MY name is Peter Alexander. I'm the head coach of the Laval Vikings . We have players at all levels and I coach the 8 and 9 year olds. I found this site to be very informative, and I would like to use this site as a means of exchanging information with coaches at the same level. Maybe at some point our teams could have an exhibition match...However, we're not there yet. As I have read from all the other coaches,we all seem to have the same problem conditioning drills for the 8 and 9 year old players. However, I would like to know if anyone have any ideas on tackling techniques. I stress using the shoulder and arms to wrap up the player being tackled. Am I wrong or is there a better way.

Thank you all and let's continue this forum.

Peter Alexander
Laval Vikings - Atoms
Head Coach

Hit! Wrap! Drive!

This is our tackling mantra. I coach the 8-10 Northeast Chargers in Baltimore. When we teach tackling technique, we emphasize Hit (the intial contact must be physically decisive), WRAP (encircling the body of the opposing player, especially below the waist. This also allows teammates to get in on the tackle.), DRIVE (keeping the legs moving until the tackle is complete.)

I have found this method works very well with 8-10 year olds.