Coach – I seem to lose them part way through practice.
Koach Karl – I sent you my ‘9-Step Practice‘ session flow chart which you may have mis-placed so here it is again…
The First — Practice Session
The Theme: Introducing the FUNdamental ‘9-Step Practice Session Routine”
Before Practice: Arrive early and check the field
Socialize and learn the player’s names
Play a FUN game (i.e. Juggling Record)
Step 1. BEGIN THE PRACTICE:
–Official beginning (Team cheer)
–Cover practice session sequence and rules
-Tell them what they will learn (Show & Tell)
Step 2. WARM UP: Teach them the Figure 8 Stretch Routine
Step 3. 1 + 1: Cooperative time
Show and Tell them how:
-The field must look
-To make a small ‘goal’
-To step off the distance between goals – 10 steps or yards
-To step off the distance between adjacent goals
-To play the 1 vs. 1 game
-To start the game – ‘the Serve’
-To Attack the opponent’s goal – 1st Attacker
-To Defend one’s own goal – 1st Defender
-To stop the game – The Signal
-To report the score – Inactive and Active Rest
-To rotate – Getting ready to face the next opponent
Step 4. 1 vs. 1: Competitive time
–Show and Tell them that the coach will observe and take notes…
-While they will attempt to score goals without interference
Step 5. HALF TIME ROUTINE: Prepare for second half of practice
Step 6. SMALL SIDED GAMES: Cooperative and Competitive
Cooperative – Give instructions while they are playing
Competitive – Be verbally silent and take notes.
Step 7. SCRIMMAGE: Cooperative and Competitive
Cooperative – Give instructions while they are playing
Competitive – Be verbally silent and take notes.
Step 8. COOL DOWN: Stretch and compliment individuals
Step 9. END PRACTICE:
Review, compliment team and assign homework (play 1vs.1 game)
Note: They will be constantly moving from Warm-up, to 1+1, to 1vs.1, to small sided games and ending with the scrimmage – if they are constantly in motion, moving, playing then you will not lose them – and that is a promise!!!
Coach – I am not sure about placement on the field in running the game. helping them learn game strategies and game players.
Koach Karl – First, let’s get you to feel comfortable in running a ‘9-Step Practice‘ session – Where You Do Not Lose Them.
I hope you realize that your players need to understand and feel comfortable with the practice-flow before they will be ready for introduction to more specific themes.
