touch football

Touch FootballTouch FootballBrian NicholsonBrian Nicholson

Highland Touch Football LeagueHighland Touch Football League

April 2007April 2007

Touch Football—an overviewTouch Football—an overview

4+2 day lesson plan4+2 day lesson plan Day 1– terminology and basic skillsDay 1– terminology and basic skills Day 2– offensive patterns, defensive formationsDay 2– offensive patterns, defensive formations Day 3– mechanics of the game and scrimmages!Day 3– mechanics of the game and scrimmages! Day 4– football theory/tactics and gamesDay 4– football theory/tactics and games Day 5– touch football officiatingDay 5– touch football officiating Day 6– touch football officiating and gamesDay 6– touch football officiating and games

Touch FootballTouch Football

Why football and ‘touch’ football for you?Why football and ‘touch’ football for you? Excellent form of physical activityExcellent form of physical activity

Sprinting, stretching, staminaSprinting, stretching, stamina

Easy to organize (play anywhere!)Easy to organize (play anywhere!) Teaches teamwork/co-operation, self Teaches teamwork/co-operation, self

discipline, and sportsmanship.discipline, and sportsmanship. IT’S FUN! IT’S FUN! Antigonish is a…Antigonish is a… Hockey town.Football town!

Antigonish is a… football townAntigonish is a… football town

Our town is one of the few outside the HRM to offer Our town is one of the few outside the HRM to offer football programs from ages 8-early 20’s but beyond this, football programs from ages 8-early 20’s but beyond this, there was little opportunity to play football for adults.there was little opportunity to play football for adults.

The HTFL was formed in 2006 providing the adult The HTFL was formed in 2006 providing the adult population of the area with an outlet for playing football.population of the area with an outlet for playing football.

Football Myths—dispelledFootball Myths—dispelled

Only guys play football.Only guys play football. You have to have played tackle to play You have to have played tackle to play

touch footballtouch football I can’t throw the ball = I can’t play footballI can’t throw the ball = I can’t play football Football is too complex, I don’t know the Football is too complex, I don’t know the

rules.rules.

Football TheoryFootball Theory

Goal of the game– touch Goal of the game– touch footballfootball To score more points in a To score more points in a

set amount of time than your set amount of time than your opponentsopponents

To get physically active and To get physically active and develop fundamental develop fundamental ‘football skills’‘football skills’

To participate and contribute To participate and contribute to the team both athletically to the team both athletically and strategicallyand strategically

To have fun!To have fun!

Football Terminology--PlayersFootball Terminology--Players OFFENSEOFFENSE

The team that “possesses” the ballThe team that “possesses” the ball Starts each play from the Line of Scrimmage and attempts to move Starts each play from the Line of Scrimmage and attempts to move

the ball into their opponents End Zone by passing or running the ballthe ball into their opponents End Zone by passing or running the ball

The Quarterback (QB)The Quarterback (QB) The player on the offense who receives the ball from the center and The player on the offense who receives the ball from the center and

is the player who primarily throws forward passes to his teammates.is the player who primarily throws forward passes to his teammates.

The CenterThe Center The player who starts the offensive play from the Line of Scrimmage The player who starts the offensive play from the Line of Scrimmage

by “snapping” the ball back to the QB.by “snapping” the ball back to the QB.

ReceiversReceivers The teammates of the QB (including the Center) who try to catch the The teammates of the QB (including the Center) who try to catch the

football, advance it toward the end zone and score a touchdown.football, advance it toward the end zone and score a touchdown.

Football Terminology--PlayersFootball Terminology--Players DEFENSEDEFENSE

The team that attempts to stop the offense from moving The team that attempts to stop the offense from moving the ball, by touching an offensive player with the ball, the ball, by touching an offensive player with the ball, intercepting a forward pass or receiving a punt from the intercepting a forward pass or receiving a punt from the offense.offense.

