Module 5 - Next Level Basics

In this module, we will cover:

1. Game Day Flow & Gameplay Dynamics

2. Turnovers & Takeaways

3. QB Tee - Timing, Positioning & Impact

• Next Module: Module 6 - Rotation Rules

• Previous Module: Module 4 - Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)

• See All Student Coaching Training Modules

If you have any questions, please email training@nextlevelsports.com.

0:00 Hey Next Level Coaches, Bradley here! Today, we’re covering some Next Level Basics in Module 5 of our Student Coach Training.

0:09 Before we dive in, let’s quickly go over the game day flow—what to expect when you arrive and the general order of operations.

0:18 When you get to the field, arrive 10 minutes early. Head to midfield to check in with your site director, grab your balls, your bags with flags, and your playbooks, then get ready for practice.

0:31 During practice, always start by putting on your flags. Once that’s checked off, dive right into warm-ups and drills, run some plays, and get your team ready to go.

0:37 After practice, take a few minutes to pack up your equipment, get your players prepped, and head to midfield for a pre-game meeting with your site director. You’ll discuss field assignments, like “Bears, Gators, you’re on Field 1” and so on.

1:00 Next, head to your game field. Before the game starts, you’ll designate one captain (preferably a new one each week) to play Rock, Paper, Scissors with the opposing team’s captain. The winner gets to choose whether to start on offense or defense.

1:13 While that’s happening, your parent coaches can exchange lineup cards to make sure rotations are on point, and then it’s time to get on the field and get the game going!

1:28 Now, the general gameplay dynamic: Our Next Level program operates on 100-yard turf fields divided into four quadrants.

1:37 Each field is numbered 1 through 4. We play 5-on-5, with teams of varying sizes (e.g., 10, 11, 12 players). We’ll cover rotations in a different training.

1:51 All drives start on the 40-yard line, going toward the end zone. No plays start at midfield—this is key.

1:58 For timing, we have two 25-minute halves with running clocks—no timeouts. The clock never stops, so we need to stay on schedule.

2:10 In terms of player participation, a player will play one half on offense and one half on defense. We’ll get into rotations more in a separate module.

2:22 For teams in 7th/8th grade divisions, there’s a slightly different setup. These players play on half-field layouts rather than the 40-yard format used for K-6th grade.

2:43 Moving on to downs and distances: All drives start on the 40-yard line, and the offense gets 3 downs to reach the 20-yard line for a first down. If they don’t, it’s a turnover on downs. The defense then starts their possession at the 40-yard line.

3:21 There are no punts and no field goals. If the offense reaches the 20-yard line, they’re awarded 4 downs to score.

3:34 Keep in mind, if a play results in a tackle for loss or a penalty on the offense, the ball never moves past the 40-yard line. It’s a loss of down, but the ball stays on the 40.

3:53 If the offense scores, they can go for 1 or 2 extra points—1 from the 3-yard line, or 2 from the 8-yard line. They can run or pass. If the ball is intercepted on the extra point, the play is dead, and no return is allowed.

4:09 On turnovers and takeaways, there are no fumbles. If the ball hits the ground, it’s dead, and the referee blows the whistle. The ball is spotted at the location of the fumble.

4:26 Interceptions, however, are live. If a defender intercepts the ball, they can return it to their goal line for a pick six. If the returner is tackled or forced out of bounds (even if they had a clear path to score), we apply the Clear Path Rule and award 6 points.

4:58 If the interception is stopped by a tackle, the defensive team starts their next drive at the 20-yard line after the penalty.

5:17 Lastly, each field will have a QB timer—a 3-legged table with a timer. For K-4th grades, the timer is 7 seconds, and for 5th grade and up, it’s 5 seconds.

5:41 If the quarterback doesn’t throw the ball or cross the line of scrimmage within the timer’s countdown, it’s considered a sack or tackle for loss, and the ball is spotted accordingly.

6:00 That’s a wrap on this module! If you have any questions, email us at training@nextlevelsports.com.