Rookies (ages 6-7)
Focus: Game readiness
Players are prepared for structured games.
Practices become:
More organized and routine-based
Focused on basic play execution
More demanding in terms of attention and effort
Minis (Ages 5-6)
Focus: Fundamental skill development
Practices introduce:
More advanced, technically based drills
Game-applicable movements
Early accountability (lining up correctly, responding to instruction)
Players begin learning what it means to be coached.
Tykes (ages 3-4)
Focus: Introduction to football
Emphasis on:
Following commands
Listening and responding to coaches
Learning basic movement patterns
Coaches maintain high energy, use positive reinforcement, and highlight smooth transitions between drills.