Wristcoaches get players and coaches on the same page
Coaches are always looking to simplify player communication.
Whether during practice or in the huddle, time management is an essential component of youth football.
By using a wristcoach wristband in practices and games, youth football coaches can give signals from the sideline knowing that everyone is on the same page.
All players – not just the quarterback – can look down, locate the play on their forearms and prepare for the snap knowing exactly where to go.
“With the old system, you would have 25 seconds between each play where you had to huddle up and get the signal into the quarterback,” said Chris Merritt, head football coach at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. “Then, the quarterback has to relay the play to the rest of the team, break the huddle and everyone line up. Wristcoaches allow the coach to call so many more plays in a hurry-hurry situation.”
By using colors and numbers to signal in the plays, coaches can develop several different combinations so the opposing team doesn’t recognize what’s coming.
This helps players process information quicker with a direct line between the coach and the athletes.
“Children are able to take this time to think about where they are running and what they are going to do,” said David Nelson, a Brentwood Blaze youth football coach within the Tennessee Youth Football League.
Up-tempo play-calling is easier using a wristcoach. Coaches can switch quickly between schemes, and audibles are simplified.
“Plays can be changed at the line of scrimmage after seeing the defense and take advantage of the situation,” Nelson said.
Additionally, by virtue of using wristcoaches, coaches are forced to develop their game plans together before competition – fostering better staff communication as well.
“It requires you as a coach to plan ahead and methodically think about the opponent,” Nelson said. “Having the game plan in your head or loosely written down on some notes isn’t the same.”
Wristcoaches can be distributed to players during warmups and collected after every game so that new plays can be added to the playbook as the offense develops throughout the season.
Swapping out the play cards four or five times during the course of a 12-week season is typical, Nelson said.
“For an 8-year-old group, you may start the season with six to eight plays, and by the final week there may be 20 to 26 plays to choose from,” Nelson said.
Wristbands can be adapted to each position group or even individual player assignments.
“What works great for us is that all running backs, receivers, the quarterback and lineman are on the same page,” said Don Lindberger, Harleysville (Pa.) Eagles Youth Association Football athletic director.
“For children ages 14- to 16-years-old, our offensive line coach will be able to call a block or double team at the last minute.”
Wristcoaches also work in flag football.
“The product is durable and lasts an entire season,” Lindberger said. “Players develop into better football players.”
Cutters Gloves is the official gloves partner of USA Football and the U.S. National Football Team program. Check out the Cutters Triple Playmaker Wristcoach that stores 60 to 300 plays and comes in a variety of colors.