How do you start teaching aggression in football to timid youth football players is the Question of the Day from many youth coaches in my Facebook forum this month. It is a tough Question for sure. How do you break the no rough housing or no fighting mantras from Moms and Teachers drilled into our players since early childhood?

Everyone wants a Nice Boy in our modern civilized society. Unfortunately, the Nice Boy Mentality does not really work that well on the football field even in youth football. We have trained our young men well for polite society but not for aggressive play on the grid iron. Teaching aggression in football must start with the mental aspects before the physical.

For many youth football coaches, it has been a while since we put on our pads as 8-year-olds.  How would you feel if I asked you to get in the ring with Mike Tyson? This is probably like how about 90% of youth football players feel on the first day of football practice. Football never scared me, but my Karate teacher put me with an experienced teenager when I was 8 and I never went back to Karate school. I was so scared of going back. I never went back. Try not to scare off your timid players the first week.

Short Answer How on Teaching Aggression in Football

This is the quick answer I gave in my FB forum when asked this question. For more read the whole article….

Turn every drill into a competition 2) Technique must be taught to beat size issues 3) Coaches must be intense not just helper dads 4) Drills must be safe and not just raw hitting 5) Separate Bigs, Meds & Smalls Groups 6) Practice prize for best players at practice 7) Practices must be harder / intense than games so game are easy 8. Make hitting and intense work fun 9) Players must trust coaches to be safe 10) Players need mental ques, helmet on now a Super Hero can do anything 11) Coaches must be knowledgeable to teach not just yell and rah rah 12) Players must acclimate to hitting and intensity expectations Example Drills – Bear crawl races, Jump tackle drill, Tug of war / towel drill, Monkey Rolls, Buttrolls, Sumo wrestling, Tee time drill, Gap attack drill Splatter Drill Blocking Box, Board drill, Fumbled Drill, Pass interception drill 4 bag drill 4 bag shuffle Spider Drill, Gauntlet Drill, 2x2blocking drill, 2x1blocking drill, Ye shall not pass drill over line, RB gauntlet, Half Line

Coach Parker – Facebook Group

How to Teach Aggression

As youth football coaches, we must not scare off new players within the first- or second-day or even 3^rd week meat day hitting drills.  I will say here, do as a say not as a do. I have also been at fault many seasons.   

I have found over 20+ season that about 3% of players will be timid and not play football past one or 2 seasons.  About 30% of those will try Middle School or High School football again when they grow into their bodies. 

Try not to run off your timid players the first week, especially if you are coaching in a developmental recreational league.  I know that sometimes, it is out of your control.  I have been there too, and just last season two quit the first week after looking at our huge Offensive line about 3 times their size.  They never bought helmets or practiced with us. They just quit. 

What to Work on for Football Aggression

1. Mental – Competitiveness / Grit / Confidence
2. Physical – Hitting / Playing with Bruises & Pain / Hurt vs Injury

Who is Aggressive or Timid?

As youth football coaches we must begin the mental toughness training or reprogramming and teach our youth football players that rough housing is OK and expected of them in football. Competitiveness and hitting others while in their football pads is rewarded.

Youth football players in the past played rougher sports in school like Dodge Ball, Red Rover and Kill the Man with the Football. We also used to play Street Football, tackle games football at the park, fight and wrestle with our friends down the street. Now most of our youth players are playing XBOX, Nintendo games and watching TikTok videos. I doubt many have played football at the park with their friends without parent supervision. We have not let them grow up. Most are still Nice Little Boys.

Can you teach aggression to young youth football players?  I’m not sure we can teach them all, but it is doable if they are willing and put in the work the first football season. Over my 30 years coaching youth sports, it usually takes about 8 weeks for a rookie player to Click or not Click into a physical football player that season and some take longer.    

4 Types of Rookie Youth Football Players

1. Greg – Naturally Aggressive, Loves to Hit & Highly Competitive
2. Tim – Timid at hitting maybe a very competitive athlete or very quiet but willing to Learn to be Physically Aggressive
3. Charles – Very Competitive Athlete but Not Inclined to be Physically Aggressive for Football hitting, prefers Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, etc.
4. Norton – Does not like Sports in General especially football, would rather study the Sciences and be our boss one day, most likely parents signed them about to toughen him up.

