According to USA Football national youth football practice guidelines, when are full pads and full contact drills allowed to begin?

The timeline for allowing full pads and full contact drills is critical to ensure the safety and proper development of young athletes. According to the USA Football national youth football practice guidelines, the correct time to commence these full-contact drills is on days 5 and 6 of practice.

This phased approach is designed to help players gradually acclimate to the physical demands of full-contact football. Prior to this phase, practices typically focus on skill development, conditioning, and non-contact drills. This gradual introduction helps to minimize the risk of injuries, allowing young athletes to adapt both physically and mentally before engaging in more intense contact situations.

By adhering to this guideline, coaches ensure that players are sufficiently prepared to handle the rigors of full pads and contact, promoting a safer practice environment as they build their fundamental skills and confidence on the field.