Expert: Thom Brooks - 8/19/2008

Question
My son is 12 years old and the Jr. High football team. The boy that he is going up against is a lot bigger than him. My son weights 116 lbs and this boy weights about 175-180 lbs. My son really loves playing football but he can't put this guy down. Is there away for him to take this bigger guy off his feet?

Answer
Soshana, hello!

You have to check with the coach and the school to see what the rules are where he plays.  Generally, it is a foul if he trys to Chop Block or clip unless it is in the free blocking zone.  Two players can block one man if they hit him simultaneously but not if they hit him high/low, delayed  The player can be injured if not careful.  The coach should be moving a player to battle the 180 pounder.  If the team is getting beat it doesn't make sense to leave the disadvantaged player to be overwhelmed.  Your son needs to work against someone else of that size so he can learn to pivot and use leverage.  

Remember, he's still a young lad and will learn much over the next few years.

Take care,

Thom Brooks