Koaching Tip # 3 - Organising Your Training Session |
The adult game is played over 90 minutes and it has been calculated that the ball is out of play for 30 minutes for stoppages such as goal kicks, throw-ins, free-kicks, etc. This leaves 60 minutes during which the ball is contested by 20 field players (excluding goalkeepers). Assuming that the ball is evenly shared, each player will be in possession of the ball for 3 minutes per game. What conclusions can we draw from this so far as coaching junior players is concerned? For me, the most significant conclusion is that players do not improve their ball skills during match play since their time on the ball is so fleeting. Therefore, PRACTICE SESSIONS WHICH ARE SPENT PLAYING MATCHES DO NOT HELP TO IMPROVE BALL SKILLS. The coach should organise practice sessions to allow each player as much time as possible on the ball. Here is just one sample of the organisation of an hour's practice:
Of course, these times can be varied to suit player needs. For example, you may decide to spend more time on shooting and less on passing. Please contact me for examples of a variety of drills under the above headings. And don't forget the goalkeepers - I have skill drills for them too. Happy coaching. Keith
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