Defensive backsDefensive backs The defensive players who attempt to break-up a pass, The defensive players who attempt to break-up a pass,

touch a receiver with the ball or intercept a passtouch a receiver with the ball or intercept a pass

RusherRusher A defensive player whose primary job is to touch or A defensive player whose primary job is to touch or

“sack” the QB before he can throw the ball“sack” the QB before he can throw the ball

Football Terminology--ScoringFootball Terminology--Scoring

Touchdown (6 points)Touchdown (6 points) The main method of scoring in touch footballThe main method of scoring in touch football scored when the football is brought into or caught in the opponents’ scored when the football is brought into or caught in the opponents’

end zoneend zone Convert/PAT (1 or 2 points)Convert/PAT (1 or 2 points)

Point After Try– One play after a touchdown in which the offense Point After Try– One play after a touchdown in which the offense can add 1 or 2 points to their scorecan add 1 or 2 points to their score

Safety (2 points– to the defense)Safety (2 points– to the defense) Scored against a team that does not get the football out of its own Scored against a team that does not get the football out of its own

end zone after they bring it into their own end zoneend zone after they bring it into their own end zone Rouge (1 point– to the kicking/punting team)Rouge (1 point– to the kicking/punting team)

Scored against a team that does not get the football out of its own Scored against a team that does not get the football out of its own end zone after their opponents punt or kick it into their end zoneend zone after their opponents punt or kick it into their end zone

Terminology—Game MechanincsTerminology—Game Mechanincs

Line of Scrimmage (LOS)Line of Scrimmage (LOS) An imaginary line paralell to the goal lines from which a play begins. The defense and An imaginary line paralell to the goal lines from which a play begins. The defense and

offense must be on opposite sides of the LOS when the play begins. offense must be on opposite sides of the LOS when the play begins. Goal Line/End Zone– The areas at either end of the field where teams Goal Line/End Zone– The areas at either end of the field where teams

attempt to advance the football into to score a touchdown.attempt to advance the football into to score a touchdown. 3Downs-10Yards3Downs-10Yards

One of 3 attempts the offense may use to advance the ball towards the defence’s end One of 3 attempts the offense may use to advance the ball towards the defence’s end zone. They must at minimum advance 10 yards to maintain possession of the ball.zone. They must at minimum advance 10 yards to maintain possession of the ball.

Bean bags– 2 red 1 yellow– One red=LOS, 2Bean bags– 2 red 1 yellow– One red=LOS, 2ndnd red=rusher’s bag, red=rusher’s bag, yellow=distance to gain (10 yds from 1yellow=distance to gain (10 yds from 1stst red on 1 red on 1stst down) down)

On-side/Offside /Forward PassOn-side/Offside /Forward Pass On side pass– a ball thrown towards a team’s own goal line. Also called a lateral passOn side pass– a ball thrown towards a team’s own goal line. Also called a lateral pass Off side /Forward pass– a ball thrown towards an opponents goal line. Only one Off side /Forward pass– a ball thrown towards an opponents goal line. Only one

forward pass from behind the Line of Scrimmage can be thrown on a down.forward pass from behind the Line of Scrimmage can be thrown on a down.

Touch Football—Fundamental SkillsTouch Football—Fundamental Skills

RunningRunning PassingPassing

How to throw a football properlyHow to throw a football properly The gripThe grip The stanceThe stance

Catching the footballCatching the football Snapping the ballSnapping the ball Punting/KickingPunting/Kicking

HTFL All Stars vs. JGH TeamHTFL All Stars vs. JGH Team

November 26, 2006November 26, 2006

Day 2Day 2

Offensive Offensive Patterns Patterns

Defensive Defensive FormationsFormations

Footwork Footwork (O&D)(O&D)

PuntingPunting

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Offensive PatternsOffensive Patterns

In the huddleIn the huddle Receiver Routes/Patterns Receiver Routes/Patterns

assignedassigned Only the play caller (QB) speaksOnly the play caller (QB) speaks

20 second play clock20 second play clock Cadence for the snap is setCadence for the snap is set Ends by a clap of the hands and Ends by a clap of the hands and

“break”“break” Play callingPlay calling

Play cardsPlay cards Variety is the spice…Variety is the spice…

short/middle/long and long routes!short/middle/long and long routes!

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Offensive PatternsOffensive Patterns

Route Running PrinciplesRoute Running Principles Stance at SnapStance at Snap Crisp Routes with sharp cuts are best!Crisp Routes with sharp cuts are best!

