How to achieve the ultimate security protection in 7 on 7 football for youth
The landscape of American football is evolving, with 7v7 football emerging as a popular alternative, especially for youth players. This modified version of the sport has gained traction due to its focus on skill development and potential for reduced injury risk. we'll explore the origins of 7v7 football, its rules, benefits, and important safety considerations for young athletes.
The Rise of 7v7 Football
7v7 football, also known as 7-on-7 or seven-on-seven, has gained popularity in recent years as a way to develop players' skills without the full contact of traditional 11-player football. This version of the sport emphasizes the passing game and provides opportunities for quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive backs to hone their abilities in a competitive environment. Especially for teenagers, they can enjoy sports and hone their skills without worrying too much about injuries.
- Desire for more skill-based training
- Need for off-season development opportunities
- Increased focus on player safety
- Rising concerns about concussions in tackle football
| Team Size | Each team has seven players on the field instead of eleven. |
| Field Size | The playing field is typically shorter, often 40-50 yards long. |
| No Tackling | Players are considered "down" when touched by a defender or their flag is pulled |
| Passing Focus | Running plays are not allowed, emphasizing the aerial attack |
| No Linemen | The game features skill position players only |
| Faster Pace | Games are shorter, usually lasting about an hour |
| Game Goal | Same as traditional American football, the goal is to push the football into the opponent’s end zone and complete a touchdown and score. The team with the most points within the specified time wins |
These modifications create a fast-paced, high-scoring game that allows players to develop their passing, receiving, and coverage skills rapidly.
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It should be noted that the specific rules of 7v7 may vary slightly depending on the league or game. This form of competition is usually used in youth training, summer leagues or informal games, emphasizing passing skills and speed. These unique features bring many benefits to the growth of young & youth players:
- Improved passing and receiving skills: With a focus on the aerial game, players get more opportunities to practice throwing and catching.
- Enhanced quarterback decision-making: QBs must quickly read defenses and make accurate throws under pressure.
- Increased defensive awareness: Defensive backs and linebackers can improve their coverage skills and reaction times.
- Speed and agility training: The open-field nature of the game emphasizes quick movements and change of direction.
- Team chemistry: Players can develop timing and communication in a competitive setting.
While 7v7 football is generally considered less dangerous than full-contact football, injuries can still occur. A study published in the journal BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found that the incidence rate of head contact in 7v7 football was low, at 3.5 contacts per 1000 athlete-plays. However, OFFICIAL USA FOOTBALL 7ON7 RULES still state that helmets must be worn(https://assets.usafootball.com/7on7/RulesandScoring.pdf). So it's crucial to implement proper safety measures to protect young athletes.
Although 7v7 football eliminates tackling, However, collisions during high-speed running or falling due to loss of balance may still cause a series of abrasions, sprains, and strains. For adults, 7 on 7 football may not bring particularly serious consequences, but for teenagers, because their bodies are still in the growth stage, it is better to take adequate protection to avoid other consequences caused by any injuries, Including but not limited to:
- Muscle sprains or strains
- Joint injuries such as wrists, elbows, knees or ankles
- Collisions of the head, shoulders, ribs and coccyx caused by falling
- Abrasions on the arms, thighs and back after falling
In order to reduce these risks, using correct techniques is essential for injury prevention in 7v7 football, just like proper throwing mechanics for quarterbacks, safe route-running and catching techniques for receivers, correct backpedaling and hip-turning for defensive backs and properly control and distribute strength to avoid the risks of physical overdraft. Besides, we should try to do the following:
- Exercise regularly
- Proper warm-up and cool-down routines
- Get enough rest before the game and recover after the game
- Wear appropriate protective gear regularly
- Soft headgear: Some leagues require soft protective headgear to reduce impact forces, provides additional protection to the head, helping to reduce the risk of concussions and other head injuries
- Mouthguards: Essential for protecting teeth and reducing the risk of concussions
- Football padded shirt: Offers protection to the upper body, including the chest, ribs, and shoulders, absorbing impacts during collisions
- Football padded girdle: Protects the hips, thighs, and tailbone area, crucial for safeguarding against impacts in high-contact areas
- Padded arm sleeves: Provide protection to the arms, reducing the risk of bruises and abrasions during tackles and falls
- Padded leg sleeves: Offer protection to the legs, particularly the shins and calves, helping to prevent injuries from direct impacts and collisions
This expanded list covers a comprehensive range of protective gear for football players, addressing protection for various parts of the body from head to toe. Each item serves a specific purpose in reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing player safety on the field.
There are many brands to choose from for these equipment, such as Shockdoctor, Mcdavids, Coolomg, Franklin, etc., which specialize in the production and sale of such products, and popular sports brands that may sell some protective gear, such as Nike, adidas, and Under Armour.
For mouthguards, I highly recommend the professional brand shockdoctor. For the others, I would like to recommend the following set of football protective gear from Coolomg.
Coolomg Ultimate Security Protection In 7 on 7 Football For Youth (Purchase according to demand)
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Coolomg thickening upgraded Thick Football Soft Padded Headgear, ultra soft Fabric and multiple, stronger EVA foam provides perfect protection for youth kids' head. |
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Coolomg Lightweight Soft helmet made of high quality Lycra and polyester fabrics plus EVA foam, excellent moisture transport and sweat-releasing performance, Provides protection while maintaining flexibility. |
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Coolomg Multi-Color adjustable soft headgear. Same quality, same protection but available in a variety of colors to match your team uniforms and flags. |
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Football arm sleeve with stick grips, Sticky grips secure ball handling: Made with the sticky rubbers on the inner part of the sleeves are great in reducing abrasions and provide coverage and assistance in blocking and catching passes |
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Coolomg Football Arm Padded Elbow Sleeve, elbow forearm pads provide complete coverage and protection for your elbow and forearm during sports with 13mm thick EVA foam. |
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Coolomg padded shirt with shoulder pads, High quality fabric material just like second skin. High-performance EVA foam provides extreme protection from impact and abrasion. Perfect protection: shoulder, ribs, chest and collarbones. |
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