4th Grade Playbook

Note to Coaches First and foremost, thank you for volunteering your time to coach 4th grade football. Coaching 4th grade boys will be challenging. Or goal here in the CCFA is to provide you with the tools to make this experience also very rewarding for you and the athletes. 4th grade football will be grounded in teaching the fundamentals. For some athletes this will be their first time playing football. Your goal is to take these 9-10 ten year old boys from zero to playing in a game. Contained in this hand book are tips and tools to help you get there. Use as much as you can, ask us questions until you are satisfied and modify this handbook to fit with your team and your coaching stile. By the end of the year we hope you will have these young men performing at a certain level, but it is our primary goal to have them come back next year. We want these kids ready and excited to play football when they reach high school. But that is a long way off. Remember, most important it to have fun! It is NOT about winning, it IS about giving every player opportunities to excel. Your ultimate goal….make sure every player returns for 5th grade football!

Chanhassen Storm Football Goals Coach Bailey Chanhassen Storm Football Goals Create a culture of family and togetherness for all the communities we serve: Carver, Chanhassen, and Victoria. Teach life skills (more than football) to our athletes so they can reach their full potential Build a fun and rewarding TEAM experience that players of all ages want to be part of  

Offense

Offense 4th grade football is the foundation for the Chanhassen High School program. Coaches will teach the building blocks of the offense. Some of these plays can be seen on Friday nights. 9 man football - Tight ends have been added to the formation 5 men in the box. Every formation requires the center, guards, tackles and Tight Ends to line up 2 feet apart and on the line of scrimmage. We are not allowed to deviate from this formation. Beyond these rules we will organize our playbook around the Chanhassen storm football Program. We won’t be running the plays they run but the basics will be there for our athletes to build on. This year we will focus on three Formations, with 4 plays per formation. Beyond this you are free to be creative. Football is a game of repetition. Get really good at these plays, as each year we will build off them.

Offensive Philosophy As an Offense…… The Storm offense will: Patient and Disciplined! Control the Ball and dominate the Time of Possession! Be kept Simple! Play Fast and with tremendous Effort. Place our athletes in spots where they feel Confident and can be Successful. Prepared to attack any and all defensive fronts and coverages. As an Offense…… Speak the Same Language, and relay the same message to players. Trust and Listen to each other. Find Creative ways to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers! Attack the Weaknesses of the defense by having plays that attack every gap, stretch defenses Vertically as well as Horizontally.

Pratice Warm up – I would like to see this consistent across every age group. What does this looks like – Great place to get lots of Cadense Reps. Team Meeting – After warming up get your kids together and talk about what you will be working on today. Finish with a team cheer. Practice: This time will be broken into the following activities: Big Group drills – drills down with entire 4th grade, players will be broken up into small groups. Break them up by size. Break out drills – drills done with your own team covering paly dynamics and basic skills Team Practice – drills done with a 11 man team Scrimage – simulated game environment between two teams. Team Meeting – End with a team meeting, recap what you covered today. What is coming up, highlight accomplishments, end with a cheer.

Example Drills

Heads up Running Drill 3 Def Def Def Def

Heads up Running Drill Set up: 4 hand pads, four cones, two balls, 5 + kids Space cones 5-10 yards apart. Running back takes ball and runs towards defense blocker 1, Running back steps into blocker lowering shoulder pad and keeping head up, covering the ball with both hands, makes contact, and runs to next blocker Makes contact with seconds blockers with opposite shoulder Attacks final two blockers pushing into them with head up and dropping to the ground Blockers have to keep one foot on cone. Step into running back and try to nock them over. Rotate clockwise leaving pad with cone.

Passing drill QB Z QB Z

Passing Drill Set up: cones and balls two balls per QB. Fill in players as needed. Qb calls cadense, takes snap/ball, 3 – 5 step drop.

