reminder for middle school and youth coaches
Fired up yet?
Its getting closer everyday and we all all ready to hit the field running. Hopefully we have had a chance to do some research, go to a clinic or two, or simply hit youtube and kudda.com for some ammo.
I've got a simple check list which might come in handy this spring. Its a review for you "seasoned veterans", and some good info for the new coach on the block.
1/The game is changing at a fast pace. Its time to get creative and organized. Most Importantly,
if you are not writing a seasonal practice plan, you are behind the curve, big time. Time your drills, and focus on conditioning, fundamentals, individual and team concepts every practice. In that order. Get the kids as many touches as you possibly can every day.
2/ No long drills. 7 -12 minutes per drill. The "Y Gen" kids are stimuli addicts. I believe any thing over 12 minutes is not productive. Forget the speeches and 20 minute "white board" presentations. These kids tune you out after 20 seconds. I "ATTEND" players with short 10 -15 second tips and demos. Pull them aside one on one to stress points.
3/ Introduce techniques and rules in before demonstrating. Give the kids a chance to do some research on their own when breaking something new to them. One of my tips is to give kids an assignment at the end of practice and see what they come up with. i.e. "we are working on rides tomorrow, I need everyone to have something for me at practice. You'll be surprised how much they can dig up on the web, from siblings, etc.
4/ Buy a ton of balls. Have a fundraiser, beg for donations, panhandle, or use any means necessary to get 50 or more balls on the field every day. I prefer 120, but that's out of reach for some programs. I throw alumni games and get donations to finance balls every year. There is nothing worse than a ball bag with 14 balls in it.
5/Have a plan for goalies. A coach ripping shots at a first time goalie is not a plan. Throwing the big kid in there who doesn't like to run is not a plan. Working on agility drills, having some pre-practice drills and separate field drills is a plan. A proper warm up routine is essential to cultivating goalies. Use tennis balls whenever possible. Kids will play the position if they don't get injured in the process.
6/Keep fundamental drills fresh. I suggest 6-8 passing drills. Teach all dodges in detail. All kids at the middle school level should know the face dodge, bull dodge, roll dodge, COD, question mark, zig zag, and swim dodges. Offensive Wizardry by Mark Million is still the single best DVD to teach kids offensive skills out there. Buy one and study it. I watch that DVD obsessively. It shows you HOW to teach the techniques. Have multiple drills for shooting, GB's, Transition, conditioning, etc.
7/ NO line drills. Its not 1985. That drill is obsolete. Find a replacement. Star drill, maze drill and 4 corner drill are so much better, get 10 times the amount of touches and create better sticks quicker. Email me at gpselect@gmail.com if you need them on pdf.
8/ Find young coaches who know the modern game to help. If a kids played in the NCAA or MCLA chances are he's been in a great program that teaches the sport at a high level. If you can grap a kid, even to do a clinic or 2 do it. Players from poor programs with antiquated teaching methods may not be helpful, and may unknowingly hurt a youth program.
9/ Replace STATIC STRETCHES or move them to the end of practice. Use dynamic stretches instead. They are all over the internet if you want to introduce them to your program.
good luck until next time...
Its getting closer everyday and we all all ready to hit the field running. Hopefully we have had a chance to do some research, go to a clinic or two, or simply hit youtube and kudda.com for some ammo.
I've got a simple check list which might come in handy this spring. Its a review for you "seasoned veterans", and some good info for the new coach on the block.
1/The game is changing at a fast pace. Its time to get creative and organized. Most Importantly,
if you are not writing a seasonal practice plan, you are behind the curve, big time. Time your drills, and focus on conditioning, fundamentals, individual and team concepts every practice. In that order. Get the kids as many touches as you possibly can every day.
2/ No long drills. 7 -12 minutes per drill. The "Y Gen" kids are stimuli addicts. I believe any thing over 12 minutes is not productive. Forget the speeches and 20 minute "white board" presentations. These kids tune you out after 20 seconds. I "ATTEND" players with short 10 -15 second tips and demos. Pull them aside one on one to stress points.
3/ Introduce techniques and rules in before demonstrating. Give the kids a chance to do some research on their own when breaking something new to them. One of my tips is to give kids an assignment at the end of practice and see what they come up with. i.e. "we are working on rides tomorrow, I need everyone to have something for me at practice. You'll be surprised how much they can dig up on the web, from siblings, etc.
4/ Buy a ton of balls. Have a fundraiser, beg for donations, panhandle, or use any means necessary to get 50 or more balls on the field every day. I prefer 120, but that's out of reach for some programs. I throw alumni games and get donations to finance balls every year. There is nothing worse than a ball bag with 14 balls in it.
5/Have a plan for goalies. A coach ripping shots at a first time goalie is not a plan. Throwing the big kid in there who doesn't like to run is not a plan. Working on agility drills, having some pre-practice drills and separate field drills is a plan. A proper warm up routine is essential to cultivating goalies. Use tennis balls whenever possible. Kids will play the position if they don't get injured in the process.
6/Keep fundamental drills fresh. I suggest 6-8 passing drills. Teach all dodges in detail. All kids at the middle school level should know the face dodge, bull dodge, roll dodge, COD, question mark, zig zag, and swim dodges. Offensive Wizardry by Mark Million is still the single best DVD to teach kids offensive skills out there. Buy one and study it. I watch that DVD obsessively. It shows you HOW to teach the techniques. Have multiple drills for shooting, GB's, Transition, conditioning, etc.
7/ NO line drills. Its not 1985. That drill is obsolete. Find a replacement. Star drill, maze drill and 4 corner drill are so much better, get 10 times the amount of touches and create better sticks quicker. Email me at gpselect@gmail.com if you need them on pdf.
8/ Find young coaches who know the modern game to help. If a kids played in the NCAA or MCLA chances are he's been in a great program that teaches the sport at a high level. If you can grap a kid, even to do a clinic or 2 do it. Players from poor programs with antiquated teaching methods may not be helpful, and may unknowingly hurt a youth program.
9/ Replace STATIC STRETCHES or move them to the end of practice. Use dynamic stretches instead. They are all over the internet if you want to introduce them to your program.
good luck until next time...
posted by 313 LACROSSE at
4:29 PM
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