TIPS: Session Checklist. Ensure all sessions contain these
1 Arrival Activity. When players turn up, they immediately have a controlled activity to engage them. Allows you to set up. Find ideas here.
2 Brief the Group. Everyone fit to play? What will you work on today? Why? How does this link to PoP and last week's training?
3 Clear Coaching Points. During sessions, keep it simple. Praise/redirect as appropriate. Simplify or increase complexity as required.
4 Debrief the Group. What have we learnt? What can we apply in games? What did the players enjoy?
Planning the Hour. 3 Suggestions
1 Carousel. Arrange 3 stations, players rotate. Session topic should be aligned with a specific dimension and PoP. 15 mins per session, close with a SSG. Look for application of learning.
2 Game > Technical > Game. Start with SSG, progress to technical practice, close with a SSG (Small-Sided Game i.e 5-a-side). Look for application of learning.
3 SSG's. Allow players to take part in mini-tournament of SSG's. Use rest-times for Guided Discovery with the players.
REMEMBER!
- Games with teams of 5 or less means players are only ever one touch away from the ball.
- Game-related activities should always be part of training. Ensure game-realism.
- ALWAYS avoid laps, lines and lectures at this age.
TIPS: Coaches Checklist
Ensure these 3 conditions are being met.
1 Are players having fun (engaged, energised)?
2 Are players improving (technical/decision-making)?
3 Is appropriate coaching style being used?
Sessions should be enjoyable and rewarding for players and coaches.
Ensure sessions have meaning. Are players clear on what the session is designed to achieve?
Watch-Outs! Avoid the common traps of....
1 Poor preparation. Arriving at a session having given no thought to what you will work on, how you will communciate it, how you will measure success and so on. Making it up on the spot. Planning in advance reduces stress and heightens enjoyment for both players and coach.
2 Over-coaching. Providing endless direction. Silence is powerful and if the session is well-structured learning may occur from trial and error. Intervention has a place, however the most effective sessions present problems for the player to solve using their creativity. If you have ever tried to hit a golf-shot whilst someone barks constant improvements at you then you will know how this feels! Not helpful.
3 Frustration. Players can sometimes be distracted and fail to listen. Tip: when addressing the team can the players listen with one foot balanced on the ball? Agree ground-rules around respect i.e. hand in the air for young players when they wish to speak. Over-praise respectful behaviour to reinforce it.
4 Lacking coaching confidence. Your contribution as a volunteer means that these players are being given the opportunity to play. If you are committed to planning sessions with specific outcomes, believe in your ability and trust that these will provide improvements, over time. Keep a sense of perspective!
5 Feeling isolated. FJFC is a family of coaches - all volunteers - who are here to help one another. Attend the CPD events the club runs in-house to gain ideas and reassurance that every issue you ever experience as a coach is not new! As a willing volunteer the Committee is committed to supporting everyone connected with FJFC.