Play side Blocking drill DG DT DE O LB G C T TE Slot

Play side Blocking drills

Offensive Positions F RG LG H Q C C Center H Halfback RG Right Guard Y RG LG H Z Q C C Center H Halfback RG Right Guard Z Slot Receiver LG Left Guard Y Tight End Q Quarterback F Fullback

Backfield Alignment – 2 back/veer Hole Numbering System Holes are numbered odd to the left and even to the right 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Backfield Alignment – 2 back/veer F is generally on the LEFT and H is generally on the RIGHT. However, they can be interchangeable. Y Y Z Q F H

Backfield Alignment – I Formation (River/Lake) Y Y Q Z F H

Backs line up directly over Guards Layout Splits Line Gaps = 2’ 1 yard Y Y 1 yard Z Q 3 yards H F F 1 yard H Backs line up directly over Guards

Huddle The QB will be in the back of the huddle facing the team. He will be the only one to speak in the huddle. QB will call the play one time, C will sprint to the line get into the down position. The QB calls the play a second time. On completion the team will yell break, clap and sprint to line and get into down position. Line of Scrimmage LT C RT Y Y Z F H QB

Cadence The biggest thing to stress is to vary the cadence so the defense can’t guess when the ball is being snapped. The goal by the end of the season is to allow the Q to change the cadence every play or two- which will be done in the huddle. “Down” “Color + Number” (for example: Blue 42) “Ready” “Go” Snap Counts: On 1: “GO” On 11: “GO, GO”

Storm Football Formations

Philosophy Our ability to create and operate successfully out of several different formations allows for us to expand our playbook. For example…6 Power out of 6 Different formations = 6 different plays for the defense to prep for.

Formations (5) Split Backfield: Veer Slot Right/Slot Left I Formation: Slot River/Slot Lake Single Back Wing Right/Wing Left

Slot Right Y Y Q Z F H Slot Left Y Y Z Q F H

Wing Right Y Y Z H Q F Wing Left Y Y H Z Q F

Slot River H Y F Z Q Slot Lake H Y F Z Q

Scissors (slot counter) – A Gap Run Game – Install List Under Center Base– A/B Gap Lead – A/B Gap Power - C Gap Toss – Edge Pitch- Edge Misdirection Scissors (slot counter) – A Gap Cross-Buck – C Gap

Under Center Misdirection Run Play Summary Power - 5 Power and 6 Power Q- Power - 5 Q-Power and 6 Q-Power Base - 2/4 Base and 1/3 Base Pitch - 7 Pitch and 8 Pitch Lead - 3 Lead and 4 Lead Misdirection Cross-Buck - 5 Cross-Buck and 6 Cross-Buck Scissors (Slot Counter) - 36 Scissors and 45 Scissors

1 & 2 Base, 3 & 4Base *Base Plays are quick hitting. Running backs need to explode through the hole

R 1 G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Left 1 Base

R 1 G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Left 3 Base

R 1 G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Wing Left 3 Base

R 1 G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Wing Left 3 Base - Keep

R 1 G C F Y Q H Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Right 2 Base

R 1 G C F Y Q H Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Right 4 Base

R 1 G C F Y Q Z H 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Wing Right 4 Base

R 1 G C F Y Q Z H 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Wing Right 4 Base- Keep

R 1 G C F Y Q H Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Right 4 Base - Keep

R 1 G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Slot Left 3 Base - Keep

5 and 6 Power * Power plays involve a lead blocker. Z double teams down on defensive end. Lead blocker kicks out Linebacker.

R 1 G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Left 5 Power

R 1 G C F Y Q H Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Right 6 Power

R 1 G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Left 5 Power- Keep

R 1 G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Slot Right 6 Power- Keep

5 and 6 Q- Power * Power plays involve a lead blocker. TE or T double teams down on defensive tackle (depends on 4-4 or 6-3). Lead blocker kicks out defensive end.

