Since 1963, Electro-Mech has been a proud part of the Wrightsville, GA community. Our journey from humble beginnings to becoming a nationwide leader in scoreboard manufacturing is rooted in a small-town common sense approach. We’ve built a reputation for stability, service, and simplicity that reflects in every scoreboard we create. At Electro-Mech, we believe in promoting the character-building aspects of athletic competition, where discipline, dedication, respect, and hard work are key to putting points on the board. We take pride in knowing that, in a subtle way, we contribute to bringing out the good sport in everyone.

Why Choose an Electro-Mech Scoreboard?

Our scoreboards stand out for their exceptional quality, durability, and user-friendly features. Here’s why Electro-Mech is the preferred choice:

• Energy-Efficient LEDs: Enjoy low-cost installation, maintenance, and power with LEDs rated for 100,000 hours of life.
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• Customization: Available in a choice of colors to match your team’s branding.
• Safety and Quality: Listed by ETL for independent verification.
• Warranty: Five-year limited warranty ensures peace of mind.
• Simplified User Interface: Designed for ease of use.
• Synchronization: 100% synchronization of systems with multiple displays.
• Outdoor Protection: Conformal coating on all outdoor LED circuit boards.
• Durable Finish: Baked-on automotive grade enamel-based paint.
• Legibility: Heavy stroke captions designed for maximum legibility.
• Unlimited Support: Unlimited toll-free support with no hidden costs.
• Flexible Financing: Financing or leasing options available.

The Electro-Mech Difference

From our roots in Georgia’s friendliest town, Electro-Mech has built a reputation for delivering tough, dependable scoreboards with outstanding service and exceptional value. We haven’t invented, mechanized, or revolutionized scoreboards, but our friendly, knowledgeable, and adaptable service team brings the highest level of professionalism, courtesy, and commitment to every game. Sports, community, and character are at the core of everything we do.

Evolution of Scoreboard Technology

When Electro-Mech started in the early 1960s, scoreboards were controlled by toggle switches and stepper motors, illuminated with fragile incandescent bulbs, and offered limited customization. Today, we’ve kept pace with technology, offering smart, affordable scoreboards tailored to our customers and their fans, all delivered with a generous helping of southern hospitality.

A Scoreboard for Every Sport

Electro-Mech provides a wide range of scoreboards for various sports, ensuring that every game, big or small, is a success:

• Football Scoreboards: Built to last, our football scoreboards add character to your stadium.
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• Soccer Scoreboards: Score the best for your soccer club with Electro-Mech.
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• Other Sports: Softball, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Wrestling, and more — we have scoreboards for all your needs.

Bringing Professional Experience to Every Venue

With competitive pricing and extensive experience, Electro-Mech brings the excitement of large professional sporting events to even the smallest schools and recreation departments. Whether it’s nationally televised football or a local high school basketball game, no job is too big or too small. Speak with one of our sales coaches today, and let us help make your next sporting venture a success!

Conclusion

Choosing Electro-Mech means investing in a scoreboard that embodies tradition, innovation, and a commitment to community spirit. Join us in celebrating over 50 years of excellence and let us bring out the good sport in everyone, one scoreboard at a time.

P-I-G; Ages 10-14; one of the most fun
Variations for challenges may include a start off where the ball may hit the ground once. For advanced players, require a head ball or full volley.

Get all of your players to form a circle. Players will half volley/juggle the ball back and forth to each other. If a player makes a bad volley or serve, he gets a letter ‘P’. Start the game again. If the player makes another error, he receives the letter ‘I’, and now has “PI”.

Head catch; Ages 8-12
Place the players in a circle with the coach in possession of the soccer ball.

The coach will start with one player, tossing the soccer ball underhand at each soccer player and making his way around the circle. During the time that the ball is in ‘mid-air’ he shouts out ‘head’ or alternately ‘catch’. If the coach shouts out ‘head’ the player must catch the ball; however if he yells ‘catch’ the player must head the ball.
Any player that makes a mistake has to sit out the game. The game continues until there is only one player remaining.

