The Fundamentals

SOME PROS could learn a thing or two about protecting the ball from this youngster with the San Dieguito Pop Warner club in Encinitas, Calif. In its 77th season Pop Warner boasts 400,000 participants (ranging in age from five to 16) in its football and cheerleading programs, with associations in 42 states and six foreign countries, including Japan and Russia. The lessons players learn at this level carry through the rest of their careers. Indeed, the NFL Players Association estimates that as many as 70% of its current members first strapped on pads in Pop Warner.

SI.COM: For an expanded Pop Warner photo gallery, go to SI.com/photo.