Beginner training plan
Your first lessonSafe, Fun, Fundamentals
Goals
Set culture: hustle, listen, encourage, next-play mindset
Teach safety basics and body control
Establish 3 core skills: stance, ball security, and tackling fit (no full contact)
What I cover
Training expectations: huddle, cadence, whistle, “eyes on coach”
Warmup basics: movement prep (high knees, skips, backpedal, shuffle)
Football basics:
2-point stance vs 3-point stance (age-appropriate)
Ball security: 5 points of pressure, “high and tight”
Angles: inside-out pursuit
Blocking position (hands inside, wide base) without live contact
Tackling fit: “eyes up, near foot, near shoulder, wrap and squeeze” (on bags)
Key drills
Stance & Start (freeze-check posture, then 3 quick steps)
Ball Security Circuit (high & tight + coach swipe + spin)
Hawk Tackle Fit on Bags (wrap, lift, drive for 2 steps—no take-downs)
Pursuit Angle Lines (cones, take proper leverage)
Form Blocking on Shields (fit hands, feet driving—no full speed)
Lesson 11+Power + Speed, Position Skills, and Football IQ
Goals
Develop explosiveness (first-step power, acceleration, change of direction)
Build position-specific skill packages (OL/DL, RB/LB, WR/DB, QB/TE, K/P if applicable)
Raise football IQ (alignment, leverage, reads, situational awareness, communication)
Lesson 4-10Put it Together
Goals
Turn core fundamentals into consistent, game-speed habits
Build individual confidence while teaching “do your job” team responsibility
Add decision-making and composure without sacrificing technique or safety
What I cover
Pre-snap readiness: alignment, stance, eyes, cadence, communication
Individual skill refinement: ball security, tackling mechanics, blocking leverage, catching and finishing
Movement under pressure: tracking hips, breaking down, changing direction, staying square
Simple football IQ: leverage, contain, pursuit lanes, spacing, “next play” mentality
Controlled competition: reps that feel real while staying safe (thud tempo, quick whistles, clear boundaries)
Key drills
Huddle-Break-Set + Formation Freeze (fast alignment, correct spacing, stillness on cadence)
Ball Security Circuit + Contact Balance Finish (high & tight through traffic, protect through contact on pads)
Breakdown & Buzz Feet + Angle Tackle to Bag (close space under control, track hips, wrap-and-drive)
Tackle Fit on Shields (Hawk/Wrap progression) (eyes up, near shoulder, clamp, drive for steps)
Fit-and-Drive Blocking on Shields + Leverage Lane Blocks (hands inside, wide base, move feet, win position)
Stalk Block Fundamentals (perimeter body position, mirror, hands timing)
Catch Triangle + Quick Hands (hands technique, tuck, turn upfield)
Route Tree Lite (age-appropriate) (2–3 routes with clean cuts and spacing)
Pursuit Drill (all hats to the ball) (angles, effort, swarm mentality)
Contain/Force Drill (set the edge, keep outside arm free, funnel back inside)
“King of the Cones” lane competition (one-cut runner vs defender—technique first, controlled contact)
