Fun Flag Football Drills For Youngsters: Ages 6 & 7

Oct 25, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey guys! So, you're looking to get the little ones, those energetic 6 and 7-year-olds, into the awesome world of flag football? Awesome choice! Flag football is a fantastic sport for kids – it's all about teamwork, building skills, and having a blast without the full-contact tackles. This article will break down some super fun and effective flag football drills for 6 and 7 year olds, making sure they learn the game's fundamentals while keeping it light, engaging, and, most importantly, fun. We'll cover everything from basic running and catching drills to some simple passing and defensive strategies. So, grab your flags, gather the team, and let's get started on this exciting football journey!

Why Flag Football is Perfect for Young Kids

Before we dive into the drills, let's chat about why flag football is such a great fit for 6 and 7-year-olds. First off, it's all about safety. No tackling means fewer injuries, which is a big win for parents and coaches alike. The focus is on developing fundamental skills like running, catching, throwing, and teamwork, all of which are crucial for any sport. It's a low-pressure environment where kids can learn, make mistakes, and improve without the intense pressure of competitive tackling. Plus, flag football is inclusive; kids of all sizes and skill levels can participate and contribute to the team. This builds confidence and fosters a love for the game from a young age. Let's not forget the fun factor! These flag football drills for 6 and 7 year olds are designed to be engaging and entertaining, ensuring the kids stay active, excited, and always looking forward to the next practice. Building a positive association with sports early on is super important. It sets the stage for a healthy, active lifestyle down the road. It teaches important life skills like discipline, following instructions, and working together towards a common goal. Flag football provides a great foundation, making it the perfect entry point into the world of sports. The kids are going to love this!

Essential Warm-up Drills for Little Athletes

Alright, before we jump into the fun stuff, every good practice needs a solid warm-up! Warming up is like giving your body a signal that it's time to play, helping prevent injuries and getting those little muscles ready for action. Here are some awesome flag football drills for 6 and 7 year olds that double as great warm-ups:

The Run and Touch Drill: Have the kids line up at one end of the field. On your signal, they sprint to the other end. Once they get there, they touch a designated line or cone and sprint back. This is simple, effective, and gets their legs moving. Mix it up by having them shuffle sideways or run backward on their return. The changing direction part helps warm up more muscle groups.
High Knees and Butt Kicks: These are classic warm-up exercises for a reason! Have the kids march in place, bringing their knees high up towards their chests (high knees) and then kicking their heels up towards their butts (butt kicks). These exercises are excellent for warming up the hamstrings, quads, and glutes. Encourage them to move with enthusiasm. Show them how to do it in an exciting way, and they will follow your lead.
Arm Circles and Shoulder Stretches: No football practice is complete without arm circles. Have them do small, forward arm circles, then backward ones. Follow this with some shoulder stretches – reaching across the body to gently pull the arm, and reaching overhead to stretch the triceps. These stretches help prepare the upper body for throwing and catching.
Dynamic Stretching: Instead of static stretches, which involve holding a position, use dynamic stretches. This includes leg swings (swinging each leg forward and sideways), torso twists (twisting from side to side), and arm swings (swinging arms across the body). Dynamic stretches are better for warming up muscles before physical activity because they keep the body moving. These movements increase blood flow, which is very important for the little athletes.

Make the warm-up fun by incorporating some playful elements. Maybe do a quick relay race or have them follow you in a silly walk. The goal is to get their bodies ready for action and create a positive, energetic atmosphere. Remember, keeping it light and fun is key, even with the warm-up!

Skill-Building Drills: Running, Catching, and Throwing

Now, let's get into the heart of the matter – the skill-building drills! These are the drills that will help the kids develop the essential skills they need to excel in flag football. Let's make sure that these flag football drills for 6 and 7 year olds cover the fundamentals to make them excellent players. Remember to focus on correct technique, but also make it engaging.

Running Drills

Cone Drills: Set up a series of cones in a line. Have the kids run through the cones, focusing on changing direction quickly. They can zigzag, weave, or run around the cones in a figure-eight pattern. This drill improves agility and teaches them how to change direction efficiently, which is super important for avoiding defenders.
Sprint Starts: Practice quick starts. Have the kids start from different positions – standing, lying down, or in a three-point stance (like a sprinter). This helps them develop explosiveness and teaches them how to react quickly to the snap or a play.
The Gauntlet: Set up two lines of cones, creating a narrow lane. Kids run through this lane while you or a coach gently toss soft balls or beanbags at their feet. They need to focus on running straight and avoiding the objects. This drill improves focus and teaches them to keep their eyes up while running, a vital skill.

