upward flag football coach training

Upward Flag FootballCoach Training

What we will cover at this training• Primary responsibilities of an Upward Flag Football Coach

• The basics of flag football practices Coach resources to assist you in conducting practices How to conduct mid-practice devotions

• The basics of flag football game days

Rules unique to Upward Flag Football Understanding the substitution system Player recognition through game day stars

The Upward Flag Football Coach

• Prepare for practices by having a plan in place for skill development

• Teach the fundamentals of the game through drills to enhance basic flag football skills

• Teach the rules of the game of flag football

• Share a five to eight minute devotion with your team during each mid-practice huddle time

• Distribute practice stars at the end of each practice and practice cards at the end of specific practices during the season

Responsibilities at Practices:Page 4

• Participate in player introductions and pre-game prayer led by the referees

• Support the referee with positive comments throughout each game

• Know and follow the substitution system each game

• At the end of each game, conduct a game day star presentation with all players and parents

The Upward Flag Football Coach

Responsibilities at Games:

Practice Breakdown

2. Warm-up activity (3-5 minutes) – Have players participate in an activity to warm up their muscles.

1. Pre-Practice Huddle (3-5 minutes)

• Teach and review rules of the sport throughout the season.

• Teach and review the proper techniques for each skill involved in flag football. Introduce no more that two skills per practice.

3. Implement Offensive Philosophy (20 minutes) – Establish offensive formation and plays. Use fundamentals through each play created.

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Practice Breakdown

5. Implement Defensive Philosophy (20 minutes) – Establish your defensive formation(s) and work on assignments. Scrimmaging can also be beneficial in coaching technique and strategy.

6. Post-practice Huddle (5 minutes) – Distribute green practice stars and practice cards. Make any necessary announcements. After practice is a great time to engage in conversation with the players’ parents.

4. Mid-Practice Huddle (5-7 minutes) – During this time, gather your team together to share the practice specific devotion for the week.

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Coach PlaybookThe coach playbook has been provided for you to use in the following areas:

• Explanation of a variety of offensive plays and tactics.

• Suggested skills to teach with a detailed description of how to properly perform each skill.

• Introductory drills to help develop player’s flag football skills.

• Devotions to share at each practice.

• Sticker stars to be distributed to players at practices and games.

Online Coach Resource(MyUpward.org)

The coach resources of MyUpward.org contain everything you need to be a successful Upward Flag Football Coach, including:

• Skills and Drills

• Weekly practice devotions

• Rules unique to Upward Flag Football

• Substitutions

• Upward Flag Football Stars – Game day recognition

The Coach’s Sideline

The Coach’s Sideline is a complete practice guide that is customized to the age division that you coach. In it you will find pre-practice huddle topics, warm-up activities, skills focus, skills/drills as well as the specific practice devotion. These practice plans are available at:

www.MyUpward.org

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Mid-Practice Huddle

At the midpoint of every practice, you will lead a five- to eight-minute devotion during the mid-practice huddle time. The devotions teach on the character of Christ through the virtues he modeled.

This season will focus on three virtues. Each virtue will be the focus of three practices and are highlighted by one verse. Let’s take a look at the virtues and verses:

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Practice Number Virtue Verse

Practice 1 None (“Get to Know You” time)

None (Scripture learning begins at Practice 2)

Practices 2-4 Knowledge And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52 (NIV)

Practices 5-7 Contentment I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. Philippians 4:11 (b) (NIrV)

Practices 8-10 Grace God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. Ephesians 2:8 (NIrV)

Last Practice of the Season

Gospel Presentation

For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV)

Devotion guides are found in your coach playbook as well as on MyUpward.org. It is important to prepare for each week’s devotion prior to practice.

Mid-Practice Huddle

All Scripture verses for the season will be made available to players through practice cards.

On page 37 of your coach training guide is the first practice devotion. If you do not receive your coach playbook by your first practice, follow this guide during your first mid-practice huddle.

