The training session is the basic building block of coaching. In order to conduct a meaningful and successful training session the Footy coach should follow the 4 stages of planning outlined below:
1. Set the Overall Goals and Objectives
Decide how this practice fits into the overall picture of training. Each training session should be organised and seen as part of a series.
2. Set Specific Goals and Objectives
Decide which individual and team skills or energy systems will be developed in the session. Training must reflect the game situation and be designed to improve team strengths and eliminate weaknesses.
3. Build in the Principles of Effective Training Sessions
Successful training will result if the coach is aware of the principles of effective training (see below).
4. Design the Training Session
Be prepared. Make sure you know every element of what is to come before you begin.
Contents
1. Principles of Effective Training
2. Designing the Training Session
3. How to Introduce a New Skill
4. Skill Drills
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE TRAINING
The coach needs to be aware of the general principles to ensure effective training. Awareness makes it possible for coaches to formulate training programs and sessions which have a positive impact on both the team and the individual. In becoming aware of the principles of effective training, coaches are able to design their training with appropriate consideration to the standard of the team.
1. Keep all players active
Maximise training time by keeping all players active and involved.
2. Give clear concise instructions
Learning improves when the players know what is expected of them.
3. Demonstrations improve the accuracy of instruction.
Show before you go.
4. Record progress
Certain drills allow measurement by which the coach and player can assess progress.
5. Give positive feedback
Emphasise and reward good performances.
6. Provide variety
Maintain interest by using various drills.
7. Encourage enjoyment
Training sessions should be fun and enjoyable.
8. Create Progression
Learning improves if progression occurs from the simple to more complex.
9. Plan maximum use of resources
Ensure that you have the correct equipment on hand (footballs, cones etc.) and the equipment is being used. A ratio of one football to two players is ideal.
10. Allow for individual differences
Allow for different learning rates amongst your players.
11. Be flexible
If a planned drill is not working or circumstances have changed (e.g. weather) be prepared to change immediately.
DESIGNING THE TRAINING SESSION
Many of the problems which new coaches have at training have nothing to do with their personality, their level of control, or football knowledge but are due to their lack of preparation before training. Deciding what drills to include and in what order is fundamental to achieving your objectives.
- Time spent in organising the training session will make controlling the group much easier.
- Observe your players during the drills, moving to individuals or groups that may need assistance.
- During each session the coach should stand back and assess what is going well and what needs to be improved.
- Never stop the group until you are sure of what you are going to say. If the drill is going well, let it continue.
- Be clear in your instructions. If you want the players to finish the activity, use one clear word ‘stop’ or a whistle.
- Bring the group in. Before speaking make sure you can see all players, then direct your voice to the furthest person.
- If a demonstration is called for, group placement is most important. A single file, square, circle or semi-circle are all ideal learning formations.
- Keep instructions to a minimum by emphasising the main teaching points. Send the players back to practice.
- A good coach can judge when to stop a current activity and move on to the next drill. In most cases it can be achieved with minimal disruption to the pattern of training.
Note: Don’t forget the footy! Planning a session incorporates every detail, including the obvious: are there enough balls to suit the drills planned for tonight’s training?
HOW TO INTRODUCE A NEW DRILL
Drills are the lifeblood of the training session and ultimately reflect in the team’s onfield performance. A long list of drills and activities have been used over the years at all levels of Footy. It is not the intention of this section to specify some of these drills, but it is certainly worthwhile pointing out some of the fundamentals of training drills.
Coaches can waste valuable time and become frustrated at the lack of success when introducing a drill for the first time. A simple procedure to follow is set out below.
1. Have all the equipment ready
It may seem self-explanatory but it is an important part of running a successful coaching session. Coaches must be able to move players quickly from one drill to the other. A new drill can quickly lose its appeal, regardless of its value, if the appropriate preparation doesn’t appear to have been made.
2. Rehearse selected players to go through the drill before the whole team is involved
If certain players within the group have an understanding of the drill then they will quickly be able to explain to other players what needs to be done. Communication amongst players builds a sense of team.
3. Explain the aim of the drill
By explaining the aim of the drill players will be able to see for themselves the inherent value of performing every part of the drill with enthusiasm. It will also serve as a guide to the type of skills the coach believes the team needs to work on.
4. Selected players to walk through the drill
Similar to point two, players can observe for themselves the drill being performed, avoiding confusion which can quickly ruin a drill.
5. Give the drill a name
This saves the coach having to remind players of the drill each time it is to be used. If players are aware of the name of the drill the team can immediately move on to it. A continuous training session is of enormous value.
6. When the whole group is ready, begin by performing the drill slowly
A new drill should be eased into so that players can gain confidence in the way it operates, and concentrate more on the skills they are trying to develop than the actual machinations of the training drill.
7. Gradually increase the tempo and degree of difficulty
There are several ways to lift the pace:
- adding more footballs, or
- having fewer players at each cone.
It is important to add variety to drills so that players believe they are continuing to gain value out of it. By adding more footballs you add to the pace at which the drill is performed, and players learn to quickly dispose of the ball.
Having fewer players at a cone means that players have less time to be not participating in the drill, thus alleviating problems of boredom/cooling down. Players must concentrate at all times which also replicates a match situation more closely.
As the players become more confident and drills are known, the players often do not need an explanation prior to performing a drill.
SKILL DRILLS
The selection of drills suitable for your team requires a great deal of thought and planning. Drills should develop the running and possession skills so important in football today and at the same time prepare players for realistic match conditions.
Skill drills should progress from simple to complex. When introducing a skill drill begin with a basic drill, gradually building up the degree of difficulty. Repetition is the key to learning. As the players become familiar with the drill and your expectations, the skill drill will run efficiently with maximum involvement.
Types of Drills
Drills can be categorised under 3 main headings:
1. Individual Skill Drills
These involve the basic skills and incorporate practice in kicking, marking, handball, etc.
2. Parts of the Game Drills
Drills in this category refer to certain parts of the game and include ruck practice and centering the ball from the forward pocket.
3. Whole Team Pattern Drills
These include activities which practise an overall system of play. For example, moving the ball down the centre corridor.
SUMMARY
- Understand the principles of effective training.
- Assist in the design and organisation of a training session.
- Examine the various types of skill drills and provide details on their implementation.
