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