Are you running a 5-2? Not sure the need to have 2 safeties? At that age group you maybe better off with a third LB. Biggest mistake I see the Safeties make in this age group is taking poor pursuit angles. Unlike what most linebackers are taught the first step should not be toward the line of scrimmage .The safety should be mirroring the ball laterally until the runningback committs to a cut, then the safety can come towards the runner , but under control keeping the inside shoulder on the hip of the runner using the closest sideling as your help.

Yes, I only run zone at the younger ages, you can always upgrade to man on man if you want latter. I will set them back about 7 to 10 yards off the line and have them make sure it is a run before committing to it. Remember it is pass first then run for the D-backs they are the last line of defense so watch for the play action pass and reverses I make a lot of yards on that type of plays when I see the D-backs come up to early.

Dan Nappi
youthfootballmanual.com
coachnappi@yahoo.com

Again I'll follow up what Dan has mentioned only to add if at all possible don't leave
your feet to make a tackle...