Heads Up Football® is a comprehensive program developed by USA Football to advance player safety in the game of football.
Click on the video below to learn more about Heads Up Football's four pillars:
Coaching education: All coaches within CYFA are trained to teach the game’s fundamentals by completing USA Football’s nationally accredited Level 1 Coaching Certification Course.
Concussion recognition and response: Education is the first step to help protect players from concussion. Resources developed by the CDC help coaches and parents become educated on what to look for on the field and encourage attention to concussion symptoms.
Heads Up Blocking: USA Football’s Heads Up Blocking helps CYFA coaches teach players how to properly engage with a defender, drive with the legs and maintain the correct body position for effective and safer play.
Tackling technique: USA Football’s Heads Up Tackling® is a step-by-step protocol to teach the core principles of the skill and sets a new standard in player safety. The program utilizes five fundamentals through a series of drills to reinforce proper tackling mechanics and teach players how to properly tackle with a focus on reducing helmet contact.
Equipment fitting: CYFA coaches, parents and players are taught proper helmet and shoulder pad fitting. Learn how to properly fit helmets and shoulder pads. Improperly fitted equipment can place an athlete at greater risk for injury.
Click here to watch a short video on proper helmet fitting.
Click here to watch a short video on proper shoulder pad fitting.