Power Finesse; Ages 8-14
This is a great game to play in between games to keep kids busy.

Put all players in a single line. There is a goal with a keeper and a coach in possession of a lot of soccer balls.

The line will be about 20 yards out. The first person in line takes a shot. After the shot is taken, he heads towards the goal and the coach serves him the ball in front of the goal for his chance of a finesse shot. If the player misses both, he is removed and sits down. If he makes at least one of his two attempts, he gets a ball and goes to the end of the line. If he is successful at both shots, he gets the chance to ‘challenge’ any player in line. If the other player doesn’t make both shots, he is out of the game.

Volleyball; Ages 10-14
Variations can be made for allowing a one ball bounce at the start.
This is soccer volleyball for two to eight players.

Using skills for juggling/half volley, play volleyball with no hands. If the ball bounces in the middle of the ‘net’, a point is scored for the other team.

Each of these games is designed to bring out the abilities and talents of kids for their particular age group. It’s important to make sure that learning the game of soccer has set requirements, and bringing these to the forefront with good playing habits is easy when you turn things into a fun game.

Sources: http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/drills.htm

Corner Kick Game; Ages 8-14

This game can be played with 6 v 6 or 8 v 8; with just a bunch of soccer balls places at the opposite corners.

When a team kicks a ball out of bounds relating to any line, the other team is given a corner kick.
This creates a situation where the players simply run and run.

1 v 1; Ages 8-14
A variation on this soccer drill game can be to require that to score, a player has to ‘stop’ the ball on the end line.

Create a number of smaller grids or fields with 4 players on each grid.

The purpose of the game is to dribble the soccer ball across the opposite line.

Player 1will kick the ball over to player 2. Once player 2 has touched the ball, player 1 can enter the field and play defender.
Player 2 will try to score a point by dribbling over the line at the opposite end of the field. When a player scores or has a ball that goes out of bounds, they get off of the field and switch sides so the next time Player 1, will play offense. This game will pick up again with the next set of players: 3 and 4. It’s important to ensure that each time a player comes up, there is a ball ready to use.

Get out of here; Ages 8-14
This is a great game to apply for all aspects of skills. It can be played as 1v1, 2v2, or even 3v3. The focus can be aligned to work on tactics for: offense, defense, and technique. While there may be ‘lines’ this game moves rather quickly.

There are two lines of between 3 and 5 players, positioned behind two cones. The coach is in the middle with a lot of soccer balls.

When the coach shouts ‘go’, the first players in each line runs around the corner cones and around the goal, making the attempt to be the first player into the playing area. The coach serves the ball to that first player that entered the playing area. From that point on, they can play a 1v1 small sided soccer game. If the ball goes out of bounds, a goal is scored or the coach yells ‘get out of here’, the two players will have to leave the field in a sprint; making sure they exit without running into the next two players entering the field. The coach then shouts ‘go’ – and the game repeats.

One Goal Soccer; Ages 8-14
This is played in a good sized field. In the middle will be a ‘cone goal’. One keeper or coach will be in the middle and will be playing for both teams.

Two teams are set up, with 5-8 players per team. Each team is allowed to score in only one direction. This rule requires the players to swing the ball around to the outside, in the same way as switching fields.

Wars; Ages 8-14
Variations can be made to adjust for skill level and age with smaller grid sizes or six foot goals.

Establish three short lines of players that are next to the coach. The coach will punt the soccer ball into the field. The first player in each line will sprint to the ball and try to score on either goal, while the other two players make an attempt to steal back or defend the ball. There is an extra goal that will even out what might seem like an unfair advantage of 2v1 on the side of the defending players. Once a goal is scored, the players leave to the outside and the coach will punt another ball.

4 v 4 v 4; Get out of here; Ages 8-14
This is a good practice for offense and defense skills.

Set up small goals on a 30×50 field. There will be three team, four players in each team as well as two in the field, one off.
The players will play a standard 4v4 game; however, if the ball goes out of bounds, the team standing off the field all shout ‘get out of here’. The team that kicked the ball out of bounds will then leave the field and a new team comes onto the field. If there is a score, the team standing in the field yells ‘get out of here’ and the team that scored the point leaves the field, being replaced by a new team.