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Last Practice Devotion

During the last practice of the season, you will share a special devotion with your players that reviews the season’s virtues while sharing more about Christ in preparation for the awards celebration. No matter when your last practice occurs, make sure to skip to this last devotion in your coach playbook.

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Practice Cards

Each player will receive a practice card at the end of Practices 2, 5, 8 and the last practice.

Each card contains the Scripture verse being learned for the current practice plus the next two practices.

Through these practice cards, players will be able to learn the Scripture verses away from practices and will be familiar with them when they return to the next practice.

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Green Practice Stars

Green sticker stars known as practice stars are found in the back portion of your coach playbook.

These stars are distributed to each player at practice for participating in learning the Scripture verse. Players are not required to memorize the verse individually to receive a star.

Players will display these stars on their flags along with the game day stars they receive.

*Note: The green practice stars should not be confused with the multi-colored game day stars, which are awarded at the end of each game.

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Field Diagram and Rules

The offensive team is awarded a first down when it crosses the midfield line.

The lines 5 yards from each end zone and on both sides of the midfield line are no-run zones. No-run zones do not apply to the K5 division.

The offensive team begins the game and second half by taking possession of the ball at its 5-yard line.

Rules Unique to Upward Flag Football Page 15

End Zone

End Zone

No run zone

No run zoneNo run zone

No run zone

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Down Format

K5 and 1st Grade

The offensive team has four plays to gain a first down by crossing midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four plays to score a touchdown.

If the team fails to cross midfield in four downs or score a touchdown, the other team takes possession on its own 5-yard line.

Rules Unique to Upward Flag FootballPage 16

Down Format2nd– 8th Grades

The offensive team has four plays to gain a first down by crossing midfield. Once a team crosses midfield, it has four plays to score a touchdown.

On fourth down, a team has two options. A team may attempt to gain a first down or a touchdown. If a team fails to convert on fourth down, either by scoring or picking up a first down, the ball changes possession at the no-run zone going into the first down.

A team may “punt” as its fourth-down play by notifying the referee. In this case, the ball will be placed on the opposing team’s 5-yard line, and there will be a change of possession.

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Offensive Starting Points

Situation Starting Field Position after change of possession

After a touchdown and extra point(s) attempt

Offense’s 5-yard line

After a turnover on downs Offense’s 5-yard line

After an interception At the spot of the interception

K5- 1st GradePage 17

Offensive Starting Points

Situation Starting Field Position after change of possession

After a touchdown and extra point(s) attempt

Offense’s 5-yard line

After a “punt” Offense’s 5-yard line

After a turnover on downs No-run zone going into the first down (midfield line)

After an interception At the spot of the interception

2nd- 8th Grade

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4th down - Fails to convert

Change of possession

End Zone

End Zone

End Zone

End Zone

4th down - Fails to convert


End Zone

End Zone


4th down – Punt is declared

Clock Format

Games consist of four 9-minute quarters with an 8-minute halftime.

The game clock stops briefly at the end of every quarter for predetermined substitutions.

Each team has one 30-second timeout per half. Unused timeouts do not carry over to the second half. The clock will stop during the timeout.

A 30-second play clock begins after the referee spots the ball as ready for play.

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Clock Format

• The clock will stop in the final minute of the first half and the final minute of the game in the following situations:– After an incomplete pass– After the ball carrier goes out of bounds– After a touchdown– During an extra-point attempt– For an official’s timeout– After an interception– During a called timeout until the ball is snapped– On a change of possession

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Game Format

• Referees lead both teams in prayer at midfield before every game. • The visiting team (wearing the lighter-colored jerseys) calls the coin toss.

The team that wins the coin toss may choose to play offense or defense first or choose which goal to defend. The other team has the choice (possession or end to defend) not made by the team winning the toss. The team that plays defense first will play offense first to start the second half.

• Because the end of a quarter does not signal a change of possession, the team with possession at the end of the quarter will retain possession after substitutions take place.

• Teams will switch ends of the field at the half, not after each quarter.

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Game Format (Continued)

• Score will not be kept in the K5 - 1st grade division.

