moves (coaches will key on that). Best advice...slow him down at the start of the play...speed and power are best used once he gets by the first surge, it is way easier to outrun or overpower 1 or 2 tacklers then to try to outrun or overpower 7 or 8 guys loaded up near the line of scrimmage. Good luck!
2007-08-23 14:31:21 · answer #2 · answered by viphockey4 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what kind of coach does he have who wouldnt give that info to his players before hiting the feild. he swhould watch his blockers ahead of him and also the on coming tacklers of the other team
2007-08-23 14:08:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your only in the 7th grade dont worry about that
2016-03-17 05:21:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