Start with simple plays and add complexity only when your team is ready. Four plays executed well beats ten plays run poorly.
The goal is not to have the most plays. By mid-season, aim to have 4 plays your team knows by heart. The older the kids, the more you can add. For younger ages, 4 is plenty.
At this age, games are comical. Kids will run the wrong direction, forget which team they're on, and celebrate touchdowns that didn't happen. Your only job is to make sure they're having fun.
What happens: QB takes the snap, hands off to a runner going right or left.
Why it works: One decision, one handoff, one direction. That's all they can handle.
Variation: Hand the ball to a wide receiver lined up far left or right instead of a running back. This spreads the field out and gives your runner more space.
Coaching tip: Walk through it 5 times before running it at speed. Assign positions but expect to repeat them every single play.
What happens: After the snap, the center takes two steps back. The QB fakes a handoff to a receiver running across. Then the QB hands the ball to the center, who takes off running.
Why it works: No one expects the center to get the ball. Great element of surprise.
Coaching tip: Practice the timing. The center needs to pause long enough for the fake to sell.
What happens: QB takes the snap and steps back with their arm in the air like they're going to pass. A single running back in the backfield counts to 4, then takes the handoff and runs.
Why it works: The fake pass freezes the defense for a moment, giving the runner a head start.
Coaching tip: Have the RB actually count "1, 2, 3, 4" out loud during practice until the timing is automatic.
Kids can now handle a bit more complexity. You can introduce passing, but keep routes simple. Most plays will still be runs and handoffs.
What happens: Handoff to runner going wide toward the sideline before turning upfield.
Why it works: Opens up the field and gives fast kids space to run.
Coaching tip: Teach patience. The runner should get outside before turning upfield.
What happens: Receiver runs 5 yards, then cuts diagonally toward the middle of the field.
Why it works: Short, quick pass that's easy to complete. Good for picking up 5-7 yards.
What happens: Receiver runs 5 yards, then cuts toward the sideline.
Why it works: Creates separation from the defender. If incomplete, it's out of bounds with no interception risk.
What happens: Fastest receiver runs straight down the field.
Why it works: High reward if it connects. Use your speedster.
Coaching tip: Don't force it. If the defense is covering deep, check down to a shorter route.
What happens: QB hands off to a running back, who has the option to either keep it and run or toss it out to a teammate.
Why it works: Gives your runner a choice based on what the defense does. If the outside is open, toss it. If not, keep it.
Coaching tip: Practice both options. The runner needs to make a quick decision, so keep it simple: if defender commits inside, toss it out. Otherwise, run.
Now you can run multiple route combinations and play action. These kids can process more complexity, so challenge them. But always have your base 4 plays to fall back on when things get chaotic.
What happens: QB fakes a handoff, then looks deep for a pass.
Why it works: Freezes the defense for a split second. Creates openings downfield.
Coaching tip: The fake has to look real. QB should extend the ball fully into the runner's stomach.
What happens: Receiver runs 7-10 yards, then turns back toward the QB.
Why it works: Creates separation and gives QB an easy target to hit.
What happens: Two receivers run crossing routes in opposite directions.
Why it works: Creates confusion for the defense. Hard to cover both receivers.
Coaching tip: Receivers should cross at different depths to avoid collision.
What happens: Short pass to a receiver behind the line, with blockers in front.
Why it works: Turns a short pass into a big gain if blockers do their job.
What happens: Handoff to one runner going one direction, who then hands off to another runner going the opposite direction.
Why it works: Catches the defense flowing the wrong way.
Coaching tip: Practice this a lot. Two handoffs means two chances to fumble.
Everyone moves on every snap. Every kid on every play should be doing their job, whether it's running a route, setting up a basic block, or being a decoy. No one stands still.
Master a few before adding more. If your team can't run 4 plays cleanly, don't add a 5th. Execution beats complexity every time.
Have a go-to play. When it's 4th down and you need 3 yards, everyone should know exactly what play you're running and what their job is.
Save one trick play. A reverse, flea flicker, or double pass. Keep it in your back pocket for a big moment. The element of surprise is worth more than running it every game.