Seven on Seven football at the high school level is quickly becoming very popular with coaching staffs. These competitive events can quickly evaluate players skills and chemistry during summer contact days. The Carolina Panthers Cam Newton hosted this years tournament.
Organized 7 v 7 leagues grew out of flag football, which began on Army bases during the 1940’s as a means of competitive fun and recreation for military members serving our nation.
Today it has become one of the hottest new tactics and methods used for college recruiting to determine and evaluate talent. Especially, during 7 v 7 All-Star team competition which are showcases for college coaches to observe and watch these young players.
Basicially, the school coaches are working on both fundamental and advanced skills while installing plays they plan on running during the regular season. Also, there is conditioning involved which gives these players a competitive edge when training camp officially opens.
The rules do not allow running plays, the quarterback has four seconds to release the ball or the play is blown dead. Touchdowns are six points each, while each series gets only one first down when the offense reaches the 20 yard line within four downs. There is no tackling allowed, with one or two hand contact stopping the play.
For many coaches who are rebuilding or undergoing a coaching transition, 7-on-7 camps can become an effective process to evaluate and determine what assets and talent the coaching staff has available to work with for the upcoming campaign.
Sun Valley, Cuthbertson and Parkwood high schools recently participated in the Cam Newton 7 v 7 Tournament held at Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The tournament was an excellent format for offensive and defensive skill players to work on timing, repetition, agility and the opportunity to compete against high level talent across the Carolina’s.
Sun Valley was led by rising senior quarterback and Florida State commit, Sam Howell. The Spartans played deep into the two day tournament. The team lost three receivers due to graduation, so this 7 v 7 competition was a perfect platform to work on timing and build confidence heading into summer practice sessions. As information, the Shelby High School Golden Lions finished first in the tournament which included 20 teams.
There appears to be many benefits gained by both the players and coaches. This includes improvements in the passing game, team chemistry and overall athleticism. It doesn’t determine the outcome of an upcoming football season, however, it gauges the players athleticism, determination, competitive drive along with other important individual character traits to achieve a successful outcome.