• Standings are not kept in any division. Such standings add unnecessary pressure and intensity.

• Each team will have six players on the field at a time.

• Coaches are allowed to walk the sidelines and encourage their players without stepping in the playing area.

Game Format Continued

• In the 2nd – 8th grade divisions, each team can put one coach in the huddle for the first two games of the season. In the K5 -1st grade divisions, each team can put one coach in the huddle throughout the season.

• Teams will use the Upward Flag Football substitution system.

Scoring

Extra point: 1 point (played from the 5-yard line with a pass) or 2 points (played from the 10-yard line with a run or pass)

Safety: 2 points. The scoring team will also receive possession on its own 5-yard line

Touchdown: 6 points

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Offensive Basics

• Only one player can be in motion when the ball is snapped.

• In the 2nd – 8th grade divisions, the ball must be snapped between the legs to begin play. K5 - 1st grade players may use the side snap.

• A minimum of three players must be on the line of scrimmage at every snap.

• Before handing off or passing, the quarterback must have complete possession of the ball.

• A low-profile field cone or beanbag may be used to mark the line of scrimmage.

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Running the Football

• A pitch from the quarterback can be executed immediately after the snap or on a delay (similar to the option play without the quarterback being able to advance the football).

• The quarterback cannot run the ball across the line of scrimmage.

• The quarterback is the only player who can make the pitch. The pitch can occur at anytime while behind the line of scrimmage.

• The person who receives the snap from the center (under-center or shot-gun) is considered the quarterback and cannot run the ball across the line of scrimmage.

• Once the pitch is received, the ball carrier can run the ball, hand-off the ball (behind the line of scrimmage) or pass the ball (halfback pass).

Running the Football (Continued)• Direct handoffs behind the line of scrimmage are legal. Multiple handoffs may be used. After the ball crosses the line of scrimmage, handoffs and laterals are not permitted.

• The 5 yards leading toward the goal line and the 5 yards leading to the midfield first-down line are no-run zones. The no-run zones do not apply to the K5 division. Plays beginning in the no-run zones must have a forward pass beyond the line of scrimmage.

• A ball carrier may not dive. A dive will result in a penalty.

• The ball carrier’s feet determine the spot of the football when a flag is pulled, not the location of the football.

• A player receiving a handoff or immediate pitch can pass the ball (halfback pass) from behind the line of scrimmage.

Receiving the Football

• A completion consists of a receiver gaining control of the football while having at least one foot in bounds.

• All six players are eligible to receive passes. (The quarterback becomes eligible after a handoff or pitch.)

• If a player catches a pass with his knee(s) on the ground, the play is dead and the ball is spotted at the point of the completion.

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Passing the Football

• The quarterback has 7 seconds to throw a pass. If a pass is not thrown within 7 seconds, it is treated as an incomplete pass (loss of down). A handoff or pitch will end the 7-second pass count.

• All forward passes can be completed behind or beyond the line of scrimmage. Only one forward pass can be completed per play. However, while in the no-run zones, all forward passes must be completed beyond the line of scrimmage. Once the ball leaves the quarterback’s hand, the defender can make a play on the ball. The defender must avoid contact with the receiver.

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Dead Balls

Play is ruled dead when one of the following occurs:• The ball carrier’s flag is pulled or falls out.• The ball carrier steps out of bounds.• The ball carrier’s knee hits the ground.• A touchdown or safety is scored.• A pass falls incomplete.• At the point of an interception.• The ball hits the ground as a fumble. The ball will be spotted at the point

of the fumble. One exception to this rule is with the center/quarterback exchange. If a snap is mishandled, the quarterback (and ONLY the quarterback) may pick up the ball and continue play. If a defender gets to the ball before the quarterback, the play is rules dead and the ball is spotted at the point of the fumble (treated like a sack).

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Defensive Basics

• Interceptions may not be returned. Change of possession will be awarded at the point of the interception.

• Teams may run man-to-man , zone defenses or combination of both.

• Interceptions made in the end zone will result in a touchback and the ball will be spotted at the 5-yard line.

