Excellent point.
The biggest mistake I made as a first time coach (just six months ago) was thinking my 11 & 12 YOs were at the same skill level that I was at their age.
BIG Mistake! I came to my senses after we'd lost our first 5 games. I spent the remaining month focusing on fundamentals: throwing, catching, base running, etc. We didn't have much time: one night of batting practice, i.e. 15 minutes per player, and one two-hour practice a week.
We won 5 out of our last 8 games, and made it to the semi-finals to boot.
From watching my son's team this fall, focusing on blocking and tackling (swarm to the ball and strip it) earlier would have paid off.
Our kids like playing football, they're just undersized and don't get angry enough for tackle football. They're hard workers, and will improve as they mature.
Thank-you for coaching. I’d let my son play on your team. Except he’s 19 now.