Four goal game; Ages 8-14

This is played in a large field with four small goals.

Play a regular soccer game, however, in this version each team has two goals they can shoot for. This particular version requires defense to play smart, because there is an extra goal.

Large Field with Gates; Ages 8-14
You can add a variation on this by allowing a team to get extra points if they pass the ball through a gate to one of their team mates.

Use a regular sized field, with either 6v6 or 8v8 and two gates in the middle of the field.

Play a standard game, however, teams can score an extra point if they dribble the ball through a gate.

Sources: http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/drills.htm

Breakaway shooting game; Ages 6-14

Using a series of cones, each player has to dribble the soccer ball to a cone and shoot before he gets to the next cone. If the next player saves the ball, he keeps the ball and runs to the end of his team’s line. If the 1st players shot is wide, the 2nd player gets the ball and goes to the end of the line for his team. After the 1st player shoots, he becomes the goalie.

When the 3rd player is up, he dribbles and shoots. After the shot is done, he or she in turn, becomes the goalie and player 1 goes to the end of his team’s line. The first team to get a score of 15 wins.

Four Corner Shooting Game; Ages 6-14
Set a field up at an approximate 25×40 size. Use regular sized goals and goalies with cones at each of the corners.

The coach will serve a soccer ball to either of the two far players. The first player can either “one touch shot”, dribble and shoot or pass it to one of his team mates. Once there is a shot or in the case where the ball goes out of bounds, the players will leave the field and switch lines. The coach then serves another ball to one of the far corners.

The Shooting Game; Ages 6-14
The team members soon learn that this game soon becomes very fast paced.

Create two lines at an approximate 30 yards distance apart. Using cones, make a goal in the middle.

The coach gives the ball to a team on the one side. The other team sends a player into the goal.

The 1st player shoots the ball towards the goal. If the goalie saves, then he rolls the ball back to his particular team and returns to the back of his team’s line. The player that did the shot is now the keeper. A member of the other team will send a player to take then next shot, If he misses or scores, the ball will roll to the other side and he will become the keeper; with the original player going back to his team.

Sources: http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/drills.htm

When the coach blows the whistle, player will try to dribble the soccer ball through as many of the ‘gates’ as possible and the other player will at the same time, be trying to steal the ball. Time= 30-60 seconds. The player with the ball cannot go through the same gate two times in a row. One point is given for each gate. If the other player steals the ball, he gives it back to attacker. When the time is up, each player will switch positions. The one with the most points wins. This is a great dribbling drill that is a lot of fun.

Killer Whale; dribbling and shielding; Ages 6-14
Variations in this dribbling drill can include specified timing using a stop watch and you can use either one or two killer whales.

Using cones, create a large circle with 4-14 players in the circle dribbling the soccer ball. Two defensive players will be wearing ‘pinnies’ and will be designated as the ‘killer whales’

One of two of the ‘killer whales’ will kick as many soccer balls outside of the circle as they can. Each ball that goes out of the circle will be a point earned. Team X with a soccer ball will try to shield the ball from Team Y’s killer whale. If the ball gets out, they retrieve the ball and continue to dribble in the circle. The ‘killer whales’ can usually continue for about 30-60 seconds. The player who kickes out the most balls wins.

Nascar; most fun for younger kids; Ages 6-14
Variations in this can include the coach shouting ‘reverse’ and everyone has to reverse the direction of their car as well as ‘downshifting’ from fast to slower.

4-12 players will be set up in an area and each will have their own soccer ball. The coach shouts out ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines” and all players have to tap top of the soccer ball with the bottom of their cleats ten times. When the coach shouts out ‘first gear’ the players dribble their soccer ball slowly. When the coach shouts out ‘second gear’, the players dribble a bit faster. ‘Third gear’ will be slightly faster dribbling. ‘Fourth gear’ will be dribbling as fast as they can. Penalties can be placed if two players ‘crash’ = their soccer balls touch each other.

