| How to Introduce a New Drill |
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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 football. 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. Often coaches waste valuable time and become frustrated at their 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:
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 the marker 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 the markers or explanations prior to performing a drill. |
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