Is 7-on-7 Bad for High School Football?

7-on-7 football has exploded in popularity among high school athletes across the nation over recent years, as athletes seek to sharpen their skills and earn the attention of college coaches. While most players and coaches seem to embrace 7-on-7 play, some have quietly raised concerns with the practice and fear it could have negative effects on players. Others claim 7-on-7 is necessary for elite athletes to stay in top shape and be noticed by college recruiters.

We polled a number of north Texas high school football coaches, parents, and players to weigh in on the positives and negatives of 7-on-7 football. In order to obtain honest opinions, interviews were conducted on the condition of anonymity.

COACHING OVERSIGHT
In most cases, high school coaches are prohibited from coaching in off-season activities with their players. That raises concerns with some coaches that their players, especially at the key skill positions, may not get the proper instruction and oversight from an experienced coach. It could not only lead to the development of poor habits on the playing field, but it could lead to injury.

Many of those concerns are eased as 7-on-7 programs become more organized. When high school coaches cannot participate, 7-on-7 teams often operate with a coaching staff that they endorse.

PHYSICAL OVERWORK
Most players and coaches are familiar with the concept of "hitting the wall." Even the most well-conditioned athlete hits a dead zone during which the body just needs time and rest. With 7-on-7 season beginning in early summer, soon after the end of spring workouts, some players complain that they have little "down" time to physically and mentally recover. Once the season ends, they only have a few weeks before official workouts begin in August. Some parents complain they are unable to take summer family vacations in order to accommodate schedules.

In many cases, coaches require football players to play a spring sport to stay in shape. That sort of schedule gives players almost year-round athletic activity. The physical and mental toll a year-round workload has on a player varies, but some parents fear a "win now" attitude could push athletes too far. Too often, the overwork could cause injury or affect the level of play, which could jeopardize a college career. Some players think year-round conditioning is good for them, but admit they would like more of a break.

KILLING THE TEAM CONCEPT
Perhaps the largest criticism against 7-on-7 football is its focus on quarterbacks on receivers. While it can help develop timing routes, the fundamentals are often overlooked. Some coaches are concerned that players do not learn the nuances of the game because there is no blocking or tackling. The "uptempo" style of play could lead to sloppy habits that may become hard to break.

The style of play could teach quarterbacks to rely too heavily on certain receivers and routes that opposing defenses in real games can adjust to and shut down. The quarterback is not learning how to properly "read" defenses, and may not be used to the presence of linemen, who do not participate in 7-on-7 (with the exception of the center). "Without linemen there, the passing lanes are completely open, so quarterbacks tend to throw too low," one coach commented. "They then need to adjust when they come to practice in the fall."

Wide receivers coming off of the line won't be used to having to deal with being jammed at the line of scrimmage or facing double coverage. Since "tackles" are done by touch or flag only, a wide receiver may get used to running slants or post routes without learning to keep the head down and tuck the ball away. In real-game situations, receivers running those routes are exposed to safeties and linebackers looking to score an easy hit or strip the ball. In real-game situations, it could lead to a rude awakening.

"7-on-7 focuses too much on individuals," one coach said. "Young players need to learn the importance of everyone on the field, and how each affects your play. It teaches the wrong mindset."

FINDING A BALANCE
All involved, from players to coaches, think 7-on-7 can improve play and sharpen the skills of the athletes. A compacted schedule, which allows for more time off for players, would allow more time for the mind and body to recharge. In cases where head coaches are not allowed to participate, allowing assistant coaches to participate would not only insure proper instruction, but could prevent overwork and possible injury. Proper coaching can also avoid the bad habits 7-on-7 could create.

Players admit that 7-on-7 not only makes them better athletes, but opens doors to a college career. "I've been able to get more in-sync with my receivers," one local quarterback admitted. "I've also been able to play in tournaments that scouts attend, which is great."