Intelligent Route RunningIntelligent Route Running Know your route, but know your neighbor’s too!Know your route, but know your neighbor’s too! Breaking off a route…Breaking off a route…

Bad SnapBad Snap Reading the DefenseReading the Defense Double RushDouble Rush

Defensive FormationsDefensive Formations

Defensive Captain sets the defense for Defensive Captain sets the defense for each play.each play. Usually done in huddle, but can be Usually done in huddle, but can be

communicated via verbal or hand signals.communicated via verbal or hand signals. The defense must be aware if the offensive is The defense must be aware if the offensive is

set to start the play.set to start the play. Showing one D, playing anotherShowing one D, playing another DB communication vital.DB communication vital. ContingenciesContingencies

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Offensive Plays- Short YardageOffensive Plays- Short Yardage

HookHook SlantSlant Square In/OutSquare In/Out Hook & SlideHook & Slide Quick OutQuick Out Crossing/Crossing/

over-underover-under

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Offensive Plays- Middle YardageOffensive Plays- Middle Yardage

Curl Curl (deep hook)(deep hook)

PostPost Flag/CornerFlag/Corner Post-CornerPost-Corner Double OutDouble Out

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Offensive Plays- Middle YardageOffensive Plays- Middle Yardage

Curl Curl (deep hook)(deep hook)

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Offensive Plays- Long YardageOffensive Plays- Long Yardage

FlyFly Deep post/flagDeep post/flag FadeFade Hook & GoHook & Go Down,Out & GoDown,Out & GoCC

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Offensive Plays- Putting it togetherOffensive Plays- Putting it together

Triangle 1Triangle 1

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“X-Jet, X-Jet, X-Jet, Down! Set! Hike!”

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Base Defenses 4-2 ZoneBase Defenses 4-2 Zone

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Base Defenses Man-to-ManBase Defenses Man-to-Man

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Defensive PostureDefensive Posture Assume a parallel or slightly staggered Assume a parallel or slightly staggered

stance.stance. Head and eyes upHead and eyes up As you backpedal keep feet a shoulder As you backpedal keep feet a shoulder

width apart and stay on toes.width apart and stay on toes. Be ready to break 90 or 180Be ready to break 90 or 180˚̊

Fancy FootworkFancy Footwork

DBs must be able to change DBs must be able to change direction quickly…direction quickly…

Often an extra step can mean the Often an extra step can mean the difference between a tag, a miss difference between a tag, a miss or even an interception!or even an interception! (wrong)

Fancy Footwork con’tFancy Footwork con’t

Offensive ReviewOffensive Review

Day 3Day 3

Mechanics of the GameMechanics of the Game Rusher and Rushing RulesRusher and Rushing Rules PuntingPunting

Touch Football—Starting outTouch Football—Starting out

Field/football/pylons/beanbags/players… Pre-game conference with Referees

Coin toss– picking first possession or end Identifying Captains Jewelry/Illegal Footwear

7-a-side on field Each half begins with a kick-off, done 10 yards back

from the center, towards the opponents end zone. Timing

20 minute 1st and 3rd quarters (continuous time) 17 minute 2nd and 4th quarters (ct) with 5 plays to end half 10 minute half-time Each team allowed a one minute time out per half and a 20

second time out for the whole game

Touch Football-Offensive GoalsTouch Football-Offensive Goals

Maintain possession of the ballMaintain possession of the ball Attack defensive weaknessesAttack defensive weaknesses Make positive gains on the field, obtaining Make positive gains on the field, obtaining

first downsfirst downs Score touchdowns!Score touchdowns! Have successful converts/PATsHave successful converts/PATs Punt for field positionPunt for field position Limit opponents return on kick-offs/puntsLimit opponents return on kick-offs/punts

Touch Football-Defensive GoalsTouch Football-Defensive Goals

Obtain possession of the ball (interception)Obtain possession of the ball (interception) No fumbles in touch football!No fumbles in touch football!