Rushing the Passer

• With the 2nd through 8th grade division, any number of players may rush the quarterback. The K-1st grade division may only rush one defender.

• All players who are rushing the quarterback must begin 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Before each snap, the referee will designate the 7-yard rush line.

• Defenders not rushing the quarterback may line up on or off the line of scrimmage. In the K-1st division, three defenders must line up 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

• Once the ball is handed off or pitched, the 7-yard rule is no longer in effect, and all defenders may cross the line of scrimmage to pursue the ball carrier.

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Penalties

• If a penalty happens near the end zone where the penalty yardage would place the ball in the end zone, then the penalty will be half the distance to the goal.

Referees will call all penalties.

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Penalties

• Encroachment: The penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and replay of down.

Defense

• Illegal rushing (enforced when players start rushing from inside the 7-yard rush line): The penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and replay of down.

• Interference: The penalty is 10 yards from the line of scrimmage and an automatic first down.

• Illegal contact (pulling the jersey, holding, blocking, pushing): The penalty is 10 yards from the spot of the foul and an automatic first down.

• Illegal flag pull (before the receiver catches the football): The penalty is 10 yards from the line of scrimmage and an automatic first down.

Penalties Continued

• Illegal motion (more than one person moving): The penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and replay of down.

Offense

• Illegal formation (not enough men on the line of scrimmage): The penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and replay of down.

• Illegal pass (a pass thrown after the ball carrier has crossed the line of scrimmage): The penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and a loss of down.

• Delay of game: The penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and replay of down.

Penalties Continued

• Shielding (a non-contact block that impedes a defender from making a tackle): The penalty is 5 yards from the spot of the foul and loss of down.

Offense Continued

• Illegal run (a running play in the no-run zone or a quarterback crossing the line of scrimmage): The penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and replay of down.

• Intentional grounding: The penalty is 5 yards from the line of scrimmage and a loss of down.

• Offensive pass interference (illegal pick play, pushing a defender): The penalty is 10 yards from the line of scrimmage and a loss of down.

Penalties Continued

• Flag guarding (intentional or unintentional use of the arm to prevent the flag from being pulled): The penalty is 5 yards from the spot of the foul and a loss of down.

Offense Continued

• Illegal use of the hands (stiff-arming, blocking): The penalty is 10 yards from the spot of the foul and a loss of down.

• Diving (diving toward the end zone or first down): The penalty is 10 yards from the spot of the foul and a loss of down.

SubstitutionsThis substitution system is designed to provide every player an equal opportunity for improvement. The substitution system ensures that:

• No child sits out more than one possession at a time.

• Every child plays offense and defense in every game.

• Every child will start on either offense or defense in each game.

• In most cases, each child will play against someone of equal ability.

• Coaches are not able to make unfair substitutions or to be accused of doing so.

• Coaches do not have to monitor playing time for each player.

• Playing time for all players is virtually even over the course of the season.

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• Each team fields six players at a time.

• The coin toss will determine if the first group will play offense or defense first. The second group will play the opposite side of the ball for the entire quarter.

Substitutions (Continued)

Here are a few basics of the substitution system:

• In each quarter, each team will have an offensive and defensive group, and this group will change in each quarter according to the substitution rotation.

Filling Out the Form

To provide an example, we will create a 10-member team called the Hurricanes. Tommy, Chris, Julio, Shane, Jerome, Tim, Marc, Gregg, Felix, and Derek are ranked players 1-10. Both Tommy and Marc have shown to be the two best passers. Excluding these two passers, Chris has the highest skill ability and evaluation score. Derek has the lowest evaluation score and has the most room for improvement.

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FIRST HALF SECOND HALFGAME 1

1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter

2.

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Chris

Julio

Shane

Jerome

Tim

Gregg

Felix

Derek

Tommy

11.

12.

Marc

Off / Def Off / Def Off / Def Off / Def Off / Def Off / Def Off / Def Off / Def

Player’s Name

Step 1 – Place your two best passers in slots 1 and 7. These slots are the designated passer slots and were created to ensure that the team has a passer in the game at all times.

