Run 2-3 of these simultaneously so everyone stays active. Rotate kids through stations every 5-7 minutes.
Setup: Split into two lines facing each other, about 10 yards apart. Everyone wears flags.
How it works: One player from each line runs toward the middle. The goal is to pull the other person's flag before they pull yours. Winner stays, loser goes to the back of the line.
What to watch: Who's aggressive? Who's timid? Who has quick hands?
Setup: One runner, one defender. Cones mark the sideline about 5 yards away.
How it works: Runner tries to get to the sideline. Defender stays between the runner and the cones, forcing them back inside toward help.
What to watch: Is the defender staying in position? Are they biting on fakes?
Setup: One receiver, one defender. Coach throws.
How it works: Receiver runs a go route (straight deep). Defender runs with them, then turns to find the ball when it's thrown.
What to watch: Can the defender track the receiver AND the ball? Are they looking back at the right time?
Setup: Line up 5-6 defenders across the field. One ball carrier starts at the sideline with the ball.
How it works: On the whistle, the ball carrier runs across the field trying to reach the opposite sideline. Defenders take the correct pursuit angle to cut them off and pull the flag. The goal is to take the shortest path to where the runner will be, not where they are now.
What to watch: Are defenders running straight at the runner (wrong) or angling to cut them off (right)? Are they giving up when they get beat?
Coaching tip: Emphasize never giving up on the play. Even if a defender gets beat initially, they should keep pursuing. Great things happen when players don't quit.
Setup: QB, running back, and center. Line up 5 yards from a cone.
How it works: Center snaps, QB takes the ball, turns, and hands off to runner. Runner takes it to the cone. Rotate positions.
What to watch: Is the exchange clean? Is the runner securing the ball before running?
Setup: QB, running back, center. Cones marking the sideline.
How it works: Runner takes the handoff and runs toward the sideline to open up the field. Focus on getting outside before turning upfield.
What to watch: Is the runner patient enough to get outside? Are they turning upfield at the right time?
Setup: Single file line. Coach stands 5-7 yards away with the ball.
How it works: Throw to each kid. They catch it, tuck it, and run past you to a cone 10 yards behind. Then jog back to line.
What to watch: Who has soft hands? Who's afraid of the ball? Who's fast once they catch it?
For K/1st grade: Throw softly to their chest. No spirals yet. Celebrate effort, not results. It's okay if they drop it.
The key to a good practice is keeping everyone active. When kids stand around waiting for their turn, they get bored and distracted.
Sample 3-station rotation:
Split your team into three groups. Each group spends 5-7 minutes at a station, then rotates. Coaches spread out to run each station.