Deep Dive into the Football Development Model

Football Development Model:
What & Why

Focused on sound principles of long-term athlete development, the Football Development Model (FDM) is the script for how we coach, play and learn the game at every level. Learn more about this forward-thinking framework and holistic approach to creating better players through multiple entry points and game options as well as developmentally appropriate skill instruction.

Football Development Model Entry Points and Options

Live Field Session
Andy Ryland, Senior Manager, Education & Training in Education and Curriculum
Chuck Kyle, Head Coach of St Ignatius (Cleveland)

Rookie Tackle is a small-sided bridge games to help players transition from flag football to full-field youth tackle football. Through reduced rosters playing on modified fields, using age-appropriate rules modifications and player position rotations, leagues can foster participation while building core contact fundamentals in young athletes transitioning to and learning the tackle game.

For the Love of the Game: Increasing and Maintaining Youth Sport Participation

Each football season brings the opportunity for growth and development. Strive for diversity and strengthen your community connection for greater success.
Having players and parents from one season return for the next is an important measurement for your program’s success and having new families participate is an even higher goal. USA Football staff and grassroots league leaders discuss how to grow your program and communicate the benefits of 21st century football to a new generation of families.

Communicating FDM to Parents

Parents can be your biggest advocates when they are knowledgeable about the game and what their children are being taught. As you consider bringing the Football Development Model (FDM) to your community, communicating with parents will be a crucial part of the process.

Learn how to best engage parents and receive a free copy of USA Football’s Parents Guide that explains FDM and why your league will benefit from joining the future of football.

How USA Football Can Help Your League Adopt and Implement FDM

Session Speakers
Scott Hallenbeck, USA Football CEO and Executive Director
Mike Krueger, USA Football Director of Education and Curriculum

Take the first steps toward creating an organizational strategy that will benefit your league as you look to the future.

Learn how to utilize the various Football Development Model resources and determine next steps as you consider what’s best for your league. We will provide insight and support into how you can adopt and implement this forward-thinking philosophy and take an in-depth look at what your coaches teach, how your players learn and what your parents need to know.

How Flag Football Can Build Better Football Players and Grow Participation

All of football’s core skills – from throwing and catching to blocking and tackling – have their roots in flag football. It’s a fun, fast-paced, exciting game that kids love playing.

Grow your player population and develop better athletes who have a stronger chance of success playing all versions of the game as they progress through your league. Additionally, generate a fresh revenue stream by either adding flag football or building upon the flag program you’ve already established.

How to Run an Effective Practice: Using a Practice Planner

Live Field Session
Session Speakers
Rashad Elby, USA Football Coordinator of Education and Training
Andy Ryland, USA Football Sr. Manager of Education and Training

Time is the one commodity that coaches say they never have enough of, so it’s important to make every minute count during the time you have with your players. Watch as USA Football experts show how to build and execute a practice plan that keeps players engaged and learning, maximizing drill instruction and minimizing down time.

Focus on Skill Development: Introducing Assessments and Skill Nights

Live Field Session
Rob Currin, USA Football Master Trainer and HS Head Football Coach (NY)
Aaron Hill, USA Football Regional Manager

Long-term athlete development is at the core of the Football Development Model (FDM). This includes understanding how individual players progress. Watch USA Football experts as they demonstrate how to efficiently execute a rotation of drills to evaluate players during the preseason to understand where players are and which skills should be focused on during practice.

Protecting Traditions While Looking Ahead

Session Speakers
Bruce Scifres, Executive Director of CYO Indy
Callie Brownson, Chief of Staff, Cleveland Browns

Change is hard for many people, especially in sports. But as we embrace the critical challenges and realities facing our game, we must adapt, including how we teach and play football. Listen and engage with USA Football experts as they help you answer the tough questions you might face as your organization begins to adopt aspects of the Football Development Model.

Whole Child Development: Football Doesn't Teach It, Great Coaches Do

Session Speakers
Audrey Shaw, TrueSport Outreach Education Leader
Jennifer Royer, TrueSport and Elite Education Director

Football advocates are fond of saying: “Football builds character and teaches life skills.” But that’s really not the case. The truth is that football doesn’t build character unless a coach possesses character and intentionally teaches it. Coaches teach life skills in the way they speak, behave and interact with players.

Take part in a vitally important discussion and learn how you can become a deliberate teacher when it comes to topics such as nutrition, hydration, sportsmanship, leadership and responsibility. Also, learn how to incorporate these topics right into your practice plans alongside all your other drills.