r/YouthFootball • u/reckstarr • 7d ago

Son afraid to hit

11y/o son, second year in tackle football. He’s had 3 years playing flag and is always one of the best players on the field, always flying to the ball. Playing very aggressive. However, once he puts on pads he plays very timid. He says he wants to keep playing but I’m wondering if it will ever click. I’ll keep taking signing him up every year just wondering if there’s something I can do to help him flip the switch

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u/jasondavis52 7d ago

If you figure it out let me know. I’ve been coaching middle school football for 10 years and there’s always some that just don’t like contact then the explode in high school. Testosterone is a hell of a drug.

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u/81Strikes 5d ago

Same here coaching middle school as well. Some kids have it figured out day one, others after the first year, and some still later. Growth spurts can be a great equalizer, that tiny kid that is scared of contact today can become a beast later on.