Speed Racer; dribbling for younger kids; Ages 6-10
Variations can include telling players they can go in any direction. This might assist in helping them to keep their heads up.

Using cones, create a large circle. Players locate and stand next to a cone. When the coach blows the whistle, the player races around the track and tries to be the first one to return back to their cone.

The Classic Knockout; Ages 6-12

Using cones, create a large circle. You can have 4-18 players inside the circle, each will have a soccer ball. The object is for players to try to kick other soccer players soccer balls out of bounds, while at the same time protecting their own soccer ball. The player that kicks the most out, wins the game.

Tag variation; Ages 6-8
Change outs in this can include heads up only.

Create a 20 yd x 40 yd grid. Begin with one player in the middle, in possession of a soccer ball under their armpit. This person is designated as ‘it’. The rest of the players will be lined up on one of the grid with a soccer ball at their feet.

When the coach blows the whistle, players dribble form one end of the grid to the other end of the grid without being tagged by the ‘it’ person. If a player is tagged they are now another ‘it’ person. Dribblers stop when they get to the other end of the grid.

Explode; Ages 6-14
Variations in this can include when exploding, required to be body low, use the shoe lace part of the players cleat to take off.

Using flat cones, make two large circles. The outside of the circle should be around 15-20 yds from the inner circle.

Player will dribble inside the small circle of cones. When the coach blows the whistle, players explode to the outside of the circle and will dribble their ball around an outside cone. The first player that returns back to the inner circle wins.

Sources: http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/drills.htm

Create one small circular grid and one large circular grid.

Players will have their own soccer ball and will dribble around the small large grid at a decent pace, avoiding each other and maintaining a heads up position. After they have been dribbling for a specified amount of time, call out the word ‘Switch’. When the word is called out, each player must stop their ball, leave it where it is located and run around a cone in the outer circle, then run back into the small circle to a new/different soccer ball. It’s important that this is done quickly and that they go to a completely different soccer ball. The players will then continue dribbling.

Once the players seem comfortable with the new dribbling concept, remove one player’s ball. This player must now run around the drill without a ball. Next call of ‘Switch’ occurs and players will once again run to the outside of the circle, then back into the smaller one. Players that end up without a ball after the change has been called has to run around the grid.

Haunted House aka Big Square/Little Square; Ages 8-14
Younger kids seem to like the Haunted House name, while older kids prefer the Big Square/Little Square name.

Set one a 25×25 large grid (or big square) and a 10×10 smaller grid (or little square) within the larger grid. The smaller grid on the inside is called the ‘Haunted House’.

One team of players can be called the ‘Zombies’ and start inside the “Haunted House”

4-8 players on the outside will dribble from one side of the grid to the other side, dribbling through the ‘haunted house’. If a Zombie steals the ball, they get to go outside and the one that lost the ball becomes a ‘Zombie’ and must play inside the ‘haunted house’. 1 point is received every time a player dribbles through the haunted house without the ball being taken. Game time is 10-15 min.

Heading Activity; Ages 11-14
Variations on this can include mouth shut, eyes open.

Set up a single 30×30 yard grid with a smaller 3×3 yard grid inside.

There will be two groups of players; one group will be on the outside of the grid with a soccer ball in their possession. The players on the outside of the grid run or show to a player on the outside. Player on the outside of the grid underhand tosses the ball to the player inside the grid who showed for them. That player will then head the ball back to the outside player. The game repeats with players seeking to show to different players that the last.

1 v 1 Dribbling and Fitness; Ages 6-12
Create a line on the field. Pair up your players and have them sit cross-legged (Indian style) and with each facing away from the field (or can be facing towards the coaches). Each pair will have a soccer ball between them.

The coaches will go around and kick the various balls away from the pairs and into the field. Once the ball enters the field, each of those players will get up and move as quickly as they can to win and, using dribbling will return back to the line. Each player that successfully wins and returns the ball to the line earns one point. The player with the most points win.

