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A camper takes a hand-off during a drill at the Helena football youth summer camp on Thursday, July 13. (Reporter Photo/Keith McCoy)

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Having proper form and technique were the two main things stressed at two separate Helena football youth summer camps on July 10 and 13 at Helena High School.

Several kids between grades 1-8 had the option to participate in a general camp on Monday, July 10, a position specific advanced camp on Thursday, July 13 or both.

The non-contact football camps consisted of Instruction from HHS coaches and senior football players on all football positions, weight training and nutrition information for all ability levels.

The position specific camp consisted of players selecting a specific position to work on for the entire camp. Players received advanced instruction and techniques for the chosen position, and each camper was given drills and activities to take home and work on to improve skills after the camp ended.

On July 13, approximately 18 campers worked through a variety of drills that included a quarterback station, route running, running seam routes, competing in challenges and more.

Helena head football coach Watt Parker is entering his fourth season leading the Huskies and he had the opportunity to coach potential future varsity players by teaching fundamentals along with several assistant coaches.

To conclude the camp, campers made their way inside to the HHS athletic field house to enjoy popsicles and learn some proper tackling techniques.

“It’s about keeping the head out of the game when tackling,” Parker said. “Do not lead with your head because it’s not fundamentally sound. We teach the correct form when tackling for safety sake.”

In addition to demonstrating correct form tackling, Parker also gave campers and parents resources to watch videos at home to work on fundamentals.

Before leaving the camp, all participants received an official Helena Huskies “H” logo helmet sticker and a certificate acknowledging the completion of the camp.

To view more photos of the camp, visit Shelbycountyphotos.com.

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