Knock down passes so they won’t be caughtKnock down passes so they won’t be caught Tag the ball carrier to minimize gainTag the ball carrier to minimize gain Sack/tag the QB for loss of yardageSack/tag the QB for loss of yardage Prevent offense from advancing towards goal Prevent offense from advancing towards goal

line/ 1line/ 1stst down marker down marker Advance the ball as far as possible on kick-offs Advance the ball as far as possible on kick-offs

and puntsand punts

Game Mechanics-- PenaltiesGame Mechanics-- Penalties

Penalties-Penalties- May or may not be accepted by the non-offending teamMay or may not be accepted by the non-offending team Usually results in a down being repeated if penalty is Usually results in a down being repeated if penalty is

acceptedaccepted Offside (5 yard penalty)Offside (5 yard penalty)

A player who is on the incorrect side of the LOS when the A player who is on the incorrect side of the LOS when the ball is snappedball is snapped

The rusher is offside if he is ahead of the rusher’s line at The rusher is offside if he is ahead of the rusher’s line at the snap and continues to cross the LOSthe snap and continues to cross the LOS

Obstruction (10 yard penalty)Obstruction (10 yard penalty) A player who holds or prevents a player from a direct line A player who holds or prevents a player from a direct line

to the ball carrierto the ball carrier

Game Mechanics-- PenaltiesGame Mechanics-- Penalties Pass InterferencePass Interference

Players cannot take an opponents positional advantage when Players cannot take an opponents positional advantage when attempting to catch the ball.attempting to catch the ball.

If defensive– ball considered caught at point of foul. Automatic 1If defensive– ball considered caught at point of foul. Automatic 1stst downdown

If offensive– ball considered caught by defense--- turn over!!!If offensive– ball considered caught by defense--- turn over!!! Time Count (5 yard penalty)Time Count (5 yard penalty)

Occurs when the offense does not snap the ball within 20 seconds Occurs when the offense does not snap the ball within 20 seconds after the referee has whistled the play inafter the referee has whistled the play in

No YardsNo Yards A penalty for being too close (less than 5 yards) to a player when they A penalty for being too close (less than 5 yards) to a player when they

first touch a punt. May be incidental/ minor foul (5 yards) or major (10 first touch a punt. May be incidental/ minor foul (5 yards) or major (10 yards)yards)

Allows a team to recover a punt without interferenceAllows a team to recover a punt without interference Not applied on kick-offs (to begin half or after TD scored)Not applied on kick-offs (to begin half or after TD scored)

The Rusher and Rushing RulesThe Rusher and Rushing Rules

The Rusher is a defensive player who tries to touch the QB before the The Rusher is a defensive player who tries to touch the QB before the ball can be thrown.ball can be thrown.

Rushers begin 5 yards ahead of the LOS on each play at the second red Rushers begin 5 yards ahead of the LOS on each play at the second red bean bag.bean bag.

They must be one yard on either side of the bag but within 5 yards of it to They must be one yard on either side of the bag but within 5 yards of it to have rushing rights.have rushing rights.

As a rusher you are entitled toAs a rusher you are entitled to An unobstructed path the player with the football behind the LOS.An unobstructed path the player with the football behind the LOS. Any offensive player, including the center who violates this right is guilty of Any offensive player, including the center who violates this right is guilty of

obstruction.obstruction. Any number of defensive players can rush with rights as long as they are Any number of defensive players can rush with rights as long as they are

positioned in the rusher’s area at the time of the snap of the ball.positioned in the rusher’s area at the time of the snap of the ball. The first defensive player to cross the LOS in pursuit of the QB must be The first defensive player to cross the LOS in pursuit of the QB must be

at least at the rushing bag or behind it when the ball is snapped.at least at the rushing bag or behind it when the ball is snapped.

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QB rolls and QB rolls and center picks center picks rusher rusher inadvertentlyinadvertently

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Day 4– Football tacticsDay 4– Football tactics

Football, though simple in its premise and Football, though simple in its premise and goals can quickly blossom into a complex goals can quickly blossom into a complex game with both cerebral elements as well game with both cerebral elements as well as physical. as physical.

While touch football will not reach the level While touch football will not reach the level of complexity that pro football has of complexity that pro football has attained, there is much to be said for some attained, there is much to be said for some strategy and smart play calling.strategy and smart play calling.