Sources: http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/drills.htm

Using cones, create gates about three yards apart from each other. Split the group into pairs.
Each of the players will take a turn trying to pass the soccer ball in between the gates. Points are scored each time the ball actually goes through the gates without touching any of the cones. Each play should be from three to four minutes.

Crossing Game: Ages 8-14
Using cones, create a ten yard channel up the flanks of the field. Allocate two players from each team to play in the flanks. None of the other players are allowed to be in the flanks.

Players on the flanks will try to cross to the players in the middle.

No Mans Zone: Long passing/receiving; ages 10-14
Variations on this passing drill game will be a 3 x 3 on each side of the field. You will need to have a lot of soccer balls available for this game.

Using cones, make a 15 yard channel right through the middle of the field. This will be called ‘no mans zone’ and no player will be allowed in this area. Have a regular game within an area that the players can’t enter. Give advantages to strikers, split players so there is a 4 v 2 advantage for attackers.

Receiving Drill: Ages 6-14
Variations on this can include a requirement to receive the ball within ‘2 touchers’ or players that are serving the ball may ‘baseball throw’ the ball to a member of the challenging team collecting the ball.

Create two grids, each 2 yds x 2 yds, about 15-20 yards apart from each other.
Players will pass the ball back and forth and attempt to try to receive the ball and maintaining it within their grid. Points are scored for keeping the ball in the grid.

Give and Go: Ages 8-14
Variations on this can include increasing the number of goals and minutes played and then switch the teams positions from outside to middle.

There will be three teams of 4 players each. Set up a regular sized 4 v 4 field.

The 4v 4 game is in the middle with 4 or more players places outside of the field. The team that is in possession can use the players on the outside to achieve a point score.

Spread Out; start without a soccer ball; Ages 8-12
Variations on this can expand to a soccer game of keep away

Two teams will be in the field with one soccer ball.

The purpose of this is to teach the idea of ‘spreading out players’, so the players keep away by catching and throwing the ball with their hands. When a player has the ball, he cannot run but tries to throw the ball to a team member that is spread out. Each game is approximately three minutes. When the coach whistle blows, the team holding the soccer ball wins.

Wall Pass; Ages 8-14
Variations on this can include adding defenders to the middle as well as requiring players to switch directions.

Use a large field environment with 4-8 players inside the field with soccer balls and the same number of players outside the grid, without a soccer ball. Inside players dribble towards players on the outside to perform a give and go pass.

Sources: http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/drills.htm

Four Corners; Ages 10-14

Make four grids of approximately 5 ft x 5 ft each and about 40 yds apart from each other. There is no ‘out of bounds’ section allocated. There will be two teams, each of from 4-8 players. Variations on this passing drill can include the pass must be a give and go to a team mate player.
The object of this game is to get point scores based on passing the soccer ball to a teammate who is inside of one of the four corners. Each team has the ability to score in any corner, but cannot make a point score in the same corner twice in a row.

Split the Defenders; older kids, ages 12-14

There will be three teams, of two players each and a 25×25 yard or grid. Variations in this can be to add one caviat: if a team makes a mistake, those team members go into the middle and the two defenders can be placed outside the cones.
The game object is for the four outside players to maintain possession and keep the soccer ball away from the other team. Points are scored when they see and achieve the opportunity to pass a ball in between the two defenders and they have a successful pass to their team member that is located diagonally across in the grid.

Dodge Ball; fun game for ages 6-12

This is a good push, pass and dribbling exercise and fun for a large age group. Variations can include specific methods of dribbling and movement, starting the players inside the circle without a soccer ball. For the younger kids, parents can be on the outside of the circle and this can be a total dribbling exercise.
Using cones, create a large circle. The purpose of the game is to have players on the outside of the circle ‘push pass’ the ball back and forth to their partner who is also on the outside of the circle and make an attempt to hit the players inside the circle with the soccer ball. All passes must be on ground level.

Tug of War: Passing for accuracy; ages 6-14

This exercise is excellent for power and accuracy training.
Using cones, create four imaginary lines. The inside lines are about 20 yards. Place a uniquely colored soccer ball as the target ball in the center. Players on each side are going to try to make the target ball cross the line of the opposing team. This will be done by kicking through push passing their soccer ball at the target ball.

