Youth Football: Mastering The Art Of Running Through Holes

Oct 25, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey football fanatics! Ever watched a running back burst through a gaping hole in the defense and thought, "Wow, how did they do that?" Well, it all starts with understanding and teaching youth football holes. In the world of youth football, knowing your gaps and how to exploit them is key to offensive success. This article will dive deep into everything you need to know about teaching young players about holes, from the basics to some more advanced concepts. So, grab your playbook, and let's get started!

The Fundamentals: What Are Holes in Football?

Alright, first things first: what exactly are holes in football? Simply put, holes are the gaps in the offensive line that the running back aims to run through. These gaps are created by the offensive linemen as they block the defensive players. Understanding these holes and how they're created is the foundation of any successful running game. In youth football, these concepts might seem complex initially, but with the right explanations and drills, young players can grasp the idea quickly and start utilizing them. They should be aware that the offensive line is trying their best to create these holes for the ball carrier to run through.

Gap Assignments: Each offensive lineman has a specific gap they are responsible for blocking. This is usually identified by a letter or a number. For example, the center might be responsible for the "A" gap (the gap between the center and the guard), the guard for the "B" gap, and the tackle for the "C" gap. Coaches often assign each lineman based on their athletic ability and experience. Youth football players will need some time to adjust to their assignments but the coaches should be patient.
Blocking Schemes: Different blocking schemes create different holes. For example, a "Power" play might focus on creating a hole to the strong side of the formation. A "Counter" play aims to create a hole on the opposite side, using misdirection to confuse the defense. Learning different schemes will help young players adapt to different situations.
Reading the Defense: The best running backs don't just run through the assigned hole blindly. They read the defense, understanding where the defenders are, and adjusting their run based on how the play unfolds. This skill takes time to develop, but even young players can learn the basics by observing how defenders react. The running back should be aware of the defender's tendencies, whether they're aggressive or passive.

So, remember, guys, holes aren't just random spaces. They're calculated opportunities created by the offensive line, and it is the running back's job to identify and attack them. This requires understanding assignments, recognizing blocking schemes, and the ability to read the defense. With practice and guidance, any young player can learn to find and exploit these holes.

Teaching Youth Football: Key Concepts and Drills

Alright, now that we know what holes are, how do we teach them to youth football players? It involves a combination of instruction, drills, and repetition. It also is about making sure they have the right mindset and focus on their assignments. This will help them understand the purpose of their role in the play. Here are some key concepts and drills to help young players become hole-finding experts.

1. Identify the Gaps

The first step is to teach players to identify the gaps between the offensive linemen. This might seem obvious, but it's crucial that young players understand the different gaps and how they're named. Use cones or markers to represent the gaps and have players practice identifying them. This can also be done during walk-throughs and film sessions. This will help them memorize which gaps are which. The coaches should make sure that the players are aware of the names of each gap so they can relay the information to other players on the team.

2. Stance and Footwork

The running back's stance and footwork are critical for successfully hitting the hole. Teach the players to be in a balanced, athletic stance, ready to explode forward. Focus on:

The initial step: This step should be quick and decisive, directed towards the assigned hole. They should learn about taking the correct first step, and the angle of the run.
Reading the block: Teach the running backs to read the blocks of the offensive lineman and adjust their path as needed. Sometimes the hole will be there immediately, and sometimes it will require some patience and a slight change in direction.
Maintain balance: Players must learn to maintain balance while running through traffic and prepare for contact. Proper footwork helps with balance.

3. Drill for Success

Drills are essential for reinforcing concepts and building muscle memory. Here are some drills to consider:

Cone Drill: Set up a line of cones to represent the offensive line and gaps. Have the running back practice running through each "hole", focusing on their initial step, and footwork.
Bag Drill: Use tackling bags to simulate defenders. Have the running back run through the gaps, focusing on reading the blocks and adjusting their path to avoid the bags.
Live Drill: Once the players are comfortable with the basics, incorporate live drills where they run plays against a defense. This helps them apply what they've learned in a game-like situation. It is important to emphasize to the players that during live drills, the safety of their teammates is important and they should not be trying to hurt each other.

4. Play Recognition

Teaching young players to recognize different plays and blocking schemes will help them anticipate where the holes will be. Show them videos of different plays and explain how the offensive line is creating the holes. Explain how each player has a role in helping create the hole. Explain to the players that they have to do their part for the play to succeed.