Who is Greg? Naturally Aggressive Players

A few simple facts about aggression that seem to be common is that younger siblings seem to be more Aggressive. I think the main reason is that they must grow up faster around older siblings to survive.  Youth football players with older brothers that have played youth football seem to be ready for the rougher physical aspects of football.  Youth players that have also played Select or Travel sports also understand the mental toughness side of the game too. Lastly youth players that are from a family with a father that played football also seem to be more in tune with their Aggressive side especially those that the dad also coaches a Sport. Many players that have played Hockey, Wrestling, Select Soccer or Baseball as younger athletes seem to understand the competitiveness nature and physical requirements to be an athlete. Plus, just having another adult / coach besides their parents helps them grow up faster. 

I also think some kids are just aggressive by nature. They like to hit and be physical and then other kids don’t really have that mindset, some will learn it and then some children are too good-natured not to want to be aggressive.  I also think children from much harder backgrounds are somewhat more aggressive especially if their parents were aggressive with them at home.  I had a very assertive and aggressive mother, and my father loved to rough house and wrestle with me as a child, so I was ready for the physical and aggressive aspects of football. In 1972, I could not wait to hit someone when they dropped me off at 8 years old for my first 8U Bulldogs youth football practice; an undefeated Select team in Houston. Of course, I was a fresh meat for the veteran players like Truck, the big offensive tackle. But Coach John Lewis praised me and helped me become Truck’s partner on the LOS. We dominated our youth league for several years. 

Who is Tim? – Teaching Aggression / Competitiveness

I do think most youth football players can be taught how to be Aggressive over time. I have seen many times a timid rookie youth football player become an animal in their second or third season. Some will click in the first season about 8 weeks into the season.  I’ve also seen many youth players quit football because they did not like the Physical hitting aspects of the game. Football is not for everyone. 

I think most timid Children that sign up for youth football can overcome their fears and become good football players.  I’ve seen timid players click around the 3^rd or 4^th game so 4 to 8 weeks into the first season.  Many will click in the 2^nd or 3^rd season when they are more comfortable with their bodies and pain management.  The key to teaching aggressiveness to these players is a progression into the world of hitting and pain management; hurt & bruising over injuries.

I would put many small players in this timid category.  Some players physically mature faster than other players and some mentally mature faster than others. We have had some small athletes that are timid in their first 2 seasons, until they grow into their bodies, and they become super studs. 

On my forum last week one of the coaches posted a letter he sends to Rookie first year players parents. He said he has been doing this with his wrestlers for years. He talks about how his staff will introduce Rookies to hitting at a slower pace and that if they are scared, he will put them in a Rookie’s group in practice and bring them up slowly not to scare them off.  He stated they may not play in real games but will have specialized scrimmages for Rookie players. I thought this was an interesting concept, allowing the players to learn aggression at their own pace without the negative feedback that happens most of the time for more timid players on a Veteran team. Many of us do not have that luxury of time due to league mpp rules but I did think that concept would be beneficial to timid players.

Who is Charles? – Does not like Hitting

I use the name Charles because I saw an interview with Charles Barkley, the Hall of Fame Basketball player and he hated football because he did not like hitting or getting hit.  Some great athletes just do not want to get hit by other players in pads. We usually have 15 to 20 players on a team every season.  About one or two Rookies will quit each season due to not liking the physical aspects of the game.  Many times, stud athletes in other sports just do not like Football. And that is ok.  I am not a Baseball fan.  

Many of these athletes will last the season but some will stop coming to practice and miss a few games during the season. Their parents probably will not let them quit but they are uninterested in learning how to become physical and enjoy the roughness of football.  And then some, as they get older, come back to football and become studs.  Time is an interesting thing.  Mentally they were not ready to hit at the younger age.  And many small timid players will grow into their bodies.  And yes, even some big kids that look like football players are not into football.  It is frustrating sometimes.  Be patient.

Who is Norton? – Does not like Sports in General

Some children are not into Sports and do not have a competitive nature.  They would rather put their time into books and study.  And that is OK too.  Most of the time, Mom and Dad have signed them up for football hoping football will inspire them to get outside more with other children. This kid usually quits within the first week or two, especially after pads come on and a few hits even on bags. 

Reprogramming Players Mentally for Aggression

I try to learn everyone’s name on the first day of practice and start giving players fun nicknames like Super Hero’s.  It goes a long way if the Head Coach and Coaches know the names of even the timid Rookie players in the first few practices. This is a big help in reprogramming the timid players.  Knowing their name helps them respect you as a person not just a Coach. Your players must know you and believe in your Trust, Love, Respect, and Commitment 110% to make them a better football player. 

