1. 4th Grade Playbook

2. 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!

3. 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

4. Offense

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Example Drills

9. Heads up Running Drill 3
Def
Def
Def
Def

10. 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.

11. Passing drill QB Z QB Z

12. 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.

13. Play side Blocking drillDG DT DE
O LB G C T TE
Slot

14. Play side Blocking drills

15. Offensive Positions F RG LG H Q C C Center H Halfback RG Right GuardY 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

16. Backfield Alignment – 2 back/veer
Hole Numbering System
Holes are numbered odd to the left and even to the right
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

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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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”

21. Storm Football
Formations

22. 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.

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

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

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

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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 1 & 2 Base, 3 & 4Base
*Base Plays are quick hitting. Running backs need to explode through the hole

30. R 1 G C H Y Q F Z
Mess Point
Slot Left Base

31. R 1 G C H Y Q F Z
Mess Point
Slot Left Base

32. R 1 G C H Y Q F Z
Mess Point
Wing Left Base

33. R 1 G C H Y Q F Z
Wing Left Base - Keep

34. R 1 G C F Y Q H Z
Mess Point
Slot Right Base

35. R 1 G C F Y Q H Z
Mess Point
Slot Right Base

36. R 1 G C F Y Q Z H
Mess Point
Wing Right Base

37. R 1 G C F Y Q Z H
Wing Right Base- Keep

38. R 1 G C F Y Q H Z
Mess Point
Slot Right Base - Keep

39. R 1 G C H Y Q F Z
Slot Left Base - Keep

40. 5 and 6 Power
* Power plays involve a lead blocker. Z double teams down on defensive end. Lead blocker kicks out Linebacker.

41. R 1 G C H Y Q F Z
Mess Point
Slot Left Power

42. R 1 G C F Y Q H Z
Mess Point
Slot Right Power

43. R 1 G C H Y Q F Z
Mess Point
Slot Left Power- Keep

44. R 1 G C H Y Q F Z
Slot Right Power- Keep

45. 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.

46. Slot Right 6 Q Power QB fakes 6 power and keeps. Follows blockers. QY Q F Z
QB fakes 6 power and keeps. Follows blockers.
Slot Right Q Power

47. Slot Left 5 Q Power QB fakes 5 power and keeps. Follows blockers.G C H Y Q F Z
QB fakes 5 power and keeps. Follows blockers.
Mess Point
Slot Left Q Power

48. 3 Lead & 4 Lead

49. R 1 G C F Y Q H Z
Mess Point
Slot Lake Lead

50. R 1 G C F Y Q H Z
Mess Point
Slot River Lead

51. 36 and 45 Scissors

52. R 1 DT DE G C F Y Q H Z
Wing Right Scissors

53. R 1 DT DE G C F Y Q Z H
Slot Right Scissors

54. R 1 DT DE G C F Y Q Z H
Slot Left Scissors

55. R 1 DT DE G C F Y Q H Z
Wing Right Scissors

56. 5 and 6 Cross-Buck

57. Slot Left 6 Cross Buck QB fake like 5 power, but gives to F back.H Y Q F Z
QB fake like 5 power, but gives to F back.
Mess Point
Slot Left Cross Buck

58. Slot Right 5 Cross Buck QB fake like 6 power, but gives to H back.Y Q F Z
QB fake like 6 power, but gives to H back.
Mess Point
Slot Right Cross Buck

59. 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

60. 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

61. Storm Football Passing Tree

62. 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

63. 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

64. #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

65. #2 Slant Attack DB Break on third step Inside release 45 degree angle
Attack LB depth
Route run the same for all passing series

66. #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

67. #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

68. #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

69. #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

70. * Break both routes at 8 yds
#7 Corner
Break route at 8 yds
Ball should be caught at 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

71. #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

72. #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

73. 800/900 Sprint Passing Game

74. 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

75. 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

76. 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

77. 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.

78. Slot Right 871

79. Slot Left 971

80. 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

81. 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

82. 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!!!

83. 3/4 Power Pass

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

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

86. 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

87. 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

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

89. 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

90. 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.

91. 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

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

93. 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!!

94. 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

95. 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

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

97. Base E T T E S B M C C

98. Angle E T T E S B M C C

99. Pinch E T T E S B M C C