Slot Right 6 Q Power QB fakes 6 power and keeps. Follows blockers. Q Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 QB fakes 6 power and keeps. Follows blockers. Slot Right 6 Q Power

Slot Left 5 Q Power QB fakes 5 power and keeps. Follows blockers. G C H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 QB fakes 5 power and keeps. Follows blockers. Mess Point Slot Left 5 Q Power

3 Lead & 4 Lead

R 1 G C F Y Q H Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot Lake 3 Lead

R 1 G C F Y Q H Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Mess Point Slot River 4 Lead

36 and 45 Scissors

R 1 DT DE G C F Y Q H Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Wing Right 45 Scissors

R 1 DT DE G C F Y Q Z H 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Slot Right 45 Scissors

R 1 DT DE G C F Y Q Z H 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Slot Left 36 Scissors

R 1 DT DE G C F Y Q H Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 Wing Right 36 Scissors

5 and 6 Cross-Buck

Slot Left 6 Cross Buck QB fake like 5 power, but gives to F back. H Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 QB fake like 5 power, but gives to F back. Mess Point Slot Left 6 Cross Buck

Slot Right 5 Cross Buck QB fake like 6 power, but gives to H back. Y Q F Z 7 5 3 1 2 4 6 8 QB fake like 6 power, but gives to H back. Mess Point Slot Right 5 Cross Buck

800/900 Rollout Sprint Series Passing Game – Install List Play Action 3 & 4 Pop Pass 5 & 6 Power Pass 300 Series 333 312 344 800/900 Rollout Sprint Series 817/917 Quick Passes Quick Pass 300 Series = 3 step QB Drop 800/900 = Sprint series - 800 rollout right and 900 rollout left

Passing Series All base passing plays will be based on a numbering system. First number tells the QB drop and the O-line blocking scheme Second number tells the inside or slot WR what route to run Third number tells the outside WR what route to run All Routes mirrored on both sides of the formation Tight Right 312 3 = QB/ 3 step drop 1 = TE/ out route 2 = Z/ slant route

Storm Football Passing Tree

Passing Tree (0-9) 0. Bubble Out Slant Fly Curl Out and Up Dig Corner Slug-go Slam #8 #3 #7 #5 #6 #2 #9 #1 #4 #0

Odd numbers always to sideline, Even numbers to inside of field. #3 #3 #8 #8 #7 #7 #5 #6 #6 #5 #2 #9 #9 #2 #1 #1 #4 #4 #0 #0

#1 Out Attack DB Break will depend on passing series 300 Series = break on 2nd step to make flat player make a decision 800 and 900 series - Outside WR break on 8th step or 10 to 12 yds - Slot WR break on 4th step or 5 to 7 yds Get head and hands around Work flat to the sideline Do not drift up-field

#2 Slant Attack DB Break on third step Inside release 45 degree angle Attack LB depth Route run the same for all passing series

#3 Fly/Fade Attack the DB Break on third step Outside release QB coached to throw high and outside Attack the ball at high point Route run the same for all passing series

#4 Curl Attack the DB’s outside shoulder Great arm action Break will depend on the passing series. 300 series = break on 3rd step (5 yds) 800 and 900 series = break on 7th step or 12 yds back to 10 yds. This route will protect the fade. Attack the ball Keep defender on your back 300 series 3 steps 700 series 12yds

#5 Out and Up Sell the out route Show head and hands on the out cut Convince the DB to play the out QB’s will throw high and outside Route run the same for all passing series

#6 Dig Attack the DB Seven step route (10- 12yds) Sell the fade (#3) Route will help protect the fade Make the DB turn his hips to defend the 3 route Route run the same for all passing series

* Break both routes at 8 yds #7 Corner Break route at 8 yds Ball should be caught at 20-22 yds Route will be run differently out of slot and wide position Always look over your outside shoulder Route run the same for all passing series Wide Slot * Break both routes at 8 yds

#8 Slug-go Sell the slant route Show head and hands on the slant cut Convince safety to play the slant Route run the same for all passing series

#9 Slam Show the slant route Break flat to the sideline on outside foot Keep defender on your back Must have great arm action and feet Route run the same for all passing series