Chip Pass Game: Chip pass or long pass; ages 11-14

Using cones, set up two large 10×10 grids, one at each end of the field. Two teams will be playing against each other. To score a point, a team player must make a ‘chip pass’ to their own ‘target team member’ that is inside of the grid.

Sources:
http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/drills.htm

Set the game up with two teams, each with 4 to 5 players on an approximate 40×40 grid. You can change the variations on this by sending more than 1 defender in, making the grid smaller or, to have an easier game make the grid a larger size and add an offensive player

Coach projects the soccer balls in team X’s grid. The opposing team will send 1 player to play as a defender. Team X will try to connect four passes in a row without the defender kicking the ball out of bounds or stealing. Each time a team has an accomplishment of this move, they can earn an incentive (ie: money, time, etc) Once a team achieves their incentive level , give them another choice: a higher level of incentive or ‘bank’ the incentive. To ‘bank’ the incentive they need to send the soccer ball back into the opposing team’s grid and then THEY send a defender to make an attempt to steal the ball. If the ball is stolen or goes out of bounds, the coach will then send a ball to the other team’s grid.

Keep Your Yard Clean: fun passing drill, no pressure; Ages 6-10
The object of this game is to keep your yard (or grid) completely clear of soccer balls. This is a good drill to use for practice in passing. Variations to make the game more challenging can include the coach indicating what type of pass they must use, use of one foot only, deductions for balls kicked too high, etc.
Set up the game with two grids next to each other, approximate size: 40×40 per grid

Two equal team sizes, one team in each grid. Each of the players will have a ball in the start of the game. When the coach blows the whistle, the players will try to pass the ball from their grid/yard into the opposing team’s. This will continue from 3-5 min. and when the coach blows the whistle a second time, all playing stops. The team with the fewest amount of balls in their grid/yard will win.

3 v 1 variation: Passing; Ages 6-14
Variations in this game will depend upon the skill level, but one concept will be to complete a set number of passings for they can take a shot, reduce the size of the grid to the defender so that it encourages faster passing as well as smart decision making in passing.
Create a three yard by three yard grid and use flat codes for the barriers. Place another flat cone in the center of the grid and put the ball on top of the flat code.
There will be three players performing as attackers against one player that will be defending. The three attacking players will be passing the ball to each other and will score by knocking the soccer ball off of the cone in the middle. None of the players will be allowed to be in the grid.

Sources:
http://www.coachingsoccer101.com/drills.htm

Developing excellence in a young football player is a fine art. Each age brings its own challenges and hurtles, but the approach, patience and guidance should be focused on the age of the potential team player. Children are still in the development of their physical bodies and should be given tasks that they can achieve within their age groups. The variances and approach are called ‘Introduction’ (ages 6-8), ‘Foundation’ (ages 9-13) and ‘Refinement’ (ages 14-16). Each level brings a difference in learning, growing and philosophy for young football coaching.
Children under the age of six should be tested for agility, balance (both dynamic and static), coordination and speed. You should gauge them for their reaction speed, running form, warm up and simple cool downs and view them when performing other fun sports. This will give you an excellent understanding of their technical skills. Simple skill tests to observe include two and three point stance, direct snaps, making a handoff as well as receiving handoffs, passing grip, passing and catching the football, covering, rushing stance, ball security and DB stance. Warm ups should include run form backwards and forwards, balance and coordination practice. Since there is a limitation in stamina, make sure that practice is 2 days per week at a maximum of 60 min per practice. There should be approximately one game per week, 40 minutes per session and 4-6 games per season. Parental or guardians should be within close proximity at all times with a high level of support. This is the age that you can begin teaching the understanding of winning, losing and team sportsmanship.

