If head injuries and concussions continue to be a main concern for parents, could 7-on-7 someday replace traditional tackle football?

“I hope not,” say Jim Powers, who covers high school athletics through his website HighSchoolSportsCaravan.com.  Powers loves the benefits of players participating in 7-on-7 drills and tournaments that are not only popping up across the country, but here in Missouri.  Powers recently attended the St. Louis Coaches Association 7-on-7 tournament.

“I think there’s ways we can keep the game of football safe,” says Powers.  “I think the coaches have to buy in, number one.  The parents have to buy in number two…I hope it doesn’t get to that point.”

Powers says there is a major push to make 5th, 6th and 7th grade football, flag football with no tackling.  Powers and I completely agree that is not the way to go.

5th-7th grade is the best time to teach kids the proper techniques, before their bodies grow and become powerful. If we teach kids all the other skills of the game while leaving out perhaps the most important skill, head injuries and concussions would be difficult to minimize.

Meet Jim and catch our discussion on HS football.