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BRIDGE FROM FLAG TO TACKLE

LIMITED CONTACT

Stay on two feet while learning the finer points of blocking, defeating blocks and tackling through Limited Contact. A progression of skills and reduction in contact are centerpieces of this path to play.

 

 

 

 

REDUCING CONTACT

 

In the Football Development Model, Limited Contact is the second step in the Game Category progression and features two Game Types called Rookie Limited Contact™ and Senior Limited Contact™.

 

Limited Contact is a great way to introduce contact football skills without going to the ground. Some athletes start in flag before advancing to Limited Contact, while others start here prior to proceeding to full contact. The goal is to develop young players' skills and keep the sport fun.

 


PATHS TO PLAY

GAME TYPES & EQUIPMENT OPTIONS

 ROOKIE LIMITED CONTACT™


  • FIELD SIZE: Shorter and/or Narrower
  • PLAYERS PER TEAM: 6 to 8
  • ROTATING POSITION PLAYERS
  • NO PURPOSEFUL TACKLING TO THE GROUND
  • EQUIPMENT OPTIONS: TackleBar®, Padded Flag


Rookie Limited Contact introduces athletes to contact slowly, focusing on proper skill development. Fewer players and a smaller field ensure the game isn't overwhelming but is still lots of fun. This Game Type slowly adds contact and builds great skills.

 SENIOR LIMITED CONTACT™


  • FIELD SIZE: Full Field
  • PLAYERS PER TEAM: 6 to 11
  • OPTIONAL PLAYER ROTATION
  • NO PURPOSEFUL TACKLING TO THE GROUND
  • EQUIPMENT OPTIONS: TackleBar®, Padded Flag

 

Senior Limited Contact continues to get athletes ready for contact with a few more variables like a larger field and more players. Through Senior Limited Contact, athletes experience the traditions of the game and develop skills with less contact.

 

EQUIPMENT OPTIONS

 

Limited Contact finds the balance between progressing contact skills such as blocking, defeating blocks and tackling while reducing contact. The right equipment is key for great football experiences, including those in Limited Contact.

 

We've designed materials for enrolled organizations and certified coaches to teach players who wear traditional equipment plus a TackleBar® harness or flag belt.


TACKLEBAR®

limited-contact-tacklebar


When helmets and shoulder pads are used with a TackleBar harness, players learn how to block, track and engage an opponent with the proper form and technique, but without going to the ground.

 

Players wear the TackleBar harness around their midsection, which holds two foam bars on the back. TackleBar teaches defenders to apply proper form tackling technique while engaging the ball carrier to rip off a foam bar, ending the play.

 

TackleBar is a USA Football Preferred Player Development Tool. If you're interested in learning more, reach out to USA Football Regional Manager.

PADDED FLAG

limited-contact-padded-flag

 

Wearing traditional equipment and flag belts put players in a position to block and track an opponent without engaging with the ball-carrier. Athletes learn to properly prepare for the tackle prior to the flag pull.

 

Reach your USA Football Regional Manager if you need assistance finding quality flag belts.

IMPLEMENTATION

TOOLS TO START & SCALE

 

We're here to help add or expand Limited Contact with free resources below. 
More assets are unlocked for organizations that enroll and coaches who get certified.

WEBINARS & PODCASTS:
DEEP DIVE ON LIMITED CONTACT

 

Limited Contact Webinar

 

 

SEE THE RESOURCES

CASE STUDY: LIMITED CONTACT WITH TACKLEBAR

 

Tacklebar Case Study

 

 

READ NOW

CASE STUDY: LIMITED CONTACT WITH PADDED FLAG

 

Padded Flag Case Study

 

 

READ NOW

IMPLEMENTATION PREVIEW:
ADDING LIMITED CONTACT

 

non-contact-implementation-guide-preview

 

 

ACCESS NOW 

COACH PLANNER APP
SKILLS & DRILLS

 

coach-planner-2a

 

 

LEARN MORE

PLAYER PERSPECTIVE:
THANKS MOM & PADDED FLAG

 

Padded Flag

 

 

READ THE ARTICLE

WEBINARS & PODCASTS

Limited Contact
Overview

 

USA Football's Senior Director of Education, Michael Krueger, provides and overview of the Football Development Model, highlighting Limited Contact.

 

 

WATCH THE WEBINAR

 

Implementing Limited Contact
Football WITH TACKLEBAR

 

Youth and varsity Coach Russ Hinrichs and former league president Andrew Manna discuss implementing limited contact football in the youth program.

 

 

WATCH THE WEBINAR

 

GrOwing your program
with Limited Contact & TACKLEBAR

 

A discussion on growing your programs at both the youth and high school level through Limited Contact with coach Tom Flood and USA Football's Andy Ryland.

 

 

WATCH THE WEBINAR

 

DIFFERENT GAME TYPES IN THE
FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT MODEL


Tim Healy
CEO, TackleBar®

 

LISTEN

 

PROGRAM TURN AROUND
LIMITED CONTACT & PADDED FLAG
 

Mike Norman
Rutland (Vt.) High School

 

LISTEN

 

aDDING PADDED FLAG BETWEEN
NON-CONTACT & ROOKIE TACKLE


Mike Elder
Avon (Ohio) High School

 

LISTEN

 

FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT MODEL
BRIDGES & GAME TYPES


Scott Heitland
Dallas Center-Grimes (Iowa) H.S.

 

LISTEN

 

padded-flag

 

GET MORE RESOURCES

 

Organizations enrolled with USA Football gain access to tons of resources to add any Game Type to their league.

 

  • Rulebooks & Playbooks
  • Operational Guides
  • Field Layout Resources
  • Promotional Materials
  • Coach Education via Certification

Contact your USA Football Regional Manager to learn more.

 

CONTACT A REGIONAL MANAGER

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HOW YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN GET STARTED

 

More ways to play doesn't have to be overwhelming. For help on getting started, contact your USA Football Regional Manager.

 

CONTACT US