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NFL Flag Coaching Tips and Guidelines
Coaching Tips
Create a Fun Learning Environment
Your main goal is to create a fun and safe environment where players can learn and improve. Many of the skills players practice are the same ones used by their NFL heroes, so feel free to highlight that connection to the real game.
Everybody Plays
Flag football gives every player an opportunity to contribute to the team's success. Emphasize teamwork, participation, and the value each player brings to the team, regardless of size or skill level.
Address Rough Play Early
Keep practices safe by discouraging tackling and unnecessary roughness from the beginning. Remind players that tackling is not part of flag football and that playing safely helps everyone enjoy the game.
Teach Good Sportsmanship
Encourage players to shake hands or high-five opponents after games, applaud good plays from both teams, and treat officials with respect. Lead by example. Players learn from the way you handle both wins and losses.
Keep Football Simple
You don't need to be another Don Shula or Bill Walsh. Focus on teaching fundamental football skills and basic strategies before introducing more advanced concepts. Too much information too soon can overwhelm young players, so let them learn at a comfortable pace.
Have Fun!
Thank you for volunteering your time and energy. NFL FLAG depends on coaches like you. Enjoy the season, celebrate your players' progress, and help create positive memories that may last a lifetime.
Ten Coaching Guidelines
Ten Coaching Guidelines
NFL FLAG is for the children. A coach should be enthusiastic without being intimidating, sensitive to children's feelings, and genuinely enjoy spending time with them. Coaching should support children's physical, social, and emotional growth.
1. Be a teacher, not a drill sergeant.
Help children learn, develop their skills, and improve. Personal accomplishments and winning should never take priority over the best interests of the players.
2. Put safety first.
The safety and welfare of children must always come before every other consideration.
3. Be patient.
Don't push children beyond their limits during practice. Young players face many daily pressures, and football should be a fun, positive experience rather than another source of stress.
4. Value players as people.
Care more about your players as individuals than about their athletic performance. Youth football is an opportunity to support their broader development.
5. Encourage goals and confidence.
Help players dream big and set goals. Stay positive and avoid discouraging remarks, as negative comments can have a lasting impact.
6. Respect the rules.
Understand that the rules are designed to protect participants and establish a fair standard for competition.
7. Never encourage deliberate misconduct.
Don't teach players to circumvent the rules or put opponents at risk. Coaches are responsible for promoting safe and fair play.
8. Lead by example.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship, maintain a positive presence during games, and let the players be the center of attention.
9. Honor the trust of parents and players.
Recognize the important role you play in shaping each child's athletic experience and treat that responsibility with care.
10. Measure success by more than wins.
Success includes earning players' respect and helping children grow socially and physically through sports, regardless of the team's record.
Make It a Great Season
Your impact as a coach goes beyond teaching football. By creating a safe, encouraging, and enjoyable environment, you can help every player build skills, confidence, friendships, and a lasting appreciation for the game.
Thank you for being part of NFL FLAG and making the season a positive experience for your team!
