At this age the goals are fun, flag pulling and knowing which way to run. Players listen for about as many seconds as they are years old, so show, do not explain. One play is plenty. Every player touches the ball every practice.
Download the PDFThe 60 minutes at a glance
- 0-10 minWarm-up games10 min
- 10-30 minSkill stations20 min
- 30-40 minTeam period: one play10 min
- 40-55 minScrimmage15 min
- 55-60 minCooldown and huddle5 min
Warm-up games: 10 minutes
Two quick games that get legs moving and teach stopping, starting and holding the ball.
- Red light, green lightThe playground game, run carrying a football. Players learn to stop, start and keep the ball tucked while they do it.
- Flag relayA relay race where the baton is a flag. Conditioning that young players ask to do again.
- Everyone has a ball in red light, green light if you have enough.
- Mix the relay teams every round.
Skill stations: 20 minutes
Split into two groups with a coach or parent at each station. Swap after 10 minutes.
- Flag tagA game of tag where the tag is a flag pull. It teaches young players to chase, reach and pull without ever grabbing a jersey.
- Catch and tuckReceivers jog across the field and catch a soft throw, then tuck it away before they take another step.
- Flag tag: hold the flag up after every pull.
- Catch and tuck: hands out, eyes on the ball, tuck it before you run.
Team period: one play: 10 minutes
Walk the offense through one play, then jog it, then run it. Practice the snap first.
5v5 plays: Curl-flat (#7).
- Put cones where each player lines up.
- Call it by a color or an animal, not a number.
Scrimmage: 15 minutes
Coaches on the field with both teams. Rotate quarterback and center every two plays so everyone gets a turn.
5v5 plays: Curl-flat (#7), Man with one rusher (#12).
- Stop play to celebrate good flag pulls, not to correct mistakes.
- Short fields work better: 20 yards is plenty at this age.
Cooldown and huddle: 5 minutes
Easy stretching in a circle, then name one thing each player did well.
- End on time. Families plan around it.
- Give out the week's one thing to practice at home: catching with a parent.
What to stat at this age
- Flag pulls. It is the stat 5 and 6 year olds understand and the one that makes a shy kid proud.
- Touchdowns, so every player who scores sees it on her stat card.
- Want it simpler? Key Moments records only scoring plays, sacks and interceptions. Flag pulls need Basic Play-by-Play.
Stat the scrimmage in the BreakAway app the same way you stat a game. The how to stat guide covers every button, and the rules page covers rush distance and no-run zones.
Tips for 5 and 6 year olds
- Have more balls than you think you need.
- Ask two parents to help run stations. They will say yes.
- Water break between every block.