5. Repetition and Consistency

Like any skill in football, mastering holes takes practice. Consistent repetition and reinforcement are key to helping young players improve. Don't be afraid to revisit the basics, even as the players progress. The more they practice the more they will learn.

Advanced Techniques for Finding and Exploiting Holes

Once youth football players have mastered the basics of finding and running through holes, you can introduce some more advanced techniques. These can help them become more effective running backs and elevate their game. These concepts are key to building on the foundation you've established. You can also provide videos that demonstrate these techniques and encourage your players to watch these videos so they can learn. Here are some advanced techniques for you to consider:

1. Patience and Vision

Developing patience: Not every hole opens up immediately. Teach young running backs to be patient and let the play develop. They should allow their blockers to engage the defenders and create the lanes. This requires discipline and trust in the offensive line. They should know where the play is going and anticipate how the play is going to develop.
Improving vision: A running back with great vision can see the field and anticipate where the hole will open. This allows them to make quick decisions, adjust their path, and find the most advantageous route. Vision is about more than just seeing, it's about processing the information on the field and making the right decisions. It takes practice and experience to master.

2. Reading Blocks

Understanding block leverage: Teach the players to identify the block's leverage to understand where the defender will likely be driven. If the blocker is driving a defender to the right, the running back might need to adjust their path to the left.
Recognizing the defender's positioning: The running back should be able to read how the defenders are playing. Are they aggressive, or are they waiting? The running back will adjust accordingly based on what they observe.

3. Utilizing the Cutback

What is a cutback? A cutback is a change of direction, where the running back moves against the flow of the play. It takes courage and quick decision-making.
When to cutback: Cutbacks are used when the initial hole is closed, but another opening appears further downfield. This can be caused by defenders overpursuing or being blocked out of the play.

4. Running Through Contact

Lowering the shoulder: Teach the players to lower their shoulder to protect the ball and drive through the tackler. This can turn a short gain into a bigger play.
Proper ball security: Ball security is crucial when running through contact. Remind the running backs to hold the ball high and tight, protecting it from defenders. This must be a consistent skill that the running backs practice.

5. Film Study

Watching game film: Analyzing game film is a fantastic way for young players to learn. Watch videos of professional running backs and observe how they find and exploit holes.
Learning from mistakes: Reviewing game film helps young players see their mistakes and learn from them. The players will learn from their mistakes and also become more aware of the things they are doing well. This will help them develop and become more effective running backs.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best teaching and practice, young players can make mistakes when it comes to running through holes. It is important to teach them about these mistakes and how to avoid them. Correcting these mistakes is essential to developing effective running backs. Here are some common mistakes and how to help your players avoid them.

1. Running Backs Missing the Hole

The root cause: This often happens due to a lack of focus, poor vision, or a failure to read the blocks.
The solution: Encourage the players to stay focused, read the blocks of the offensive line, and keep their eyes upfield. Practice drills designed to improve vision and decision-making will help.

2. Hesitation

The root cause: Hesitation can be caused by uncertainty, fear of contact, or a lack of confidence.
The solution: Teach the players to be decisive, trust their instincts, and run with confidence. Build their confidence by providing positive reinforcement and a supportive environment. The players must be able to trust the offensive line and their teammates.

3. Running Too High

The root cause: Running too high makes it easier for defenders to tackle the players.
The solution: Encourage the players to run low, with their pads down. This makes them a more difficult target and helps them run through contact. Focus on the running back's pad level and making sure that they are not running too tall.

4. Poor Ball Security

The root cause: This can lead to fumbles and turnovers.
The solution: Emphasize proper ball-carrying techniques, such as holding the ball high and tight. Practice ball security drills regularly. Also, make sure that they are running with the ball to the side away from the defenders.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of the Hole

So, there you have it, folks! Understanding and teaching youth football holes is a crucial part of developing a successful running game. By teaching your young players the fundamentals, using effective drills, and focusing on advanced techniques, you can help them become hole-finding experts. Remember to emphasize patience, vision, reading blocks, and making quick decisions. With consistent practice and a positive mindset, your youth football players will be running through holes and racking up yards in no time. Keep practicing, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun out there on the gridiron! Go out there and teach those kids how to run the ball and score some touchdowns! You got this! Remember, it's about creating a positive and supportive environment for the players to learn and grow. Go out there and teach them to succeed!