Offensive Keys to SuccessOffensive Keys to Success

A productive/successful offense must A productive/successful offense must possess the following player attributes– possess the following player attributes–

Discipline in the huddleDiscipline in the huddle Play calling by the QBPlay calling by the QB Understanding the routes called Understanding the routes called Intelligent receiver improvisation for secondary routesIntelligent receiver improvisation for secondary routes Knowing the cadence/snap countKnowing the cadence/snap count

At the snapAt the snap Smooth, efficient exchange b/w center and QBSmooth, efficient exchange b/w center and QB The Center must be able to snap the ball consistantly The Center must be able to snap the ball consistantly

on a “rope”on a “rope”

Offensive Keys to SuccessOffensive Keys to Success

At the snap (cont)At the snap (cont) Recognition of defensive formations, double rushRecognition of defensive formations, double rush Hot reads/routesHot reads/routes

Receivers adjustmentsReceivers adjustments to routes based on the defenseto routes based on the defense to bad snaps to bad snaps to broken playsto broken plays

QBQB know when to throw ‘em, when to hold ‘em and when to runknow when to throw ‘em, when to hold ‘em and when to run keep routes simple and of varied distances for optionskeep routes simple and of varied distances for options a scrambling QB can buy a few extra seconds of timea scrambling QB can buy a few extra seconds of time

Offensive TheoryOffensive Theory

Touch Football is about ball control.Touch Football is about ball control. Keep the defense guessing or trick them Keep the defense guessing or trick them

by lulling them into an expected play, then by lulling them into an expected play, then pull out your tricks…pull out your tricks…

Crisp, precise routes are crucial to the Crisp, precise routes are crucial to the offense.offense.

Picking apart a defense– capitalizing on Picking apart a defense– capitalizing on weaknesses, looking for patterns.weaknesses, looking for patterns.

Intelligent use of the punt.Intelligent use of the punt.

Defensive TheoryDefensive Theory

A good defense requires excellentA good defense requires excellent Athleticism, communication and analysis of Athleticism, communication and analysis of

offenseoffense RushingRushing

A quick, disciplined rusher is the crux of a A quick, disciplined rusher is the crux of a good defensegood defense

Forces the QB to throw before he wants toForces the QB to throw before he wants to Contains the scramblerContains the scrambler NEVER leaves his feet!NEVER leaves his feet!

Good DBsGood DBs Recognize offensive formationsRecognize offensive formations Know the zones of coverageKnow the zones of coverage React to motion or audiblesReact to motion or audibles Communicate during the playCommunicate during the play Know what to do with half backsKnow what to do with half backs



To be successful the defense mustTo be successful the defense must Work as a teamWork as a team Be able to anticipate the offensive playsBe able to anticipate the offensive plays Disguise the called defense Disguise the called defense Force the QB to make throws in less than Force the QB to make throws in less than

ideal situationsideal situations Recover from the frustrations of giving up the Recover from the frustrations of giving up the

‘long play’ or ‘long conversion’‘long play’ or ‘long conversion’ Recognize when the QB has beaten the rush Recognize when the QB has beaten the rush

and is running for yardageand is running for yardage


Defensive CaptainDefensive Captain The player who sets the defenseThe player who sets the defense

Must be able to make appropriate analysis of Must be able to make appropriate analysis of tactical situationstactical situations

Ensures all players know their positions and rolesEnsures all players know their positions and roles Must be able to “audible” a new defense based on Must be able to “audible” a new defense based on

the configuration of the offense the configuration of the offense Has a plan in place for “motion” or half backs Has a plan in place for “motion” or half backs

Special Teams (kick and punt)Special Teams (kick and punt)

Kick-off (kicking)Kick-off (kicking) Play the whistle!Play the whistle! Lanes!Lanes! Watch for pitchesWatch for pitches

Kick-off (receiving)Kick-off (receiving) Speedy guys deepSpeedy guys deep Look for pinching of Look for pinching of

the outside– to set up the outside– to set up a lateral passa lateral pass

Punts (punting)Punts (punting) Hustle downfieldHustle downfield Watch for no-yardsWatch for no-yards

Punts (receiving)Punts (receiving) Recognize punting Recognize punting

situationssituations Correct personnel and Correct personnel and

configurationconfiguration Last Play of the HalfLast Play of the Half

Know about the Rouge!Know about the Rouge!

Highland Touch Highland Touch Football LeagueFootball League

Get in on the fun and excitement!Get in on the fun and excitement! Great way to exercise and get in shape!Great way to exercise and get in shape! No prior football experience necessary!No prior football experience necessary! No expensive equipment (just cleats)!No expensive equipment (just cleats)! Sunday morning games at Columbus FieldSunday morning games at Columbus Field

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