Coach training Resources
Getting Started
1. Coach Registration
Why coach?
- Coaches get a free coach jersey!
- Coaches get to pick their NFL team name (first come, first serve so register early to get your favorite team)
- Coaches get a discount on registration the next season after coaching
- Your child will enjoy having you as coach
- It is fun!
- NEW! First time coaches get an additional registration discount after passing their coach certification
Click the registration link above to sign up as a coach. Choose the right season and age division.
- Registration is required for most steps below, so please start here.
- Not sure yet? No problem—if you change your mind, we can remove your registration. Just let us know before the registration deadline so we can plan teams.
Next Steps
2. Background check
- After registration, you’ll get an email from Chekr Background Service.
- The form takes about 5 minutes. You’ll hear back in a few days.
- You’ll receive a concussion safety video and quiz by email.
- If you’ve done this before, it’s optional, but required for certification.
- Want a head start? Watch this 1 minute video that covers the basics.
Learning the Game
4. Rules
- Please read the rulebook. If you have questions, email Tim at gatewayflag@gmail.com.
- Knowing the rules helps you, your players, and parents have a better experience.
5. Rules quiz
- Take the open-book quiz when you’re ready. You need 75% to pass, but you can retake it.
- The quiz includes video examples from our games.
Connecting with Families
6. Contacting parents
- After you get your team roster, reach out to families within a couple of days.
- Send a welcome email or text. Include:
- Your name and contact info
- Team name
- Practice schedule (location, days, times)
- Game attire (cleats—no metal, mouth guard, pocketless shorts)
- How you’ll communicate (group text, email, Teamlinkt app)
Running Great Practices
7. Practice planning and drills
- Have a plan for each practice—kids stay focused and have more fun.
- Every practice should include:
- Flag pulling: Practice every time—missed flags lead to big plays.
- Teaching drills: Focus on basics like quickness, catching, defending, hiking, and running routes.
- Team defense: Defense wins games! Don’t skip it.
- Rotate drills to keep things fresh and match different learning styles.
- Need ideas? Check out these recommended drills:
- Flag Pulling: 9 Fun Flag Pulling Drills (Mojo), Sideline Flag Pulling (Coach D), Flag Pulling Technique
- Pass Catching: How to catch a football, WR drills, Best drills to improve your catching
- Hiking: Center position techniques, How to snap a football
- Pass Defense: DB defense drills, Defensive back drills
Game Planning
8. Plays and how to teach them
- Start simple! Use a few plays your team can learn well, then add more as you go.
- Script a few plays to start each game:
- Practice these so your team is ready
- Plan touches for different players.
- Mix up plays to keep defenses guessing.
- Tip: Start drives with a run or short pass to avoid mistakes near your endzone.
- Sample running plays: Running domination, Pistol running plays
- Sample passing plays: NFL Flag playbook, RPO Plays
- vs 2-2 zone (NFL Flag Cover 2) Single Back Plays 1-3 can take advantage of gap in middle of field
- vs 3-1 zone (NFL Flag Cover 1) Spread Play 1 & 3 can take advantage on the outside
- vs man to man Bunch Plays 1-3 are diffcult to cover
Defensive Strategies
9. Defensive basics
- For younger teams (no blitzing), use a 4-1 or 5-across defense—most plays are runs.
- Make sure outside players don’t let runners get to the sideline.
- For ages 9U and up, mix NFL Flag Cover 1 and Cover 2 defenses.
- Don’t rely only on man-to-man; it’s easy to exploit.
Supporting Your Team
10. Handling conflicts and questions
- On game nights, coaches help keep the sidelines positive.
- Make sure parents are on the correct side of the field.
- Hold a quick team meeting after your first practice and mention that only coaches should talk to referees.
- If you need help with a parent or have questions, email Tim at gatewayflag@gmail.com.
- Want advice? Reach out via email early to schedule a 10-minute call for tips and support.
Coach Certification
11. Becoming a certified Gateway Flag Football coach and accessing the double coach discount (new coaches only)
To receive your coach certification requires:
- Passing the rules quiz at 75% or higher
- Send an email detailing:
- Your first practice plan
- Your first game plays
- Your defensive plan
Once received and verified you will receive instructions on the coach certification discount.
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Thank you for volunteering! You’re making a difference in kids’ lives, teaching them teamwork, and helping them grow through sports. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Let’s have a great season!