Step 2 - After filling in the passer slots, fill in the rest of the substitution form with your remaining players according to their ability levels starting with Slot 2.

Step 3 – Beginning with your first player in the first column, place an “X” for the first six players.

XXXXXX

Step 4 – In the second column of the 1st Quarter, place an “X” with the first player not in the previous column (Player 7) and continue down the list to include six players total. Do NOT continue with the second quarter column until later.X

XXX

XX

Step 5 – Based on whether your team will start the game on offense or defense decided at the coin toss, circle the appropriate abbreviation in the first column. If “Def” is circled, this means that the players in the first column will start on defense. Continue circling this alternating pattern in the remaining columns.

XXXXXX

XX

XXXX

XXXXX

XXXXXX

XXXX

XX

XXXXXX

Step 6 – To determine who will begin the 2nd quarter, place an “X” in the third column for the player who follows next in the rotation from the second column

(Julio). Then fill in the remaining 5 players. Then, begin with the next person in the rotation for the next column.

This process should be done quarter by quarter.

X

Game 2 - Your Turn

Now that you know the basics of how to fill out the substitution form, let’s practice it. In this scenario, it is Game 2 and all players are present.

To determine who will be the first starter for Game 2, you will begin your form with Player 2 (Chris). Then, continue in the lineup with Julio, Shane, Jerome, Tim and Marc. This will be your starting lineup playing either offense or defense.

The coin toss has determined that your team will play offense first. Using the procedure we just learned, fill out the rest of the form.

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2.

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Tommy

Chris

Julio

Shane

Jerome

Tim

Marc

Gregg

Felix

Derek

Tommy

11.

12.

Marc


XXXXXX

XXX

XXX

XXXXXX

X

XXXXX

XXXXX

XXXXXXX

XXX

XXX

XXXXXX

Player’s Name


Week 3 will begin with Julio

Week 4 will begin with Shane and so on each week.

Substitution Scenario

It’s Week 3 and, as game time approaches, Tim has not arrived (he is supposed to be in the starting lineup for Week 3). He did not call prior to the game and inform you that he would not be present (so you are not sure if he will show up or not).

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2.

1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Tommy

Chris

Julio

Shane

Jerome

Tim

Marc

Gregg

Felix

Derek

Tommy

11.

12.

Marc


X

X---XXX

X

XXXXX

XXXXX

XXXXXXX

XXX

XXX

XXXXXX

X

XXXXX

XXXXX

X

Player’s Name

X

Step 1 – Begin with your original starting three (Julio, Shane and Jerome). For the first segment only, draw a line through the box for Tim. Fill in the boxes for Marc, Gregg and then Felix.

---

If Tim arrives at the second quarter, continue with the proper rotation including Tim when his turn arrives. Then continue with the rest of the rotations through the end of the game.

Continue the new rotation, placing a line in Tim’s column for each one that he is not present.

As you can see, it is important to NOT fill out your form prior to the game. If a player is absent, it is best to fill out your

form segment by segment in case the player arrives at some point during the

game.

Game-Day Stars

Game day stars are multi-colored stickers that you give to players at the end of each game. This presentation should be an exciting time with parents encouraged to cheer for players as each star is presented. Make a point to explain why each child received a particular star.

The Star Distribution Form will help you track which stars players receive throughout the season. Both the form and the stars are located in the back of the coach playbook.

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Awards Celebration

The awards celebration is the highlight of the entire season. This is a tremendous opportunity for you to communicate your love and support to the most important people in the league—the children.

At the celebration each child will receive an end-of-season award. You will receive your team’s awards prior to the celebration so that you may distribute them at the appropriate time.

You should plan to attend this wonderful time of fun and fellowship and encourage players and their family members to do the same.

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Upward Flag Football Coach Training

upward flag football coach training

Documents

practice cards

practice breakdown5

practice breakdown2

players flag football

postpractice huddle

game of flag footballshare

green practice stars

practice specific devotion