Once you begin football coaching children in of 8-9 years of age, you must consider support in the mental, emotional and social abilities factors. You need to add acceptance of coach and official decisions, team attitudes and rules of fair play, respect of opponents, enthusiasm, the ability to make a choice between two options, achieving simple goals, concentration and listening to as well as following instructions. From a physical skills standpoint, this is the age to center on both simple and complex coordination, flexibility, rhythm, footwork, speed of coordination and own weight strength. The time is now set to begin assigning individual game roles and positions for all players based on their talents and physical abilities. Warm up time should include coordination, throwing, forward and backwards running, balance and both upper and lower body strength. Pre-season training is usually 3 days/wk at 60-90 min. of practice and two to three scrimmage games. In season is three days per week, 60-90 min. with structural and deliberate play. Parental and guardian participation should be onside during practice and games with visible support at more of a distance. Involve them in the sport organization and give them opportunities to participate in the encouragement role.

The ‘Foundation’ level age group brings you to a new mix of skills. In the 10-11 age group, the physical focus will be on linear and lateral speed, acceleration and deceleration, hydration, both warm up and cool down and core strength. If you are working in a girls group, this is the age of typical growth spurts. Emotional, mental and social abilities should include problem solving, accomplish simple goals during practice, the concepts of responsibility and trying hard at all times, the differences between effort and ability, accepting and assisting players of lesser abilities, confidence, decision making and doing things well. Physical skills will include linear and lateral speed, core strength, acceleration and deceleration. Warm ups involve run form, speed, coordination, balance, catching, agility and body strength. Pre-season training is usually 4 days per week with 90 min of practice and 2-3 scrimmage games. Season is 3 days per week, 90 min ea involving deliberate play. Parental presence should be visible emotional support, encouragement, coach support, assisting in teaching fair place and awareness of safety issues. By age 11-13, physical skills will include multi-directional speed, endurance, footwork patterns, and hydration. It’s at this age that boys begin their growth spurt and girls reach their growth spurt peak. Physical skill development will depend on growth. Mental, emotional and social skills can be enhanced with personal short term goals, commitment to play, team goals, concentration, self-confidence, leadership skills, more complex decision making processes. Each player should be assigned a technical position, based on their abilities and strengths. Warm ups will involve jumping, balance, agility, mulit-directional speed, complex coordination, and core strength. Pre-season training should be 5 days per wk, 90 min of practice, with 2-3 scrimmage games. In season, 3 days per week, 90 min of practice with concentration on deliberate practice and play. Parental roles should be visible but at a distance and should include teaching fair play and awareness of safety issues.

The ‘refinement’ age group decisions will be based on the physical growth of each player. Growth spurt for girls should have ended, while boys will experience variations in their peak growth within this level. In the 14-15 ages, physical skills should include playing two complimentary sports and skill development. Emotional and mental reinforcement for a willingness to improve, team commitment, self-discipline and self-reliance. It’s at this point that leadership skills will have emerged, and these should be encouraged with understanding to continue to assist players that need help. Warm ups will have more complex coordination exercises. Pre-season training is usually 3 days per wk for 90 min each and 2-3 scrimmage games. Season is 3 days per week, 90 min, and the addition of deliberate practice. There should now be league or club tackle games at least once per week, with 8-10 games per season; 48 min per game. Parental reinforcement includes comprehension of growth and development, enough rest and recovery time, provides nutritional needs for player, awareness of injury risks, encouragement of success perspective. As the players near the age of 16, physical development awareness is the key factor. When applicable, the addition of weight training can enhance strength and a focus on speed endurance for the skill level. Mental, social and emotional abilities can be reinforced with the concepts of performing well, an increase in self-discipline, improvement in anxiety control, learning to enjoy new challenges, positive attitude development, confidence and higher level of decision making abilities. Pre-season training will involve 5 days per wk at 90-120 min per practice. 2 practices per day, 2 days per week. In season: 5 days per week, 1-2 hrs of practice with deliberate practice goals. At this level high school and junior varsity games will be an excellent competition; with 1 game per wk, 8-10 games per season; 48 min per game. Parental and guardian roles have now taken a step to support in the background. They will be coping with the various levels of maturity of the players as well as instructing in the balance of sports and educational demands. Coach and team support as well as financial support is the next level.

Sources:
http://usafootball.com/programs/ppdm?quicktabs_8=1