800/900 Sprint Passing Game

Why Sprint Game? Allows our QB to get out of the pocket Puts pressure on the defensive edge players Allow the QB to be a run or pass threat We can attack the defense at all 3 levels

Sprint Rules 800/900: QB sprint out to the Left (900) and Right (800)….QB should get 8yds of depth Routes will attack the defense at three levels Route tree and tags will set routes on the sprint side Backside WR will always run backside post F/RB: Help set edge O-Line: 800 = Strong RT Hinge LT 900 = Strong LT Hinge RT

QB Reads Eyes to #2 defender…if he attacks level 1 look to level 2. If he drops to level 2 take the flat If defense takes away level 1 and 2 look to level 3 route or become a runner

817/917 800 = right and 900 = left 3: tells outside WR to run fly 1: tells inside WR/TE to run 10yd out (level 2) **Backside receiver always drags to middle of field.

Slot Right 871

Slot Left 971

Why Play Action? Protects our run game We must be a great play action team!!! Provides the QB with routine and high percentage throws Keeps the defense honest Can be run out of a variety of formations

Concepts Each play action pass is based on concept routes The routes in each series will be depend on formation WR/TE/RB must know all of the routes Routes set off of the widest WR on play side

5/6 Power Pass Power Pass provides us an opportunity to protect 5 and 6 power We have to be a successful power run team to be able to throw power pass Rules QB: Great fake on power and get depth and get outside…read level 1 to level 3. If Level 1 opens up give him the ball ASAP!!!

3/4 Power Pass

V V Y Y Z QB F H Slot Right 4 Pop Pass

V V Y Y Z QB F H Slot Left 3 Pop Pass

V V Slot Right 6 Power Pass Y Y QB F H QB open to left, fake to 3, roll out right Look deep first, then short Slot Right 6 Power Pass

V V Slot Left 5 Power Pass Y Y Z QB QB open to left, fake to 2, roll out left Look deep first, then short F H Slot Left 5 Power Pass

Storm Defense E.A.R.N. I.T. #bluebelief

Chan 3-4 Defensive Pillars Chan Varsity Runs a 3-4 Defense Chan 3-4 Defensive Pillars Chan Varsity Runs a 3-4 Defense! SWMF allows ONLY a 4-3 in 4th grade. We will incorporate Chan terminology and pillars to adapt accordingly. Make the Offense Earn Points We are a Control Defense (control where the offense goes and how they get there) Flexible Attack Offensive Tendencies Mob Pursuit & Tackling Man to Man for Corners and Safeties

Defense 4th Grade football is restricted to only running a 4-3 Defensive formation. OLB – best athletes. Play contain, need to open field tackle chase people down. DTackle – Big and fast, best athletes, also play contain. Push up field and drive the ball back down inside Safety – fastest players on your team. Last line of defense, play pass first, run second. Guards. Biggest, most aggressive players on your team. Get in the back field and mess things up. MLB – Fast and aggressive, likes to tackle.

6-3 Defensive Positions E Defensive End T Defensive Tackle M (Mike) Middle Linebacker S (Stud) Strong Side Outside Linebacker B (Buck) Weak side Outside Linebacker C Cornerback

Base 4-3 E T T E B S M C C

D-Line Play (End, Tackle) Key your man Play with Hands Shoulders Square Tackle the ball carrier in your gap GET TO THE HEALS OF THE OFFENSIVE LINEMAN!!

OLB Play (Stud & Buck) Key end man Collision TE Defend Multiple Gaps & Help Contain Play run first Rush QB Contain Pass Drop Eyes to Near WR

ILB Play (Mike) Read and Fly to the Ball Play run first Pass Drop Eyes to Near TE/WR Eyes to QB, See Ball Out

Defensive Calls Base- Bull Rush your man- READ and REACT Pinch- Slant to Inside gaps Slant- Slant Strong

Base E T T E S B M C C

Angle E T T E S B M C C

Pinch E T T E S B M C C