Usually on the first or second practice, I ask our youth football players, who is their favorite Superhero? I do this because I tell them when they put on their Helmet and step onto the field, they are now their Superhero and it is Ok to be aggressive, hit and be a Man not a boy. We are looking for Iron Men that can Man Up. We want their mind to step into the aggressive football realm not the little boy at home that needs to play nice.  Mom and Dad are not going to get mad if you are hitting players in football the football way like blocking and tackling. 

We also talk about that we are now a Band of Brothers or Family playing the great game of football. That I will always be there for them, that once a player plays for me, I am there in life and on the field. And they should also treat their teammates as brothers and help them achieve success at home, school and on the field. 

Many coaches will pair a Rookie player with a Veteran player to help the transition into football.  So many times, players show up to practice and do not know anyone on the team.  For many kids, just the fear of meeting 20 new kids might be more intimidating than the hitting. 

Young timid players must also feel safe and trust you as a coach. All your coaches must give your players love and respect.  Players must feel safe so they can open emotionally and make this transition from little boy to aggressive football player.  Your coaches must be positive and knowledgeable with the timid players to show them techniques on how to play football, so they do not get injured. Just yelling at players to do better is not good coaching.

We must also explain to new players that football is a tough sport, and they will need to get acclimated to hitting other players.  Even NFL players must go through a few weeks of hitting before they are ready to play in games. 

Football Techniques and Drills should be introduced in a Progression to slowly and methodically teach the timid players how to perform the techniques but also not get hurt in the first drill by going up against a veteran ready to tear his head off.  Positive reinforcement in drills is key along with real coaching on how to get better on the next rep.

Work with the Parents about promoting aggression on the football field. They can help you remind their player that it is ok to by physical on the football field.   We have come across some big players even getting scared of hurting the smaller players and it must be explained to them that it is football, and it is ok to hit everyone.

Positive Communication is a big key here in the reprogramming process along with time.  Rushing players into hitting might scare them away.  It is a hard task teaching someone to go full speed with another player doing the same.  It is unnatural for a small child.  Embarrassing them or giving them harsh negative feedback will not make them more aggressive. You are probably scaring them more than the drill. Just remember that fact. 

We also talk about what Injury vs Hurt means. We explain that football is rough, and you will get bruises and bumps and sometimes scratches, and this is all normal.  If you experience these, you need to increase your level of pain so that these are just battle scars and you are not really hurt.  Take a few breaths and you will be fine.  If you feel that you are really hurt, we have an Injury word, Crocodile. If you say Crocodile, we will come over and help you otherwise your teammates are there for your support. 

Another thing we do to help with the metal aspects of the game is way tell them they are responsible for their equipment not their parents.  They need to learn to put it all on by themselves or with a teammate, but the coaches are not here to buckle their chin straps and tie their shoes every 5 seconds.  It is time to Man-Up. Iron Man does NOT call his mom to suit up.

Teaching the Physical Aspect of Football

Most of the timid players on your team will be first year rookies or second year players. It is a rude experience to be a small rookie put on a veteran youth football team.  Especially when they look around and see players twice their size and expected to hit them on the next practice or maybe even the first practice. They can become very nervous and intimated and really, really scared.  You have already spoke to them in pre-practice and given them your Man-up & Band of Brothers we are going to be the most physical blocking and tackling team in the league speech but now what do you do when it comes to teaching them how to be aggressive hitters in football.   

In a perfect world you need to reassure them that everyone or just the rookies will be going through introductory progression hitting drills.  Rookies will be eased into hitting against veteran players and bigger players.  They will not be asked to tackle your giant FB on the first day. Ease the tension in the air for them. Put them at ease so they do not quit on the first day. 

We try to separate the players by Experience, Skill, Size and Aggressiveness for the first few weeks. 

What can you do to intro Timid Players into your Team

1. Separate Drills for Experience – Veteran Players from Rookie
2. Separate Drills by Skill Level
3. Separate Drills by Size – Small, Mediums, Bigs
4. Separate Drills by Aggressive Players
5. Use Progression Teaching for Hitting Drills

Since we coach in a recreational league, we go back through all the intro drills almost every season just to make sure everyone is up to speed. I am currently doing that now for an experienced 11u team. Great fundamentals is key to success.