Catching Drills

The Bucket Drill: Have the kids stand in a circle with one coach or parent in the middle. The coach gently throws the ball to each child, who must catch it and then squat down and put the ball in the "bucket" (a designated spot on the ground). This helps them focus on catching with their hands and getting low to secure the ball.
Pop-up Catches: Toss the ball high in the air and have the kids catch it. Start with short tosses and gradually increase the height. This improves their hand-eye coordination and teaches them to track the ball.
Catching on the Move: Have the kids run down the field while you throw them passes. This teaches them to catch the ball while running and to look over their shoulder, a critical skill for receivers. Make it fun by pretending you are a professional quarterback and have some encouraging words!

Throwing Drills

Target Practice: Set up targets (cones, hula hoops, or even just spots on a wall). Have the kids practice throwing the ball at the targets from various distances. Emphasize the proper throwing technique: the grip, the step, and the follow-through.
Partner Passing: Have the kids pair up and practice throwing the ball to each other. Start with short distances and gradually increase the distance as they improve. This builds arm strength and helps them get a feel for the ball.
The Quarterback Stance: Teach them the proper quarterback stance: feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, ball held at chest level. Practice taking the snap and stepping into the throw. This develops the fundamentals of throwing.

Defensive Drills: Flag Pulling and Positioning

Defense is just as important as offense in flag football! Here are some fun and effective flag football drills for 6 and 7 year olds that focus on defensive skills:

Flag Pulling Practice: Set up a simple drill where kids try to pull flags off each other's belts. Have them practice different techniques: approaching from the side, diving for the flag, and maintaining balance while pulling. Make it fun by using a "tag" game where the goal is to pull the flag of the person tagged.
Cone Tag: Set up cones throughout the field. One kid is "it" and tries to tag the others by pulling their flags. Kids can move between cones to avoid being tagged. This improves agility and teaches them how to read their opponents' movements.
Zone Coverage: Explain the basics of zone coverage. Divide the field into zones and have the kids practice staying in their assigned zone to defend against passes. Start with a simple concept, like having one defender in the middle and others on the sides. Make it a fun game.
Flag Football Scrimmage: Finish your practice sessions with a short scrimmage game. This will let them apply all the skills they've been working on, and it will be a fun way to end the session. Make sure to rotate kids in different positions.

Coaching Tips to Keep Things Fun and Engaging

Alright, you've got the drills, but here are some coaching tips to make sure the kids have the best time possible. Keep in mind that these flag football drills for 6 and 7 year olds should be about fun and learning, not intense competition.

Keep it Positive: Always provide positive feedback and encouragement. Focus on what they're doing right, not just what they're doing wrong. A positive environment builds confidence and makes them want to keep playing.
Focus on Fundamentals: Ensure the kids are learning the correct techniques. Proper form will help them improve and prevent injuries. Take your time to correct their posture, throwing technique, and running form.
Break Down Drills: Don't overwhelm them with too much information at once. Break down drills into smaller, more manageable steps. Explain each step clearly and demonstrate it. This is even more important with young kids.
Make it a Game: Turn drills into games whenever possible. Games are fun, and they make learning more enjoyable. Add challenges, points, and friendly competition to keep them engaged.
Keep it Short: Young kids have short attention spans. Keep the drills short and varied, and always have something new to keep them engaged. This will make them want more!
Celebrate Success: Acknowledge and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Give them high-fives, praise them for their effort, and recognize their improvements. Celebrate good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Be Patient: Remember that they're still learning. Be patient, and give them time to improve. Avoid putting too much pressure on them. Your enthusiasm makes the difference! Keep the mood light and fun. This is how you create lasting memories.
Safety First: Always prioritize safety. Ensure they have appropriate footwear and equipment. Supervise them closely during drills, and teach them about safety rules and fair play. Ensure a safe play environment.

Conclusion: Making Flag Football a Blast!

So there you have it, folks! With these drills and coaching tips, you're well-equipped to introduce the awesome game of flag football to the 6 and 7-year-olds in your life. Remember, the key is to keep it fun, positive, and focused on developing their skills and love for the game. These flag football drills for 6 and 7 year olds will help build confidence and create lasting memories. So go out there, have fun, and enjoy watching those little athletes grow and learn. Now, go and enjoy the game!