by Koach Karl
FUNdamental readers have been asking for a “Sample” Lesson Plan on how to use our 9-Step Flow Chart. Here is a detailed example.
Step 1 – Begin the Practice
Explanation that the main objective of this practice is to have 1st and 2nd Defenders work together.
Explanation and Demonstration of the 1st Defenders role
(areas that could be covered)
‘Read the game’ by looking around and seeing positions of teammates and opponents.
‘Run to Defend’ by first blocking your goal.
‘Run to Defend’ by then getting to within two yards of the ball.
‘Run to Defend’ by angling the approach using a curved run.
‘Ready Position’. Glide into the Ready or Defensive Stance.
The Head: Eyes on the ball
Upper Body: Half-turned and slightly inclined forward
Arms: Away from sides for better balance.
Legs: One in front of the other and knees bent.
Back leg supporting body weight
Front leg ‘pokes’ at the ball
Use a more definitive body position (“Sideways-on”)
Sideways-on Stance is visual cue to your intent of where to force 1st Attacker.
Sideways-on Stance helps in making your intentions predictable to teammates.
Sideways-on Stance allows the application of the ‘shepherding’ technique.
‘Reject Advancement’ by forces 1st Attacker where you want him/her to go.
‘Reject Advancement’ by poking at the ball and not allowing 1st Attacker to ‘Read the Game’.
‘Regain Possession’ of the ball when reasonably sure of success, otherwise delay.
Step 2 – Warm-up
Have players go through Figure 8 Stretch Routine in the ‘Ready Stance’
At appropriate moments ask the players to stretch/loosen: 2 players / 1 ball
Ankles, calves, groin, quads, hams, back, stomach, upper body and neck.
Step 3 – One + One (Cooperative)
‘Server’ go through ‘the SERVE’ pattern and become Cooperative 1st Attacker.
As Cooperative 1st Attacker apply the appropriate Stage of Play:
Beginning Stage – Allow 1st Defender to work on techniques by walking with the ball.
Intermediate Stage – Allow 1st Defender to work on techniques by jogging with the ball.
Advanced Stage – Challenge 1st Defender to work together by sprinting through the action.
1st Attacker Cooperate and Guarantee 1st Defender success in individual Defending techniques.
Coach – Remember (PLUS) stands for “Players Learn Using Stoppages”
Step 4 – One v One (Competitive)
Players experiment with their newly acquired techniques in Defending.
Coach observing and taking notes on weaknesses to be improved at future practices.
Coach – Rememer (vs) stands for you being “Verbally Silent”
Step 5 – Half-Time
Gather the team in a defined, secluded, shaded area.
Encourage and have players replenish liquid.
Check for injuries.
Have players relax and communicate with each other about the theme.
Review 1st Defenders role, if necessary.
Explanation and Demonstration of 2nd Defenders Role: COVER
Go through ‘the SERVE’ pattern with SERVER and intend to become 2nd Defender
As 2nd Defender
Make proper recovery run. Remember that curved runs are best!
Take (ideal) covering position at 2-4 yd behind 1st Defender.
At a distance where becoming 1st Defender is immediate possible.
Begin verbal communication to inform 1st Defender of your covering position.
(Give 1st Defender ‘specific’ verbal instructions – for example):
Tighter: get closer to 1st Attacker
Force Out: make 1st Attacker go towards touchline
Force in: make 1st Attacker go away from touchline
Poke: fake attempts at the ball
Tackle: make attempts at the ball
Give encouragement or other advice, such as ‘get closer’, ‘watch the ball’, etc.
Notes:
Your goal is to limit verbiage
For example: “RIGHT” tells it all. No need to say “force-right”
Hearing 2nd Defenders voice means
There is “cover” and ball position dictates the 1st Defenders next move.
Step 6 – Small Sided Game(s)
(2 + 1 Cooperative Game)
‘Server’ goes through ‘the SERVE’ pattern and becomes Cooperative 1st Attacker.
As Cooperative 1st Attacker apply the appropriate Stage of Play:
Beginning Stage: Allow 1st and 2nd Defenders to work on Defending by walking with the ball
Intermediate Stage: Allow 1st and 2nd Defenders to work on Defending by jogging with the ball
Advanced Stage: Challenge 1st and 2nd Defenders to work together by sprinting through the action
1st Attacker Cooperate and Guarantee 1st and 2nd Defenders success in Working Together!
Coach: Remember (PLUS) stands for “Players Learn Using Stoppages”
(2 + 1 Competitive Game)
1st and 2nd Defenders experiment with their newly acquired techniques in Defending.
Coach observes and takes notes on weaknesses to be improved at future practices.
Coach: Remember (vs) stands for you being “Verbally Silent”