Progression Teaching  

• Show, Explain, Demo Drill with Coaches or exp Players
• Speed – Slow to Fast – Walk, 50%, Thud, Full, Live
• Fit & Finish Spacing at First
• Use Bags First vs Players
• Tight Spacing within 5 yards
• Controlled Environment
• Multiple Coaches Positive Feedback

Hype from Coaches Positive Feedback Excitement

The Coaches involved in all the Drills must be positive and knowledgeable about teaching the techniques needed to make the new players better.  Just shaking their head and yelling / telling them to get better next time is not going to help them succeed.  You are only as good as your weakest link.  Use a coach to take that player after he messed up in the drill and run him through a quick lesson on how to do the drill / technique better next time. 

Techniques Taught

Coaches must teach technique so small players can learn how to take on bigger players.  Leverage, Lower stances, hand & body placements etc.

I think the big thing about football with a lot of smaller and timid players is really teaching them more of the technique on how to deal with larger and or more aggressive experienced players.  I know this is true because many small players that are also wrestlers or learning martial arts know how to use their body and techniques better.  Size only matters when the player lets it into the equation. I’ve seen big players get whooped by smaller players all the time because of quicker and better technique. Many aggressive smaller players play big.

I know when we teach small players how to crab block and get lower than the bigger players and then tackle at leg level or hip level and not try to take players on up real high, do well. Teach your players good technique so they have success which builds confidence and willingness to up their aggression.

Just as a quick FYI, wrestling or martial arts at an early age will allow players to learn how to move their body and techniques on how to get people down on the ground and that directly translates into youth football. My two boys were also wrestling at an early age.   

Make Every Drill a Competition

Another thing you can do to improve the aggressiveness of your players and team is to turn every drill into a competition once everyone is up to speed.  Players love the competition especially when the coaches are hyped up and love the drills. Yes, coaches must also be excited about hitting and not just stand around talking with a bag in hand.   

Aggression Drills

I like to introduce players to the pads and rough housing by using my SUMO drill. This is my new fangled Bull in the Ring drill. It is a little different than others.  Our Players start in the middle of a player circle or the ring facing each other just arms apart on their knees with hands on the knees. On the whistle or snap count, we will have them try to wrestle each other out of the ring. The players cannot stand up on their feet.  This is a mini-WWE wrestling bout in pads. We cheer everyone on and celebrate everyone’s battles.  The winner stays and tries to get 3 wins.  We try to find 3 Winners and then have a championship round.  Players start loving the drill after the first or second practice.  This drill helps the players understand how they can rough house in their pads. You can also have them stand up and push each other out once they are more comfortable with hitting. 

A few other drills that help players get used to football pads, hitting, rolling around and falling in the pads are just good old Butt Rolls, Monkey Rolls.  Bear Crawl races toughen everyone up too. These simple low contact drills help the players understand their bodies and how the football pads work. These are easy confidence builders.

Of course, blocking and talking progression drills are also a great way to intro pads and hitting timid players.  Form fits on bags and then on live bodies. The Splatter pad drill works wonders too to help players learn about hitting in a more controlled setting. 

Below is a list of hitting and aggression drills you can use to introduce hitting to your timid players.  I will post more on these over the next few weeks and will try to include links to them. 

Intro to Hitting Drills

1. Bear Crawl Races
2. Tug of War / Towel Drill
3. Butt Rolls
4. Monkey Rolls
5. Form Fit Tackling – Seahawk
6. Form Fit Blocking
7. Hug & Hold Tackling
8. SUMO Wrestling Drill
9. Tackle Wheel Yoga Ball Drill
10. Splatter Drill onto Pad
11. Slam Dunck Drill
12. Mirror Drill – Do not Pass

Physical Drills

1. Tee Time Drill
2. Gap Attacker
3. Spider Drill
4. Texas Swing Drill
5. Board Drill
6. Box Drill
7. 4 bag Eye Openers
8. Fumble Drill
9. Pass Interception Drill
10. RB Gauntlet
11. Tackle Baseball
12. Half Line Scrimmage

To continue this series I will address each of the above drills in the next part.

What are your favorite best drills for teaching aggression in football to youth players? Did you find any new youth football drills for teaching timid players how to be great football players?

Let me know your favorite youth football drill or advice on teaching aggression in football. I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment below or find me in my private youth football coaching group on Facebook.

Please leave me a comment below or contact me anytime. I love talking youth football and teaching aggression in football to youth football players.

Remember to Play for Fun and Winning is Funner!
Coach Parker
Fort Worth, Texas