On Saturday, USA Football, the official youth football development partner of the National Football League, and the Atlanta Falcons hosted a coaching clinic for local youth football organizationsand middle school coaches at Lassiter High School in Marietta, Ga.
The clinic was attended by youth football coaches from all levels. The coaches learned different techniques, fundamentals, schemes and practice structure based on the age group they coach.
The clinic was led by Rick Peacock, USA Football's southeast regional manager, who was joined by some of the top youth and high school coaches in the area.
"These clinics are a great tool to provide information to coaches," Peacock said. "The coaches who are in attendance today want to become better coaches or they would not be here. Our goal is to provide them with a bunch of information so they can take it back to their leagues and teach children proper fundamentals and techniques."
Falcons defensive line coach Ray Hamilton (pictured above) served as the keynote speaker for the event.
Hamilton spoke about his playing and coaching career. He also spoke at length about the impact a youth football coach has in growing the game of football
"Football should be fun," Hamilton told the coaches. "Having a kid do 500 up-downs is not fun. Making the game fun is key to growing the sport of football. ... Teaching fundamentals is what should be at the forefront of your mind every time you step on the practice field with your kids. This is something, on the NFL level, that I am still doing every day with our guys."
Hamilton was very-well received by the youth coaches. Several of the coaches peppered Hamilton with questions about coaching techniques and stories about his playing days.
USA Football will return to Lassiter High School the week of June 20-23 for its annual USA Football Player Academy.
USA Football Player Academies teach football fundamentals and good football habits. Modeled after an NFL training camp with modified contact, for 3-and-a-half days, Academies use age and position specific instruction for players ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. To register, please visit usafootball.com.
