How do your youth football RBs know who to Block?
I received an email this morning asking about how do I teach my youth football running backs who to block.
So many coaches forget to teach their RBs how to block and even think about practicing open field blocking which is one of the most difficult skills to teach a young football player. This RB blocking skill must be practiced.
I’m currently running the beast package, mixing in some Angl, and Wishbone with my 8U team. I have some pretty smart RBs at pretty much every position, although I’m lacking a lot of speed and size. My question is how do you normally coach your RBs to block? Is it more assignment based (DE, OLB, CB), or is it more zone based? I’ve been coaching them as more of an assignment, but this past weekend we had our first scrimmage and I saw missed blocks all over the place.I think they are confused once the ball is snapped.
Would it be better for me to call out who they are blocking in the game (#14, #48, guy with long hair, red cleats, etc.), or is it better to coach more of a zone scheme where they just block whoever leaks out of the right side? I would and always do appreciate your help. Thanks coach.
Hi Coach,
I coach my running backs to block assigned positions, but also pick up anyone that crosses their face as they go to their assignment. At 8U, I am sure you saw a ton of missed blocks. Open field blocking is not easy. You must practice blocking with RBs. Make sure when you are doing any type of walk thrus you have someone holding bags for them to block so they get used to hitting a person that should be in the area for a position. And when doing half line make sure demand great blocking.
It helps if you have scouted the game so you can tell them, the DE is #87 or 65, LB is 50 or 55 and CBs are 24 & 33. Or do this after the first few plays.
Hope this help,
Coach Parker
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