The Ultimate 60-Minute First Practice Plan for New Coaches
This 60-minute practice plan gives new coaches a complete, minute-by-minute script: 10 minutes for introductions, 10 minutes for a warm-up game, 15 minutes for handoff drills, 15 minutes for flag-pulling practice, 5 minutes for one offensive formation, and 5 minutes to end with a fun relay race.
Don't Panic. Here is Your First Practice Script.
You volunteered because nobody else would. Now, practice is in two hours, you have a bag of flags, a whistle, and ten kids looking at you.
Don't worry. You don't need to be an NFL coordinator to run a great first practice. You just need a plan.
This guide outlines a strict, 60-minute schedule designed to keep kids moving, teach the basics, and—most importantly—establish you as the coach.
Introduction & The "Circle Up"
0:00 – 0:10Do not let kids run wild while you wait for stragglers. Blow the whistle and have everyone take a knee in a circle.
- Introductions: Have every kid say their name and their favorite NFL team.
- The Golden Rule: "When the coach speaks, the ball stops."
- Establish the Huddle: Show them how to circle up quickly when you yell "Huddle!"
Warm-Up: The "Snap Reaction" Game
0:10 – 0:20In flag football, the play doesn't start until the ball moves. This drill prevents false starts and gets them warmed up.
- The Line: Line all players up on the Line of Scrimmage.
- The Cadence: You (the QB) stand in front. Yell random colors or numbers ("Blue! 42! Hut!").
- The Snap: Snap the ball (or clap your hands) at random times.
- The Rule: If they move before the snap: 3 pushups. If they move on the snap: Sprint 5 yards or do high knees.
Make it fun: Try to trick them with "hard counts." This teaches discipline while getting them active.
Drill 1: The Handoff Gauntlet
0:20 – 0:35📐 FlagSketch diagram: Two parallel lines of players facing each other
Most fumbles happen because the runner doesn't make a good target for the ball. We aren't worried about QBs yet—we just want players to get comfortable holding the rock.
- Two Lines: Form two lines of players facing each other, about 5 yards apart.
- The Pocket: Teach players to put their inside arm UP (elbow high, across the chest) and outside arm DOWN (palm up). This creates a "pocket" for the ball.
- The Exchange: Players run toward each other. The player with the ball firmly presses it into the other player's stomach.
- Repetition: After the handoff, join the back of the other line. Keep the cycle moving fast.
Drill 2: The "Shark in the Water" (Flag Pulling)
0:35 – 0:50Flag pulling is harder than it looks. This drill teaches players to watch the hips, not the head.
- Set the Box: Use 4 cones to make a 10x10 yard square (The Ocean).
- The Shark: Put one defender (Shark) in the middle.
- The Minnows: The rest of the team stands on one line.
- Action: On "GO," Minnows try to run across the ocean. The Shark tries to pull their flags. If your flag is pulled, you become a Shark next round.
Offensive Walkthrough
0:50 – 0:55Do not try to teach 10 plays. Teach one formation and two simple concepts.
- The Formation: "Spread" (Two receivers left, one right, one center/QB).
- Play 1: All Go (Everyone runs straight).
- Play 2: Slants (Everyone runs diagonally to the middle).
Use our flag football play designer to visualize and customize this formation for your team.
The Fun Finish
0:55 – 1:00- Relay Race: Split the team in half. Simple sprint relay. Losing team does 5 jumping jacks (keep it lighthearted).
- Final Huddle: Hands in the middle. "1-2-3 [Team Name]!"