Open to Grades 5-8

The make up of the teams for the 2024 season will be dependent on the number of players that are signed up

• Technical skill development and the dawning of tactical awareness mark athletes at this stage
• Players test themselves with more complex strategies and movements in competitive games
• The development of strength and speed comes into play more at this level
• Tackle football teams in St. Anthony will follow USA Football Stage 4 "ADVANCE AND COMPETE" program that has been created for players age 12+  in the USA Football Developmental Model
• Tackle teams will also use USA Football's Contact Manual and Tip of the Spear's Tackling System

• USA Football partners with Tip of the Spear to produce content to help foster the growth of football through educational and technical training
• At this stage, players are building upon their flag football skills and learning how to tackle, block, and defeat blocks in safe and effective way
• This information is up-to-date using research and teaching in a way that is easy for coaches to teach and easy for players to learn
• Using the information elevates the baseline knowledge for all coaches and advances technical knowledge for experienced coaches

• The Contact Manual is USA Football's instructional guide for introducing and teaching the contact skills needed for success in football
• When implemented properly and consistently, this curriculum advances the players abilities and prepares them for contact skill success
• It also develops more experienced players by supporting their growing skills and physical capabilities as they mature
• The manual is consistent with the framework of the Football Developmental Model
• Teaching the right fundamentals of a particular skill at the right time keeps football fun and fulfilling.  This outlook avoids overwhelming players while helping them grow at a steady pace

• NFL Way to Play is a playbook that details best practices to promote proper playing technique and protect players from unnecessary risks
• The combination of the physical, mental, and social demands makes football a unique game that stands out from others
• NFL Way to Play is broken down into The Five Shields of the Game
  • Posture
  • Space and Speed
  • Drill Selection
  • Language
  • Total Wellness

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​NFL Way to Play works along side and in combination USA Football Football Developmental Model and Tip of the Spear systems